New news: I was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer*, my third time fighting this disease. And I will CRUSH it!

* good news: fast forward to March 13 where my cancer was gleefully downgraded to Stage 3 following a biopsy

I start chemo today, on March 9th and will be under treatment for 20 weeks and maybe other treatments later. Good news: it’s not in my liver, lungs, brain or bones…but it is in the lymph nodes and metastasized. More good news: I’m super healthy, have a great attitude about it and I’m surrounded by tons of love and support. Mathis is the main “boss of me” and caregiver. Grandma Ilse is “all-in” and Shane and Chad popped into Seattle this weekend.  Milo will be up here soon and he was celebrating his 25^th birthday in L.A.

There are three things you can do:

1.  Everybody, please read this important article:

http://girlfriendtogirlfriend.org/what-not-to-say-to-a-cancer-patient/

The website owner is Angie Crowe, a dear friend and fellow cancer conqueror.

Angie Crowe, Kathleen Hogan, fellow Conquerors

2. If you are located in the Seattle area, then, let me know if you want to be on my “angel list” to help when needed.

Otherwise, boost the positive and happy prayers because they’ll make a difference! I’m in great care by a huge team of doctors and am surrounded by friends and family, too.  Mathis is taking great care of me; Grandma Ilse was here last week and she will be back in Seattle regularly. Chad and Shane flew in this weekend .

3. Be on my fighting team.  I’m going to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on June 13^th. And you can be on my team even if you’re not in the Seattle area.  We’ll just do the 6pm-10pm portion and I’ll be lighting a luminaria for Tracy, my dad, Mitch, and others. We will light candles in honor of or in memory of a friend or loved one who has had cancer, or in support of a Caregiver.  Donate, sign-up and cheer me on!    This is our way of helping millions of others, as well:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/DanaManciagli

Remember, I’m a gladiator and will crush this.   

No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Sending love and hugs to each of you,

Dana Manciagli