Just for fun... "What do YOU do for a living?"
 

Maryanne sent me a private message and in it she asked me what I did for a living, but I forgot to answer her. I thought it would be kind of neat to ask the question to EVERYONE. This place is SO much like a family to me (one day we'll have to have a family portrait done:) and I want to know so much about you all (OTHER than HER2). I guess I'll start. I'm a property and casualty insurance agent AND underwriter (kind of like satan and an angel in the same body...both fighting each other). While the "agent" wants to write the home, the underwriter says NO! (good practice for dealing w/ my 5 yo son:). We specifically insure everything other companies DON'T want (and if you could SEE some of these homes, you would know why they don't want them), BUT at a price...as an agent, the highest premium I quoted was $36k (not the houses worth, but the insurance premium)...I think I heard a dial tone when I told them the premium:) I love classical music (Vivaldi is my favorite) reading biographies (the last one I read was John Adams...not light reading, but VERY interesting), spending time w/ my 5yo son Tony AND like most of you, looking for answers and doing what I can to NEVER GET CANCER AGAIN!!!! Well, I NEED to get to bed. Goodnight.

Rhonda

Good idea Rhonda


I'm a RN in a dr's office. I've been there 18 years. Love it. I have 3 children,17 Brandon 12 Brady and 7 year old Bailey.

I love to go antiquing, go to auctions, go to Movie's, and LOVE to shop. My 17 year old Brandon loves to hunt. Last week he caught a bob cat in his trap! He shots about 40 racoons a month and sells them. Brady my 12 year old loves to play video games and hang with his mom (Ah), Bailey my 7 year old loves just being a kid and loves school (not for long) I have a new puppy (Tinkerbell) which was my 2 year survivor present to myself. she is a Poo-chon. 1/2 poodle 1/2 bichon. The kids love having an inside dog. she sleeps with me know and licks my face at 4 in morning wanting out! My husband work at a co-op spraying fields and raises 1000 baby pigs with my son.

When I am asked what I do I tell them I am a Cancer Experiment. That gets some blank looks, I haven't worked since my year of diagnosis, I was working with Geologists who travelled the world, and brought back all of their GERMS!!! with them. They would come in sick as dogs and cough and splutter into the air conditioning and then when they could draw breath they would light up a cigarette or a cigar depending who was in at the time. After my first round of chemo, I just said I am out of here, and ever since I have been in full time treatment, tests, research, anything but time enough to work, and I decided I didn't need the stress anyway because I think that is what gave it to me in the first place.

Love Hugs Lyn

Well, in my former life (BC as I call it) I was a real estate broker along with my husband, and we owned our own small company. Then we decided to move back to the area where he grew up (just over the hill from the small community where my family lived when I was in grade school) so we bought into the country store in this very small (pop. 300 +/-) but very close knit rural town.We had gas, groceries, deli, and an ice cream parlor. It was fun but very physically taxing, and so when I was diagnosed we sold our interest and took the year off to get through treatment. The community held a huge fundraiser for us and raised over $18,000! We were so grateful for their support, words can't express.
My husband is selling real estate again, and after my first recurrence in 2001 I decided it was time for me to stop and smell the roses! So that's what I do now, garden and take care of my family, including our elderly parents. I love my life and love having time to spend with my family; like Lyn says this business is like a full time job anyway, so who has time to work?! I'd like to be able to volunteer more, but it's been hard to squeeze that in.

Also, my husband and I have been married 31 years and have two children, daughter 31 and son 26 who live in our town. My 2 sisters also live close by, as does my father and my husband's mother, plus cousins, aunts, uncles, and many great friends.

<3 Lolly

Diagnosed Sept. ’99 at age 45, Stage III B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, ER/PR neg HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed in 2004 by FISH. LMR Mast., AC/T, 33 Rads, finishing tx for primary disease in summer 2000. Diagnosed Stage IV in January 2001, started Herceptin/Navelbine. RS Mast. in April 2002, participated in UW/Seattle vaccine trial in 2005, radiation (37) to right axilla in fall of 2006. Have had 3 recurrences to local and regional lymph nodes and skin, and distant lymph nodes, since January 2001. I have been living well with Stage IV disease since 2001. Herceptin has been the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy, with first Navelbine, then Xeloda and now Gemzar added to acheive remission or stable disease.

