Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy (2006) Movie Script
[music playing]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: My
name is Geralyn Lucas.
I came to New York with a plan.
I always had a plan.
I made lists--
well, not wishlists.
Wishlists depend
on hope and luck
and for stars in the night sky.
I made a list of all
the things I wanted,
and then I worked
hard until I got them.
Get married, have a career,raise children, give
back to society,
all while having
the guts to wear red lipstick.
I love red lipstick
because it's a choice.
Wearing it shows
confidence, demands
that the world pay attention,and dares you to live up to it.
But I wasn't that daring yet.
A few years ago, my list
was almost complete.
I married Tyler Lucas,
a handsome doctor
who could easily
pass for Tom Cruise,
if Tom were taller, more highlyeducated, and much less weird.
I was a story editor for"2020," the top TV news magazine
show with Barbara Walters.
So, the husband and jobthings were under control,
and children were on
the immediate horizon.
I swear to God,
in the dictionary,
under having it all
was a picture of me.
Well, me if I weresmarter, taller, and more
self-confident, and had a dog.
Evening, Ms. Lucas.
Evening, Joe.
Taxi!
Taxi!
[whistles]
Taxi!
46th and 8th please.
TAXI DRIVER: Sure.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I wasn'treally a red lipstick girl.
I was really more
of a gloss girl.
Gloss is safe.
I felt like the women whowore red lipstick were
more deserving than me,
more powerful than me.
But they aren't facing thelife and death decision I am.
I need to go to a
place that will give me
clarity and insight, a
place that represents
everything I have to lose.
You work here?
No.
Well, maybe-- Well, I
could if I wanted to.
Why do you ask?
TAXI DRIVER: No reason.
Thank you.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:Breasts, boobs, tits, jugs.
Men have fought
and died for them.
Yes, died for them,
just so that they
can bury their heads in them.
What men don't know
is that they're hard
wired to make
idiots of themselves
over them, because breasts area symbol of a woman's fertility.
So they sneak peeks at them,look at pictures of them,
talk about them, grab and touchthem, and pay to see them.
This place was a potpourriof breasts on parade--
big ones, bigger ones,
and Baywatch fake ones,
a crash course
like a CliffsNotes
on why boobs matter so much.
Get you something to drink?
Isn't it weird how
women have the power
to hypnotize men into
this, like, trance
just by taking off their tops?
Yeah, it's weird.
I'll have a beer.
Just a beer, in the bottle.
No glass, please.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I'dcome here to decide whether
or not to have a mastectomy,to have my breasts cut off.
This decision could
very well save my life,
so why was it so hard to make?
Tell me you're going tocut off some of my thigh,
I can live with that.
But don't tell me I've
got to lose a breast.
But what did it mean, really?
I mean, losing my breastwouldn't mean losing my husband
or my job or my friends.
Or maybe that's exactly
what it will mean,
and I'll lose everything.
Am I willing to lose
the power these women
have in order to save my life?
10 days ago, I had what
felt like other very
important decisions to make.
I'll have the decaf nonfat extrahot mocha with whipped cream,
but only if it's
non-fat whipped cream.
It's not just steam
milk extra foamy.
Please.
Hey, Geralyn, honey.
You've got to getyourself a lottery ticket.
This could be your lucky day.
Yeah, I believe inworking for your success,
not scratching for it.
Ooh.
Hi, it's Geralyn Lucas again.
Sorry.
OK, so what you're tryingto achieve through surgery
is to look like Barbie--
like the actual doll
or like a metaphor of some kind?
I'm sorry, can you hold
on one second please?
I'm sure you already
know this, sir,
but there's a shelter
over on 45th and 1st.
Go get yourself a shower, havea hot meal, or buy alcohol,
if that's what you
need right now.
No judgments.
OK, so you've already had thebutt lift, the tummy tuck,
the cheek and the dental
implants, the nose job,
but you're still going
to get the boob job.
Uh-huh.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Sir.
So is there a Ken or a GIJoe you're doing this for?
I feel like we've covered thewhole fat free, carb free diet
myth, at least for the moment.
What about teenagers
and oral sex?
They don't think it's sexbecause there's no intercourse.
I swear, I saw thatLifetime movie just last week.
VICTOR: I need something thatwill move people, something
more edgy, human
interest stories that
make people feel something.
Like Gail's story about spermdonor kids who want to meet
their dads, that was good.
That's what I'm talking about.
People.
Anybody.
Somebody.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: It
was my boss, Meredith.
I call her the goddess.
A celebrity baby
picture bounty?
Yeah?
Um, soft addictions?
Like?
Dark chocolate, nail biting,video gaming, shopping,
internet chat
rooms, online poker.
I mean, these
aren't, like, check
into treatment addictions.
You don't have to go througha 12-step program for them,
so maybe it'll be somethinga little bit different.
Yeah, definite potential.
Hm.
There's this
one woman in Texas
who had 36 plastic
surgeries in order
to look like a Barbie doll.MAN: Ugh.
Wow.
Like Barbie, like the doll.
Addicted to plastic surgery.
That's the promo.
Good work, Gail.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: So
then Meredith, the queen
of everything I
want to be in life,
gives me this big thumbs upand says to me, I like that.
And then Victor, the bossof the whole division,
says, good work, Gail, again.
Who's Gail?
Me.
Oh, that's what Victor
thinks my name is.
It was the first timehe's ever complimented me.
I didn't want to ruin
it by correcting him.
When he hates something
I do, then I'll
tell him my real name,and we can all hate Gail.
Oh, you're looking good.
Oh.
Do you have a date
after work today?
Come on.
If I had a date, don't you thinkthat would be the first thing
out of my mouth?
Nothing new happened
to me this week.
I could make
something up for you,
but that would just be pathetic.
OK, let's order dessert.
Oh, oh my god,
is something wrong?
No.
Can't we have chocolate withoutone of us being in crisis?
Mm-mm.
Not during the day.
OK.
Um, next time I go to
Dr. Crone's office,
I'm going to tell her it'stime to go off the pill.
WENDY: No way.
Oh!
Ahh!
Oh, this is so exciting.
Oh, and scary.
Are we old enough
to be the parents?
Because I'm not ready
to make that commitment.
Tyler and you
are creating life,
and I can't even meet somebody.
I'm a loser.
I'm not pregnant yet.
Well, is it on the list?
If it's on the list,
it will happen.
A list is just a guideline.
DONNA: I've seen the list, Ger.
I saw the first one
when we were eight.
I've seen many since.
Let me see.
Grow large breasts.
Get straight A's.
Be editor of the school paper.
Uh, Columbia School
of Journalism.
Marry a cool doctor.
Get a cool job.
Blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah.
So clearly the largebreast thing didn't work out.
Yeah!
Blondie, what you doing tonight?
Look at these guys
checking you out.
Uh, yeah, you.
I'm sorry.
All men are disgusting,
drooling [LOUDLY] pigs!
Why can't I find one to love me?
Hey, the movie starts at8:00, and I told them we'd
meet them for a drink before.
OK, two minutes.
OK.
Wait, wait, wait, we got
two minutes real time,
two minutes Geralyn time?
OK, six.
You know what?
I'm the one that's
going to have to make
the excuse why we're late.- Go.
Go away.
- Fine.
Hurry.
I just found threelumps in my right breast.
What?
Let me see.
Right here.
Honey, I'm sure it's nothing.
Come on.
How do you know it's nothing?
Because I'm a card
carrying doctor.
I have a stethoscope
and everything.
All right?
Let's go.
You're an orthopedic surgeon.
It's not like I felt
a lump in my knee.
Honey, do you remember?
When I was a resident, I dida six-month breast cancer
rotation, and one
thing you learn
is it's almost always nothing.
It's like the time when
you had a headache,
you thought you
had a brain tumor,
or-- or when you thought
you had pneumonia.
I'm not a hypochondriac.
Or how about the time youthought you had a broken foot?
That was a really
rough pedicure.
OK?
I mean, you're the
one who taught me
how to do a self breast
exam in the first place
on our second date.
Oh, I just wanted
to see you naked.
Come on, stop worrying.
Just hurry up.
Honey, I'm sure it's nothing.
I mean, you know what?
Women are lumpy.
Oh, great.
Listen.
If it's still there in a weekor so after you get your period,
we'll have it checked out.
You know when I'm
going to get my period?
Yeah.
Well, it doesn't take a genius.
Usually eating a carton
of Rocky Road ice cream
and complaining about being fat.
Do not.
And it's not always Rocky Road.
What is it?
Hm?
Hm?
See, now we're
going to be late.
I don't think a few minuteswill make a big difference.
A few minutes in real timeor a few minutes in Tyler time?
Hm.
We've been married
for two years,
and I've wanted a babysince I was a little girl.
And Tyler wants kids
just as much as I do.
Put your other arm up.
You've been on the
pill for a long time,
so it might take
you a few cycles
before you can get pregnant.
I know.
