the star
Yep... That is me. Not used to being the center of it all, but Greg was very adamant that I put a photo of myself in here. So here we go. I am happiest with my family, so here is one of all of us.
nadia
My dear little girl
nika
My dear little boy
greg
The husband, best friend, and absolute trooper. My world.
the rest of the cast in order of appearance
NOTE: photos could not be found in every case
peter and becky
Brother Peter, his wife Becky, dog Sumo, and Baby Colby. Peter is my rock and other best friend. To most, he is known as Pete. To me, he is Peter.
megan and christine
Two wonderful friends- Megan and Christine. My cheerleaders through
everything...
everything...
the surgeon
The surgeon... Veronica Shim. Imagine spooky music playing... She's actually really nice. Honestly.
ruth
The Breast Cancer Guide who has talked to me once in the last month...
the plastic surgeon
This is Ben Hornik, the plastic surgeon. He looks like he's in the plastic surgery field to me. He is SUPER kind though. Plus, he's gonna make me a great new chest.
lori
The very incredible Lori who has seen me through thick and thin.
aviance
The funny, the caring, and the real. Aviance.
mira and vitaly- greg's parents
They have already been over for a meal, had their friends paint their toes pink, and been a rallying force for Greg. Thankful for you two right now for sure.
ann
The genetic counselor
juliet
An amazing listener, friend, and support from back in the day through now. The kind of friend that each time we speak and see each other, even though that is not often, it is like not a day has passed since our last offering to one another.
christiana
Christiana was my roommate in New Orleans when we taught there as whipper snappers trying to change the world. She was also my maid of honor. She has been a great friend through thick and thin. One time when I was completely sick, she even averaged my grades for me so that I wouldn't be late turning in my report cards. For those of you who have written 140 report cards at one time, you know how amazing this woman is! Like Juliet, when we talk it is like no time at all has passed. Thanks C, for your continued love and friendship...
kristi and ryan
Two new, but already very special friends.
the therapist
Jury is still out on this one...
Nope- the jury has decided that we should be working with someone else.
Bye!
Nope- the jury has decided that we should be working with someone else.
Bye!
the second opinion
This is Dr. Consorti. She was the Alta Bates doc from whom we obtained a second opinion. She has very long hair now and many more wrinkles and glasses. This must be a pretty old photo... She did not have much to say other than that she is pretty sure that I'll have to do chemo as she believes that they'll find a lot more invasive cancer once they cut me open. Other than that, she was pretty on point with the first surgeon...
jane and becky
These two are pretty much rad. So glad your family is a part of our family of friends.
nancy and nik- my mom and dad
On July 10, they came home and I couldn't be happier. The unconditionality with which they love fills my cup.
therapist take two
Much better fit I think. Thanks to Megan for helping me find her. Thanks to her for fitting me in and giving me a couple good ideas on just the first day.
andy and angela
Andy and Angela: friends from back in the day. Recently did a triathalon and said that they thought of me while doing it.
the oncologist
Like with the surgeon, we'll have to get a second opinion on treatment... However, Dr. Peter Gordon is supposed to be good and many have told us that he is. He was very nice, though not filled with answers today. All depends on the pathology report at the beginning of August after major surgery number 1...
elizabeth
A dear friend from my New Orleans days. Thanks for your love.
the anesthesiologist with amazing bedside manner
She is so kind.
the pathologist
Meet Dr. P. At least that is what his support folks call him. He is the nicest and most kind man should you ever have questions about your pathology reports. Thank you for your time today!
the securer of the second opinions
Her response when I told her I had breast cancer, "Oh shit."
tom and his wife
Tom is a principal at one of my schools. He and his wife did a breast cancer walk and thought of me. Gracias you two... Notice their nails... Que guapas.
mercedes and hondo
Here's a family we are glad to know. Mercedes has been a great friend, guide, and partner in all this work of kicking cancer's ass. She is getting her port out next week!
liz
Those of you who know Liz, know that she is relentless. Those of you who know me, know that relentlessness is a quality I admire greatly. Most recently, Liz has been relentless with me. She calls, emails, brings coffee and conversation. Liz, thank you for your friendship. You rule.