Brian Borowski

Dear Judy,

I wrote to you on this site when I was 17 and was thrilled to hear back from you. I just re-read your response to me now (of course I have it saved!) I was just bragging not too long ago that I got an email from you when your name came up in conversation, HaHa! I am 30 now and am very saddened to hear of your recent diagnosis with breast cancer. I myself was diagnosed May 2011 with pancreatic cancer, underwent surgery and have been receiving chemotherapy since. "$#!T Happens" is right! I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing", "Superfudge", and "Fudge-A-Mania" will always be the most memorable books of my childhood. I never laughed harder at any other books than those three and re-read them each over the years (unfortunately I lost them when our house flooded or I'd still have them). I plan to buy them again soon to re-read and "Double Fudge" which I'm just finding out about now, cool! You're a wonderful person who has brought so much joy & laughter into the hearts of countless children & adults. Again, my thoughts will be with you daily. A close friend of my mother's who was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago who underwent the same surgery (+ treatments) is now doing great and cancer free. I'm sure you will be too!

With Love & A BIG HUG,
Brian

Christy

Judy, I recently learned of one of our amazing leaders with Mary Kay has been living with Breast Cancerband she has amazing powerful support for you. Renatarbet.com I pray this information will be so supportive for you! Prayer: Lord, I pray for healing and abundant blessings for Judy! Grant her peace, comfort, and warmth that only you can do! Father, you're a God of Miracles! Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! Amen.

Jami

Dear Judy, YOU got me to LOVE Books at a young age when I wouldn't read anything! Reading your books helped me write from my heart & my feelings w/out fear. I'm 44 & a 2 YEAR Breast Cancer SURVIVOR!! WELCOME TO THE SURVIVOR CLUB! YOU are a SURVIVOR too!! I will be praying for you and sending YOU Healing, Love & Support during your journey. I also wanted to share my caring bridge blog that I wrote about ALL my treatments, & what helped me get through traditional & alternative treatments. www.caringbridge.org/visit/jamiwilliams YOU are NOT alone in this & KNOW we are ALL supporting you! Thank YOU so MUCH for the many gifts you've given me through your writting! Love & Healing to YOU!!!

David

Donna

Hi Judy, You have a very special "gift" for writing. My daughters & I started out reading your books back in the early '80's with,"Are you there God? It's me, Margaret." Wow! Such a naturl flow with words and such honesty. We just love you so-o-o much and know you're a fighter and will definitely make a full recovery with your bout with cancer. We will continue praying for you...God is great! Jesus is great! You will be healed completely. Keep great faith and keep a great sense of humor and pet a cat or talk to a dog; it's proven to make the healing quicker!
Much Love & many prayers to you, Donna & family

Beth

Dear Judy,

I was stunned when I heard the news today, but even more so after reading your blog post, "Very early. Very small. Well differentiated." That was EXACTLY my diagnosis three years ago, and like you, I was spared chemotherapy. I opted for a bilateral with reconstruction. I was happy to read that you are already resuming activities post-op -- I resumed my workouts as soon as I had permission and found the more I was able to do, the better and more empowered I felt.

Most of all, the way you wrote about your experience completely resonated with me and was similar to the manner in which I dealt with things. A scary inconvenience. And extremely grateful that it wasn't worse than it could have been. Perhaps there is a book in here somewhere.

You have always been one of my favorite authors and never thought we would share something so personal. Indeed, it is the club none of us wanted to join.

If it's not an imposition, I do have a question I'd like to ask you about a reference in your blog. I have a hunch that we may share the same radiologist. THAT would truly be a small world.

Best of luck in your continued recovery and thank you for being such a wonderful narrative of my literary life. You are truly an icon. XO

Ali

Just read about your recent diagnosis. I am sorry to hear about, but so glad to hear you are taking such great care of yourself. I have two daughters who have enjoyed all the books I love so much. Sometimes I feel embarrassed when I am asked what I read growing up...I ONLY read Judy Blume books...over and over and over. I never read anything else until I was an adult. Thank you for teaching me about life. -Ali

Jason

Just wanted to say thanks, you inspired me to read many, many years ago. You are a true inspiration. I wish you nothing but complete peace!!!!