I did this story on this onewoman who had been trying
to get pregnant for,
like, three years,
and then she finds
out that her husband
has been grinding a birthcontrol pill into her coffee.
OK, I hadn't heard everything.
I'm going to write
you a prescription
for prenatal vitamins.
But be sure you take themwith food because they
can make you nauseous.
Anything else?
Uh, well, I--
I'm sure it's nothing,but I did find three lumps
in my right breast last week.
But two of them went away
after my period, so--
I didn't feel it.
It's kind of, like, undermy arm, like right here,
kind of like deep under my arm--- Here, show me.
--in my armpit right there.
I mean, it's probably fine, but.
Yeah, I feel it now.
You?
Yeah.
Tyler says it's nothing, andhe thinks I'm a hypochondriac.
Well, he's right--
not about you being
a hypochondriac,
but about it probably
being nothing.
You're young.
You've got no family history.
Not that that's
always an indicator.
I don't like to mess
around with lumps,
so I'm going to send you
for a mammogram today.
I have a really importantstaff meeting at 3:00.
Can it wait?
I mean, keep in mindthat every single disease
I've ever thought I
have had I didn't have.
Don't worry.
It's just a precaution.
The mammogram will just giveus some useful information.
OK, just lower the
right side of your gown.
OK, now I need you to lean inand put your left hand here.
And then I'm going to put yourbreast on the steel plate.
Oh, that is-- yeah, if thiswas for a penis, it would
be heated and play Sinatra.
So can you tell
something right away?
The films have to be reviewedby a radiologist first.
We really can't say
anything until then.
You'll get a call
in a day or two.
How many minutes is that?
You're still young.
I'm sure you're fine.
You're at least 10 years youngerthan anyone we normally see.
OK, I need you to standstill and hold your breath.
Mm-hmm.
No, it's nothing.
Tyler says they just haveto be careful because
of lawsuits and stuff.
I'm sure I'm fine.
Um, I gotta go.
I'm not supposed to be
on a cellphone in here.
No, he'll come.
I'm sure that's fine.
I'll call you as soon
as I know something.
OK.
Bye, mom.
Love you, too.
Uh, do I need to
sign anything or--
Can you wait a few minutes?
Yeah.
Why?
I thought we wouldn't knowanything for a couple of days.
Did someone just suck all ofthe oxygen out of the room?
The radiologist took
a look at your films
and wants you to
have an ultrasound.
Can you make a 3 o'clock
appointment today?
Should I be freaking out?
No.
It's just an ultrasound,
not a biopsy.
That's a good thing, right?
Um, can you page, uh,
Dr. Tyler Lucas, please?
Yeah, tell him it's
the hypochondriac.
I'm Bob Bradley.
I work with Tyler.
He asked me to see
you right away.
Unfortunately, theresults of your ultrasound
were inconclusive.
So a biopsy is really theonly way to know for sure.
I understand you're
both nervous,
so I've arranged to
do this right away.
Oh.
Please, have a seat.
What I'll do is I'll
make a small incision.
Pathology will have theresults back to us later today,
and we can all stop worrying.
We?
You're worried, too?
Because I know that I'mworried, but if you're worried,
maybe I should be a
little more worried.
I'm not worried.
Women have lumps and
cysts all the time.
Your age?
I'm sure it's not cancer.
Me, too.
Please.
Lie down.
Oh.
So, uh, you and
Tyler are friends?
That's nice to havefriends in the workplace.
It's, um-- it makes the whole
thing more fun and less,
uh, work ish.
I'm sorry.
Could someone please
tape my mouth shut?
Stop worrying.
You always think that somethingterrible is going to happen,
and it never does.
Never, never, never, never.
[toilet flush]
Don't worry.
I'm not crazy.
I was just trying to be
optimistic in the face
of terrifying inescapable doom.
I'm afraid the
news isn't good.
It's, uh-- it's cancer.
But we're going to doeverything we can to beat this.
We have to wait for
the final pathology,
but I'm sure you're acandidate for lumpectomy.
It's a small scar,
nothing to worry about,
and you'll be mostly unchanged.
Mostly unchanged?
Will I need chemo?
I mean, is all--
all of my hair
going to fall out?
Is it wrong that that
was my first question?
And actually, my first questionis, um, am I going to die?
[beeping]
It's all the coffee I drink.
Too much microwave, allthose artificial sweeteners,
me taking the pill too long,not taking the pill long enough.
It's not your fault.
Of course it's my fault.All the red meat, hormones
in the milk, lead in the water.
I mean, all that secondhandsmoke or firsthand cell phone.
Stop making yourself crazy.
I still eat those
maraschino cherries
even though I know they havethat red dye that kills you.
Hm.
What time's your ma
supposed to come?
Any minute.
Is your dad coming, too?
This is my family
we're talking about.
You sure you don'twant me to come with you?
Don't you have those two
surgeries this morning?
I'm not going to keep
two innocent people
from having their knees fixed.
[door buzzer]
Baby.
Hi, mom.
Aw.
Hi, dad.
Hi, sweetheart.
Hey, Ger.
Hey, Adam.
You know the law
school's close, OK?
MOM: Hello, Tyler.
So I can totally
be here to help,
and if I have to drop
out for you, I will.
Drop out of law school?
No one's dropping
out of anything.
We're all here to
cover for each other.
We're all in this together.[door buzzer]
Hey, Tyler.
Hey, Adam.
Hi.
MOM: Oh, it's the girls.
Hi, hi, hi.
I signed you up at
the market so you
call, tell them we're going tobe here for whatever you need.
The point is, Ger, you'renot in this fight alone.
We're going to be withyou every step of the way.
OK, so, who's
going to go with you?
MOM: Going where?
I have an appointment withthis oncologist this morning.
BOTH: Who?
- Dr. Murray.
MOM: Who is Dr. Murray?
Well, I did a
rotation with her.
- Her?
- Yes, her.
She's very good.
She's, uh-- well, women loveher because she's tough.
This is good?
She's a battle ax, and youwant someone who's aggressive.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
I see famous doctors
at famous clinics.
These are the Chanels, theGuccis, the Pradas of cancer.
Hi.
I feel like I'm cheating
on my first doctor.
I mean, just because you're asecond opinion and everything.
You're only 27?
Yeah.
This is unbelievable.
My god, you have
really bad luck.
My first doctor cried,
and my second doctor
told me I have bad luck.
I'm totally screwed.
We have a lot to talk about.
So I need a lumpectomy.
No.
You need a double mastectomy.
A double mastectomy?
Why hit something
with a feather when
you can hit it with a hammer?
Now, you have a lot to consider.
You can start chemo beforesurgery and continue after,
or you can just start after.
We can spread it
out with lower doses
over a longer period
of time or get through
it faster with higher doses.
You might be a candidate
for a clinical trial
that I'm involved in.
You'd be receiving
much more powerful
drugs, drugs that aren'tyet available to the public.
There is the risk of heartfailure and early menopause,
but with that risk,
there's a higher
percent chance of a cure.
How much higher?
About a half a percent,
but it's your decision.
I think I want a
second, second opinion.
You're in luck.
My cancer patients tend
to have good outcomes.
I didn't realize how manydoctors believe in luck.
Personally, I would recommenda lumpectomy with radiation.
The last doctor I
went to see told me
that she thinks I shouldhave a double mastectomy.
Can you believe that?
I mean, I have
cancer on one side,
and she thinks I should
take them both off.
Well, she may be right.
There are different treatmentoptions available to you.
But it's really your decision.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
There it is again--
my decision.
Like I have a clue, likeI'm deciding between a side
of coleslaw or potato salad.
There is a long-term studyout of Italy that suggests
that women live
just as long with
a lumpectomy as a mastectomy.
I mean, you're such an
attractive young woman,
I'd hate to see you
lose your breast.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
And I had to wonder,
did he hate to see me losemy breast from a doctor's
or a man's point of view?
A lumpectomy would removethe entire lump, as well as
the extra tissue around it, justto make sure that the margins
are free of cancer cells.
Now you still needchemotherapy and radiation,
but you'd be more, um--
Unchanged?
Yes, unchanged.
Oh, uh, but it's, uh--
it's your decision.
My decision, yes.
My decision, I know.
Um, what would you tellyour mother or your sister
or your daughter to do?
Well, it's hard to say.
Well, can you try?
Sweetheart, pick up yourhead and eat something.
You need your strength.
GERALYN: I don't want
anyone to see me.
I don't think your
plan is working.
When she was a
little girl, she
used to think that if she closedher eyes, nobody could see her.
Didn't you, honey?
And what a beautiful
baby she was.
Remember, she walked
at nine months?
Do I remember?
Of course I remember.
TYLER: You know what?
Maybe I should take her home.
I think she shouldstart a macrobiotic diet.
A woman I work with at
school changed her diet
and cured herself.
Of cancer?
High blood pressure.
But it works for
a lot of things.
There's another doctor
I want her to see.
GERALYN: Her?
I'm her.
Don't talk about her
like her's not here.
A seventh opinion?
No, she's a cancer therapist.
