I don’t how to start this post – so I started it like that. It’s an announcement of sorts, and a story, and a message. So I will dive in with the point first – this week, on Monday, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Tomorrow, Friday, I am having out patient surgery to remove the lump. The rest of the story is as yet unknown. I wore my favorite glitter eyeliner to the biopsy last Friday, and to the Surgeon appointment Tuesday, and I felt so pretty and brave. Gonna slap some on tomorrow morning too 
and some lip gloss.
The insane generousity and love from my friends has already blown my mind. And I have to admit, part of the reason I am writing a public post about this is because I want and welcome any and all prayers, vibes, love & warmth sent in my direction, this is not a time to be coy about asking for what you want.
I also have zero doubt about what I will gain from this, there’s no limit or OD of cliches when it comes to inspiring people, educating people, raising money for people – I will be that as others have.
Of the many wonderful words of love & support I have received, a couple stand out right now:
One friend, a survivor, when I told her I wasn’t comfortable with the word survivor, said “You’re definitely a survivor – sometimes, the hardest part is surviving being told about it” I can relate to that!
One of my fave people to be around right now told me that I was OK, that we are all OK till we are not…and that is so right. Even if it sucks, I’m OK. These words float around in my head daily, alot of times a day. And help big time
Ok, it seems I don’t know how to end this post either….so, ladies pay attention to your selves. Everybody, be happy and positive daily, and I am going to wear glitter every day
love
Nanette
Tags: Breast Cancer65 Comments
Rock on sis! Wear that glitter all the time!
You are going to kick that cancer's ass. I wouldn't want to be that cancer, no I wouldn't. Man, if that cancer were just walking home from school, you're going to jump it from behind, pull its hoodie over its eyes, and push that cancer bitch onto the ground and start kicking it.
I'd say good luck, but I'd be wishing that on cancer, and not you. You're going to kick it's sorry ass.
Hugs and I owe you coffee/wine
Nanette-
I consider my self blessed to have you in my life–and you know I don't like words like blessed. Hanging out with you and Michael tonight reminded me of what life is supposed to be about, and of the kind of people that folks move to Austin to meet.
I also don't pray. But if I ever were to start, it would damn well be for you.
I do love. And you have mine forever.
Sweet Nanette, sending love, hugs & prayers your way. Looking forward to next week & sharing some glitter with you
vm
Wow Nanette….I am humbled by what you wrote…I keep reading it over and over. I don't know what to say but that I saw the pink ribbon on your FB tonite and I'm going to the BCRC fundraiser this Saturday night so I thought "hmm, better check this out" and there was your news. I donated a pillow to BCRC's Graphic 4 Art Bra art auction in memory of my mother…but I will go to the event with serious well wishes for YOU (and maybe some glitter eyeliner too)! I'll think of your radiant smile when you won our gift basket and visualize that carrying you through this journey to a brighter, cancer-free day. Thinking of you! xo Deborah
You are in my thoughts and glittery well wishes. Shine on you crazy diamond.
You are going to be alright today and every day to follow! Embrace all the love that surrounds you and your family and never, ever forget you are beautiful with or without glitter…inside and out! Love you!
Nanette, I'm typing through tears right now. I'm so sorry to hear this news, but so glad to count you as a friend. You totally rock the glitter and it is reflected in your attitude
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here for you in any way you need a friend.
xoxoFelicia
I know this must feel like an out-of-body experience and that you’ve been thrown into a set of motions that you really don’t care to go through. Just remember that no one is given anything they can’t handle (especially with the prayers and support of friends and family, which you most certainly have), so the fact that you’ve been diagnosed and continue your positive, glittery outlook speaks worlds about your strength. That cancer has no idea what it’s gotten itself into…it’s definitely going down. You know we are all here for you to do ANYTHING at ANYTIME. Just let us know what you need to keep on truckin. XOXO
I was checking in with your page today because you've been on my mind. Thinking about more time together when the girls reunite at middle school next year. How cool C is and hoping she and Georgia can find a place for each other. How we haven't had any real time since your bday a few years ago when we went to Mars.
I'm shocked and stunned and reminded of how shifting everything always is (also that I really DO need to get that mammogram, apparently). You are made of great stuff, Nanette. I have counted you among my favorite folk since the day we met. I'm putting you squarely in a circle of white light. You have my prayers and the prayers of my family. I can even arrange to get you on my sister-in-law's prayer chain. Those people don't let up, let me tell ya!
I love you, my beauty!
~Brooke
Nanette, my warm fuzzy thoughts and prayers are with you. Getting to know you and be your friend has been a true honor. You are lovely fabulous and freakin hilarious! But more than that, you are ridiculously strong and are more amazing than I can describe in words. PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. I love you LOTS!!!!!