I'm a university marketing professor -- am married to a marketing professor too (we met in grad school) and we have a 5-year old son, Parker.

We have many hobbies -- wine, cooking, cars, gardening and restoring our 1890's Victorian house.

My son and I have just started taking guitar lessons -- something I've wanted to do for a long time. I studied piano for 12 years and am now a very rusty pianist and co-director for a church cherub choir.

A really good idea, Rhonda! I feel like you do about all these ladies, they are special friends and it is fun to see pictures and hear about family and life styles. As most of you know, I am semi-retired from private practice in psychology with my psychologist husband. He still works 2 days a week and we share some of his cases as we have always been full partners. My specialty was working with women who had been abused as children and I worked especially with multiple personality disorder, now called disocciative identity disorder. I still have one patient who has a strong need to stay in contact with me by phone and email. DID is a horrendous but very effective way a small child copes with unthinkable physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and working with it was extremely time consuming and exhausting, but also very, very rewarding. It is not a typical mental illness, but an incredible coping skill. Some of the ladies have become lifelong friends, which isn't the usual expectation when a therapist really tries to stay totally objective with patients. These are very special people, though, and they cannot be successfully treated without absolute trust between them and the therapist. It is interesting that several of my patients 20 years ago were sure they had somehow caused my cancer. We had to work through all of that and maybe I had to get well for their sakes as well as my own! Now I do a lot of writing, genealogy, art, scrapbooking and keeping track of 9 children, 36 grandchildren and twenty-plus great-grands. During my second mets I took time off to get well and my husband and I wrote a book called "Intimate Marriiage". I have had a full and rewarding life inspite of fighting cancer for 20 years! My heart really goes out to all of you, especially those of you with small children. Each year gives a little more hope to overcome this challenge.My thoughts and prayers are with you everytime I check into the website, which is at least once a day. Hugs, Tricia

I'm a dental hygienist and work 3 days a week for a wonderful dentist! She has been a great support during these past 6 months. I have 3 kids, 20, 14 and 11.

Sue

I am an RN and have worked in many specialty areas, ICU, CCU, Liver transplant ICU, ER ect... before my dx, I was a transplant case manager. In June I will have been married 35 years to a wonderful man. 2 kids, 32 and 33. One Granddaughter, 13 going on 14 and another little one on the way.
I love to read, do crosswords and word game puzzles, love the ocean and anything to do with Scotland.

I am the Director of Financial Affairs for a small private boarding high school. Have been here for 24 years, first as a teacher of English and Business. Met my husband here, have two boys 13 and 15, live on campus and enjoy working with 130 teenagers every day. Teach 11/12 year old Sunday School and direct children's choir at church. Enjoy needlework, gardening, watching sports.

This is a wonderful idea--its great to know something about everyone.

Sassy
________
Novana Residence Condos

I have been a Nurse for 33 years and have worked for Bechtel Construction for the past 12 years as an occupational nurse on various construction jobs, both military and nuclear...it has been wonderful as I have worked all over the country and have a binder of nursing licenses as you must me licensed by the state in each state you work practice nursing. Since being on Herceptin for the past 2 years, I have stayed at home...too hard to get continuity of care traveling the country and living out of state.
I have twin girls, 30 years old, a son 27 years old, 4 grandchildren Saul 9, Jasmine 9, Jessica 8, and Eden 5, and a 5th on the way due in August. I am also Mom to 2 black lab sisters, Sophie and Sadie who really keep me going.
My Michael husband works for Exelon, the electric utility at a Nuclear Plant.

I love riding my motorcycle, enjoying my grandchildren, sewing and doing crafty things. The one good thing that has come from my cancer diagnosis would be that I now take time to enjoy the little things in life...and appreciate every minute of life!

