www.stephmastini/forgotten ones /

I have been trying to understand the dynamics of a dysfunctional family..especially when there is someone in need of love and compassion... Yes, it's a cliche that you can pick your friends but not your family..but it's a knife that cuts deep..I personally encountered that over the Holidays with much sadness. What a shame and down right piss ant way to go in love and light..what hypocrisy! To claim that you art so holy and giving at the Holiday "love" fest at home... as they give thanks are they thinking about anything but the perfectly arranged food plate...? Ever watch "Home for the Holidays"?..now that was "dysfunction", but at the end of the movie you know that they would all be communicating again..not just to say "pass the eggnog" laced with healthy doses of libations... why don't we give a bit more to the ones that we call "family". Hand me a plate of gourmet contrived Holiday food and I will barf. If I hear of anothe

we all know it's breast cancer month...but did you know that they are now conducting a study that will involve one million woman that have sisters who have (had) breast cancer... we are trying to eradicate this horrible disease. Let's start by rallying together and holding hands in this fight. I am hoping to get involved in this study if my sister is willing to participate..I can't do it alone. My Halloween birthday wish is to touch my sister not just for me, but for all the woman that have endured this disease. Cancer is a disease but it can also be a magical time to reach out to families that have not been close in the past... So, here's a plea to my sister. Reach out and get in contact with me, I have had breast cancer twice, a mastectomy and reconstruction. Let's not let this happen to anyone else in our family, including my lovely daughter... steph x

Back to New York of course. I want to start off by thanking many of the people that have helped me along my journey. I have received loving wishes from all facets of the communities, through this entangled web. My move back to New York has been sprinkled with obstacles and emotional times..frustrations, smiles and memories to be relived and renewed friendships... Now I am here to say that the rewards of the love and caring thoughts sent my way have been inspiring. I needed to get off my pitty pot and start living again... I am here to tell you that it isn't an easy thing when you have left and come back to a different world, but still...my home. I was faced with having to change my life to a degree and hardest of all, accept help. (something I have not been known to excel at in the past). I realize that the most important part of healing is listening to your body. Slow down and listen, it's totally acceptable to say "no,I can't today" and rest. I have also

Sunday, March 30, 2008 Stephanie Mastini: 'My two battles with cancer' Kevin Spacey's former sister-in-law Stephanie Mastini has suffered two bouts of breast cancer in less than two years. Here she gives a graphic account of dealing with her illnesses - and offers advice to women everywhere. Steph! So glad you're on the mend. Tell us the history of your cancer problems leading up to the recent serious health episode. It all began on a relaxing sun kissed day. I was enjoying the sun and applying protection lotion when I suddenly felt a small pea-sized lump in my right breast. I knew immediately what it was. It didn’t move like the other cysts I had felt before. I have always had an uncanny way of knowing my body. I waited a few weeks to gather my thoughts and get prepared. I should have acted immediately. Act quickly. After a few weeks, I asked my internist to feel the lump. She didn’t think I had anything to worry about but had been my doctor for years

FLIGHT by steph I have a wonderful friend. He wrote this song for me.... I was so touched that I wanted to share the lyrics....he is an incredible musician and song writer...I wanted to thank him publicly for his love, and his constant encouragement...I will be having my surgery on Monday...In the meantime...Frank Barrese will be in the recording studio putting the last touches on his tribute..Thank you my wonderful confidante...with love, steph WHEN STEPHANIE SMILES There's nothing so sweet as when Stephanie smiles The sun shines much brighter, there's blue skies for miles The breezes feel blessed, just to blow through her hair And I am in heaven whenever she's near There's nothing so sad as when Stephanie's gone The birds in the trees sing a sad, lonesome song And I start to hunger for her gentle touch But I can't let on that I miss her so much So I suffer in silence and wait patiently Until Stephanie smiles at me Stephanie lives in a wo

    A long due update... I needed to absorb this new diagnosis.. it's true..I have been diagnosed with breast cancer again, and now I need to have a bilateral mastectomy..... I hope that I can chronicle this journey and come out on top...help others by telling my story... I firmly believe that this is a new chapter ...a difficult one at best, but I hope that all the support I have shown to my "Forgotten Ones" will come back to me...I believe there is a reason for everything in life...but still, it SUCKS..to be blunt...having a support team is so important, and that is what I have been working on the last few weeks..it has been exahusting; sometimes cancer society will get a call from me at 2 AM they have a 24 hour hot line called YME?(I will share the number in my next blog)... I have cried a river, and now I am at the angry stage but getting to the acceptance part...I will be having reconstruction immediately, so I will have those 18 year old breasts in one year..!nev

GOOD KARMA 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. 3. Follow the three R’s:   Respect for self,   Respect for others and   Responsibility for all your actions. 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. 6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship. 7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 8. Spend some time alone every day. 9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time. 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past. 14. Share your kno