Ballsout, Nanette. Let me know what I can do to help you.
Hi Nanette,
John L told me the news yesterday and the first thing that came to my mind was, "oh, well it's Nanette, she'll be fine." You're a fighter Nanette. You WILL be fine. In fact, you'll be better than fine.
In the midst of the challenges that life gives us it's hard to see the value in them. All we see in the moment is that it really sucks. All we think is, how am I going to get through this? But you will, with friends, family, your own power and strength of will.
As someone who is going through my own personal shit storm, I have to take it one day at a time. I realize now that we should be doing that anyway. You'll be fine Nanette. Let me know if I can do anything for you or your family.
Kindly,
Carson
All the best thoughts, prayers and love to you from me. They worked for my favorite aunt (who's now in remission) and I KNOW they'll work for my favorite realtor on Twitter!
Let me know if/how/when I can help. Even if you just need me to run to the store to pick up some more glitter.
MR
Hey Nanette, you are in my thoughts and prayers with this. I imagine it can't be easy, and know for a fact it isn't, as I did go through something similar myself many years ago! You're a brave and admirable person to talk about it anyway, and in the way you're dealing with it, so in my book this shows you'll be fine. Obviously the conclusion we all want is that it's a harmless lump, and statistics are heavily in your favour there. Continue to be strong, try not to dwell on it, get on with regular stuff and continue to be be your regular bad self =). Keep in touch, and rock on! Thinking of you, XXX Andrei (Rancid on FB)
WOW, tons and tons of good vibes and thoughts coming your way right now. Glitter is indeed the best way to deal with just about anything. <3
Prayers to you — that won't stop. Thank you for sharing this, Nanette – life and what it throws at us takes a 'village' to walk through. We will be yours.
Piper
After I read your blog .. I stopped to pray.. take care my friend and know people are praying and send good vibes your way. If you need a shoulder please don't hesitate to ask. Like Piper said it takes a village.
Girl, you are braver than you know. Good, healing vibes of love and light coming your way.
Thank you for sharing this part of you w/all of us.
Nanette, I was truly touched by your words. Even though we have not seen each other in years, you have a very special place in my heart as my childhood friend. Of course you will be in my prayers, good vibes, meditation etc. Thanks for sharing, please keep in touch. All my love, Conchita
Rock on and keep saying what you need.
We're listening.
good luck an hold it strong!
Good luck to you in your fight!
Nanette, you don't know me but I'm thinking about you! Pile on the glitter and let yourself shine! I wish you well my now friend.
I learned of your "adventure" through Chris Brogan. I have family and friends who have been touched by this same event and, happily, are still with us. I DO pray, Nanette, and will do so for you!
We started this day as strangers, but thanks to Chris and the Internet, are no longer so.
Nanette,
A fellow Austinite here – though I found this post through a link from Chris Brogan. I just wanted say keep your chin up and wish you all the best.
Kick ass. Wear glitter. Beat Cancer.
You can do it.
Nanette,
Terrible new to be faced with I am definitely sending you a lot of positive thoughts and energy. You seem so brave and optimistic don't ever lose that. Glitter it up baby and big huge hugs from me (a complete stranger I know) but good luck today!
Sincerely,
Sherri
Loads of positive vibes and best wishes from across the pond. We're pulling for you. One thing I've learned in life is….. "If you can imagine it happening, you can make it happen" So while you sleep and while you dream – dream of a healthy positive future. Loads of hugs.
Nanette, I am so moved. Though we don't know each other, I am sending you all of the positive energy and hopefullness I can muster. You sound strong and that will help you triumph. Peace…
Dearest Nanette, I do not know you but I'm SO proud of your bravery, your honesty, your glitter. Sending you a big hug from a complete stranger and wishing you hope, healing and much, much joy. You ARE OK.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Chris Brogan, jcorn1, showlush, Nicholas Chase, Ben Curnett and others. Ben Curnett said: RT @chrisbrogan: Monday sucks normally. This one sucks more for a friend. Drop her a line? – http://bit.ly/92CXbe [...]
WOW, glitter on your eyelids, awesome idea. Glitter makes EVERYTHING better!
But I can tell the real sparkle about you is in your soul, so from all boobies everywhere we are wishing you love and healing – fast fast fast.
Shine on and on Glitter Girl!
Chris Brogan mentioned you were having a rough time and I followed the link here. I don't know you yet, but would love to. Wishing you the best possible outcome today! Sara//@cloverdew
Nanette,
I also am following a link from Chris Brogan. I wish you wellness and a speedy recovery. I would only offer you this: you may be scared b/c you think death could be staring you in the face. The truth is, death is staring us all in the face everyday, it's just that we all have blindfolds on. Be brave and hope for the best! I'll certainly be sending some positive vibes out there for you!