I too am an R.N. I graduated with a BSN in 1961. I worked in mental health for 10 years and in the operating room for 35 years. Some people have thought this was a strange combination but only if they did not know surgeons(smile)!! I am currently retired but still act as a consultant at my hospital. They believe I know things no one else knows & I try not to disillusion them. I have been married for almost 42 years, have a son 37, a daughter 34, 3 grandsons-9,7,&5,and a granddaughter 6. I love to fly fish, and play video games. The last makes me a winner in my grandchildrens eyes. I often wonder about people's occupations when they post about very scientific matters. Doing thuis is a great idea.
Marlys

I hope we can keep this thread going, as it is interesting learning more about each other.

I have tinkered in several different vocations, most of which were service oriented. I have worked as a cook, waitress, hairdresser, and bartender, all of which I received formal training. I no longer work outside of the home, but I am eager to find something that I can do on my own schedule, while being in treatment.

I attended a 'Party Lite' party Sunday and I am considering becoming one of their Sales Associates. I really need to get out of the house and be around people having fun. We could use the extra income.

August 1, I will be married 25 years to my husband, Tom. We have three daughters. Emilee will be 22, March 19th. She lives with her boyfriend, Christian. Carly will be 19, April 14th. She is attending school to become a Medical Assistant. And Julie will be 15, Feb. 3. She is the typical teenager, trying to push every limit she can. We have a dog named Breeze and a Cat named Millie. I have many wonderful friends and family members.

I enjoy watching funny shows such as "The 70's Show", "Everybody Loves Raymond", and "2 1/2 Men". I also like to watch police shows like all the C.S.I 's(Miami is my favorite), "Criminal Mind", "Law and Order", Etc.

My hobbies include gardening, photography, and video-editing on my computer. I'm almost finished editing my late father in-laws vacation videos and transfering them on to DVDs for my mother in-law.

I can honestly say, "Life is good, in spite of cancer".

Lu Ann

I'm really thankful for this website. It's fun to get to know more about people. My main job is to take care of myself and my children. It took me a long time to realize that it's really important to take care of myself (physically, emotionally and spiritually) and then take care of my beautiful children. I used to put everyone elses needs first and forgot about my responsibility to myself. Cancer gave me the 'wake up' call that I needed. I have to remind myself each day to put my health and welfare first and that no one else is going to do it for me.

I'm a single parent of two daughters, 12 and 14 years old. They bring me such joy and I'm so lucky to be their parent. I'm also a yoga teacher. I believe I'm on a spiritual path and I'm forever searching and seeking the truths in life. I've gained much wisdom in the past few years and I continue to look for freedom and joy in life. I really want to make the most of my life and live it to the fullest.

Margaret

I just became Deputy Director of our local community mental health center on Monday. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and have been with the agency for 15 years, I've worked my way up through the ranks and just got the promotion. Wasn't sure whether to go for it, (you know, that fear of recurrence thing). Anyway, I decided I wasn't going to let cancer control my life so I went for the job I always wanted and I got it. I've been in mental health for 31 years. I'm married and have 3 children. They are all legally adults, 30,21 and 19. The youngest two are still at home. My husband is disabled due to heart condition but he does pretty well. We also have two miniature dachshunds.

Rhonda, I think this was a great idea. This message board has been a lifeline to me also

I worked in a hospital sitting for 24 years as a secretary and office manager, took early retirement after my diagnose of IBC. I tell people I changed careers and became a full time IBC patient in 2001. Between appointments, exercise, eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep who has any energy left to work? I joined several breast cancer support groups, do phone support to other breast cancer patients. I help out a very dear friend (89 years old) take her shopping, out to eat, visiting, anything she needs done as she does not have a daughter so I am her granddaughter. I am active in a local church doing a monthly newsletter so I am called the newsy lady of the church as well as serve on the Deacon board. I am also known as the professional road runner because I am on the road so much. Some of this is for appointments. I have been married 32 years to a wonderful husband who is disabled from DJD. I have a single son age 27 years old and a 4 month old pug named Yoda. I enjoy traveling, sewing, cooking, knitting and crocheting. I am taking oil painting classes. I enjoy listening to Christian music. This sounds like I do a lot but it is worked around my energy level and how I feel. Some days I may not do anything. That is my story for now. hugs, Sandy

OK, what's next....my picture??
 

