tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201169832010-03-12T12:54:43.344-08:00<i><p>Tales of my second go-round with breast cancer before the age of 40.</p> <p>A chronicle—sometimes raw, sometimes reflective, always irreverent—of a life upended by a long shot and of the daily indignities and tiny victories that comprise it.</p></i>Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.comBlogger556125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-48301694647321053792010-03-09T22:23:00.001-08:002010-03-09T22:34:06.941-08:00

Pea Dip with ParmesanThis sounded good but really wasn't. Zach, not a pea-eater, bravely gave it a go and had to be hurriedly supplied with a couple of pita chips to get the taste out of his mouth.The picture makes it look like guacamole, which would have been an infinitely better choice.It's in the fridge now, on the off chance that an overnight chill will work some kind of miracle.In case

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-52244242546065881752010-03-07T22:32:00.000-08:002010-03-07T22:51:00.086-08:00

Lately I've been feeling a pull toward doing more writing/editing/teaching, and I've begun to brainstorm a bit about what I might be able to do around my more-than-full-time job. I'm thinking about working on a couple of stories, taking on some editing projects, and doing some teaching and coaching—even on a volunteer basis.Starting slowly will be key—I know that I won't be able to do all three

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-38251258768725848132010-03-05T22:34:00.000-08:002010-03-05T22:44:06.347-08:00

I received my first diagnosis nine years ago today.At the time, I couldn't think nine minutes into the future. Nine years was unimaginable.It's a good reminder that life goes on—and on.I'm grateful for every day of those nine years—even the hardest and saddest among them, and there were many of those.And I'm grateful for all of you. In a few hours, I'll begin my 10th year as a cancer veteran.

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-1716126155971116932010-03-01T20:19:00.000-08:002010-03-01T20:32:07.715-08:00

I spent almost two hours at the Title Nine store in Berkeley on Saturday, where I tried on 14 different styles of bras, of which six fit well enough that I felt it was worth buying them.A couple fit so well that I even bought them in multiple colors!Now it's quite possible that something that looked and felt good during a test drive (aka in the dressing room) will look and feel not-so-good out on

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-79875537974018168732010-02-28T20:17:00.000-08:002010-02-28T20:36:49.135-08:00

I'm a big fan of recipes for which the ratio of effect (deliciousness, with bonus points for presentation) to effort (time, skill, and stress) is high. This one definitely qualifies:Three-Cheese Fondue with ChampagneIt was super-easy and pretty darn quick to make, yet absolutely delectable. (My presentation could use some work here, but our fondue pot is on the other coast, so I'm giving myself

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-35366520764712351752010-02-22T23:23:00.000-08:002010-02-23T00:06:47.030-08:00

It's been a fun week for my own private McDreamy, who wrapped up shooting today on an episode of Grey's Anatomy in which he guest-stars as a patient at Seattle Grace. He had a great time on the set, despite the fact that he spent most of that time either strapped to a gurney, stuck in a hospital bed, or in surgery. :)Air date is subject to change, but right now it's looking like March 18. Once

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-63039037015527912052010-02-21T17:27:00.000-08:002010-02-21T18:16:41.831-08:00

We bought some lovely carrots at our local farmers' market yesterday. With some fresh-ground spices from a new spice boutique that just opened up the street, I turned them into this:Indian Spiced Carrot Soup with GingerIf you try the recipe, read all the comments first. (I took the advice of many and doubled the spices, and I also doubled the lime juice.) Happily, there are leftovers!

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-69847242560927751332010-02-20T20:09:00.000-08:002010-02-20T21:33:20.791-08:00

This link, to a post on Etiquette Tips for Dealing with Cancer Patients and Survivors, comes courtesy of Zach, who sent it my way.It also comes at an opportune time, given my state of mind this week.Here's a quote that particularly resonated with me:We are no different from everybody else walking around in this world--no one knows their expiration date. The difference is that we're aware of it.I

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-80287495658816382002010-02-18T22:39:00.000-08:002010-02-18T23:12:47.692-08:00

I don't generally read the LA Times, but we've been living here long enough that I started scanning the online version recently.I'm still processing Tuesday's news, and so it was especially upsetting to see this today on the paper's homepage:Mary Susan Herczog, who wrote with poignancy and wit on having breast cancer, dies at 45I didn't know Mary, or her website, CancerChick.com. But she was

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-27642214182648890802010-02-16T20:43:00.000-08:002010-02-16T22:03:15.854-08:00

I received an e-mail this morning with the subject line "In Memory of Randi Rosenberg" and froze in shock.Randi was one of the founders of the Young Survival Coalition and a past president of the organization. I knew her slightly when I was active in the YSC, back in 2002. She was full of energy and determination, and a lovely person besides. This is the second time I've received word of the

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-18994861102467078322010-02-14T22:57:00.000-08:002010-02-14T23:21:22.367-08:00

My dad was incredibly sentimental, and he always observed Valentine's Day. He sent my mom, my sister, and me cards that featured fancy script, long poems, and lots of pink. You know those cards—the goopy kind.That's kind of how my dad was—goopy. He didn't need a special day to celebrate love. He just breathed love, all the time. He was grateful every day that he was with my mom, and every

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-67762818349576338832010-02-14T22:35:00.001-08:002010-02-14T23:15:49.862-08:00

