A Breast Cancer Notebook: My Story in Paper and Glue

Avoid sharp objects

The chemo floods the circulatory system to kill any cancer cells lodged or floating. This poison weakens the immune system and can expose the body to a variety of bacteria and viruses—meaning, if you’re a klutz like me, you have to be extra careful not to cut yourself with knives, lest the wounds get infected. (Years ago, I sliced off the tip of my index finger with an X-ACTO knife, a common accident among every artist I know.)

I also had to be careful around the stove (no burns), the sun (absolutely none), restaurants (no sushi or raw food), and, most tragically, the nail salon (no pedicures). After four months, my feet resembled fresh ginger bulbs.

Next: Eyelash spiders