Linda has been in education her entire working career. For the past 16 years she was department head of English at a number of different area high schools. Linda has always been the type of leader that she gave her team members the easiest classes and she always took the "sweat-hogs", the toughest to teach. That's were she found her strength and I guess; that's what drew her to me. You can draw your own conclusions about that comment. Linda went on long-term disability when she first became ill, mostly because she didn't want to spend 1 more minute away from her family.

I have been in the construction industry my entire working career, from carpenter to teaching construction technology to consulting. As well, some where along the line I picked-up auniversity degree part-time (in psycho-pharmacology; believe it or not) I am part of a consordium of 6 consultants, builders and building scientists in Ontario that work exclusively with residential track builders. Our mandate is to promote best practice through energy efficient construction, promoting EnerGuide for new houses and EnergyStar, to large builders. Through a process of value engineering, corporate re-tooling, trade negotiations, on-site training, and deliverable marketting and brand recognition advantages, we show them how to build smarter, tighter and better homes for approximately the same cost as their regular product. What was once an up-grade is now a standard.

I cut back my work hours dramtically when Linda got sick but struggle at keeping my work down to 2 days / week. I have lately done some work in Alberta and soon in BC ( these are the areas where my hours may spin out of control) but it's not much like work when I can bring Linda along.

Linda and I have a blended family of 5 kids and 1 granddaughter (1 year old next week). Three of the kids ( 22, 20, 19) still live here with us full time which makes for a pretty busy place as sometimes they are all "too much of a good thing". Once they are gone, we plan to sell our house and maybe move to our cottage on Lake Huron. In our life path, Linda and I have been extremely fortunate to have found eachother as we are still as deeply in love as we were 14 years ago when we got married. The problem is when you have a really tight bond with your partner, you tend to piss-off your friends and other people around you.

This cancer thing is our worst nightmare come true, as we often said, about once a week, that our combined greatest fear was one of us going to get sick and leave the other alone. We were to take early retirement this year....and had plans of travel, living in Vermont and skiing for 5 months. Well, we came to our senses and no one is going to leave anyone anytime soon. You hear about families falling apart because of stuff like this....it has brought us closer and we still plan for the future.

Great Idea,
Al

Jack of all Trades, Master of None. That is how I would describe myself. I have so many interests that I haven't stayed at anyone for very long. (nothing over 15 yrs and still then always doing something on the side) Now that I am 2.2 yrs. out, I find myself searching for something to do that brings in money and lets me stay home with my kids or be available to them. My husband travels a lot with his job, we will be married 13 years on V-day. I work part time at the post office and take care of a small homes assn.

Right now, I am looking into organic gardening. I love being outdoors and love to garden, so I am trying to put the two together. I love inventing things. Have looked into patenting a couple. It's a long process, but fun. That is one of the items on my to do list....
I have 2 great kids. One boy turning 11 here soon and my daughter who will 10 later on in the year. WE love to travel and take trips as much as we can. I live on 15 acres with 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 g. pigs. We used to have 5 dogs and a pony and rabbits and a real live big pig, Dante. He was a hoot. They all have gone on to the heavens.
I think my life path will lead me to other things that will benefit others. I have so many ideas that I just have to stop and start one and then the others will fall in to place. Life is good and interesting, always something new to investigate.
Good thread. Thank you. It's been interesting to read about you all.

Wow, it's interesting to learn a little bit more about all of you. Let's see where do I start, let's make this simple. Currently, I am a full time author finishing a book on a subject that is all near and dear to us, breast cancer. As some of you know, I have RN behind my name and I am not sure if it means I am a roasted nut from having breast cancer or a RN, registered nurse. Some may agree with the former as I am nutty enough to have married a physician! Whoops, just kidding. Did I mention, the most important thing in my life besides surviving her2+ bc? Three sons, ages 7, 12, and 15 years old.

Before bc I worked in the dental field off and on for 16 years. Loved my job and my co-workers. I do miss them. Shortly after I was diagnosed I left the office. That was in Aug. 05. I am still going through my txs. and I am not sure if I will return to work any time soon. I am really enjoying being at home and not having to concern myself with working outside the home right now.

I am 37 years old. I've been married to the love of my life for 14 years and we have 2 beautiful kids ages 13 and 9. We like to go camping, dirtbike riding and weekend outings.

This was nice to read about each other. You all are such an inspiration to me. Thank you!!