Yvonne

What an honor it is to be able to personally write you!!! I grew up reading your books...you were like a big sister, and you seemed to know everything about growing up! It's been neat to watch things come full circle, to see my daughter now enjoying your same books that I enjoyed growing up! I am so sorry to hear about your cancer. I hope you are feeling well and recovering, and I hope your book is going well. It's wonderful to hear you have had a good support system...it's so important. Thank you for all you have given us, your readers--you've been like a dear friend.

Nadine

Dear Judy,

I just read your blog post and admire you even more for coming forward with a story that I know is really hard to tell. I just finished the worst year of my life after a breast cancer diagnosis. DCIS, with a one inch tumor, and as it turns out, a 2.5mm micro tumor in a node. I did the double mastectomy route with immediate reconstruction, which for me meant tissue expanders that would require a second surgery. Fours rounds of chemo and 28 radiation treatments later, I'm happy to say that the nightmare is behind me. It was the longest year of my life.

I am so glad that you didn't have to do the treatments. I never felt like I had a choice and now I get to wonder what special surprises are in store for me from the very stuff designed to "cure" me.

"Margaret" is still one of my favourite books and every time I went for a fill in the expanders, I'd say those magic words... "we must, we must, we must..." lol

I'm guessing my plastic surgeon has heard that line a bazillion times before. =)

Stay well, and thanks for sharing!

=D

Anthony

I heard about your bad news and I thought I would send some well wishes your way.

You made reading fun for a kid who hated reading. Sometimes I chuckle at how much I liked your books as a child. Thank you and please take care.

Amy

Hi Judy.
I've read several of your books and enjoyed, as well as learned from them.

My Mom has had breast cancern 3 times and, at 73, is still going strong. She says she got mine and my sister's shares. God love her, I sure hope it's true.

Good luck in your courageous fight. Family is everything when it comes to something like this. Take care and thank you for 3 amazing books that are still my favorites today.
Take care.
Amy

Francesca

Dear Judy,
I went through breast cancer, chemo and radiation this year too. I can't tell you what a surprise it was for me. I beleived since my sister had it and died from it fifteen years ago, I would be the one to be spared. Ha Ha. Life had different plans for me.
Well its been a months since my last radiation treatment and almost three months since my last chemo, and my hair is finally growing back (and even on my legs unfortionately) and while I know I'm not out of the woods yets, and I'm still recovering, I know that it has not beat me and I praying for you. We are now members of a very exclusive club and are sisters in arms.
All the best to you.

Theresa

I wanted to let you know I did the exercises from "Are you there God, It's me Margaret" for 4 years praying breats to grow. "We must, we must, we must increase our busts." Weird now that we have them we have to deal with breat cancer. I wish you well in your recovery and I love you for bringing your great stories alive for the young people-and us not so young anymore. You are in my prayers.

Lisa Quatrini Simkins

I have read all of your books and I just adore you! I will send loving blessing for you to recover quickly and easily. I am sorry for any suffering you must endure! I will pray fervently for you!
Love Lisa

Lorena

I read so many of your books and loved each and every one when I was growing up. My favorite was 'Are you there God? It's me Margaret.' It was so awesome to read a book that I could relate to at such a young age. You totally understand the young mind. Thank you for being you!!

mary

Wow! You have been my hero since 1977 when I was in college taking a kiddy lit. course and I discovered your books. It was a summer class and I golfed in the morning ( the only 4.0 I got)and then went to my class which was laying on my couch and reading your books.
I retired from teaching 2nd grade 5 yrs. ago. In all of my 29 yrs. of teaching, I recommended your books to my children, my students and my co-workers every year, all the time. The kid books and the adult ones. I've read them all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!
Your books have really made my life a better place.
Mary West

Regina D.

Blubber and Are You There God Its Me Margaret were the books that helped me transition into a young lady who saw the world differently. You are in my prayers and I admire you for bravery in sharing this information with the world. Godspeed to you Ms. Blume!

Sarah R.

Dear Judy,

I am so sorry to hear about your illness. I hope you feel all the love coming from your fans. I wrote you when I was in college, as I was doing a project on your books, and you responded--still my claim to fame! I know we are all sending you positive vibes and lots of love. I can't believe you are in your 70s! You look amazing and your spirit is an inspiration.

All the best,
Sarah R.

