Understanding anxiety on the anniversary of the pandemic lockdown The other night a friend told me via ‘Zoom’ that she had been hearing about people being triggered and struggling with anxiety at the anniversary of the lockdown, and are questioning why they felt this way. Anecdotally I can tell you this renewed anxiety is real. […]
It has been 5 and a half years since I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I wouldn’t have even thought about it, but someone on my social media reminded me. Because of this reminder, and being that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would give you an update as to where […]
This is a story about opening up your hearts and minds. It’s a true story. And it’s also a story about poker, and life. My life in particular. What do you do when you have had a particularly bad day? How do you cope with it? And what would you do if one day you […]
The unfortunate fact is that someone you know is likely going to be diagnosed with breast cancer in your lifetime. I am a survivor of stage 2 lobular invasive breast cancer. I underwent a modified radical mastectomy, radiation and take long term hormone suppressor drugs. I am 18 months since diagnosis and 6 months since […]
“Your sole mission is to articulate your suffering so that it emancipates you and empowers other women” I wish I authored that quote. I didn’t. This quote is by Carole Radziwill from the #RHONY on the 5/11/16 episode . And for those of you who do not admit to occasionally watching Bravo, #RHONY = […]
I think all of my cancer is gone. At least I hope so. I check in with one of my 5 cancer team doctors on average once a month. But even with being 8 months after my surgery, and 5 months after completing my radiation treatments, I am still, I have to be honest, miserable. I […]
When I was first diagnosed with Cancer, my friend Rebecca Ryan immediately came to me and offered to be my support group ‘Project Manager’. It was such a gift from her, offering her time to do this. Knowing I wouldn’t have the energy or time to organize support, mass communicate, or plan logistics, Rebecca came […]
A funny thing happened after I won the PPC Mid-West Poker Classic. I received a ton of congratulations and well wishes for a great win, particularly given my health. However I also received a resounding number of semi-praises. From men. To my face, and on social media, many men offered their congratulations, but dozens more […]
I can barely believe it myself. I won! I won the entire tournament. 21 hours playing poker, 333 players, and ended up winning with $18,000 and a $5,000 Aruba package. I feel like my luck is turning around If you like poker you can read details about the event and the win in this ‘All […]
It is my very first outing since my breast cancer treatments, and my husband is taking me to the Ho-Chunk Casino in the Wisconsin Dells. I took this particularly bad photo at a distance yesterday morning for a dramatic effect. Now before we get all judgey and think what a terrible husband I have, […]
Many have been wondering why I am closing iona. In early March, upon returning from New York Fall Markets, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. At that time, my husband Monty & I decided no matter what the treatment path, we would close the store. I already have an underlying rare disease called GBS (Guillain Barre […]