Author Judy Blume: Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Surgery

Author Judy Blume

Judy Blume Blogs About Battle with Breast Cancer

Author Judy Blume is battling breast cancer.

Blume took to her blog to update fans on her health, sharing the news of her diagnosis, explaining her treatment and assuring her recovery.

Blume was one of my heroes as a kid (still is!), as I grew up on her books and devoured every story, from Fudge to Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, to Tiger Eyes.

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Blume writes in her blog post today, titled "!@#$% Happens," that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and is currently recovering from a mastectomy.

She had hoped to finish her latest novel in Italy, but explained, "The biopsy report came back a few days later while I was with my GYN in her office (a long standing appointment)."

She shares, "It was good that I wasn't alone and that she, who has been my doctor for seventeen years, could explain it to me."

She added, "Very early. Very small. Well differentiated. All good news. But it was invasive ductal carcinoma."

Of her diagnosis, she writes: "There's no breast cancer in my family (recent extensive genetic testing shows no genetic connection). I haven't eaten red meat in more than 30 years. I've never smoked, I exercise every day, forget alcohol -- it's bad for my reflux -- I've been the same weight my whole adult life."

She asks, "How is this possible? Well, guess what -- it's possible."

The author opted for surgery -- mastectomy and reconstruction.

Blume appeared at a screening for Tiger Eyes in San Francisco in July, explaining, "Note to disappointed fans in San Francisco. I'm sorry I couldn't stay after the screening to sign your books. Now you know why. I wasn't supposed to be in crowds. Could not take the chance of catching a bug before surgery."

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She also gave this update about her recovery in New York with her husband George by her side: "Now it's one month post surgery -- I'm still in NY and feeling stronger every day, walking a couple of miles in the park each morning and going out to early dinners with George. Have seen movies and a couple of plays, as you know if you follow me on Twitter."

You can read Blume's full blog post for all the details.