Seems to be that I am in the opening scenes of a new story to tell. This first chapter will be titled ‘Well fuck, it’s breast cancer.’
I want to start off this blog by first posting a version of the e-mail that I sent out to friends and family so to some of you this will be redundant. I plan to use this space to share my thoughts, musings, feelings and my recent news. I encourage feedback and sharing of this site and info even amongst people I don’t know. I’d love to hear from people too!
What I know now is that I found a lump in my right breast a couple of weeks ago. After a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy I have been diagnosed with a lobular carcinoma. (The lobules are the milk producing regions of the breast.) There are currently a few things in my favor.
1. I found it early. This little bastard is less than 2 cm. (Less than the size of a pea if you wanna think about it that way but I despise comparing food to tumors!)
2. I am young and otherwise pretty healthy and frankly my dears, I’ve just got too much to do for this to trip me up.
3. In the very broad aggressiveness spectrum of cancers lobular carcinoma is not on the high end.
I have been assigned a nurse navigator named JoAnn through Project HER who is around whenever I have questions. I will meet her tomorrow and I am glad to have her around.
Check this out for more info on Project HER. https://www.corvallisclinic.com/services_specialties/find-a-service-specialty?specialty&service=19&search&mode=Submit&submit.x=28&submit.y=9
I am having a consult with surgery and oncology tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:15a and I’ll know much more after this appointment.
What I don’t know…
…at this point could fill a library. I don’t know about lumpectomy or mastectomy. In the case of a mastectomy I don’t know how huge I’d like my new ones to be. C? D? One of each? I don’t know about chemotherapy or radiation but I do know that if I have to lose my hair I’m gonna need more wigs!
What I don’t need…
… pity. As of now I do not feel sick and I don’t want to be treated as though i am. I feel like I am gearing up for battle here and positivity and strength and gonna be my biggest allies.
What I do need…
I need you all to continue to be the charming, witty, musical, crass, silly, free, caring and genuine folks that I know you to be. I know that I don’t even have to ask because you can’t help it! That’s why you’re great! I may need specific things in the future and I promise that I’ll ask. Until then let’s go get coffee or a beer. Let’s can tomatoes. Let’s explore tattoo options. Let’s sit around fires and listen to music (even if it’s Huey Lewis and the News). Let’s bare our skins to the sun rays and to the rivers flow while it is still warm enough to do so!
Kind regards,
M
Well fuck, it's breast cancer 
woman…you are amazing ❤
Posted by jane | September 6, 2013, 4:19 pmMara,
It is good to hear from you and see all the crazy things that you have been doing out there in Oregon. I am sorry to hear this news, but I know that if anyone will kick cancers butt it will be you for sure. Always have enjoyed the positive and fun spirit that you have been. Must say miss hanging out with you back out in the old Fort Collins days. Good times! Must try to see about talking and catching up someday. Keep up the great blog that you have set up here, you kick ass as always! I shouldn’t be surprised about that part about you now huh? 🙂
Matt Fleischauer
Posted by Matt Fleischauer | September 6, 2013, 4:37 pmSorry you have to go through this, Mara. If you need anything from the FOCO let me know, even if it is just positive thoughts.
Posted by Amanda | September 6, 2013, 4:47 pmHahahahaha!
Posted by Rick | September 6, 2013, 11:14 pmIf’n you need a wig, I think this one will suit you well: http://www.80s-fashion-fancy-dress.com/images/punk-wig.jpg
Posted by Zhi Zhi | September 6, 2013, 5:26 pmHey Honey!
Just want to tell you as I have for many years: “Proud O’ You!!!” Proud that you’re facing this head on and reaching out and sharing. I’m still reeling from the news, but as others have and will say if there’s anyone that can kick this bastard’s ass it’s you. I believe in you. You continue to be a beautiful and shining light in my life, through progress however you measure it, setbacks, and all tomorrows,
You rock my girl!
Dad
Posted by Rick | September 6, 2013, 11:09 pmMara, everything you’ve said here tells me this will be a chapter of your life, you will beat this. Catching it this early and the type that you have are both really, really good news in the big whopper of the ‘news’. Anything I can do to help you research or bounce anything off others, I’d love to do. This blog is a FANTASTIC idea. I agree heartily with yo Daddy, YOU ROCK!!
kevin
Posted by Kevin | September 7, 2013, 9:11 pmGood luck Mara, we’re all here. Avoid the chemo if possible/if you want!..just heard a story of someone, much older, getting through b-cancer w/out it. She had some other treatments goin on, I cant remember at the moment, but will ask. Wish I knew more about it!
Posted by rj | September 7, 2013, 9:35 pmWhen I picture you gearing up to fight this sumnabitch that’s been a freeboarding klingon for the past 8 years, I imagine you in a kilt, with a catcher’s mask and chest protector, possibly some face paint, swinging a mace in one hand and holding an enormous bouquet of black-eyed susans in the other. This little bastard better run!! If only everyone could have access to the unlimited source of joy and love of life that you exhibit in everything you do, this world would shine soooo bright! Rock on, girlie…you’re my hero:-)
Posted by mollie | September 9, 2013, 1:48 amSounds just about right!
Posted by maramoon23 | September 9, 2013, 1:58 amI’m glad to hear that your in a good place to deal with such a difficult situation. I want you to kick some cancer ass! Stay Strong, Stay cool! Lotsa support from the fort…..
Posted by Robert | September 11, 2013, 11:38 amHeard on a commercial news program that women under 50 are getting advice NOT to have periodic mammograms, and I couldn’t believe it! Not that your cowering little bastard dared to show up on one of them. You’re calling it out and it will go away.
Dad
Posted by Rick | September 11, 2013, 9:08 pm