Love,
Lexi

My husband and I built a campground with cabins near Glacier National Park, Montana in the early 90's after we left Houston. We still own and operate it during the season of May - Sept. We have 4 kids - #1 daughter is a heart/lung transplant nurse at St. Luke's in Houston; #1 son is in construction here; #2 son is a chef here; and #2 daughter is studying criminal forensics and will be moving to Houston next semester from NJ. We also have 4 grandkids and have been married for 30 years.

I was "fortunate" that I was diagnosed in late Oct. '04 and had surgery, A/C and finished up rads by June 1st so I didn't miss any of the season.

I see an awful lot of RNs listed here and it worries me for my#1 daugther. Do you think there are a lot of RNs because of their natural interest in health, and coming online here for information, or because of the circumstances of their work? There is no history of B/C as far back as 4 generations on either side of my family. I think mine was from HRT for 10 years.

Montana is a beautiful place to LIVE!!

edit: Okay, Lani's post about the nurse's nighttime work just answered by question.

I am the National Sales Manager for a division of BASF (a German Chemical Company). I have 10 sales reps that report to me and they sell our product lines (surfactants, dispersants and solubilizers) all over the USA. I travel a lot all over the place. This is why you sometimes don’t hear from me, as some hotels are bad for “hooking in”. I liked and enjoyed technical sales which is what I did for many years at BASF and then they promoted me to the highest level of my personal in competency (as I have already had to fire a person and I despise that) so I am always on the watch for open sales positions where I don’t have to move.



I have 3 daughters – Robin is 19 and is at Rutgers University studying Environmental Science. Leigh is 17 (in 11th grade) and Cara is 14 (in 9th grade). I have been married to my husband, Peter, for 21 years (and he has been my personal rock through all of this).



Peter just got a job selling construction equipment for Ingersol Rand. He stayed home and raised our daughters while I worked so we are in a new phase of life (he says working is very tiring - lol).



We also breed sport horses, primarily hunter/jumpers and will be moving on February 16 (not far from where we currently live – no school changes) to a house that has more land for this business (so don’t worry about us if you don’t hear from me the week of February 13th) . Peter, Cara and I break the horses when they are ready. We have a bichon-poo (or poo-chon as Michelle U says) named Chloe (who is 4 yrs old) and a cat (Oil – his brother was Vinegar but “Vinnie” recently passed away). I also enjoy gardening, hiking and camping. After we move, I plan on starting to take horseback-riding lessons again.

I love this group and being able to help everybody out and that you are there to help me out.

Warm regards

Becky

I just started back to work this week (two days for three weeks, three days for the next three weeks, etc.) after being off for 14 months. I work in the securities industry selling stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and offering financial advice. I work with my brother so it's kind of nice. If we ever disagree we close the door, have it out and then forget all about it. He was very upset when I was diagnosed and keep all of our clients in touch with my treatments by posting info on our weekly market updates. Now I'm getting lots of calls and it's great. I graduated university with a BSc in microbiology 30 some years ago. I am a single parent with two kids in university about an hour away. My daughter Amanda is 21 and studying political science and human rights. My son Richard is 19 and studying Mass communications. He's not crazy about that though and being an extreme extravert would like to go into Radio and TV arts in Toronto. I live in a small town near my parents...85 year old mom and 87 year old dad...both extremely healthy....mom's a small bowel cancer survivor and went through chemo 13 years ago. They have been taking me to appointments, bringing me home made soups, etc. I often have to laugh that at my age (56) I'm still being taken to appointments by my parents. My other brother is a retired police officer...now a PI and head of security for the NHL team in Ottawa. Living along the St. Lawrence River we have the highest rates of cancer in Canada I understand. I know two women going through treatment for IBC in our town of 5000. BUT....life is good and somehow better since I've been diagnosed. I just take the time to enjoy it I guess. I am so grateful for this site and all of you. Super idea.

I am a potter and pottery teacher. The cancer gave birth to my most recent sculpture on display at our local gallery. It has been well received and I have gotten a lot of comments on it. Most people here in town know what I have been going through. This morning I have to postpone starting classes as I am having a secend mastectomy soon. sigh... No more left to remove now though and that is good news!