I've done some research, and shecomes very highly recommended.
She's someone for
you to talk to,
you know, someone to helpyou think things through.
Why would you think
I need to see a shrink?
Can I get you
guys anything else?
No, thank you.
Yes, I would like tosee a dessert menu please.
I have cancer.
Um, the doctor gave hersomething to calm her nerves.
Oh, I'm very calm.
Calm and cancerous.
OK.
Philadelphia's so far away.
Harvey and I would liketo come and stay with you
and help you look after Geralyn.
Oh, I don't--
I don't know.
I don't-- I don't think
that's a very good idea.
We can sleep on the floor.
It's not a problem.
It's not a problem.
You guys--
I don't think I can be
away from her right now.
Ger?
Ger.
So what's going on with you?
I'm good.
Thank you.
How are you?
THERAPIST: Maybe there's somethings you want to talk about?
Like what?
Right, I'm here because I'mstressed out about my cancer.
And I am, of course,
concerned about it,
but that's to be
expected, right?
I mean, I'm just normal,the normal level of concern.
Well, maybe
there's some things
that you need to say out loudthat you can't say in front
of your family and friends.
No, my family and
friends are wonderful.
I say lots of things
to them out loud.
You must be very scared.
I used to be scared
of cockroaches,
of algebra, sharks.
Not having makeup on whenI run into an old boyfriend
on the street, who I don'treally even care about,
but he dumped me, so-- althoughI was going to dump him.
I'm scared that I'll
make the wrong decision.
I'm scared that I can make theright decision and still die.
I'm scared that if I go tosleep at night, I won't wake up.
And I'm scared that
my husband secretly
thinks that he picked wrongand that I'm damaged goods.
And that deep down, he wishesthat he could run away.
[upbeat music]
I saw you from three
blocks away, huh?
Wow.
[laughs] I almost crashed intothat car trying to pick you up.
I thought you were just a baddriver like most other caddies.
Me?
No, no, no.
I'm a really gooddriver-- good dancer, too.
You like to dance?
No.
Really?
Well, you look
like you can move.
You know what?
Dancing can free your
life of boring limits.
It can lift you up.
Choo!
Fly away.
You look like you coulduse some lifting up, ooh.
Huh?
Bad day, lady?
Oh!
I love this song.
Come on, sing with
me on this one, eh?
You know the words?
[singing along] Come on, sing.
[singing along in spanish]Hey, lady, you OK?
I'm fine.
TAXI DRIVER: You sure?
Please, just drive.
Come on, there must be
something I can do, eh?
Pull over, dance a little bit?
Actually, I won't be doingmuch dancing because next week,
I'm having my right breastcut off because I have cancer.
[tires screeching]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Tonight at 11:00,
"2020" loses one of theirown when a crazy Cuban taxi
driver kills Gail.
Lady, lady, listen to me.
You and I were supposed tomeet at this very moment.
It's what we Cubans call fate.
Fate comes from Cuba?
Yes.
I had testicular
cancer three years ago.
I was treated at
Sloan Kettering.
I had one ball removed.
I've been fine ever since.
And you would be, too.
I will.
Yes.
I am certain.
Thank you.
You know, I even dance
better with one ball.
[laughs] Really?
It's true.
Yeah, everybody says so.
Can you take me home now?
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Suddenly,an angel has appeared
to tell me that I can be whole.
I thought on the ride homethat if a one-balled man
and an about to be
one-boobed woman
can end up connecting in
a seven minute cab ride
in a city of millions,
then somehow,
I will survive this ordeal.
Go home.
When I'm a wreck,
you can cover for me.
[music playing]
Yes, tell him it's Dr.Tyler Lucas from Mount Sinai.
I'm calling about the
breast cancer study
he was doing with
women under 40.
Yes, I read his article.
It's just he doesn'tmention anyone in their 20s.
None?
[light snoring]
[indistinct chattering]
[snort]
Oh, she snorted!
No, it's a genetic.
It is.
It's not.
It's--
My-- my aunt.
It's how many glasses of wine.
That's what makes you snort.
Oh, boy.
[giddy laughter]
What-- what are
you doing here?
It's nice to see you, too.
No, I just--
I thought that you were
in surgery tonight.
No, I, uh, couldn't.
I just-- I didn't
want you to be alone.
I mean, you know, after
your brother went home,
and your parents went
to sleep, and your--
your friends left.
Well, don't you worry, Tyler.
You don't have to
satisfy all of us.
Let's go for it.
I'm just going to
jump in the shower.
We'll be gone
before you get out.
Or not!
Will you guys still bemy best friends when I die?
Ugh, you're not going to die.
Well, if I do,
you can marry Tyler.
Thank you.
But you're not going to die.
Well--
Are you OK?
Just--
What?
Well, why don't you
want me to marry Tyler?
[laughter]
- OK.
No, no, no, no, no.
She's drunk.
I am going to take her homebefore she says something
even more ridiculously stupid.
[books clattering]
Oh, good.
You're awake.
What should I do?
Please tell me what to do.
I don't know.
I have all the same
information you have.
It's your body.
It's your decision.
Please don't tell me that.
I'm so sick and tired
of hearing that.
I'm not a doctor.
I'm not qualified to makea decision like this.
I mean, I can't even decidewhether or not to have a flu
shot.
All right.
Listen, every doctor I canpossibly reach, I've spoken to.
And some think that a mastectomyis the safer way to go.
But then others think that alumpectomy is the same thing.
And you don't run the riskof losing your breast.
OK, I've decided.
Since it's my decision,
I want a lumpectomy.
You know how I love
to save everything.
I mean, I still have
my kindergarten report
card and all my baby teeth.
Yeah.
Come here.
And that's what we'll do.
All right?
What if after all
this I can't have kids?
We'll cross that bridge
when we come to it.
I want the baby more thananything in this world.
I know you do, too.
What if we can't?
We will.
Sleep now.
OK?
[doors banging open]
Great, you're awake.
Oh.
I told you they were up.
Did you tell him
about the lumpectomy?
Um, we were just
discussing it.
That's good.
Good.
We'll give them some time.
So you told them
before you told me?
No.
Um, sort of.
They were here, and
they're my parents.
And you told Wendy
and Donna, too.
Yes, I just needed
to hear it out loud.
How did it sound?
Good, I think.
No, good.
I'm-- I don't know.
Tyler, I don't know.
Maybe I just need to
un-decide for a while.
Here.
Make a list.
- Of what?
- It's what you do.
I don't know.
I mean, you took three weeksto research our dry cleaner.
You are a researcher.
Do the research.
[music playing]
Hi, this is Geralyn Lucas.
Um, I'm giving you a copyof my pathology report.
I decided to take
control of my life.
Oh.
Sorry, I think I must
have the wrong number.
[blender]
Hi, this is Geralyn Lucascalling Barbara Stoddard.
She told you that I
was going to call.
What made you decide tohave a double mastectomy?
Ooh.
Maggie, could you pull that showwe did last year on that woman
with breast cancer
who went to Mexico
and got cured with herbs?
I thought it might be
good to do a follow-up
piece on where she is now.
What?
She died.
Oh.
[typing]
I'm 27.
[knocking]
I am so sorry, but I reallyneed to talk to you right now.
There are not enoughstudies about breast cancer
in women under the age of 30.
What we do know is
it's more aggressive
and it has a higher
rate of recurring.
I mean, I don't even qualify forthat lumpectomy study in Italy
because none of
the women studied
were under the age
of 40, and my tumor
has an extensive
interductal component.
I want a mastectomy.
I know that it's the
most radical approach,
but it's the safest way to go.
And I'm telling you and I'mgoing home to schedule it.
You're telling me before youtell the pizza delivery guy?
You sound really confident.
I'm-- I'm proud of you.
I'm proud of me, too.
[music playing]
Good morning, Joe.
I've decided to go
with a mastectomy.
Saying it out
loud helps her cope.
Call me.
OK, Joe.
Bye, now.
I'll have a soy chai latte.
I don't know if you're aware,but I read this article
in Redbook that said
that in 18 soy studies,
they noticed 14%
different breast
cancer rates in Caucasianwomen who ate tofu.
I mean, they also note thatthe studies were flawed,
but maybe it can't hurt, right?
Hey, Geralyn.
You want to buy
a lottery ticket?
I got a feeling this
might be a lucky day.
Luck has nothing
to do with it.
You make a decision,
and you stick to it.
I'm going with the mastectomy,and I feel good about it.
Hey.
You have your health.
Are you busy?
Can I talk to you?
My job is very
important to me, but I'm
going to need to take
a couple weeks off
for some personal time.
Look, I have worked
really hard here,
and I'm not just going
to crawl under a table
and curl up into a
ball and disappear.
So how does that sound?
Yeah, that sounds really good.
You know, it's your
personal business.
You don't have to
tell anyone anything.
Yeah, she can't fire you.
It's illegal, so.
You think she's
going to fire me?
- No!
- Well--
No!
Ger, don't even think like that.
Come on, honey.
