The Snarky Girl's Guide to Breast Cancer

Maybe you’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Or perhaps you are a survivor. Or maybe you are a support system to a friend or family member. Chances are, you are scared.It’s OK. You aren’t alone!A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event. It may not kill you, but it takes a shot at your sense of safety, sanity and self.You are probably wondering, “How will I get through this?”The answer is day by day, week by week, month by month … and so on.It’s not easy.Everyone around you looks at you like you are a victim. I didn’t understand that. And I didn’t like it. You won’t find sympathy here. You won’t read words of pity.I share with you my journey from my–snarky–point of view.I hope it brings a smile to your face as you relate to some of the things you’ll read. Because that’s what it’s all about: making the most of your journey. Even when it’s a journey you didn’t choose … and even when it sucks.

Andrea Ciccocioppo Rose has been a journalist for more than 20 years. She is assistant editor of The Record Herald, editor of Kern County Family magazine and the former editor of the award-winning Central Penn Parent magazine. She is the mother of one grown daughter and lives in Southcentral Pennsylvania with her husband.