Suri Suicide was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2007. From describing diagnoses to treatments, her online journals have detailed her journey with remarkable candor. These brief snippets into her life have been inspirational to me, as well as to a large section of the SG community, who has showed support by sending this brave and buxom lady care-packages, cheerful messages, and love.

I caught up with Suri recently for SG Community Diary.

Anarchie: How are you feeling today?

Suri: Honestly? I am a little nervous, my last round of chemo has been delayed, and the idea of not knowing what's going on puts me on edge. But I had a fabulous day, and I am eating and even had a glass of wine. Also, I have never been interviewed for anything and am excited that my first interviewer is also my favorite SG.

Anarchie: How have the last few months been for you?

Suri: Overwhelming is the best word, just so big that I couldn't possibly comprehend. I have learned a lot about myself, mostly about how scared I am of not being in control, and how important it is for me to be honest with myself and the people in my life. Before I was diagnosed I was having a hard time telling people in my life when I was upset or hurt, I felt like I needed to be able to take care of myself. Now I am relieved to know that I need people, and that that's okay.

Anarchie: When were you first diagnosed with breast cancer? How was it spotted?

Suri: I felt a lump, about the size of a marble. But I didn't freak out, I thought that it was just some weird tissue or something, but I went to the doctor, just to get a PAP, and mentioned the weird lump. My doctor checked, one thing and then another and 4 days later I was a medical anomaly. I had not one but two lumps, and not just cancer, but two different kinds of cancer! In the same breast!

Anarchie: What was the reaction from your family?

Suri: It's funny, at first they were so upset that they almost took it out on me, they even acted a little angry and they are still shocked and awkward. And I understand, I mean, what do you say to the girl with cancer? Right? I mean "Hey sis how ‘bout them tumors!" isn't exactly appropriate

Anarchie: Has your age affected your treatment at all? What treatment have you had?

Suri: My age has actually been a blessing, (in a fucked up kind of way) because I am much younger than the average breast cancer patient, doctors who I could never afford to see have taken an interest in my case, and have treated me for next to nothing in exchange for long boring interviews about my diet and exercise level, and what radiation I may have been exposed to etc.

Since I am younger than most breast cancer patients, my body is tougher, and I can take more treatments with a shorter recovery time. As far as treatments go, I have had a ton of chemo for my two separate lumps, a lumpectomy, radiation, a ton of therapy (art, group, and one on one) and a bit of self medication (weed, Doctor Who, wine, cake, pop punk, a good cry).

Anarchie: In you journal from 18th October you said you interviewed some cancer doctors. What did you find out?

Suri: To tell you the truth the interview was mostly about bedside manner, I wanted a doctor who was supportive and bright and who had a sense of humor, I hate the idea of being stuck in a relationship with a doctor who just sees me as a pay check, or worse, just a full bed.

Anarchie: What have you been up to since your diagnoses?

Suri: I got engaged, got married, got a kitty, moved to a big city, read a ton of books, did a burlesque show, shot 2 sets for SG, learned to pee standing up, met Ice-T, converted to Judaism, etc.

Anarchie: How was the wedding?

Suri: Fucking fabulous! Vegas is so weird and special, and we were married by a stripper with an ankh tattoo, and we both cried.

Anarchie: What role has the SG community played in your recovery?

Suri: A huge role, in so many ways. Right before I was diagnosed I moved across the country from my family, and my home, SG has been the ultimate friend. Up with me all night, making me laugh.

My journal here has been an incredible outlet, and the members and SGs, many who I have never met, have been generous with their advice, their prayers, humor and their sympathy and love. I was so touched by the response to me posting about my diagnosis, everyone on the site have gone above and beyond what I could have imagined they would.

I swear SG is not paying me! I am just super pleased by the site.

Anarchie: What are your plans for the future?

Suri: Cake, Bacon, Beer, Avocados, and maybe a trip to see you in England? Or Fatality on her island.

Anarchie: Is there anything you have learned from your experiences that you would like to pass on to others?

Suri: This is gonna be corny but the world is an amazing place, and people are glowingly gentle, kind, and loving. Even the ones I want to kick in the face. It's shocking who comes out of the woodwork when you need help or love or hope or a funny story, and I hope I remember what cheesy, silly faith I have in the world right now even when I am better and back to being cynical and snarky.

Having read this article, please thank Suri for her involvement and give her a little encouragement, too. She is a wonderful, wonderful lady that this community is so lucky to have.

Also, if any of you are interested, there is a Breast Cancer group right here on SG.

SG Community Diary is a newswire feature intended to highlight some of the wonderful, interesting, and amazing stories of this website’s models and members.

Please contact Anarchie or Fatality with any other potential stories!