Where's your libido,
your confidence?
Holding on by a thread.
I'm about to lose mybreasts, my hair, my job,
and maybe my husband, so.
You know what you need?
You need some special attention.
Like a last hurrah?
New York style.
WENDY: I'll give you my skirt.
GERALYN: This skirt is
way too short on me!
Where did you get this?
Uh, the cutie section
at Bloomingdale's.
OK, OK.
It's 12 on the dot.
Let's go.- This is a terrible idea.
DONNA: No, no!
It's a sure-thing
confidence booster.
WENDY: Oh, oh, shoes, shoes!
You need these.
There's no way around it.
You need these.
DONNA: Aah!
WENDY: You look amazing.
DONNA: Yeah!
WENDY: Go, go, go, go.
[laughter]
It's hot.
It's hot.
Come on, let's go!
Come on.
Go, go, go.
DONNA & WENDY: Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
You're beautiful, Geralyn!
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I haven'tlived my life hard enough.
I've never even gotten
a speeding ticket.
But I will not be reduced to alab report or a bad cell type.
[knocking]
Hi, can I talk to
you for a second?
Sure.
Come in.
Um, my, uh, job is
really important to me.
And I love learning from you,and I love working for you.
And I absolutely hate the ideaof even missing a day here,
but I need to take
some personal time.
OK.
Oh.
OK.
Um, good.
Thank you.
I have cancer, and I have adouble mastectomy on Friday.
I know I should have
told you sooner.
Uh, there's--[clears throat] there's no
etiquette book on what to dowhen you get breast cancer.
Sit down.
I understand how you feel.
I know people say
that a lot, but, uh,
I really know how you feel.
Years ago, I had breast cancer.
And I had a mastectomy.
The goddess had cancer?
Oh my god.
Did I say that out loud?
That's just what I
call you in my head.
You are in for the
fight of your life.
But Geralyn, you're strong.
I have been telling--
telling complete strangers,but I just don't want
to be the office cancer girl.
You didn't choose this.
It happened to you.
And you're going
to get rid of it.
Have you ever tried a mantra?
A what?
It's just something you sayto yourself to give you focus.
I tell myself I'm like the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
Air planes can fly through me.
Storms can roll past me.
But I'm still the sky.
It worked for me.
I just want to live and
be happy, have a baby,
grow really old.
And you will.
How do you know?
Because I'm the goddess.
I need proof.
None of us gets proof.
Proof is in the future.
And the future is not here yet.
Leap of faith.
That's all we can.
[sighs]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Time for a new list.
One, get real breasts removed,and two, shop for new breasts.
This is one accessory
you don't skimp on.
This is when you throw
down the credit card
and say, give me the
Jimmy Choo boobs.
Hi, there.
They're not real.
Sorry?
You were looking
at my breasts.
They're not real.
Oh, I--
No one can tell.
I can wear backless dressesand spaghetti straps
for the first time in my life.
They look great.
I had my breasts andovaries removed two years ago.
Keel is the best boobreconstruction guy in the city.
How long have you had cancer?
Oh, I never had cancer.
But I tested positive
for the gene.
You had all of that
surgery just in case?
I felt like a
walking time bomb.
My grandmother and my motherand two of my aunts had it.
It seemed like it was
just a matter of time.
So I took control.
You want to see them?
Oh.
Um, yes.
I show everyone.
Wow.
They look good.
They look great.
They feel natural, too.
You want to feel them?
Oh--
Come on, come on, it's OK.
My husband loves
them as much as I do.
Hope he doesn't mind sharing.
Those are reconstructedbreasts following a mastectomy.
It's a book of boob mug shots.
After Dr. Bradley removesthe malignant breast tissue,
I insert a special implant
called an expander.
Like a place holder boob.
Yeah, exactly.
Where are the nipples?
We put those and the areolaon after the reconstruction
is completed.
How?
With tattooing.
Most surgeons tattoo thenipple skin in only one color.
But an areola is not
just one color, is it?
No.
No.
I make a Seurat nipple.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Thank godI was forced to take an art
history class in college.
I make pointillisticnipples, different shades
with dots of color.
I'm very good.
I never realized howdifferent nipples could be.
Yeah, I know.
Mine aren't really brownish.
Actually, they're a
lot like hers, only
prettier and much less slutty.
I just want ones like
the ones I already have.
Oh, of course you do.
Ger, can we see them?
BOTH: Oh.
Oh, god.
They are nice.
They're beautiful.
We're going to take
a picture of those.
[snorts] No, I'm nottaking a picture of my boobs.
Yes!
No, no, no, we all will.
- Absolutely not.
Yeah!
We all will so that we canfinally look back to a time
before we had saggy
old grandma boobs.
I will never let that happen.
Yes, well, that's what Kendrasaid when she got pregnant, so.
What?
Nothing.
Oh, are there any more cookies?
What?
Uh, well, it's just--
OK, Kendra called.
She's having a baby shower.
And she wanted to knowwhether or not to invite you.
And we just didn't thinkit was a good time to bring
up the whole thing 'cause--
So you guys are just
going to leave me out
of everything because I'm sick?
No, no, no, honey.
Guys, I want kids, butif I have to wait, I will.
I mean, it doesn't mean thatI'm not happy for Kendra.
Well, you're
going to have kids.
You have to.
Because if you
don't, our kids won't
have your kids as bestfriends, and they'll grow
up and become drug addicts.
OK, everybody, shirts off!
We are all taking
pictures because we
are strong women who
understand that we
are not just sex objects, OK?
We are intelligent,beautiful, creative people!
Who have drunk
just enough wine--
GERALYN: No, we have not.
--to take pictures
of our boobs.
DONNA: Yes, we have.
GERALYN: We have not
drunk enough wine.
Yes, we have.
All right.
Start undoing.
Start undoing.
[laughter]
ALL: 1, 2, 3!
[laughter]
Oh my god.
It's OK because he's a doctor.
Oh, true!
So it's fine.
Bob's a great surgeon.
Yeah, he's a lousy golfer.
That just means
he's a great surgeon
because he's in surgery, right?
You'll be fine.
I know.
You know, you made
the right decision.
You promise to stay with me?
Oh, well, I have no choice.
I'm completely in love with you.
Yeah, that's why I asked
you to marry me, that
and the whole other things.
What other things?
So we can have sex in
the middle of the day.
We never have sex in
the middle of the day.
I know, but we could.
Right before major surgery?
Yeah.
It's going to be great.
And the time after surgeryis going to be even greater.
Guess who?
Surprise!
[laughter]
Ha ha ha.
Surprise.
Oh, we just want to
be with you tonight.
Are you surprised, sweetheart?
Come on, let's go upstairs.
MOM: Good night, sweetheart.- Good night.
Love you, too.
MOM: Mommy loves you.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I, uh, called Dr. Crone today.
Today, why?
I read that you
could have an egg
removed and frozen until you'rewell enough to get pregnant.
What did she say?
That I'd have to take
hormones so it would
cause the cancer to increase.
So, we'll wait.
If, um, I go into
early menopause,
then we can still adopt, right?
Well, I don't know.
I mean, did you discuss
this with your parents
and your friends today?
No.
I haven't even talked
to them about it.
I just wanted to considerall of our options.
We're both a
little stressed out.
Tomorrow's a big day.
Mm.
You know I'll be
right there with you.
Get some sleep.
GERALYN: I am the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
The sky is open and vast
and stays unchanged,
no matter what happens to it.
I am the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
The sky is open and vast
and stays unchanged,
no matter what happens to it.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I am notjust a mastectomy right side.
I am a woman in red lipstick.
I'm seizing control
of my future.
I am Geralyn Lucas,
wife, daughter,
friend, and future mother.
I'm going into battle
for my life, a battle
that I fully intend to win.
And this lipstick
is my war paint.
Do you have my mantra?
Got it.
Make sure someone readsit to me while I go under.
I will.
I'm really scared.
I know you are, but
you're going to be fine.
I promise.
[inaudible]
How are you doing?
Good morning, Geralyn.
You OK?
[inaudible]
Yes.
[chuckles]
[low conversation]
She's in.
And?
And now we wait.
I'm going to get some coffee.Does anybody--
Do you want one of
us to come with you?
No, no, I'm good.
I'm good.
Tyler, she's going
to be OK, right?
I promise.
You're as worried as we are.
You can't promise--
I'm telling you.
I spoke to her surgeon.
He's very confident.
She's going to be fine.
Oh, thank god.
I'll be back.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
I suddenly knew
why exit signs were invented,for dangerous situations
like this one, like fires,like fleeing a building so they
can't cut off your breast.
My life was on fire.
I hadn't lived hard enoughyet, and I wanted out of there.
[indistinct shouting]
[thunder]
OK, please.
Can you relax your
arm for me, please?
All right.
There you go.
I am the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
The sky is open and vast
and stays unchanged.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: In thesterility of the operating
room, I am strong.
In the blood and gauze,
I feel like dancing.
