After six years in Europe, Susan moved to New Orleans and joined the energy industry, beginning a twenty-three year adventure of working and traveling throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

She married an academic whose flexibility allowed her to aggressively pursue her career, keep the household together and manage two daughters.

The family moved to London with Susan in 1994 and finally back to Houston in 1998. But, in January 2000, Susan’s world fell apart. Her executive position with a giant multi-national was eliminated in a re-organization and a month later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Life had stopped being cooperative. The ability to find humor in any situation is a coping mechanism which Susan has used throughout her life, often shocking friends and colleagues with irreverent comments. This knack of discovering, or creating, wit in seemingly dismal circumstances became a lifeline for Susan during her ordeal with cancer.

The other lifeline for Susan in her struggle with illness was prayer. Like many who have confronted life-threatening events, Susan embarked upon a slow, and often reticent, re-discovery of her spiritual self.

Susan still lives in Houston and is a Senior Director for an energy consultancy. She is currently three years cancer-free, healthy, and once again feisty. She is also enormously thankful that she was forced to re-examine her values.

Olga Puchmajerova, Massachusetts

“When I read Mammograms and Mastectomies, I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. One of my friends brought me a copy of the book hoping it would help as I faced the complexity of the decisions ahead of me. The story and the information it contained showed me how to examine my options and calmed me down enormously. It made me realize that I would navigate my way through this ordeal and gave me excellent questions to ask my doctors.”

Suzanne Lipsky, High School Teacher

“In my view, Mammograms and Mastectomies is a must read. I have been intimately involved for seven straight years with dear friends and family who have faced breast cancer. This book would be an inspiration for those who are diagnosed, those who are recovering and those who are supporting.”

Hilary Ware, Human Resources Executive

“I opened Mammograms and Mastectomies planning to read two chapters before going to bed. But, once I started I couldn’t stop. The story moves at a fast pace, explaining medical terms easily and describing the frustrations of daily life with humor. I think well women should read this book! I immediately went out and scheduled my next mammogram.”

Elaine Rich, Professor of Computer Science