The beets called out to me at our farmers' market yesterday. I'd never cooked with them before (and had only eaten them maybe half a dozen times), but I figured I'd follow my inspiration and find something cool to do with them.Here's the result:Beets and Caramelized Onions with FetaI made one obvious (and critical) adjustment to the recipe: I roasted fresh beets instead of using canned (the

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-53858067836110448952010-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:002010-02-12T23:38:38.772-08:00

I was on the bus today and walked past a man carrying a full-size ironing board. It made me think of New York, where people are always lugging stuff like that around on public transportation.I have been feeling homesick this week, with all the talk of blizzards back East. In NY, a snowstorm was always a community event—it instantly unified the entire city. There's nothing like that here—no

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-81964668533769233122010-02-10T23:00:00.000-08:002010-02-10T23:29:34.676-08:00

Two close friends' loved ones are out of the hospital, and a third got the best possible results on a couple of scary tests. I am counting blessings and giving thanks.

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-90698622772111247632010-02-08T21:24:00.000-08:002010-02-08T22:09:34.048-08:00

The very nice bra fitter who was unable to help me on Saturday recommended that I check out Title Nine, a retailer that caters to active women. As their un-mission statement says, "We are evangelical about women's participation in sports and fitness activities."It also says "Policies make us nervous." And "We're quirky!" And "We like dessert." What's not to like?Title Nine mostly sells clothes

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-10179846048538733412010-02-07T22:12:00.000-08:002010-02-07T22:31:31.653-08:00

I'm happy to report that my plan to try a new recipe every week is still going strong. Tonight's dish:Pork Tenderloin with Pears and Shallots(with a side of roasted butternut-squash purée with sage)Last week's:Quinoa with Moroccan Winter Squash and Carrot StewBoth are great winter dishes (especially if your winter features actual cold weather. . . .).Bon appétit!

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-50195861716455532692010-02-07T09:19:00.001-08:002010-02-07T10:02:55.734-08:00

Yesterday's professional bra fitting did not go well.The fitter was lovely, and she brought lots of things for me to try, but she quickly realized that I'm a lot more challenging to fit than, as she put it, "the average bear."A highlight of our exchange:The fitter: You've got a real conundrum. Me: I've got two of them.Just to give you a sense of how extreme the situation is, here's what she

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-59970760590752341622010-02-05T23:31:00.000-08:002010-02-05T23:54:01.199-08:00

After my second consecutive looong week at work, I treated myself to an hourlong foot massage/reflexology session that also included a neck-and-shoulder massage. And a leg massage.And an arm massage.And a hip massage.And a forehead/temple massage.And a scalp massage.The whole thing cost $25, and the only things I had to take off were my shoes and socks.Not a bad way to end the week!

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-39295203951912157012010-02-03T21:19:00.000-08:002010-02-03T21:47:20.754-08:00

On Saturday, Zach and I are going to drive thirty-some-odd miles (up to an hour and a half in traffic, according to Google) so that I can try once again to find a bra that actually fits. (I have already stumped at least three professional fitters in New York and two in LA.)My mom did a little poking around (thanks, Mom!) and found this fitter, who is actually based in the Bay Area but travels to

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-75689039384375445402010-02-02T23:46:00.000-08:002010-02-02T23:51:49.162-08:00

Tonight I am thinking of good friends going through tough times: the loss of a parent, a seriously ill child, a spouse suffering through chemo, a broken heart. Wishing you all comfort, peace, and better news tomorrow.

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-11436094930762207642010-01-31T22:19:00.001-08:002010-01-31T22:55:14.252-08:00

Normandy was part of our family for almost 19 years—more time than we had a right to expect, less than we hoped for. Her favorite place was always somewhere high above—I have to think she's feeling right at home in cat heaven. And we know she's in good company. Brittany and D'Artagnan, take good care of our girl.

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-44815940324326727492010-01-29T23:24:00.000-08:002010-01-30T00:09:11.419-08:00

I had a much-needed deep-tissue massage this evening at a great local day spa called dtox. I got a small holiday bonus this year and decided to spend it on massages. Between the car accident a year ago and all the scar tissue from my various surgeries, my back and neck seem to be perennially in knots. My left side is unquestionably worse, but my right side is pretty bad, too—from compensating,

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-17727585597652514012010-01-28T21:48:00.000-08:002010-01-30T00:10:58.215-08:00

Here's the memo I received at work today:Date: January 28, 2010To: [My Office Building] TenantsFrom: Building ManagementRe: “24” Filming with Helicopter Activity Thursday, January 28, 2010 Please be aware that

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-62104474481751644502010-01-27T22:47:00.000-08:002010-01-27T23:17:55.924-08:00

Zach's mom left this morning after a very nice visit, which included multiple trips to Pazzo Gelato and various other diet-unfriendly outings (mainly involving French fries), and I resolved to get back to healthy eating ASAP.Then I walked into a meeting at work today and saw a huge chocolate cake with white icing that read "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JODY."I had forgotten that they have a birthday cake once

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20116983.post-7436400715505989872010-01-26T21:56:00.000-08:002010-01-26T23:00:52.757-08:00

Seems like a good time to report on how I'm doing with some of my key New Year's resolutions:Exercising: Haven't missed a day, although mostly I've been doing sit-ups. But when I can work it in, I'm really enjoying the spin/yoga classes I've been taking with Zach. I'd like to do more of the yoga-only classes, too. In any event, I think I'm going to have to up the sit-up count to 60 for

Jody Rosen Knowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638066371993482277noreply@blogger.com0