I work in our local high school/middle school cafeteria. Mostly I run the cash register, but do whatever is needed. Then I clean the cafeteria. I took two months off when I was first diagnosed in Sept 04, but have been pushing myself to get the job done since then. Teachers have had me talk to a few girls whose moms have been diagnosed in the past year with breast cancer. That's a good feeling being able to help them.
I have been married 24 years to a wonderful man who took off from work and went to all of my first appointments and surgeries(then they got a new manager who didn't like all of his time off). I have a 23 year old daughter who just got married and is about to make me a grandma in April. I also have a 22 year old daughter who works with the handicap and is going to college for that, a 20 year old son who's majoring in college and a 16 year old son who just wants to be a farm boy and has been a tremendous help through all of this.
I want to open my own bakery someday, and was planning on doing that before bc. Maybe when I'm done with herceptin in June I'll start looking into that again.

love this topic
 

Hi,

Lets see I have worked in the Business Sales/Marketing field for 20 years, I work for AMD Telemedicine right now and love love love this company. I spent 4 years in the Navy as a corman (nurse).

I have been married for 7.5 years to the love of my life, Kevin, who just happen to come with 3 of the most beautiful daughters now, 20, 18, 16, whom I love to death.

We just today put an offer on a new home, we sold last Feb, then I got dx so we moved to an apartment for a year, and now we are ready to go back to life before bc. I'm her2neu++ so still have herceptin every 3 weeks till august, and 7 weeks of rads, than that is it. I'm done and I will thank Cancer not to come back!!!!!!!

I love to decorate homes and love spending time with the other love of my life. Nootie, the cutest pug in the world.

oh I'm 42!

randi

Hello everyone,
It is indeed nice to read about what everyone does. I am a dentist. My mom was dx in 04 with bc and I have found this site to be a God send. I look forward to reading about everyone here in good times and bad. I would love to answer any dental questions if something is bugging you. I am also 9 mths pregnant and hope to email you guys a pic of our latest addition to the family shortly.
XOXO
Anne

hi all,

As I never figured out how to post a profile I'll do a quick one now.

I have 3 children. My lovely daughter who is nearly 16 and twin boys who are 11. We call them bad and badder. It has crossed my mind that carrying twins may have caused some hormonal overload to lead to BC, but who knows?

I'm an architect. I used to do commercial work with a firm before kids. Since kids, I work very little. Draw up a garage, kitchen, etc.. but enjoy it.

I have known my husband for 30 years, he gets the gold star sticker for finding this board and going to nearly all of my appointments with me. He's a General Contractor and we hope to collaborate on plenty of projects in the future.

I'm glad I found this site. I had been all over the internet, reading all kinds of studies, but I just couldn't understand them or know if they related to me. Well I still can't understand 1/2 the studies, but I have learned so much through all the individual posts. Thanks to everyone who has had a hand in putting this together.

Best to all. Bev

My name is Janet and I married my high school sweetheart (18 years ago) and we have 4 sons. Timothy 10, Kyle 8, Marc 5, and Robert 3. I am also a RN , though I am on a medical LOA during treatment. I work with babies that weigh just a pound and attend high risk deliveries. This work is very rewarding. I have been in the NICU for 16 years.

I also do various arts and crafts. I especially like to paint and photograph. I have 2 dogs, a golden retriever and a choc lab, and love to hike in the woods with them. I am an avid animal lover and have rescued injured wildlife. Reading is also a form of relaxation for me.

Remarkable....!
 

If there is one single commonality in these posts it is the shared long-term commitments in relationships, and the next commonality is medical work.

My hero and I have been together for over 30 years too, most of it in Alaska. (Lots of stability and character on this board.)

I worked in the woods for years in both silviculture and recreation, then more or less gave that up when I hurt a knee, and then I worked for a university for many years. I have also worked both in direct patient care and in technical medical services... a few years prior to dx I shifted to being a computer commuter, and am VERY happy as a private contractor working out of my home... My hero retired this year to "get serious" about our sailboat, and I don't know if he likes his retirement, but I sure do....

AlaskaAngel

I am a partner in a law firm, with a concentration in commercial litigation. I occasionally get to travel, which is most enjoyable.