Under anesthesia, I
am hopeful and maybe
a little sexy and
slightly in control,
just knowing that my
lipstick might last.
I am the sky.
I am the sky.
I am the sky.
Is this heaven?
No, girl, you're right
here at Mount Sinai.
[chuckles] What I really wantto know is what kind of lipstick
is that?
It stayed on through
six hours of surgery.
I need to get me some of that.
Come on over.
Honey?
Can you open your eyes?
Am I OK?
Perfect.
Couldn't have gone better.
Your father kissed nurse Kimwhen he, uh, heard the news.
He's a good kisser, too.
If he wasn't already
married, I don't know.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Oh, did you feed the dog?
Honey, we don't have a dog.
I know, but I was thinkingthat we should get one.
It's a good idea.
Are you awake?
She's awake.
They're all here.
How are you feeling, honey?
Does it hurt?
DAD: Do you want me
to put the TV on?
DONNA: Do you need anything?DAD: Do you want something?
DR. CRONE: Hey.
Hi, Dr. Crone.
I wanted to come
and check on you.
Are you managing your pain OK?
Yeah.
I heard things
went really well.
You found that lump yourself.
I might've missed it.
I'm lucky.
You're very lucky.
You're young, you're strong.
I still want to have a baby.
Changes in your hormone levelsmight be very dangerous for you
at this time.
After the chemo, I probablywon't be able to anyway, right?
Please, don't even try.
[music playing]
Hey, morning.
Hi.
Aw, breakfast in bed.
TYLER: How're you feeling?
Um, happy to be home.
I'm happy to have you home.
I'm just going to
change your dressing.
Honey, have you looked?
No.
Dr. Bradley wanted
me to, but I can't.
I don't want you to
see me like this.
Honey.
Open your eyes.
No.
Open your eyes.
It's OK to look.
Oh my god.
Oh my god, a Frankensteinmonster boob.
Run-- run while you can.
Run.
I'm going to
change the dressings.
And then--
And then you can leave
and never look back.
No one will blame you.
No one, but I want
to keep the dog.
Then, can we make love?
With me?
Well, yeah, you're mygirl, and you're beautiful.
And I need you to know that, so.
Can you get me my lipstick?
Yeah.
Yeah.
I don't want to hurt you.
You're not.
You OK?
Uh-huh.
I love you.
I love you, too.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: My newchest was making its debut.
Between the expander booband some clever padding,
I could pull off somepretty impressive cleavage.
Is this the chemo room?
Mrs. Lucas.
Yes.
I'm Stella.
We've got everything
set up for you.
Just make yourself comfortable.
This is the CMF cocktailyour doctor ordered for you.
MONEISHA: Virgin?
What?
I mean first time.
Yes.
Well, it shouldn't be so bad.
You have your sister
here with you.
Oh, she's-- she's my mother.
I know.
Just said that in case
she has some chocolate.
[laughs] Matter of fact, I do.
I'll bring more.
Thank you.
Let me tell you
something, baby girl.
The best thing
about having cancer,
it's a get out of
jail free card.
It's like, I can't pick youup at the airport tonight.
I have cancer.
I can't watch your cat.
I have cancer.
Moneisha, please.
Sorry, Ms. Thing.
I have cancer.
NURSE: I'll start your trip now.
Thank you.
You know, I was lying
down back there,
and I was worrying about myself.
And then I saw you.
What are you, in your 20s?
Yes.
Oh, unbelievably tragic.
You see, at my age, youexpect something like this,
but well, anyway, thank youfor making me feel better.
Goodbye, Mrs. Jackson.
[music playing]
Taxi.
Taxi.
Darling, let me do it.
Taxi!
Darling, are you sure you're OK?
I can take you home,
stay overnight, take
the morning train to Philly.
I'm feeling fine.
Really, I am.
I love you.
You don't feel sick?
I feel fine.
They told me that somepeople don't even get sick.
[vomiting]
Yuck.
[vomiting]
Hi.
[applause]
CO-WORKERS: Surprise!
Guys, thank you so much.
Welcome back, Geralyn.
You look great.
I'm so glad you're back.
Thank you so much.
Now get out of here.
No, I'm fine.
Really, I'm--
Even Superman took a breakwhen he encountered kryptonite.
You go home, you take it easy.
We'll still think of you
as Supergirl, I promise.
I need to be here.
I feel normal.
Please don't make me go home.
Eat some cake?
Mm, this chocolate
sure does cover
up that metallic chemo taste.
Whew.
Everything that I've
been eating tastes
like a rusty nail, Moneisha.
Moneisha is not my real name.
That's my porno name.
My real name is Monica.
You're in porn?
No.
But everybody should havea porno name just in case.
You see, I took the
name of my first pet,
the street I grew up on.
I put them together.
Moneisha Alpine.
What's yours?
Bootsy Blanch.
Oh!
MONICA: Oh, I like that.
What's yours?
Oh, uh, Pepper Oregon.
Italy Lacont.
Fido Topeka.
[vomiting]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Tyler andI discovered a whole new idea
of what romance is.
It's pulling back your wife'sthinning hair while she pukes
so hard she shivers to death.
I'm OK.
Is she OK?
Yeah, I tried giving herginger and mango because I read
that it helped some people.
She's making her sicker.
And I've talked
to every person I
could possibly
get in touch with,
and no one has any new answers.
And I don't know
what's coming next.
And I feel helpless.
You're doing
everything you can.
No, see, I can't do
anything to help her.
And I'm-- I'm-- what kindof doctor does that make me?
Forget what kind
of doctor you are.
Think what kind of
husband you are.
The two of you will bestronger because of this.
Thank you.
Tyler, I know it's been hardhaving us around all the time.
But we don't know
any other way to be.
[groaning]
Hey.
I'm so cold.
Oh, I know.
I mean, that's the drugs.
Please don't go in today.
I have to.
TYLER: No.
No, you don't.
- I do have to.
No, listen.
Hey.
Most people going throughchemo, they stay home.
They try to recover.
What are you trying to prove?
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Hearing my black pumps
click against the hospitalfloor makes me feel hopeful.
I need to reclaim
myself by being daring.
The more my hair falls out,the shorter my skirts will get.
Living with risk
has made me risque.
I never thought a shampoocommercial could make me cry.
Last night, I was
drooling over the one
where that woman whips herhair back in slow motion,
and then they kind of freezewhen she flips it back.
Honey, that's just hair porn.
Everything's going
to make you cry.
And you're going to feel
very, very frightened.
I'm terrified all the time.
And Tyler says that I
should stop worrying
like I've beaten this thing.
My family, I
simply wore them out.
And the doctors gave me
three months to live.
That was over two years ago.
Today I feel good.
Today is all that matters.
I'm going to be fly until I die.
I'm going to win mybling-bling and everything.
You're not afraid to die?
Have you ever
been to Disneyland?
Yeah.
Oh my goodness.
I stood in that long line,and I realized something
scared me more than death--
reincarnation.
Really?
There was absolutely
no one in that line
I wanted to come back as.
[laughs] [snorts]
I find peace in knowing
the truth about God.
She's a selfish son of a gun.
Eventually, she
wants us all back.
MAN: Can you hold the elevator?
Hold it!
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Please don't throw up.
Please don't throw up.
It's good to see you, Gail.
Thank you so much
for the flowers.
They were so beautiful.
And you're so very welcome.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Pleasedon't throw up on Victor.
Please don't throw up on Victor.
A major achievement-- Ididn't throw up on Victor.
It's good to have
you back, Geralyn.
Thank you.
[vomiting]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Idid, however, hit my shoes.
[flushing]
Taxi.
Please.
Don't whistle.
I don't think you're
that cute either.
I will never ever make funof men's comb overs again.
You still look great.
Liar.
Every time the wind
blows, I panic.
Today's chemo, are you coming?
Uh, I'm in surgery
until 3:00, so I'll
see if I can make it after.
It feels like two ships
passing in the night.
You know what?
I'll be there this afternoon,and then if you're up for it,
we'll grab a bite.
A date?
Yeah, a date.
I've already locatedthe port in your expander
and it's filling with
saline right now.
I'll continue to
fill it with saline
every two weeks to stretchyour skin and muscle
until we reach the right size.
Later, we'll
replace the expander
with a permanent implant.
Oh, god is it supposed
to hurt this much?
I know it's uncomfortable.
Uncomfortable.
Can skin actually burst?
Not typically, it
just feels like it.
OK, if it's going to
hurt this much, then
I'd better stop traffic.
Make them huge.
What did you have in mind?
Give me Pamela
Anderson breasts.
Well, we have to be carefulbecause you're a small frame.
What is she, a 34B?
Probably at birth.
[MUSIC - EVA CASSIDY, "FIELDS OF GOLD"]
[SINGING] You'll remember mewhen the west wind moves--
Dr. Lucas, Geralyn andthe gang left an hour ago.
Oh.
Oh, I must have the time wrong.
[SINGING] You can tellthe sun in his jealous sky
when we walked in
fields of gold.
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, guys.
