Back in 2006, without any idea of creating a journal, I sketched the first drawing. It was on my annual mammography appointment letter — a quick doodle created as I spoke to a nurse to reschedule the exam.

In the face of a breast cancer diagnosis and months of treatment, sketching became a way to express humor when I was too tired to laugh. It helped me work through the fear that emerged from my darkest moments. And it gave me an opportunity to show my gratitude for all those who wrapped me in layers of love.

In publishing this journal, I am sharing very intimate decisions I made for my body. I made some choices that I soon regretted and eventually rectified. While on chemo, I went to a dismal place that I could never have imagined I could go — and returned.