Hello All,

As some of you know, as of last Thursday I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Specifically “high-grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma”. This is a direct result of the radiation treatment I received 17 years ago for my then Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Unbeknown to me, this has become an epidemic:
Pediatric Hodgkin’s Disease Survivors Face Increased Breast Cancer Risk
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212125132.htm

The staging I have had over the past few days has indicated that it’s a Grade 3, stage 1 or 2 (I forget), and it’s 99% aggressive. Yet on the GOOD news front: There’s no evidence that it has infiltrated the surrounding lymph nodes! This is major. But it is moving fast.

That said, I am sending this email because it’s hard to get in touch with everyone and keep up daily communications. But I wanted to let you know what’s coming:

Next Wednesday, June 17th I will have a double masectomy. Both “girls” were affected by the radiation 17 years ago so both girls are at risk. This is the SMARTEST thing to do in my case and more than one Dr has told me this. Trust me – I don’t want to go through this again 5 years down the road! I will be at Rose Medical. I will stay 1-2 nights based on how well I recover in the hospital:

Rode Medical
4600 E. Hale Pkwy
Denver, CO. 80220
http://www.rosemed.com/

From that I will be out for a month. I will not be working and will be on short term disability. I will have limited access to email and voice. However your phone calls and emails are very important to me!! There will be instances where it’ll be nice for a friend to come over or perhaps leave the house with. So please don’t hesitate to check in on me. I just can’t promise how quickly I will respond.

Following my recovery I will begin chemo. I do not know what type, how long, the frequency or when it will end. But I WILL be able to resume normal social activities and resume work during that time. The toughest part for me will be this next month starting next Wednesday.

Please don’t forget about me. I am not a monster. I am still the sweet goofball-cool chick Elana that you know. This is just an inconvenience that I have to endure – but I will get through! I will continue to write songs and I will perform at open mics over the summer. And I would love to continue hearing from you and seeing you! Having the continued support from my friends and loved ones will keep me going strong.

Please keep me in your prayers and I will be in touch soon.

Much Love,
Elana