October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time when pink ribbons fill the streets, and we’re reminded to pause, reflect, and take care of ourselves. But this month isn’t just symbolic it’s a wake-up call.
Because breast cancer doesn’t just happen to “someone else.” It affects women, men, and young women. It affects families. It changes lives.
🩷 Real Talk: Awareness Is Power
Thirty-two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember that time vividly — the fear, the uncertainty, and the courage she showed every day. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, back when people didn’t talk about breast cancer openly.
She survived and lived cancer-free for many years. Her strength was extraordinary.
But what many didn’t know then is that older radiation treatments sometimes caused heart complications years later. My mom developed heart issues and passed away in 2017 from congestive heart failure.
Her journey reminds me that breast cancer awareness isn’t just about surviving — it’s about long-term care, early detection, and paying attention to every part of your health.
📊 The Facts You Should Know
According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.
Look in the mirror for dimpling, redness, or swelling.
Raise your arms and check for changes in shape or size.
Feel while standing or lying down — use small circular motions.
If something feels off — call your doctor.
Prevention Matters
Your lifestyle choices can lower your risk:
Eat real food — more plants, less processed.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
Exercise daily — even a walk counts.
Get enough rest and manage stress.
Stay consistent with screenings.
💕 Local Hamptons Resources
We’re fortunate to have incredible organizations right here in our community:
Ellen Hermanson Breast Center – Screenings, diagnostics & survivor support (ellenhermanson.org)
Coalition for Women’s Cancers (CWC) – Education, outreach & peer support (cwcshh.org)
Fighting Chance (Sag Harbor) – Free counseling for cancer patients & caregivers (fightingchance.org)
These organizations are helping our East End neighbors every day — bringing compassion, resources, and hope.
🩷 Real Talk, Real People Breast cancer awareness isn’t just a month — it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing your body, checking yourself, and living fully.
So take a moment today: feel, look, schedule that mammogram, remind a friend, and remember that awareness saves lives — maybe even your own.
Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid: My Thyroid Tried to Ruin My Life — But I Fought Back (And Won… For Now) Let me keep it real with you: my thyroid and I have had a very complicated relationship. If there were a reality show called “The Real Hormones of the Hamptons,” I’d be the breakout star.
For years, I told my primary care doctor, “I don’t feel well.” His answer? “Your thyroid tests are off.” And that was it. Meanwhile, I was dragging myself through menopause, hot flashes, weight gain, sleepless nights, mood swings, and feeling like a sweaty, exhausted extra in my own life.
But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just menopause. My eyes became my trigger. Driving was difficult, my vision was blurred, and let’s be honest — it felt like my eyeballs were auditioning for their own horror movie. That’s when I finally saw a specialist. Boom: Graves’ disease.
Why Graves’ Disease Is So Hard to Pin Down
Graves’ is the ultimate shapeshifter. The symptoms are like that friend who borrows everyone else’s clothes — a little anxiety here, a little menopause there, maybe some heart palpitations just to keep things spicy. Graves’ copies everyone’s homework unless your doctor runs the right tests, it hides in plain sight.
See the problem? Graves’ is like that kid who copies everyone’s homework. Unless you get the right tests, it hides in plain sight.
The Tests (Or, How to Catch a Sneaky Thyroid)
When you finally land in front of a doctor who listens, here’s what helps sort it out:
TSH, Free T4, Free T3: The hormone trio. Low TSH + high T4/T3 = red flag.
Antibodies (TSI/TRAb): The smoking gun.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan: Shows if your thyroid is lit up like Times Square.
Ultrasound: For those who can’t do the radioactive stuff (hello, moms-to-be).
Eye exam: Because sometimes your eyes tell the story before your bloodwork does.
Is It Hereditary?
Short answer: yes-ish. Graves’ can run in families, but it’s not guaranteed. I like to say: genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.
Stress, smoking, hormones, even iodine in your diet — all can flip the switch. So if Auntie has a thyroid issue and you’re feeling “off,” it’s worth checking early.
My Journey, My Remission
I’ve had ups and downs. I went into remission, then during Covid my symptoms came roaring back and I had to return to meds. But here’s the twist: I started listening to my body. That’s also when I noticed the weight changes — the kind no one warns you about. When my thyroid was overactive, I dropped weight without trying. But once my meds kicked in and my levels normalized, my metabolism slowed down and the pounds crept back on. It was frustrating, but it forced me to look at my health differently — not from a place of control, but from understanding.
I reduced (not eliminated) gluten, iodine-heavy foods, and alcohol.
I made stress management non-negotiable.
I committed to a full night’s sleep.
