Dear ZN Community,

It was a cloudless, spectacular summer day on Fire Island. My friends and I were eating lunch when the phone rang, and the voice that responded to my ”hello” was that of the radiologist who had read both my mammogram and ultrasound. Due to some suspicious findings, a biopsy had been performed, and she was calling to give me the results. However, two weeks before, my gynecologist had told me that “everything was perfect!” This had to be a notification that nothing was amiss. Was I wrong!! “I have some difficult news,” she stated. “You have triple-negative  breast cancer which is very aggressive. You must call your oncologist and choose a surgeon.”  

My mind went numb.  How could this be happening? I was 70 and there was no breast cancer in my immediate family. I have a daughter, and four granddaughters; thus, it was time for genetic testing as well. And this was the summer of 2020, when we were all beginning to be affected by the restrictions associated with COVID.  

I am a survivor; some would call me a focused warrior. Blessed with children, grandchildren, a supportive family and devoted friends, I chose to handle my upcoming chapter with positivity and strength.  

The lumpectomy of my right breast was done on August 4th, 2020 at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. I was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer. Because I was triple-negative, I was prescribed eight rounds of chemotherapy, and 20 days of radiation. There would be no cold caps. Covid restrictions forced me to attend every appointment alone, and due to my daughter being delayed by NYC traffic, I was also alone for my surgery.  

Afterwards, my hair came out in pieces every time that I showered. Instead of lamenting over “lost locks,” I cut it short myself, and wore it curly with beautiful headbands. In fact, this was the first time in my life that I did not “worry” about the color and style of my hair. Cancer had released me from the cost and maintenance associated with the beauty salon. I recognized that no matter how my hair was styled, I was still ME. Having cancer also opened my eyes to the power of friendship and family, to the numerous avenues of support that pervaded my life.

And lastly, I met Jennifer Greenhut, a family friend of my daughter-in-law in California, who with one mailed pink love tote and a heartfelt letter, became a lifelong friend. Jenn was also a triple- negative cancer survivor.  Her gift miraculously arrived on my birthday! Jenn’s company, Zero Negative (now Love, Zero Negative), became a part of my life, and I became a representative.  The response was tremendous! The idea that a tote bag, a crossbody bag or a clutch that said “LOVE” was not only brilliant, but a sign that no matter how negative things are in one’s life, the power of love and positivity can always turn things around.

Forever a spreader of LOVE,

Diane