Carolyn Choate

I’m writing to say how much I missed you this Father’s Day. It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years since I told you how much you mean to me in person. And to think you were so worried about my breast cancer recurring; the thought that your only child and mother of your granddaughters might suffer a long and painful death – as did your own mother – before you died yourself.

You may have noticed I haven’t posted a blog lately. It could only mean one of two things: I ran out of things to say or, it’s gardening season. As my family is sure to attest, the former is impossible.

I was the only flat-chested model among the group of fellow survivors of all types of cancers, as well as loved ones modeling in tribute to loved ones who succumbed to the disease.

When I contemplate this latest benchmark in my life, my 15th year surviving stage 3b breast cancer, I confess there are times when I feel like it was just yesterday the Trickster Coyote – the Native American mythical creature of evil and bad omen – blindsided me, bent on taking me down in the one sacred place I felt I could take refuge from the world: my home.

Can you believe I was invited to pay tribute to “Wonder Woman” in Baltimore last month? It’s true! I’ve never been so proud or excited. At 60 years old, that’s saying something.

Breast cancer survivor Carolyn Choate is glad she's taken the opportunity to reevaluate her cancer experience and see it for what it truly was. And is.

With wit and wisdom, Carolyn Choate recounts the resilience of cancer survivors everywhere to outwit the enemy within.

Why December is a good month to bug myself – and anyone in the Cancer Club – about changing it up.

How to survive your own breast cancer survival surprise party.

The goods on good medicine.