Now, I’ve been in remission for a year and a half. I take it day by day. Graves’ is part of my story, but it’s not the headline. My headline is resilience — learning that healing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up for yourself every single day.
Can You Gain Weight With Graves’ Disease?
Oh, absolutely — and I’m living proof. When people think of Graves’ disease, they usually picture dramatic weight loss. But after treatment, the story can flip. I actually gained weight, and losing it has been incredibly difficult and frustrating. Between menopause, lack of sleep, emotional eating, and my thyroid doing the cha-cha with my hormones, it felt like my body was working against me.
My doctor kept telling me my weight gain wasn’t connected to Graves’, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t adding up. Then I started noticing patterns — like how certain foods made me feel. I discovered that green leafy vegetables (yes, the ones we’re all told to eat!) triggered bloating that lasted for days. Turns out, when your thyroid’s recovering, your whole digestive system can become extra sensitive.
Here’s what’s really going on:
Treatment flips your metabolism. Once medication or radioactive iodine slows your thyroid, metabolism can dip below normal.
Your body’s recovering. During hyperthyroidism, you burn through calories; after treatment, appetite stays high while metabolism slows.
Hormone fluctuations. When thyroid levels swing from high to low, metabolism follows.
Menopause overlap. Lower estrogen and stress make weight management an uphill climb.
So what helps? Tracking labs, eating balanced (not restricted), limiting iodine, sleeping well, managing stress, and gentle movement — walking, yoga, light strength training. I stopped focusing on the number on the scale and started focusing on how I feel.
Because here’s the truth: the goal isn’t to be skinny — it’s to feel steady, strong, and at peace with your body.
📊Graves’ Disease vs. Other Conditions
Symptom
Graves’ Disease
Anxiety/Stress
Menopause
Heart Disease
Weight changes
Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased eating
Normal weight or loss due to poor appetite
Weight gain or fluctuating
Can be stable or weight gain from limited activity
Heart rate
Fast heartbeat, palpitations
Fast heartbeat, usually tied to stress
Hot flashes can cause fast heart rate
Arrhythmias, chest pain, irregular beats
Energy level
Restless, hyperactive but also fatigued
Restless, wired, fatigue from poor sleep
Fatigue, sleep disturbance
Fatigue, exercise intolerance
Heat tolerance
Heat intolerance, sweating
Can sweat under stress
Hot flashes/night sweats
No consistent heat sensitivity
Mood/Behavior
Irritability, nervousness, insomnia
Worry, nervousness, insomnia
Mood swings, irritability
Depression or anxiety (secondary to illness)
Thyroid gland
Goiter (swelling at neck), sometimes tender
Normal
Normal
Normal
Eyes
Bulging eyes, gritty/dry feeling, double vision (specific to Graves’)
Normal
Normal
Normal
Skin
Rarely, thickened skin on shins (pretibial myxedema)
Normal
Normal
Possible changes due to circulation issues
Detailed Chart: How Each Test Helps Diagnose Graves
Test
What It Measures
Typical Result in Graves’
Why It Matters
TSH
Hormone from pituitary telling thyroid to make hormones
*The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts & Women’s Health
I’ve been blessed not to personally experience the pain of fibroids or ovarian cysts—but I’ve watched women I love suffer for years in silence. Friends, family, sisters in my community—carrying the weight of heavy bleeding, unbearable cramps, and the fear of not knowing what’s going on in their own bodies. They pushed through workdays, family obligations, and life, while privately battling pain that should have been taken seriously from the start.
For many women—especially Black women—this is not a rare story.
• Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, but they can cause heavy periods, intense cramping, pelvic pressure, and even infertility. Black women are more likely to develop them, and they often show up earlier, grow larger, and cause more severe symptoms.
• Ovarian cysts can quietly exist without symptoms—but when they cause pain, it’s not subtle. Bloating, sharp pelvic aches, and even hospital trips are part of the reality.
• Dermoid cysts are a different type altogether—benign growths that come from undeveloped cells you’re born with. They can contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth (yes, really) and often go unnoticed for years. Because their symptoms—pelvic pain, pressure, bloating—can mimic fibroids, they’re sometimes misdiagnosed. The only way to confirm their presence is through imaging, like a sonogram, which can lead to surgery if they’re large or causing complications.
And then there’s dysmenorrhea—painful periods—that so many women dismiss as “normal,” even when it’s a sign of something deeper.
The heartbreaking part? Too many suffer in silence because they’ve been told, directly or indirectly, that women’s pain is something to “tough out.” Add in the racial disparities in healthcare—where Black women’s symptoms are often dismissed or downplayed—and it’s a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and unnecessary suffering.
