Written by Denae B. Ottmann - Spring 2005
My family is no stranger to breast cancer; I'm the fourth generation to have this disease. Because of my family history, I have been on both sides of breast cancer: the caretaker and now the patient. I struggled as I watched my grandmother, mother, and aunt wrestle with the surgery and the devastating side effects from chemotherapy. I remember not being able to find the right words to comfort them and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness.

At the age of 32, I received my own diagnosis of breast cancer and suddenly I understood on a much deeper level what my family members had gone through. They wanted the same things I wanted through my cancer experience: some semblance of normalcy, support from friends and loved ones, and the one special gift of laughter.

I developed the concept for Chemo Count Cards with one specific goal in mind: to make your friend or loved one smile during the difficult journey of chemotherapy. Chemo Count Cards provide a simple, encouraging message to let your friend or loved one know that you are thinking about them, not only after surgery, but throughout their chemo treatments. Several cards also include a fill-in space where you can count the number of remaining treatments—hence the name—Chemo Count Cards.

These greeting cards are a great way to show your support for your friend or loved one during chemotherapy. I know from experience these cards will make her smile.

** Denae was a registered dietitian and health educator. She worked as a contractor for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and lived in a suburb outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and her infant daughter, Bailey Grace.