My husband and I are approaching our 20th anniversary, and we have two girls, ages 10 and 8. We have lots of caring family nearby, and everyone chips in to give me the time to do fun things like gardening, being a Brownie leader, cooking and being on our town council.

Hi Everyone!

I have enjoyed reading about everyone. I am an Immigration Attorney with my own private practice. I generally assist companies in bringing their foreign based personnel into the US. I love it when one of my clients receive a green card and it is even better when they become a US citizen! I have been out of law school for almost 14 years -- so I have been at this for a while.

The best part of my life, however, is my wonderful husband Jim. We have been married for 5 years-- he is a wonderful Southern Gentleman and he reminds me all the time that I am a Yankee who loves a southerner and the south! I have 2 great step children, age 14 and 17 who keep me on my toes.

We just moved to Birmingham, AL. After going through my diagnosis and treatment in a state without family, we made an effort to move into an area with family. We are loving every minute of it. We just moved into our new house on the day after Christmas. We share it with our dog Champ and my chemo cat, Aubie (a gift from my husband during my chemo).

When I am not busy with family or work, I love to cook, travel and read cook books.

Looking forward to reading everyone's posts!

Peace and Blessings,
Monique

This has to be my very favorite post!
Took me awhile to read through all of them, thank you all for posting.
We really are an impressive bunch.
With that said, I am a Landscape Architect. Do both commercial work as well residential. Have a very understanding boss and was able to work throughout treatment. I also volunteer in a pilot art program with Down Syndrome children which is dear to my heart, and am currently putting the finishing touches on illustrations for a third childrens book( have an MFA)
I have two wonderful children, Amanda 23 finishing at UCLA this June and Jarret ( a Hodgkins survivor) who will graduate H.S. in June then off to college, where we have not decided. Am owned by a black long haired cat named BOO.
Enjoy painting, gardening, cross country skiing, children, friends, and making people smile.

Rhonda and Maryanne,
Leave it to you two to come up with such a wonderful idea! I am absolutely bowled over by everyones gifts. What a nice family we have here! It is so helpful to get to know you all.
I am a 49 year old mother of 4 kids; ages 11 to 20; two boys, two girls.
I also am an RN (quite a rusty one), but went on to get an MBA and worked in hospital administration for 5 years, than worked as a nursing home administrator for 10 years. I was also fortunate to have manage an inpatient AIDS hospital in New Haven CT for an interim period.
However when I was diagnosed, I retired and I am fortunate to have that option. It was time to focus on hearth and home which is exactly what I am doing now.
It is so nice to meet you all.
Love Kim from CT

I forgot to do mine. Hope its not too late. I will have been married for 32 years in April, have a 27 year old single son. I worked in a hospital for 24 years. Starting out as a Nurse Assistant, Pharmacy Tec., Admissions Clerk, Switchboard Operator, and the past 12 years worked in a very busy Rehab as Office Manager in which I worked harder those last years then on any of the other jobs. I went out on disability/early retirement at the age of 54 when diagnosed with IBC. My hobbies are sewing, painting, knitting, crocheting, gardening and traveling. I volunteer at my church, do a monthly church newsletter, look in on people who need help, take a friend 89 years old shopping, out to eat once a week, do phone support to other bc patients, belong to 3 bc support groups. Now, you ask me why am I not still working? As you all know here all these things I do I can choose when to do them. Some days I do nothing and others I more. If I am not able to get to sleep then I don't worry about it because I will sleep in the next morning. Only you people who have been there and done it understand what I am saying. Some of my friends and relatives just don't get it!!! Well, as I tell them they need to walk in my shoes only a few days and they would know why this is the way I live my life. To the fullest possible and yet keep my quality of life around many, many doctor appointments. After all is said and done I am still able to say, "My life is good". Sandy

Wow! We all have so much going on in our lives!

I live in NYC (Manhattan) with my husband of one and a half years (I'm 35). I left big-firm life a year ago to work as an investment manager for a boutique asset management firm. It has been a great move and made going through treatment while working a lot more manageable. Before I went back to graduate school for my MBA, I had done not-for-profit and gov't/political work. My husband is a detective with the NYPD.