Alicia

Ms. Blume,
I am a Latina mother of two young men and I am reader. I read everything that I see. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you get better. You are one of my favorite authors. I love your books and I remember before computers there was the beautiful library to visit. I loves your books, I enjoyed reading them, you talked to me. You told me it was okay to be awkward and strange in society. When I cried about how much I hated being this confused young girl, I remember that books let me know it was okay. Your books inspired me to remember that being a young girl is a transition. As a woman today, your books are still great to see in libraries. I love books and am glad to have read your books. Take care, you are in many little girls minds that grew up to be better people because of you. Thank you for caring. You are a great writer and a continued inspiration..Best to you and your family. Chicago little girls and everywhere, will continue to be in great hands with you!!!!

Coral aka Ladybug

I just wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful books you have blessed us with. I think my very favorite had to be "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret." At the time I read it, it was just what I needed and when I needed it. I've read it a few times since.
I wanted to let you know, you're in my prayers. I pray that you will beat the cancer!
Many blessings to a great woman who has blessed many.
Coral

Michelle

Your books were a wonderful part of my formative years. I wanted to thank you for that & to wish you well in your healing process. May you be well and may you find peace during this difficult time.

Gayle

I've just learned of your cancer. I felt so relieved when I realized that you're already on the road to recovery.
I love your books and made sure my three girls read them. Now it's my granddaughter's turn.
I wish you a total recovery and continued strength.

Mel the librarian

I have just read your blog post and am sorry you've had such a rough summer. My mother had the exact same diagnosis (ductile cancer)and had the mastectomy. No chemo or radiation. She has been cancer free for 12 years now. The oncologist told her that if you have to get breast cancer, this is the kind to get. My fingers are crossed that you have as positive an outcome.

Phoenix

Do u do any book signing and may I know of the destination aka 411.

Phoenix

Hey I have always been a reader of yours since a kid. Loved the letter u wrote back to me once. Wished I would of kept it and framed it. Things happen 4 a reason. So I guess I just appreciate u writing back. Thank you. In my adult years I tried to read Wifey and the other back found on the reverse side, but by then I was a confused, emotional damaged women. Was sorry to hear u had a divorce, if that was a case. Couldn't remember if it was fiction or not. But as I see u have4 a victory coming w/breast cancer. Mom is also facing that. Hope u all pull thru, more than anything. Thanks for keeping me bz over the summers and don't give up on writing. U are marvelous. Happy holidays this year and pleasant happy thought. God bless.

Char

Hi Judy!

I just read about your summer and wanted to extend my blessings to you. You're an American icon and I'm so proud to say that I grew up on your books and still read them to this day (as does my daughter). Thank you so much for your many years of exceptional stories.

By going public, you're doing an amazing thing. Not only are you teaching others to be tested, you're also teaching them that they're not alone. Cancer can happen to anyone, young or old, rich or poor, famous or not. I'm a cancer survivor myself, not breast cancer, Stage 4 Hodgkin's Disease, (diagnosed in 1985) but we're all in this together, and a survivor is a survivor. As scary as it is, an amazing support system of friends, family, and other survivors, can make a huge difference in a patient's treatment/recovery. Our club of survivors is growing bigger every day, thanks to early detection and amazing doctors, and I'm so happy to read that you're working toward a complete recovery.

Many blessings to you and your family, and for more wonderful books!!

Best wishes,
Char Mercer

P.S. Your fans and well-wishers definitely understand that you don't have the time to respond to us all. We're here to offer our support and to remind you that you are respected and loved. Read our messages, smile, maybe wipe away a tear, then get back to writing because that's how you show us that you respect and love us back. :o)

Lanie (rhymes with Janie)

You're added to my prayer list, Judy.
At age 65 March 2011 I was diagnosed with
DCIS. After my first ever surgery I'd twenty radiation sessions slightly stronger than younger women would get for 33 sessions. On my last day I started five years of daily Anastrozole. No chemo was indicated due to three negative lymph nodes removed at surgery.
It's fine that I won't hear from you. I just wanted to share my encouraging story---something from an older cancer survivor.
It's funny that the first side-effect of Anastrozle listed is "anxiety". I maintain anxiety is due to the diagnosis!
Keep in mind positive things like the World War II British slogan, "Keep calm and carry on" and the parody to the tune "SSho't'nin' Bread: "I'm so glad that every little cell in my body is happy and well." Another affirmation: "I'm healthy and strong."