Oh, hi, Tyler.
Hey, Tyler.
- We're making pizza.
- We're making pizza.
What kind do you want?
Hi.
Oh, hey.
Um, I'm feeling a little sleepy.
I think I'm going to crash.
You OK?
Yeah, why wouldn't I be OK?
Tyler.
Um, I, uh--
I came by your chemo
appointment today.
You and the gang
had already left.
Oh, I rescheduled to earlier.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't think that you'd come.
Well, honey, I told you
I was going to be there.
Sweetie, you've
said that before.
Are you sure you
want to be alone?
You should try it sometime.
[SINGING] So she took
her love for to gaze
awhile among the
fields of barley.
In his arms she fell
as her hair came
down among the fields of gold.
Will you stay with me?
Will you be my love amongthe fields of barley?
And you can tell the
sun in his jealous sky
when we walked in
fields of gold.
You'll remember me when
the west wind moves
among the fields of barley.
You can tell the sun
in his jealous sky
when we walked in
fields of gold.
When we walked in
fields of gold.
[water running]
Hey Geralyn.
Oh, hey.
Um, listen, I think I'mgoing to be late tonight.
I'm going out to dinner withsome of the other doctors
from work.
OK.
You don't mind, do you?
Um, no, I--
maybe we could have
dinner on Friday night.
Friday.
Yeah, Friday.
Oh, you know what?
I think I have a late
surgery that night.
Tell you what,
let's play by ear.
Sure.
[music playing]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Thesaline injections were doing
their job, but it's
funny the things
the doctor forgets to tell you.
SHOP CLERK: Honey,
you need some help?
Uh, no, thank you.
I'm-- actually, yes.
I'm lopsided.
SHOP CLERK: The whole worldis lopsided sometimes.
It's up to each one of usto find our inner balance.
Forget about inner balance.
I need to find my
inner cleavage.
[upbeat music]
If I saw you on the street,I'd buy you a fur coat.
[interposing voices]
Can I help you?
I hope so.
Do my hips look
big in this hat?
Ugh, not at all.
Queens from Queens.
Are you here for a cut?
Um, no.
Actually, I started chemo.
And I started releasing,and um, I just need a wig.
I have just what you need.
Really?
I promise you'll be gorgeous,even more gorgeous than them.
Because she won't
have to cover a beard.
Come on.
[music playing]
[laughter]
Bea Arthur or Estelle Getty?
I feel like a fraud.
Then go for the real thing.
[laughter]
Ta-da!
[inaudible] sugar.
It's what's in here that counts.
Anyone who can't see
how beautiful you are
ain't worth your time.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Go figure.
The Queen of Hearts
was from Queens.
And yet another angel that Ineed to meet crosses my path.
[MUSIC - JOSHUA RADIN, "THESE PHOTOGRAPHS"]
[SINGING] I hand you
a robe and so it goes.
The moment had passed.
You're Simone de Beauvoiras you get out the car.
The way you read me
no one can see me.
It's who you are.
These photographs keep me alive.
Babe, here's your song.
Babe, it took too long to findin your eyes my best surprise.
You're Nina Simone when
you talk on the phone.
You sing to me, and I'm
truly no longer alone.
You're Mary Cassatt whenpeople tell you you're not.
Babe, here's your song.
Babe, it took too long to findin your eyes my best surprise.
ANNOUNCER [ON TV]: Do youwear your hat all the time?
Can't get a date?
If you are ashamed of a recedinghairline, thinning hair,
or baldness, then the hairglove for men is for you.
Hey, honey.
How are you feeling?
ANNOUNCER [ON TV]: --thelatest treatments for baldness.
These poor men.
What's wrong?
There's so muchsuffering over hair loss.
There is definite discrimination
against the follically
challenged.
Honey, that's a little nuts.
Oh, it's easy
for you to say, you
with your fancy head of hair.
You made dinner?
Yeah, it's Friday night.
We had a date.
Honey, I said we
should play it by here.
I had surgery until late.
Besides, I figured you'd go outwith your friends after chemo.
Oh, I, um--
I misunderstood.
TYLER: How was chemo today?
The usual.
Got poisoned, came
home, threw up.
Sorry I missed it.
What's that supposed to mean?
Everyone comes every
week, except you.
Yeah, exactly.
Everyone comes.
Why do you need me there?
Because they're not you.
I need you, too.
It just doesn't
feel that way to me.
So, you're mad at me becauseI have people who care about me?
I mean, do you-- do
you want to me to make
me pick between them and you?
Or maybe you want
me to suffer alone?
I do.
It sure didn't seem
like that the other day.
- Excuse me?
- Nothing.
TYLER: No, no, what--
what-- what did you say?
What did you say?
I came by the hospitalto see you the other day,
and you were talking
to some girl.
Girl, what?
What girl?
You seemed pretty involved,so I didn't want to bother you.
You came all the way
down to the hospital,
and you didn't come talk to me?
You seemed kind of busy, justlike you were busy tonight.
I can't believe
you're saying that.
You know, I don't care somuch that you're accusing me
of, I think, being
unfaithful to you,
but um, it's that youwaited to ask me about it.
Geralyn, you're not theonly one who's suffering.
The only difference is I don'tneed a marching band to follow
me around everywhere I go.
[loud thud]
Tyler?
TYLER: Uh-huh, yeah.
You OK?
Fine.
I'm OK, I'm OK.
Sweetie.
Good.
You don't need me.
What?
That's why I don't come toyour treatments because I--
I-- it's my fault.
I gave you cancer.
What?
When I did my breast
cancer rotation,
I told you about
that girl who died,
and then I put
that in your head.
Tyler.
I'm a little sick.
Use my knee pillow.
[thuds]
TYLER: Ow.
Damn it.
Oh my god.
Aw, sweetie.
It's fine.
It's fine.
Thanks.
Now we both have scars.
Except yours--
yours is for bravery.
Mine is being an idiot.
I get it now.
I know how you feel.
Like a moron?
I wish they were
stitching up my head.
I wish that I was
the one who had cancer.
Don't.
What?
I look like a cue ball.
All I see is my wife, mycourageous, my beautiful wife.
And I am so proud
to be your husband.
Come on.
So, you gave me cancer bytelling me about that girl
that you treated?
No, I--
I just-- I told
you all about it.
I know how
impressionable you are.
I was wrecked by it, and Iwas just laying it all on you.
You don't believe
in religion or faith,
and you make fun of me becauseI won't walk under a ladder
and I read my horoscopes.
But this, you believe
that you unconsciously
gave me cancer by conversation?
Telling me about that
woman you treated,
making it so real for
me, and that's what made
me think it could happen to me.
That's why I did self exams.
You telling me about that girlmight be what saved my life.
Let's go home.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I must'vebeen feeling the guilt gene
because when a women's magazineasked if I'd be willing to have
my breasts photographed inorder to encourage others who'd
had mastectomies, I said yes.
I'll tell her.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Butfirst, I had to get a nipple.
Honey, that was
Dr. Keel's office.
You're late for
your appointment.
I don't want to go.
TYLER: Do you want
me to go with you?
[sighs] No.
I'm having nipple ambivalence.
Who am I doing this for?
Am I doing it for you or for me?
Because we're actually bothgoing to know that it's fake,
so am I doing it to be likean average two nippled woman
or so I can look normal changingin a women's locker room?
Maybe it's so I can prancearound a topless beach.
Well, you know--
Tyler, but nipples
are so in right now.
They're like a must
have accessory.
OK, look, women are
wearing these white,
sheer, little, thin shirts--
Honey, honey, honey.
GERALYN: No bra.
Honey, it's your breast.
So no matter what
you do, I promise
to honor and cherish it.
But let-- let-- let's justbe clear about one thing.
Under no circumstances
are you ever
going to be average or normal.
[laughs]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I wasso sick of wearing my heart
on my sleeve that I decidedto have it prominently
etched on my boob instead.
Hey.
Hey.
I saw you walking around.
I thought you might be lost.
Caught.
Um, I was actually wondering,can you do a tattoo
on a breast reconstruction?
Sure.
We do it all the time, actually.
There's 10 layers of skin soyou actually get to the implant.
We only have to
go three deep, so.
Really?
Yeah.
Cancer?
Um, yes.
Yeah.
My grandmother had
cancer when she was 40,
and she lived till she was 85.
You kind of look like
you're actually good.
Come on in.
Another angel.
So, um, I don't want
to get a nipple tattoo.
Good.
They're so yesterday.
[laughs]
You're not going to get
a man's name, are you?
No, why?
Because I have to
remind you that Johnny
Depp had to change his Winonaforever tattoo to Wino forever.
[laughter]
OK.
Have a seat.
No man's name.
No man's name.
Um, so I want a heartto remind me of my courage
and the courage of
everyone around me.
And I just want it atthe lower end of my scar.
And, um, I want wings
at the top to remind
me of all the
angels who showed me
that I would get my life back.
Nice.
Would you like to show
me where you'd like it?
Um.
That's OK.