We enjoy city life, planning our apartment removation, dining out at NYC's great restaurants, cooking for friends and family, and long-weekend escapes to Cape Cod. When I'm not working, I try to get to the yoga studio, and watch way too much HGTV.

It has been a blessing to get to know all of you through this site.

Jen

About Me!
 

I am 37 years old and married to my best friend. We have been married almost 6 years now and have known each other our whole lives. We grew up across the street from one another and our Mothers were best friends. Both of us lost our Mothers to breast cancer so we are all too familiar with this horrible disease. We don't have any children together but I have three wonderful step children who live with their Mother, we spend as much of our time with them as possible. We also have a small zoo, we have one large dog, 5 cats, a rabbit, a turtle, 2 parakeets, chickens and a pea hen (female peacock).

I am a self taught artist, I paint mostly Still Life Abstracts in acrylics and also dabble in mixed media. I have sold many of my paintings and have given several away as gifts to family and friends. Painting is my one true passion.

We enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, gardening, wood carving, antiqueing, reading, writing and spending time with family and friends.

We are looking forward to a trip to Cape Hatteras this summer where we will ride horses on the beach and celebrate life, love and family.

Cancer and all that it entails may ravish my body but it will never destroy my spirit.

Me
 

Hi!

I am 36 years old and I live in Baltimore. I am a stay at home mom working harder than I ever did at work with my 5 year old son. Am active in the Moms Club, MOPS and the YSC support group "Breast Friends".

I was dx in Dec. 2004 and currently on Herceptin. Am enjoying having my hair and energy finally back!!!

Olivia

After reading all the replys I can say so far I am the only one with this type of job. I worked for 30 years in a GM factory. I was retired a year and a half when DX with breast cancer. It had always crossed my mine wondering if working in a factory around glues and soder, caused my cancer. But so far no one else has posted that. I have been married soon to be 37 years. My husband has been with me through every thing. We always say we are in this together. We have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. He is still working at Haynes International (a factory) and has 3 1/2 years to retirement. We live in a town where at one time all most every one worked in the factories. But little by little they are shutting down. We love to travel and geocaching. Patty H

Reading the posts on this thread explains why this forum is so effective -- its participants are highly accomplished men and women.

I am a private practice attorney specializing in mortgage banking litigation. (We defend the banks when they get sued.) When I was 43, my incredible husband and I headed over to China to bring home our one and only child. Four months later I was diagnosed with B/C. At first I thought, "how can I get through this with a baby." But very quickly thereafter I wondered how I could have done it without her. She is an amazing child whose smile (and Shirley Temple dimples) could solve our nation's energy problems. I did all the standard stuff (bilateral mastectomy, chemo, rads), the less standard stuff (vaccine trial at Walter Reed and ovaries removed), and fought for and now receive late Herceptin. So far, so good (she says with fingers and toes firmly crossed). My daughter was only 16 months when I was diagnosed so she was never scared about any of it and we have only discussed cancer with her on the outermost margins. However, she recently told me (at 3 1/2 years), "Mommy, you used to be very sick." I was stunned of course. I asked her if I still am. She said, "Oh no Mommy, you are fine now. I came to you so you would be better and you are." Now how can I not believe in some grand plan?

The simultaneous arrival of daughter and cancer sure changed my view on what matters in life. Gone are the 6 to 7 days a week at the office that Washington, DC typically demands of its attorneys. I now work three days a week (and take off every President's Day, Columbus Day and MLK day that I would have never dreamed of taking before). I explain to my partners that I would fully understand if they want me to leave but so far they haven't taken me up on the offer (though if and when they do, that's ok -- I'll do something else). I can truly say I am a much happier person now. I even started knitting -- imagine that.

I continue to wish each of you the very best.

Cynthia

I was a film and videotape editor and also producer/writer of documentaries for TV but after the first time in '99 I couldn't work the very long hours (10 - 18 hours a day) sometimes 7 days a week and my arm has often been a problem. And then the recurrence in 2003 clinched it. My husband is a director/producer/writer mainly of documentaries and long form music shows. He's mainly given up his work to be with me. We've been married for 33 years and he's been wonderful through it all.
Interesting how many of you are RNs.
Sarah