Nadine

On July 17, I had a double mastectomy...two months to the day I had my annual mammogram, which for the first time showed abnormalitIES. The biopsy, after the ultrasound and MRI, confirmed "infiltrating lobular cancer"---something that not one of the several doctors I saw during the time leading up to the surgery ever was able to feel. Because of the invasive type of cancer, I decided to have them both removed and that way not only would I not have to worry about the other breast, but this way the reconstruction was started immediately and they will both be the same size...and perky!My plastic surgeon says I will never have to wear a bra again!!!! Although I had always wanted breast reduction surgery, this wasn't the way I planned on having it done. By the way, I retired in early April as a Children's Librarian and was diagnosed six weeks later, after anticipating my first summer off in years. But I did announce it on my Facebook page about a week after receiving the diagnosis explaining that I was now part of the statistic of 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer, and was overwhelmed by the support I received. I start the first of 4 sessions of chemo on Sept 17...I remind people that Cancer is a word, not a sentence....and the breast is yet to come!!!! And now thanks to you, I find that I am a part of the Sisterhood ;-) Wishing you only the best, Nadine

Jacqueline

Dear Judy,
My thoughts are with you as you continue on your journey. You are obviously a very strong woman who can stand up to challenge.
I am hopeful of putting a smile on your face. My son just entered 4th grade and so this past summer we enjoyed reading one of my fondest childhood books, Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing. My son has a passion for nonfiction and historically no interest in fiction. That all changed when my son, Jason, was introduced to Fudge. We just finished Superfudge and I am so grateful to you for this newfound love of fiction in Jason. Before Jason had a chance to close the book once finishing chapter twelve of Superfudge, he was placing his order with me for the next "Fudge" book. I want my son to read what he enjoys. That said, due to your writing talents, Jason has had a whole new world of reading enjoyment opened up to him, with the added bonus of binding with mom over Peter and Fudge.
Not surprisingly, his teacher read Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing with his class and Jason and I will be making fudge with a side of tootsie rolls for class this Friday. We will throw in a little Superfudge trivia to explain the tootsies.
Your career has been such a gift to generations of children.
All the best to you.
Warmly,
Jacqueline

MAX

DEAR JUDY BLUME. MY NAME IS MAX. I LIVE IN TEXAS,I NEVER MET YOU. I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR FUDGE BOOKS, MY GRAMMA does TOO. we found out you had cancer on the news. we hope your o.k.. we will keep you in our prayers.

April

I was saddened to hear about your breast cancer news. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.I hope that there is a book out there for you that inspires you during this time in your life as much as your book "Are you there God, It's me, Margaret". It helped me through a time in my life where there was no one to talk to as you go through that important part of your life.

Stephanie

Dear Judy,

I grew up reading your books. They taught lessons, they were companions... You, through your books, are like a far-away beloved aunt (or something similar, in a non-creepy way, of course) who always had time the minute I picked up your books. People take others for granted. I just wanted to take a moment and say "thank you" for... Just, thank you. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and truly wishing only the best for you, as well as the speediest recovery!


Most sincerely,

Stephanie

CC

Judy: I read about your breast cancer diagnosis on the Wall Street Journal and had to write to wish you good luck and Godspeed! You are hands down my favorite childhood author-- I grew up reading your books over and over in the 1980s (I am 35 now) and can still recall the smallest details from them with ease, as they were such a big part of my life; I am already looking forward to the day when I can introduce my kindergartener to your groundbreaking and fundamentally important canon.
All the best for your return to health.

annie

Dear Judy, Thank you so much for your blog posting on Sept 5th about breast cancer. I grew up reading your books, and you have done it again, making me feel like I belong to a world which is rich with words and heartfelt observations. My story is strikingly similar to yours except that I 42 yrs old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer one year ago and I had the reconstruction done on both sides. No, I still haven't made it on my trip to Italy, but will go as soon as I can. Just when I was beginning to have doubts about recovery and not super-sizing, you have given me a lot of hope and validation of feelings. You are a true inspiration to me.
Sincerely,
Annie

Elizabeth

I have recently introduced my 9-year old daughter to your books and have really enjoyed going back through them myself! My best friend and I will be doing the 40-mile Avon Breast Cancer walk in NYC in October and I would love to add your name to the list of women I am honored to walk for!

Tracy

Dear Ms. Blume, I just read about your battle with breast cancer. I am very sorry to hear about this. What I wanted to let you know that your books were a very big part of my growing up years and to this day I will buy your books for children of friends of mine. "Are you there God it's me Margret?" was such a wonderful book that touched on how we all fell when that time comes to us. You are wonderful and I wish you all the best as you battle cancer. I just wanted to let you know how important you and your books are to young girls all over. All the best.