Here’s what I’ve learned from the women who’ve shared their stories with me:
1. Listen to your body. Pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue are not things you should just “get used to.”
2.Push for answers. If a doctor brushes you off, find another one. You deserve to be heard.
3. Break the silence. Talking about your experience can help another woman recognize she’s not alone.
Fibroids, cysts, and other reproductive health conditions are not just “women’s problems”—they’re human problems. They affect our families, our work, our emotional well-being. The more we share, the less anyone has to suffer alone.
Real talk, real people—your health matters. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
You know what’s worse than a cold in January? A cold in August. Yep — I kicked off the first week of the month not with beach days and rosé, but with tissues, soup, and a cough that could have starred in its own bronchitis commercial.
Everyone said, “Go to the doctor!” But I decided to let my body do its thing. My wellness philosophy is simple: if it’s not getting worse and I can still shuffle to the kitchen for snacks (or in this case, coconut water), I’m giving my immune system a chance to shine.
The symptoms? Oh, she came in hot — stuffy nose, body aches, zero appetite, chest pain that made me feel like I’d been in a prize fight, pounding headache, and the plot twist… loose stool. (We’ll get back to that in a minute.)
Of course, I took a COVID test — negative. But honestly, do those even still work? Asking for a friend.
My “Treatment Plan”
Rested like it was my full-time job
Sipped chicken soup like it was fine dining
Downed more water than a marathon runner
Chased it with coconut water for electrolytes
Slept… a lot
The cough was the real villain here — deep, chest-rattling, and relentless. Mucus set up shop in my lungs like it paid rent, and I was convinced I’d never breathe freely again. But then… Day 9 — gone. Poof. No more chest pain, no more uncontrollable coughing, and I was officially back in the land of the living. I still have the occasional cough that might hang around for another week, but I’m definitely feeling better. Now I’m wondering if oregano pills could help keep my immune system strong. I’ve heard they’re packed with antioxidants and offer immune support, but like most supplements, they can have side effects. So here’s my question: should I start taking oregano pills—and if so, how often?
Oh, and That Robitussin Revelation
Here’s where things got weird. Robitussin, my old cough-fighting buddy, suddenly turned on me. Took some… and boom — diarrhea. Brand new side effect. Never happened before. My body was like, “We’re not doing that anymore.”
So, here’s the moral: listen to your body. Let it fight, support it, and don’t ignore the signs when something’s off — even if that sign is a suspicious relationship with cough syrup.
Because summer colds happen, but so does recovery. And when it’s over, that first deep, clear breath feels better than any August beach day.
That Time a Summer Cold Took Me Out. Yes, in the middle of Rosé season.
One minute I’m living my best life, breezy sundress on, sipping something cold under the Sag Harbor sun. The next? I’m in bed, lights off, hoodie up, wrapped in a blanket like it’s January. Summer cold? Try summer KO’d.
I don’t know where this cold came from, but when I tell you it snatched my edges, I’m not exaggerating. It came in strong and fast, and before I knew it, I was dealing with:
Sneezing that wouldn’t quit
A dry, hacking cough that left my chest in knots
Body aches from head to toe
A stuffed-up nose that made breathing feel like a chore
Sleepless nights (because apparently coughing never clocks out)
And real, scary chest pain
This wasn’t some little sniffle. This cold had me down bad — and honestly, I kept thinking how dangerous this could be for someone with asthma or any type of heart or lung condition. If you’ve got underlying issues, something like this could land you in the ER.
So what did I do? I dragged myself over to Sag Harbor Pharmacy, because sometimes you just need that neighborhood spot where they know your name, actually care, and carry more than just the basics. They had everything I needed — cough drops, elderberry, tea, Tylenol, and even a little compassion. That place is a gem.
And listen — I tried to fight through it at first. Big mistake. Eventually, I had to cancel plans, shut the laptop, and just be sick. I hydrated, I slept (finally), and I let my body do what it needed to do.
Here’s what I learned (so you don’t have to):
Don’t downplay it. A summer cold can feel just as brutal as the flu. If you’re coughing your lungs out, that’s not “just allergies.”
Take your butt to bed. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a requirement.
Support local. Sag Harbor Pharmacy came through for me — quick, easy, and personal.
Listen to your body. If your chest hurts or you feel short of breath, don’t play. Call your doctor.
Give yourself grace. You don’t have to push through everything. Summer colds don’t care about your calendar.
The truth? Being sick in the summer feels unfair. But your health doesn’t follow the seasons — it follows how well you take care of yourself.
Take it from me: Don’t ignore the signs. Don’t skip the pharmacy. Don’t feel bad for resting. You can’t pour from an empty cup, even if it’s full of iced tea and sunshine.
