I’ve had people asking if I’m still going to AAD NOLA for the past few weeks now and I’ve been putting off answering because…because for a little while I didn’t know. And then I knew and I didn’t know if I wanted to share, and that was weird, because I’d always shared a lot on this blog, but that was before the internet became this weird, snarky place instead of the fun, safe place I used to know and love. Sounds nostalgic, I know – sappy too but hey, I miss those good old days when blogging was all fun and I used to run from blog to blog, checking in on old friends and making new ones. Today it’s all landmines and reviews and people taking things you say in interviews and twisting them up and just a lot of stuff that leaves me with a shitty taste in my mouth – and I end up just walking away from it instead of continuing to stake my happy little place on the internet.
Anyway, long story longer, I decided that not sharing was giving into all that shit, so I’m sharing. A few weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram. We went together (and I keep telling her that since I saved her life, she owes me, but since she gave birth to me, it probably evens out…) Anyway, she’s doing well and the prognosis is thankfully (so far) good, but it still means a long road ahead, and since my dad’s sick and I’m an only child, planning any kind of trip in the not so distant future just seems like a foolish move to me.
So yeah, I’m more sensitive than usual (which means I’m really goddamned sensitive) and I’m trying to avoid a lot of online places that will make me even more sensitive. Which, during release time, is really, really hard. So bear with me, okay?
Best wishes for good health for both your mom and dad. It sounds like you’re doing exactly what you need to do right now. Don’t worry about the rest. Hugs to you and yours.
Thanks, Kate! Hugs are always appreciated
So sorry to hear about your parents, I hope everything turns out ok! Will miss you at AAD but I completely understand, family comes first.
Thanks, Brandy! I was so looking forward to it, but yeah, not the right time…
Hang in there, Stephanie. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. The fact that they caught it early is a very good sign. I’m sure you know people say nasty things to make you feel as bad as they do. You can’t take what they say to heart. Surround yourself with people that lift you up and make you feel better. Your loyal fans will stick by you through thick and thin.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Hopefully we can help make it a little easier for you to be online. Just remember we are here and that we love you.
We love ya doll. I have been where you are, even though im not technically an only child, when it comes to this kind of stuff I seem to be.
Take all the time you need, be as sensitive as your body feels like it has to be and make sure you take care of yourself somewhere in there as well.
Big hugs to you & your parents. You are missed but its so understood.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, being an only child does put more of a burden on you, but try to let people help you. If they offer and you know they are sincere then let them help. You won’t be any good if you don’t take care of yourself. Hang in there…
Stephanie, so sorry to hear about your Mom and that you won’t be going. Priorities! You’ll be missed.
Let me know if there is anything that I can do. You know where to find me.
Stephanie
my prayers are with you and your family.
Its really hard sometimes to see people we love go through these
things.
So sorry to hear hun! * Huggles *
Stephanie, I hope things get better… you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’ll keep your parents and your family in my prayers.
Breast cancer treatments suck. I found the radiation therapy tired me out. If she has to have radiation please stress that she use the creams on her skin the doctor gives her. It will help keep her skin healthy. BIG HUGS!
Stephanie, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. She had a double masctomy four days before Christmas. Then having complications with the incisions after the surgery. This was on top having two back surgeries and two strokes in the two years before that. My dad has had about ten strokes in the last five or six years.
I was lucky enough that I have a sister living with us to help with me with them. I can not imagine what I would have done if it was just me.
I wish you all the luck and good wishes and prayers for speedy recoveries of your parents. I also wish you good health as well while going through this troubling time.
Elizabeth Gray
elizabethgr@sbcglobal.net
You and your parents are in my prayers.
I took care of my parents when they both had health issues. It’s not easy but you do the best you can. I made the choice to quit my job so I could be there for my dad whenever he needed me. I’m glad I did because I only got a couple of years after that with him. It’s time I treasure.
Sending you and your parents best wishes!
Totally understandable. You’ll be missed, but family should ALWAYS come first. Keeping your family in my prayers, Leeann
Steph, Family is the most important thing and we all know it. Of course you will be missed at AAD but you are making the right decision and your loyal fans and readers will agree. Prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
Gayle
Stephanie, hugs and prayers to you and your parents…. sometimes there just are no words for how unfair life can be…..
My thoughts and prayer will be with you and your family. My only advise I can give you is very hard to do sometimes and soo much easier to say “Take what you need out of the many wonderful places that are there for you online and leave the rest” There are many many people out here that care about you, so know that while times are hard right now. I am sure that there are alot of your fans out here that will do our best to help promote Dire Needs when it comes out. I KNOW that those of us at Literal Addiction will be.
Deb-
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You do what you need too, we’ll be here to listen, pick you up when you’re down or give you virtual hugs.
Take care of yourself and the kids and let Zoo take care of you.
Anything you need just say,
hugs x
Sending Prayers that all goes well with your parents.
Oh Steph…
The brightest of blessings to you & your entire family!
Take things at your own pace & concentrate on what you all need in this very difficult of times. We’ll all be here when you’re ready to return to the crazy public and/or if you just need an audience to vent to or a large virtual shoulder to cry on during the battle. Until then I hope that you’ll feel all of our cumulative positive energy & thoughts flowing freely your way.
Big hugs!!
Chelle
Big hugs, sweetie!!!!! And lots of prayers!
Thoughts and prayers to you and your Mom and Dad! One day at a time.
I will send a prayer for your family. I have had cancer touch my life intimately in the last several years. My own mother just died last October of pancreatic cancer and my husband, blessedly is a colon cancer survivor and in remission for the last 3 years. When something like this happens to you, the world stops, but remember that hold on to love, for love is what keeps us sane. Take it easy- Sandy
Very sorry to hear about your mom. I will keep you in my prayers. I lost my own mom to cancer several years ago. I thought you might like to hear that I found Dire Needs at Wal-Mart this morning. As soon as the kids go to bed I’m going to start it. I can’t wait. I couldn’t even remember if I had it pre-ordered or not for my Kindle, I just grabbed it!
I’ll keep your family in my prayers. Hang in there.
I feel for you. I am the only child if two aging parents as well. It sucks. Peace to you and health to your parents. Do not forget to take care of yourself during this process.
I know exactly what you mean about missing the old days of blogging. I do too.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom, and I’m glad it was caught now. I’ll be sending plenty of healing vibes out into the universe for her. *hug*
Here’s a great BIG Blog hug! Sad to hear the news about your mom; I lost my aunt to breast cancer. Glad to hear all is well. What’s most important in any crisis is your attitude. i believe a positive attitude (and prayer) will see you thru almost anything.
Now–get back to writing (lol)
Steph, I’m so sorry about your mom. About two years ago a routine checkup found cancer in my dad; he made a full recovery, but I remember what a stressful time it was. Hugs to you and your family, and congrats on your new book. And people, get your checkups, they save lives!
first and foremost is family. take care of them and everything else will work out
reese