Cheryl

Ms. Blume --

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. As many who will write to you, I too am in the "breast cancer club," having been diagnosed as Stage 3 and going through the full battery of treatments. I am now two years out and knock wood healthy. I have a comment and two tips you may find helpful.

Comment -- I presume unlike your character Deenie you did not have scoliosis. I did, and there is a very, very high correlation to breast cancer. The thinking being that the x-rays given in the 60s, 70s are the causal link.

Tips -- If you have to go through chemo, popsicles are a life saver (one of the few things that doesn't taste metallic.

www.breastcancer.org community boards cover every topic for every step along the way. Very helpful.

Thank you for your works and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Nikki

Hi Judy,

I wanted to send my love and warm wishes for a continued speedy recovery. Your books changed my life and I admire you so much. Your candor, honesty, and optimism are going to help so many women (and men) going through the same situation. Thank you for being you

Sharon

Hi Judy - Saw your post today. I really wish you a speedy recovery and that you are well soon. So many of us love you & your books. All the best, Sharon

Giovonnia Vaughan

Dear Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about your illness. Fight on! I read your books when I was in Jr. High School. I would hide them from my mom. Turns out she knew all along that I was reading them! My favorite is, Are you there God, it's me Margert. Feel better Judy. Hugs and kisses.

Nancy

Hi Judy,
I just want to encourage you to keep your chin up. I went through the mastectomy, chemo, radiation and reconstructive surgery 7 years ago. It does get easier! When I read about your cancer just now, it really struck me, not because I'm a survivor, but I happen to be right in the middle of reading Summer Sisters. Your work inspires me to write and I thank you for that!

Amy

Prayers and good thoughts coming your way! My cousin just finished her last round of chemo after having a full mastectomy. She is doing great and I'm sure you will, too!

And thank you for all of your amazing books. I read many of them when I was much younger and they stuck with me. I have two boys and they have enjoyed the Fudge series. I guess I won't be giving them my copy of Are You There God, It's Me Margaret, but I am so glad I can share stories with them that I loved when I was their age!!

Blessings.

Jane Swift

Judy: So sorry to hear about your heatlh challenge. The books you sent to me for my girls when they were born while I was Governor were one of my most cherished gifts. In fact, at ages 13, 11 and 11 we are just now really enjoying them as a family (although it is breathtaking that I have daughters reading "Are you there God ....". I am glad you are following doctors orders and my family and I will pray for a full and speedy recovery. Enjoy those afternoon naps! Best wishes, Jane Swift

DEBORAH

Hello Judy,
You don't know me nor do I know you. i was just on the internet and saw your name. I decided to look it up and see who you are. I am a brest cancer survior of 6 years and I too had one of my breast removed. So let us just say I have experience what you have gone through. Every thing is is okay! God loves you as he loves me and he will see you through it all. it is good to have friends and family who support you. But really God was with me all the time comforting me. I would enjoy hearding from you when you can. A new sister in christ that beat this thing called cancer.

Judy T.

Judy,
I have read so many of your books as a teacher and school librarian and love every one of them. I am thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts concerning your recent diagnosis.

You are a terrific author.
Another Judy

Debbie

Dear Judy, I was so sad to hear of your breast CA but so glad to hear you are on your way to recovery. Thanks for writing all those great books. What a blessing it must be to know you have made so many people so happy. Hope you are back to your old self very soon!!

Jenn

I grew up with your books and I adore every word you have ever written! As a breast cancer survivor myself-maybe my words can help you. My book just came out in May "Does This Outfit Make Me Look Bald?" It may give you a few laughs-and lots of hope as you make your breast cancer journey. You can learn more at www.thefashionistafights.com

stacey

Judy,

Growing up reading your books was the highlight of my teenage years. I met you and you signed "Forever" for me. I still have it in my book collection! What an inspiration you are to so many teenage girls and women! I saw you on the news and want you to know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! You are loved by many! Be well!!!

Kim

I want you to my thoughts are with you and your family in your trouble times. I have always felt you and all of the charcters in your books have been the best friends that I have just not gotten the chance to meet in person. Your book forever taught me to understand what becoming a women means and your book summer sisters taught me how we all must learn that we need to grow up and find our place in life Again think postive thoughts and stay well