Two years ago one of my best friends was treated for breast cancer, and I bet if we went around the room here, most everyone reading this post can name someone close to them who has been affected by the disease. This post is dedicated to them, our loved ones who are survivors and to those who didn’t survive.
I first crossed paths with writer Mackenzie Crowne through Still Moments Publishing. She’s the one responsible for awesome confections of romantic fiction like That Dating Thing and Gift of the Realm. More recently she published Where Would You Like Your Nipple?, her take on what it’s like to navigate the breast cancer experience. Mac’s a survivor and a damned funny girl, and I encourage you all to check out her work…and make double sure you check out the video at the end of this post. Truly life-changing, that one!
Now here’s Mac…
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Life is full of celebrations. We gather around an expectant mother, showering her with gifts for the coming bundle of joy. There are candles to be extinguished to mark the passing of yet another year. Graduations are a reason to gather, and happy tears flow amongst the dancing and throwing rice as we wish the newly wed couple well. As an author, the publishing of my first book was the excuse for one hell of a party, but nothing compares to the celebration when you can finally claim “I am a five-year survivor!”
As of October 4th I can make that claim. That awesome accomplishment is enough to make we want to do cartwheels, which I’d do, if I wasn’t sure I’d end up breaking a hip. 
Statistically the five-year milestone is huge for someone with a diagnosis of stage III breast cancer. I’m not a mathematician and pie charts and graphs make my eyes gloss over, but in laymen’s terms, this means my probability of living a long, healthy life is about the same as any woman my age, including those who haven’t experienced mastectomies, chemotherapy and radiation.
Can you say, hot damn?
But, my battle isn’t over. I met so many talented and dedicated professionals who had my back in my battle for survival. It’s important to me that I do my part to aide those women who are where I was five years ago. I hope I’ve succeeded in doing that with the release of Where Would You Like Your Nipple?, my lighthearted survivor’s guide to navigating the breast cancer abyss with humor and hope. 
In the meantime, I hope you’ll join me in spreading the word. Early detection is the key. So check those ta-tas, ladies, and remind your mother, sisters and girlfriends to do the same. And for some hunky inspiration…er information on how to do a proper self-exam and an app to remind you, here’s a you tube video you might enjoy.
You can find Mac on-line at mackenziecrowne.com
Buy her work here : Digital and Print
Sometimes a hickey is more than a hickey, and sometimes you have to break the rules to do what's right.
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Mac Crowne said:
Thanks so much for sharing such an icky subject, Liv. Of course, those guys make it a little more palatable.
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Liv said:
I don’t think it’s icky at all, especially when they started taking their shirts off…
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Sarah Grimm said:
Yeah, the part where they their shirts off is great! Hey Mac, just wanted to stop in and say hello. Also, how great it is that you’re sharing your journey. BTW, I just bought Where Would You Like Your Nipple!
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Mac Crowne said:
So, YOU’RE the one.
LOL Thanks Sarah, and aren’t those guys great?
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Tami Clayton said:
Hot Damn! And huge Woo-Hoo on the 5 year milestone! Cheers to you and to Liv for sharing your inspiring story.
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Mac Crowne said:
Hot Damn is right! Thanks for stopping by, Tami
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Ellen Gregory said:
A really important topic – thanks for sharing. As you suggest, Liv, I certainly know women who have been affected. Fortunately they’re all survivors too.
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Mac Crowne said:
That’s awesome, Ellen. Don’t you just love the term survivor? It’s so… take that cancer!