Nanette,
I don't know you, but Chris Brogan introduced me to you today. I don't have any better words to encourage you than those that your little boy, Gabriel, wrote for you on Mother's Day, Inside My Mom!
I think his words will help you move through this. Prayers.
Flight a wonderfully glittery battle! You can do it, we're all behind you!!!!
Hi Nanette,
We don't know each other (I found you via Chris Brogan) but I admire your bravery. Sometimes a little lip gloss and sparkly eyeliner really can go a long way.
Praying right now for healing beyond the doctors' wildest expectations, that God would comfort you in ways you could never anticipate & that He'd surround you with people you can count on when you need them most.
Nanette, you're an inspiration. Stay strong, you'll beat this and will help show us all the way in the process.
Dear Nanette, I don't know you, I've never read your blog until now, but Brogan sent a Tweet out saying one of his friends was having a sucky day and could use some encouragement. My eyes are burning and I have to say, I think it's less for your situation and more for your brave reaction to it, as well as the outpouring of care and concern in the comments. It's obvious that you've touched many lives in good ways, and you touched mine today.
We get so caught up in day to day concerns and woes that we forget what life is really about. Something about your post woke me up – pointed out that it's not what we DON'T have, but what we DO have that makes a difference. My heart and prayers go out to you and your loved ones. God bless, Nanette – thank you for sharing, and I hope one more warm thought helps to keep you strong. You don't need glitter, girl – you're already shining.
Hi nanette, i just red your story anf it made me want to respond 2 u. Put on your glitter, wear the most beautiful clothes beat it all by especially believing in yourself Take care you r in my thoughts
Sending YOU massive amounts of love, light, warmth, strength, power and faith.
Glitter, sparkle and shine your way through this challenge Nanette!
We've never met, but a simple tweet from @chrisbrogan saying "Mondays suck normally, but this Monday sucks for a friend, drop her a line" had me curious… After reading your post – you made me want to give you a virtual hug… As I sit at my office desk in Whitby, Ontario Canada – I think of you, and your glitter eye shadow, and I wish you positive thoughts and well wishes during this journey.
Stay positive, cry a little and smile lots – lip gloss and all! Stay strong, believe in the power of all the good vibes people (including me!) are putting out there for you. I personally, wish you good health – I believe in you and wish you all the best.
Rock on!
Everyday is a new slate and chance to live every hour of it. Keep pushing forward and enjoying each new day as a step closer to beating this.
So sorry to hear you are going through this, but you have the right atittude to start with and that's the BIGGEST step. With the right atittude, you can overcome just about anything.
Good Luck, cherise the love that everybody gives and use it to add to your strength to go forward and win.
Nanette,
My mom was given a terrible prognosis at 41 years old, back in 1969, (the dark days of breast cancer).
At 81, she was still encouraging women with your diagnosis, how awesome their coming decades would be
Chris B. mentioned your name to us on Twitter today. Thanks, Chris.
Nanette, You go Girl! Let the experts take care of you for a little while. Then get back to the best life you could ever imagine.
If it's any help for you to know that your life will change, and it will change for the better. Because we face uncertainties like this cancer, we get to find out what is important in life early. So…. You go girl! Flutter those lashes and show off that glitter, this is your personal time and you do it in your own special way. What's not to love in a glittery beautiful woman named Nanette? .
I am a very good prayer. I'll make prayers for you everyday till your treatment is over. Your attitude is already working for you. The cure is beginning. Sending you my Positive vibes today. Susie Milligan (survivor : )
Nanette,
Good luck!!
I also got your link through Chris Brogan. All my prayers and good vibes go out to you as one who has fought and survived a similar battle. Just keep fighting, living your life and taking everything one day at a time. and if the glitter helps keep putting it on.
Dear Nanette,
Please be selfish during this time and concentrate all your energy and love on healing yourself. No one who loves you will mind a bit. I happily send you my love and energy to help in your quest.
Nanette,
I don't know you, but Chris Brogan said on Twitter I should look up this post, so I did. I'm inspired by your story, and wish you all the best.
I think my old comment didn't get posted because I used lots of curse words. : (
I want you to punch that cancer in the biscuits. (Is that okay, Intensedebate gods?)
Basically, you're so tough, cancer isn't going to know what to do with itself if it messes with you. : )
Its all about the fight meet it head on stay strong mentally, physically and most importantly spiritually and you'll beat it. Sending you much love and energy for the battle XX Stay positive and carry on being glitter gifted! Twitter me your progress and good news @dmc_21