for what it’s worth, my experience of breast cancer treatment has been that it’s full of surprises, sometimes good ones, and that’s what I least expected, because when you are diagnosed with breast cancer at 38, well. It’s a bad surprise. But surgery … went fine, recovery … went fine, neither of which I’d even let myself hope for, and it was in its own way bewildering. Learning to not be attached to outcomes was harder than I thought it would be. And I got to go back to rowing, which I had missed since college—I had had no idea there are a ton of rowing programs for breast cancer survivors. I wish you lots of luck and comfort and good surprises.
the executive director of the pocock center founded the team i am on in chicago, recovery on water! so reach out to her for sure if you’re not sure what’s available.
Inspired by you, I found a group here in the PNW that does dragon boating (which has always intrigued me) as well as weekly hikes (nice to go to the mountains mid-week with a group while in treatment). I found that group while scrolling in bed at 5 am. Imagine what I’ll find in daylight! Thank you so much for planting the seed!!!!
Oct 25, 2023·edited Oct 25, 2023Liked by Alison Krupnick
Love all your honesty here! I am mostly distracted by the cat mug in the top photo, though. I think there's a whole cat mug genre and that one is up there. And for some reason the Sophie Gets Angry book reminded me of one my parents once bought me about a little girl who hated having her hair combed and traded her hair for a sunflower's petals, to the regret of both of them.
I went through breast cancer treatment in Seattle waaaay back in the Stone Age of 2005. It was an intense year, filled with both pain and joy new perspectives and appreciation for the small things. And yes, wild curls returned for straight-hair me after a year of soft scarves, bandanas and hats. You’ll get through this and then you’ll get on with your life.
Thank you! 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s a staggering stay but I am heartened by the number of survivors I meet. Here’s to perspective!
Hello! I live in Poulsbo, a lovely 30-minute ferry ride just west of Seattle. Cheers to your courage as you forge a new path of wellness and peace. And thank you for the incredible harvest squash bread recipe!! I'll be making some tomorrow in honor of my 53rd birthday :)
I’m reading this post while sitting in the Macrina that’s a block from my house (danger! Although I do not come over in my pjs😜). But what I really want to say is, I TOTALLY get the cilantro tantrum and I appreciate your grace and humor on this journey, Alison. Count me in for treatment and baked goods support as needed.
There was a summer when I practically lived at Macrina, but I haven't been back since I gave up gluten about 8 years ago (huge positive health choice that I don't regret). My very favorite thing was the Volkhorn roll, which had the most mouth-watering crumb and came with roasted pumpkin seeds on top. I roast seeds in my own oven year-round, and that first bite always makes me long for the roll! Hope your prep continues well, and as smooth as possible.
There was a Macrina in the condo building I lived in (in Belltown) when I first moved to Seattle! One of the employees showed me the back door I could enter through since I lived in the building. They also told me I was welcome to come down in my robe. Pastries in PJs?! I felt like a very lucky girl. Keeping you in my prayers.
for what it’s worth, my experience of breast cancer treatment has been that it’s full of surprises, sometimes good ones, and that’s what I least expected, because when you are diagnosed with breast cancer at 38, well. It’s a bad surprise. But surgery … went fine, recovery … went fine, neither of which I’d even let myself hope for, and it was in its own way bewildering. Learning to not be attached to outcomes was harder than I thought it would be. And I got to go back to rowing, which I had missed since college—I had had no idea there are a ton of rowing programs for breast cancer survivors. I wish you lots of luck and comfort and good surprises.
Also - I dabbled in rowing a few years ago and this inspires me to see if there are programs for bc survivors here in Seattle. Thanks!
the executive director of the pocock center founded the team i am on in chicago, recovery on water! so reach out to her for sure if you’re not sure what’s available.
Inspired by you, I found a group here in the PNW that does dragon boating (which has always intrigued me) as well as weekly hikes (nice to go to the mountains mid-week with a group while in treatment). I found that group while scrolling in bed at 5 am. Imagine what I’ll find in daylight! Thank you so much for planting the seed!!!!
i love this for you!!!!!
Thank you. I am happy to hear of your good surprises!
Love all your honesty here! I am mostly distracted by the cat mug in the top photo, though. I think there's a whole cat mug genre and that one is up there. And for some reason the Sophie Gets Angry book reminded me of one my parents once bought me about a little girl who hated having her hair combed and traded her hair for a sunflower's petals, to the regret of both of them.
That mug comes from the iconic Strand bookstore in NYC!
Of course it does!
The other side says Bookstores. Cats. Life is Sweet.
TRUTH
I went through breast cancer treatment in Seattle waaaay back in the Stone Age of 2005. It was an intense year, filled with both pain and joy new perspectives and appreciation for the small things. And yes, wild curls returned for straight-hair me after a year of soft scarves, bandanas and hats. You’ll get through this and then you’ll get on with your life.
Thank you! 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s a staggering stay but I am heartened by the number of survivors I meet. Here’s to perspective!
So many survivors…
Hello! I live in Poulsbo, a lovely 30-minute ferry ride just west of Seattle. Cheers to your courage as you forge a new path of wellness and peace. And thank you for the incredible harvest squash bread recipe!! I'll be making some tomorrow in honor of my 53rd birthday :)
Happy birthday, neighbor! Enjoy!!!!
I’m reading this post while sitting in the Macrina that’s a block from my house (danger! Although I do not come over in my pjs😜). But what I really want to say is, I TOTALLY get the cilantro tantrum and I appreciate your grace and humor on this journey, Alison. Count me in for treatment and baked goods support as needed.
There was a summer when I practically lived at Macrina, but I haven't been back since I gave up gluten about 8 years ago (huge positive health choice that I don't regret). My very favorite thing was the Volkhorn roll, which had the most mouth-watering crumb and came with roasted pumpkin seeds on top. I roast seeds in my own oven year-round, and that first bite always makes me long for the roll! Hope your prep continues well, and as smooth as possible.
Yes! I think it’s the roasted pumpkin seeds. I have been craving them.
There was a Macrina in the condo building I lived in (in Belltown) when I first moved to Seattle! One of the employees showed me the back door I could enter through since I lived in the building. They also told me I was welcome to come down in my robe. Pastries in PJs?! I felt like a very lucky girl. Keeping you in my prayers.
You amaze me. Wishing I could share a piece of that pumpkin bread with you right now. xo
Great news! Got a call from radiology. Someone cancelled so we are on our way for the MRI! Hopefully Nov 9 surgery date stands.
Keeping you in my prayers for your speedy return to good health & peace of mind. Sending lots of love your way!💜🩷💙