My husband is the only onewho has ever seen me like this.
It's right here.
You're a very foxy lady.
[laughs] No, I'm not.
Oh, you are.
Your husband's a very lucky man.
Why did I agree to do this?
For all the women who
were scared like you.
Well, what if
they're not inspired
when they look at the pictureand they're grossed out?
That'll never happen.
I've never liked
even one single picture
I've ever taken of myself.
And I've got a weird
smile and a round face,
and I've got a snaggle tooth.
And my eyes are not--
what?
That's all true.
And it's good to hear youcomplain about that stuff
again.
But you are beautiful.
Go.
[upbeat music]
Hi, I'm Geralyn Lucas.
"Self Magazine"
sent me over here
to have pictures taken fortheir breast cancer article.
Hair and makeup,
they're ready for you.
Great.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Maybethis is why women pose topless.
- Can I grab a cookie?
- They're ready for you.
Yes.
OK.
Hi, I'm Geralyn.
Um, I just washed my
hair, but I didn't
do anything to it
because they told me
that you guys were going to--
Don't touch her hair.
I love it like that.
Hi, I'm Geralyn.
Nice to meet you.
Come along.
Stand on that mark.
Right here?
Take your shirt off.
What?
Take your shirt off.
Usually, I make someone
buy me dinner for that.
Um, I don't have
hair and makeup yet.
Now.
Can I, uh, at least justhave some red lipstick?
Please?
It gives me courage.
Sure.
Red lipstick!
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I shouldhave used Tyler's deodorant
because it's a clear stickto avoid the deodorant
lines in my topless photo.
Can they airbrush
out deodorant lines?
Can they airbrush in a nipple?
I need something
to center me here.
I need to lick the beeswaxand taste the courage.
I'm sorry.
I'm-- I'm having
second thoughts.
I, uh--
I promise you.
This is going to be
tasteful, and you're
going to look beautiful.
Yes.
And your bra.
Yes.
Turn.
OK.
Now, drop your arms.
Oh, I was thinking maybethat I could, um, like, drape
an arm fold my arms acrossmy chest so that you saw it
and turn it maybe
a little so you
could see the tattoo and, um,a bit of the scar, but not--
No.
Everyone will wonder
what you're hiding.
Oh, I'm not hiding.
I just--
You're beautiful.
I'm so sorry.
Um, I can't do this.
I-- I-- please don't
let them publish it.
Just, like, rip
it up or burn it.
I will pay for your session.
It's just when I
agreed to the magazine,
I thought I was going to
be able to cover more.
You look so strong.
Look at yourself.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I
don't recognize myself.
I see my eyes and a depththat I've never seen before.
I see a journey.
I set out to inspire other womenthat they could be beautiful,
and I ended up
convincing myself.
I was robbed of my innocence,my life, my future,
of an actual piece of me.
I decided I would
steal it all back.
My scar looks like a skidmark where I hit the brakes
and came so close to death.
The photographer has capturedsomething so honest and raw,
it is unfamiliar.
Now, where there
was a huge defect,
I was the most beautiful.
I finally found
my inner cleavage.
Geralyn, you want to
try and win the lottery?
I already have.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Noone is guaranteed a future.
Moneisha taught me to hold ontotoday and let go of tomorrow.
I lost Moneisha and
too many friends
to worry about what will be.
I no longer make lists.
I just put one foot
in front of the other,
and I look for theangels who walk among us.
Ow!
One more.
It hurts.
One more.
One big one.
I can't.
One more.
One more.
Ow!
[baby crying]
My little Sky [inaudible].
Oh, your daddy and
I have been waiting
such a long time for you.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I
want to live to watch
Sky wear red lipstick one day.
I want her to be
one of those women.
I'll tell her she
deserves to be.
[music playing]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: My
name is Geralyn Lucas.
I came to New York with a plan.
I always had a plan.
I made lists--
well, not wishlists.
Wishlists depend
on hope and luck
and for stars in the night sky.
I made a list of all
the things I wanted,
and then I worked
hard until I got them.
Get married, have a career,raise children, give
back to society,
all while having
the guts to wear red lipstick.
I love red lipstick
because it's a choice.
Wearing it shows
confidence, demands
that the world pay attention,and dares you to live up to it.
But I wasn't that daring yet.
A few years ago, my list
was almost complete.
I married Tyler Lucas,
a handsome doctor
who could easily
pass for Tom Cruise,
if Tom were taller, more highlyeducated, and much less weird.
I was a story editor for"2020," the top TV news magazine
show with Barbara Walters.
So, the husband and jobthings were under control,
and children were on
the immediate horizon.
I swear to God,
in the dictionary,
under having it all
was a picture of me.
Well, me if I weresmarter, taller, and more
self-confident, and had a dog.
Evening, Ms. Lucas.
Evening, Joe.
Taxi!
Taxi!
[whistles]
Taxi!
46th and 8th please.
TAXI DRIVER: Sure.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I wasn'treally a red lipstick girl.
I was really more
of a gloss girl.
Gloss is safe.
I felt like the women whowore red lipstick were
more deserving than me,
more powerful than me.
But they aren't facing thelife and death decision I am.
I need to go to a
place that will give me
clarity and insight, a
place that represents
everything I have to lose.
You work here?
No.
Well, maybe-- Well, I
could if I wanted to.
Why do you ask?
TAXI DRIVER: No reason.
Thank you.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:Breasts, boobs, tits, jugs.
Men have fought
and died for them.
Yes, died for them,
just so that they
can bury their heads in them.
What men don't know
is that they're hard
wired to make
idiots of themselves
over them, because breasts area symbol of a woman's fertility.
So they sneak peeks at them,look at pictures of them,
talk about them, grab and touchthem, and pay to see them.
This place was a potpourriof breasts on parade--
big ones, bigger ones,
and Baywatch fake ones,
a crash course
like a CliffsNotes
on why boobs matter so much.
Get you something to drink?
Isn't it weird how
women have the power
to hypnotize men into
this, like, trance
just by taking off their tops?
Yeah, it's weird.
I'll have a beer.
Just a beer, in the bottle.
No glass, please.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I'dcome here to decide whether
or not to have a mastectomy,to have my breasts cut off.
This decision could
very well save my life,
so why was it so hard to make?
Tell me you're going tocut off some of my thigh,
I can live with that.
But don't tell me I've
got to lose a breast.
But what did it mean, really?
I mean, losing my breastwouldn't mean losing my husband
or my job or my friends.
Or maybe that's exactly
what it will mean,
and I'll lose everything.
Am I willing to lose
the power these women
have in order to save my life?
10 days ago, I had what
felt like other very
important decisions to make.
I'll have the decaf nonfat extrahot mocha with whipped cream,
but only if it's
non-fat whipped cream.
It's not just steam
milk extra foamy.
Please.
Hey, Geralyn, honey.
You've got to getyourself a lottery ticket.
This could be your lucky day.
Yeah, I believe inworking for your success,
not scratching for it.
Ooh.
Hi, it's Geralyn Lucas again.
Sorry.
OK, so what you're tryingto achieve through surgery
is to look like Barbie--
like the actual doll
or like a metaphor of some kind?
I'm sorry, can you hold
on one second please?
I'm sure you already
know this, sir,
but there's a shelter
over on 45th and 1st.
Go get yourself a shower, havea hot meal, or buy alcohol,
if that's what you
need right now.
No judgments.
OK, so you've already had thebutt lift, the tummy tuck,
the cheek and the dental
implants, the nose job,
but you're still going
to get the boob job.
Uh-huh.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Sir.
So is there a Ken or a GIJoe you're doing this for?
I feel like we've covered thewhole fat free, carb free diet
myth, at least for the moment.
What about teenagers
and oral sex?
They don't think it's sexbecause there's no intercourse.
I swear, I saw thatLifetime movie just last week.
VICTOR: I need something thatwill move people, something
more edgy, human
interest stories that
make people feel something.
Like Gail's story about spermdonor kids who want to meet
their dads, that was good.
That's what I'm talking about.
People.
Anybody.
Somebody.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: It
was my boss, Meredith.
I call her the goddess.
A celebrity baby
picture bounty?
Yeah?
Um, soft addictions?
Like?
Dark chocolate, nail biting,video gaming, shopping,
internet chat
rooms, online poker.
I mean, these
aren't, like, check
into treatment addictions.
You don't have to go througha 12-step program for them,
so maybe it'll be somethinga little bit different.
Yeah, definite potential.
Hm.
There's this
one woman in Texas
who had 36 plastic
surgeries in order
to look like a Barbie doll.MAN: Ugh.
Wow.
Like Barbie, like the doll.
Addicted to plastic surgery.
That's the promo.
Good work, Gail.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: So
then Meredith, the queen
of everything I
want to be in life,
gives me this big thumbs upand says to me, I like that.
And then Victor, the bossof the whole division,
says, good work, Gail, again.
Who's Gail?
Me.
Oh, that's what Victor
thinks my name is.
It was the first timehe's ever complimented me.
