Tammie's Social Casserole 💕🥙

I've made the difficult decision to have prophylactic double mastectomies after a history of breast LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) and lumpectomy in 2024, not tolerating tamoxifen, and now a new noninvasive mass and my lifetime breast cancer risk up to 63%. I feel incredibly lucky to have the ability to choose this - and not have this chosen for me. Cancer and breast cancer have touched more women, friends, family and colleagues than I can count. And as a pediatric oncologist, I count myself lucky to have the resources, support and choices that I do. I'm having my mastectomies on November 16, with reconstruction a few months later in the spring. I'll be out from work recovering 6-8 weeks each time. I've tried to be as brave, positive and grateful as I can be - this is still scary and hard. Coming to this decision has been difficult, but it is the right one for me when I think about the larger picture of my life. "Have gratitude and trust that all of life grows your soul" resonates deeply for me. As with each significant challenge in life, I know this is making me a deeper, more loving, courageous and compassionate human being, with an even greater capacity and gratitude for all of life. I know the hardest part of my recovery will be the social isolation of not being able to be active, doing the things I love and spending time with you! So I'm setting up this "Social Casserole" to ask you for your help, love and care, in any way that feels good to you. I'm incredibly lucky to not need much help, I would just love your company! If you're up for a visit with me and Gus and Toby (our adorable golden retrievers), a short walk, coffee, movie, show, board game, phone or Zoom call, or even just a text message, I'm grateful for your friendship and company as I move through this time. I'll be sharing periodic updates here on my "Social Casserole" page, and you can follow me for email updates! While I can't work, walk dogs, drive or work out, apparently I'm still allowed to play the piano! So you bet I'll be doing as much of that as I can, as this brings me so much joy. Just as connecting with each of you does. I’m hoping to also do some writing again if I feel inspired, too. I'm grateful for you, and your care. I hope you know that I will be there in a heartbeat to help you whenever you are in need, however I can. Always. With much love and my gratitude, Tammie