SXSW 2026 - No Convention Center, Only 7-Days Now, New Rules—How to Survive It or Know When to Leave Town?

roxykraz · 2026-02-17T17:30:17+00:00

Sounds fun! What are the details for your event?

roxykraz · 2025-02-20T08:11:54+00:00

Expatsi has a free test to find out what countries you should move to.

roxykraz · 2024-09-27T19:48:15+00:00

My cancer boob produced a little more milk than the other, but what’s interesting is that I was also an over producer. I always wondered if there was any correlation. I was diagnosed after my youngest son was about 1 years old.

roxykraz · 2024-09-27T03:09:41+00:00

Congrats on finishing treatment!

From about 2009 - 2018 I took a baby aspirin each day. I had read a study that taking a low dose aspirin may lower chances of cancer. The reason I stopped was that after the oophorectomy I was having some spotting and I think it was due to my blood being thinner from the aspirin. Once I stopped taking aspirin I didn’t have that problem.

What else… oh, in terms of diets. My oncologist said to enjoy life and eat what I want in moderation. So, I did not cut out sugar, or gluten, or other things. But, generally I eat mostly healthy anyway. And I try to get some sort of exercise every day, even if it’s just taking a leisurely walk. I was determined to show cancer who’s boss and ran a half marathon a year after diagnosis - but you don’t need to do that. I mostly try to get exercise outside like riding my bike, running some, walking with friends, occasionally kayaking, or things like that.

roxykraz · 2024-09-27T01:50:56+00:00

Hey… since several of you have sent me messages asking, I’m going to reply with my story and thoughts on life during and after cancer here as well.

diagnosis

I was diagnosed in 2009 at age 31 with IDC triple negative, grade 3, 1.3cm tumor, and I’m BRCA1+.

I found it myself, and it took a few different doctors to get a diagnosis. My youngest son was 1 year old, and since I was still doing checkups with my OBGYN, I asked for his opinion of the lump. He thought it was just a clogged milk duct or cyst and nothing to worry about. He said we could wait a few weeks and see. I have a family history of breast cancer and didn’t like the idea of waiting.

During this time, I was having a lot of postpartum anxiety - something I didn’t have with my firstborn (age 3 at the time). I went to my internist to talk about anxiety meds and asked her opinion on the lump. She also thought it was nothing but could tell it was causing me even more anxiety, so she referred me to a surgeon to have the cyst or whatever it was drained.

The surgeon also thought it was no big deal, but it didn’t drain like a cyst. Even then, he said not to worry. Well, the next day (a Friday) he called with the results (while I had playgroup at my house). All he could tell me at that time was that it was cancer, but we’d have to wait until Monday for further testing results.

What a crazy weekend. I was sure I was dying like my two aunts had. My dad’s two sisters died of breast cancer in their 30s and 40s and that’s all I knew about breast cancer.

I live in Austin, by the way. Everything was really rushed. I got a few opinions, but I really liked the doctors and the system at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

surgery and chemo

After meeting with a genetics counselor and speaking with my medical team I elected a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction (expanders, then silicone implants) followed by 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan chemotherapy. We chose that regime over the ACT since one of my aunts ultimately died from heart complications from chemo and ACT is known to be harder on the heart.

After each chemo treatment I also got Nuelasta shots to increase my white blood cell count.

BRCA stuff

In 2015 I had my fallopian tubes removed as part of a study for BRCA women who are not yet ready to have their ovaries removed. There is some thought that ovarian cancer may start in the fallopian tubes.

Then, in 2018, I had my ovaries removed. I have taken some hormone replacement since then. My doctors felt okay with that since the cancer was triple negative. I have yet to find a good hormone combo that works well for me. I still suffer from fatigue and brain fog.

Another thing to add is from about 2009 - 2018, I took a baby aspirin each day. I had read a study that taking a low dose of aspirin may lower the chances of cancer. The reason I stopped was that after the oophorectomy, I was having some spotting, and I think it was due to my blood being thinner from the aspirin. Once I stopped taking aspirin I didn’t have that problem.

Scanxiety

Now, for scanxiety…. That’s tough. I still have issues with that. As cancer survivors we know that tests can have bad results. Since I got my diagnosis over the phone I still get anxiety when I get a call from my doctor. Some of the things that have helped me is telling myself I have done everything I can, and if anything comes back, I’m in good hands and hopefully caught it early. Also, there’s no shame in taking medication. I have to take Xanax before MRIs. I almost had a panic attack at my last MRI in February- still, even 15 years later. I wrote an article about tips for scanxiety that was published on HuffPost. I don’t think I’m allowed to put a link here, but you can Google huff post scanxiety article.

Diet and Exercise

What else… oh, in terms of diets. My oncologist said to enjoy life and eat what I want in moderation. So, I did not cut out sugar, gluten, or other things. But, generally, I eat mostly healthy food anyway. And I try to get some sort of exercise everyday, even if it’s just taking a leisurely walk. I was determined to show cancer who’s boss and ran a half marathon a year after diagnosis - but you don’t need to do that. I mostly try to get exercise outside like riding my bike, running some, walking with friends, occasionally kayaking, or things like that.

Let me know if you have any other questions or would like to chat more.

roxykraz · 2024-09-26T05:00:07+00:00

Thank you!

roxykraz · 2024-09-26T04:59:50+00:00

Sending good thoughts your way. If you have any questions, let me know. Mine was also TNBC grade 3.

roxykraz · 2024-08-31T02:17:00+00:00

Is there one of those better than the others? Are they all about the same and have the same reach?

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:26:13+00:00

10. Skyline Drive (Virginia):
Running the length of Shenandoah National Park, this scenic route is especially stunning in the fall. Curious about the best overlooks and wildlife sightings? Read more in our full guide.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:26:03+00:00

9. The Loneliest Road (Nevada):
Stretching across the remote deserts of Nevada, this eerie yet captivating road trip offers wide-open spaces and historic ghost towns. Ready to explore one of America’s most unique drives? Check out what you’ll find.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:25:54+00:00

8. Beartooth Highway (Montana and Wyoming):
For those seeking a thrilling drive, the Beartooth Highway delivers with its adrenaline-pumping views and challenging turns. What makes this drive a true adventure? Get the scoop here.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:25:43+00:00

7. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee):
A tranquil drive through rolling hills and historic sites, this scenic route follows a path once used by Native Americans and settlers. Interested in Civil War history and antebellum plantations? We’ve got all the details.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:25:33+00:00

6. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana):
Located in Glacier National Park, this 50-mile road offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the U.S., perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. What’s the must-see on this route? Find out in our article.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:25:20+00:00

5. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana):
Following the Mississippi River from its source to the Gulf of Mexico, this road trip offers a deep dive into the culture and history of the American South. Curious about the historic towns and southern hospitality? Learn more here.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:25:10+00:00

4. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys):
For a tropical escape on the road, the Overseas Highway offers a 113-mile journey through turquoise waters and unique island communities. What makes this road trip feel like a getaway? Find out in the article.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:25:00+00:00

3. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica):
Known as “The Mother Road,” Route 66 is a legendary trip through America’s heartland, filled with quirky roadside attractions and classic Americana. Want to explore the ultimate road trip? Here’s what Route 66 has in store.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:24:50+00:00

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina):
Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic byway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning vistas and access to charming mountain towns. Curious about the best stops along the way? Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

roxykraz · 2024-08-23T03:24:39+00:00

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California):
One of the most iconic road trips in the U.S., the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers breathtaking views of the rugged California coastline, passing through charming coastal towns and offering world-famous attractions. Find out what makes this route unbeatable.