Who am I?
Elaine Sieff-Steenbergen, an American living in Switzerland, eternal student, data mangler, and now – managing breast cancer. I also write, but as you can see, I care more about the ideas than the caps and punctuation.
I started this blog when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, 2010. However, I hope it’s not going to be all about breast cancer – although – it will probably be at first.
I’ll also try to write about my various creative endeavors – writing, beading, crochet and cooking. And about the life of an American expatriate in Switzerland, with my sweet husband and sweet but sometimes crazy dog, Lily the Pup.
The header image is my own artwork, drawn on an iPad.
Time Flies Like an Arrow 
It is good to find your blog and connect as I am also living the ex-pat life (in Asia) which certainly brings a different take on the breast cancer experience!
I look forward to reading more and hearing about the various aspects you mention. As you say, breast cancer may dominate but it is great to share the other interesting aspects of international living too 🙂
Wishing you well in this.
Philippa
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I know! Thanks for the comment – I’ve been reading your stuff, you’re doing great things.
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Dear Ms. Sieff-Steenbergen, I luckily happened upon your blog today. I have so enjoyed your posts! You’ve had me laughing, smiling and feeling not so alone anymore. I was just diagnosed this past July 3. No chemo necessary but have done 9 of 21 rads. I think blogging is great therapy. I don’t have one but I ave been writing in an online journal at CaringBridge.org. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Sincerely. a Texan living in Boston. —K.
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Hi Katherine! Thanks so much for your kind words. There are lots of us on this insane journey – far too many. And it does help to feel less alone. I wish you all the best with your treatment and recovery. It helps so much to write.
You remind me that i need to create a blog roll – lots of bloggers out there with great stuff to say.
Thanks again & take care
Elaine
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Hi Elaine, thank you for visiting and following my blog. You’ve probably worked out already that as well as battling breast cancer since June I am slightly zany. It’s probably a good thing as zaniness and humour seem to get me through the tough days! I will enjoy exploring your blog and any hints and tips you have for killing the dragon. Take care, Tracy
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Hi Elaine, Lost your email, stumbled on your blog and enjoyed your Haiku’s and Tanka’s. After you visited us I so enjoyed Procreate…A pity we don’t meet more often, but perhaps we could exchange more through email or our blogs…I enjoyed yours…
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Thank you! I’m off to look at yours now!
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Hi, Elaine. I just found your blog and wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your haiku’s, as well as the beautiful header image you created. I’m a new blogger myself and am also a breast cancer survivor. (I was treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in my early 20s, and my breast cancer is considered secondary to my radiation treatment all those years ago.) I recently wrote my first haiku in years, which I’m going to share with my husband on our 20th anniversary (this Wednesday!).
One frozen nightfall
A single word, in your voice
My dear husband, still.
I hope you’ll do me the honor of reading my blog and sharing any thoughts or suggestions! (I’m very much a “newbie blogger.”) Take care, Elaine. I’m looking forward to reading more of your beautiful haiku’s.
Deb M.
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Thank you so much! Lovely haiku. I’ve read your recent posts too, lots to think about. I’m very interested in data and how we perceive and handle it (was a statistician), and I’m considering a genetic test, so your recent posts have sparked a good deal of thought. Wishing you all the best! e.
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Elaine, thank you so much for the kind words: I’m so pleased that you found my posting on genetic testing helpful! It certainly sounds like we have a great deal in common, including our cancer diagnoses, a strong focus on the evidence, a love of writing, and an incredibly sweet but also sometimes crazy pup (ours is named Daisy, who is a huge [70-lb] springer spaniel who thinks she’s a lap dog :). When you mentioned your interest in data and how it’s perceived, I immediately wondered whether you’ve seen Gary Schwitzer’s blog and website? Gary rigorously monitors medical and health content by major news organizations and works collaboratively to improve the standards of health reporting. I suspect you’d enjoy his website, HealthNewsReview.org, and his blog located there. His site also has wonderful resources and links in the area of informed, shared medical decision-making and patient-centered care.
Thanks again! Take care, and please keep writing those beautiful haiku’s! Deb
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I am familiar with his stuff – it’s very helpful. Thanks!
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