On that crisp October morning, as I stood on the deck of my home, gazing out at the serene lake, I heard a voice within me that would forever change my life. The words were simple yet profound, “Your results are positive, but don’t worry.

” At that moment, I knew that the breast biopsy I had recently undergone would confirm what I already suspected - that I was embarking on my own journey of grief and healing. My life has been shaped by experiences of grief and loss, including the loss of my brother during high school, my mother shortly after college, and my father in my early 30s.

As a former pastor and hospital chaplain, I had also helped countless others navigate this path, but now it was my turn to face it head-on. In Bye, Bye, Boobies, I share the story of my breast cancer journey— from mourning and grief to joy and celebration.

This memoir offers a gift and guide to others whose lives are being invaded by breast cancer. It’s also a resource for those who will have to make a decision to say goodbye to parts of a body that have served them well.

From throwing my own “Bye-Bye Boobies” party to discovering other creative and empowering ways to navigate cancer and grief, I hope this book provides useful tools, much-needed humor, and soulful guidance to help you on your own journey. .