Harley Galluppi

✨ October is breast cancer awareness month. Yes, I’m well the fuck aware and you probably are too. Some days I do not want to see another pink ribbon. Then days like today, surround by my coworkers to honor the women fighting and celebrate the progress I have made so far, I loved them. Especially thrilled by the pink balloons with nipples drawn on them. The acknowledgment and to be seen in a journey is such wonderful support. GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM! Or encourage someone you know to get theirs. It’s might save your life. It might save their life. Me and you, babe. I thought @carbonnater was supportive. Then I received my breast cancer diagnosis a little over a year ago. I was Stage 3c which I’ve not shared much because that’s a scary thing to say, to hear, to know. It’s brought me so much fear. And this man stepped up. I already thought he was amazing. How did he raise the ceiling? He’s been to nearly every single appointment. To the extent that the last time he wasn’t at my oncologist, the nurse immediately said “Where is your hubby? Nate is always with you?” He’s made me laugh, taken care of me in countless practical ways, made nearly every meal, and continued to be an amazing Dad. Then life threw me yet another brick to the face when I lost my Dad. He was 57 and fought a long, hard battle with Parkinson’s. I can’t believe it’s been a little over a month since he passed. And again Nate has been here every step by my side. My favorite person. My person. I love you. Post-surgery I’m doing well. Chemo did a great job, just not perfect. I’m still fighting. I’m still here. See you next October where I will again say fuck cancer and shout at you to get your mammogram. ✌

Radiation is complete and today I’m celebrating another milestone in my journey to fight my breast cancer. After 28 daily sessions, yes daily, Monday through Friday. I have been starting my morning hurried to get Enzo dropped off, then to the hospital, and finally on to work. I’ll be glad to get back to a more normal daily routine. Given the possible side effects, so far I’m experiencing minor skin redness and itchiness along with fatigue. I’m grateful to everyone who checked in and continues ask how I’m feeling or reach out with any little thing. Nate and Enzo continue to be wonderful with their support. I often hear “I don’t know how you do it!” I think you just do hard things, you press through. Because I refuse to quit. Because I will be around to grow old with my husband. Because I will be present to see my son grow up. Because I refuse to let it win. What cancer wants to take is too high of a price. What’s next? More chemo. This time in pill form. So if you’re keeping track, I’m still in active treatment. And if you’ve read this far you probably are one to ask how I’m doing and I just ask you continue to check on me and Nate. I read a really great analogy today about why you still need radiation and other treatment after surgery. It’s like when a glass vase breaks. My double mastectomy picked up the large pieces. The continued treatment is to get those pesky little slivers that hide under the couch to stick in your foot later. It won’t hurt you now, but it’s just a matter of time until it does. So on to the next treatment. With love, Harley p.s. fuck cancer