I didn't want to ruin
it by correcting him.
When he hates something
I do, then I'll
tell him my real name,and we can all hate Gail.
Oh, you're looking good.
Oh.
Do you have a date
after work today?
Come on.
If I had a date, don't you thinkthat would be the first thing
out of my mouth?
Nothing new happened
to me this week.
I could make
something up for you,
but that would just be pathetic.
OK, let's order dessert.
Oh, oh my god,
is something wrong?
No.
Can't we have chocolate withoutone of us being in crisis?
Mm-mm.
Not during the day.
OK.
Um, next time I go to
Dr. Crone's office,
I'm going to tell her it'stime to go off the pill.
WENDY: No way.
Oh!
Ahh!
Oh, this is so exciting.
Oh, and scary.
Are we old enough
to be the parents?
Because I'm not ready
to make that commitment.
Tyler and you
are creating life,
and I can't even meet somebody.
I'm a loser.
I'm not pregnant yet.
Well, is it on the list?
If it's on the list,
it will happen.
A list is just a guideline.
DONNA: I've seen the list, Ger.
I saw the first one
when we were eight.
I've seen many since.
Let me see.
Grow large breasts.
Get straight A's.
Be editor of the school paper.
Uh, Columbia School
of Journalism.
Marry a cool doctor.
Get a cool job.
Blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah.
So clearly the largebreast thing didn't work out.
Yeah!
Blondie, what you doing tonight?
Look at these guys
checking you out.
Uh, yeah, you.
I'm sorry.
All men are disgusting,
drooling [LOUDLY] pigs!
Why can't I find one to love me?
Hey, the movie starts at8:00, and I told them we'd
meet them for a drink before.
OK, two minutes.
OK.
Wait, wait, wait, we got
two minutes real time,
two minutes Geralyn time?
OK, six.
You know what?
I'm the one that's
going to have to make
the excuse why we're late.- Go.
Go away.
- Fine.
Hurry.
I just found threelumps in my right breast.
What?
Let me see.
Right here.
Honey, I'm sure it's nothing.
Come on.
How do you know it's nothing?
Because I'm a card
carrying doctor.
I have a stethoscope
and everything.
All right?
Let's go.
You're an orthopedic surgeon.
It's not like I felt
a lump in my knee.
Honey, do you remember?
When I was a resident, I dida six-month breast cancer
rotation, and one
thing you learn
is it's almost always nothing.
It's like the time when
you had a headache,
you thought you
had a brain tumor,
or-- or when you thought
you had pneumonia.
I'm not a hypochondriac.
Or how about the time youthought you had a broken foot?
That was a really
rough pedicure.
OK?
I mean, you're the
one who taught me
how to do a self breast
exam in the first place
on our second date.
Oh, I just wanted
to see you naked.
Come on, stop worrying.
Just hurry up.
Honey, I'm sure it's nothing.
I mean, you know what?
Women are lumpy.
Oh, great.
Listen.
If it's still there in a weekor so after you get your period,
we'll have it checked out.
You know when I'm
going to get my period?
Yeah.
Well, it doesn't take a genius.
Usually eating a carton
of Rocky Road ice cream
and complaining about being fat.
Do not.
And it's not always Rocky Road.
What is it?
Hm?
Hm?
See, now we're
going to be late.
I don't think a few minuteswill make a big difference.
A few minutes in real timeor a few minutes in Tyler time?
Hm.
We've been married
for two years,
and I've wanted a babysince I was a little girl.
And Tyler wants kids
just as much as I do.
Put your other arm up.
You've been on the
pill for a long time,
so it might take
you a few cycles
before you can get pregnant.
I know.
I did this story on this onewoman who had been trying
to get pregnant for,
like, three years,
and then she finds
out that her husband
has been grinding a birthcontrol pill into her coffee.
OK, I hadn't heard everything.
I'm going to write
you a prescription
for prenatal vitamins.
But be sure you take themwith food because they
can make you nauseous.
Anything else?
Uh, well, I--
I'm sure it's nothing,but I did find three lumps
in my right breast last week.
But two of them went away
after my period, so--
I didn't feel it.
It's kind of, like, undermy arm, like right here,
kind of like deep under my arm--- Here, show me.
--in my armpit right there.
I mean, it's probably fine, but.
Yeah, I feel it now.
You?
Yeah.
Tyler says it's nothing, andhe thinks I'm a hypochondriac.
Well, he's right--
not about you being
a hypochondriac,
but about it probably
being nothing.
You're young.
You've got no family history.
Not that that's
always an indicator.
I don't like to mess
around with lumps,
so I'm going to send you
for a mammogram today.
I have a really importantstaff meeting at 3:00.
Can it wait?
I mean, keep in mindthat every single disease
I've ever thought I
have had I didn't have.
Don't worry.
It's just a precaution.
The mammogram will just giveus some useful information.
OK, just lower the
right side of your gown.
OK, now I need you to lean inand put your left hand here.
And then I'm going to put yourbreast on the steel plate.
Oh, that is-- yeah, if thiswas for a penis, it would
be heated and play Sinatra.
So can you tell
something right away?
The films have to be reviewedby a radiologist first.
We really can't say
anything until then.
You'll get a call
in a day or two.
How many minutes is that?
You're still young.
I'm sure you're fine.
You're at least 10 years youngerthan anyone we normally see.
OK, I need you to standstill and hold your breath.
Mm-hmm.
No, it's nothing.
Tyler says they just haveto be careful because
of lawsuits and stuff.
I'm sure I'm fine.
Um, I gotta go.
I'm not supposed to be
on a cellphone in here.
No, he'll come.
I'm sure that's fine.
I'll call you as soon
as I know something.
OK.
Bye, mom.
Love you, too.
Uh, do I need to
sign anything or--
Can you wait a few minutes?
Yeah.
Why?
I thought we wouldn't knowanything for a couple of days.
Did someone just suck all ofthe oxygen out of the room?
The radiologist took
a look at your films
and wants you to
have an ultrasound.
Can you make a 3 o'clock
appointment today?
Should I be freaking out?
No.
It's just an ultrasound,
not a biopsy.
That's a good thing, right?
Um, can you page, uh,
Dr. Tyler Lucas, please?
Yeah, tell him it's
the hypochondriac.
I'm Bob Bradley.
I work with Tyler.
He asked me to see
you right away.
Unfortunately, theresults of your ultrasound
were inconclusive.
So a biopsy is really theonly way to know for sure.
I understand you're
both nervous,
so I've arranged to
do this right away.
Oh.
Please, have a seat.
What I'll do is I'll
make a small incision.
Pathology will have theresults back to us later today,
and we can all stop worrying.
We?
You're worried, too?
Because I know that I'mworried, but if you're worried,
maybe I should be a
little more worried.
I'm not worried.
Women have lumps and
cysts all the time.
Your age?
I'm sure it's not cancer.
Me, too.
Please.
Lie down.
Oh.
So, uh, you and
Tyler are friends?
That's nice to havefriends in the workplace.
It's, um-- it makes the whole
thing more fun and less,
uh, work ish.
I'm sorry.
Could someone please
tape my mouth shut?
Stop worrying.
You always think that somethingterrible is going to happen,
and it never does.
Never, never, never, never.
[toilet flush]
Don't worry.
I'm not crazy.
I was just trying to be
optimistic in the face
of terrifying inescapable doom.
I'm afraid the
news isn't good.
It's, uh-- it's cancer.
But we're going to doeverything we can to beat this.
We have to wait for
the final pathology,
but I'm sure you're acandidate for lumpectomy.
It's a small scar,
nothing to worry about,
and you'll be mostly unchanged.
Mostly unchanged?
Will I need chemo?
I mean, is all--
all of my hair
going to fall out?
Is it wrong that that
was my first question?
And actually, my first questionis, um, am I going to die?
[beeping]
It's all the coffee I drink.
Too much microwave, allthose artificial sweeteners,
me taking the pill too long,not taking the pill long enough.
It's not your fault.
Of course it's my fault.All the red meat, hormones
in the milk, lead in the water.
I mean, all that secondhandsmoke or firsthand cell phone.
Stop making yourself crazy.
I still eat those
maraschino cherries
even though I know they havethat red dye that kills you.
Hm.
What time's your ma
supposed to come?
Any minute.
Is your dad coming, too?
This is my family
we're talking about.
You sure you don'twant me to come with you?
Don't you have those two
surgeries this morning?
I'm not going to keep
two innocent people
from having their knees fixed.
[door buzzer]
Baby.
Hi, mom.
Aw.
Hi, dad.
Hi, sweetheart.
Hey, Ger.
Hey, Adam.
You know the law
school's close, OK?
MOM: Hello, Tyler.
So I can totally
be here to help,
and if I have to drop
out for you, I will.
Drop out of law school?
No one's dropping
out of anything.
We're all here to
cover for each other.
We're all in this together.[door buzzer]
Hey, Tyler.
Hey, Adam.
Hi.
MOM: Oh, it's the girls.
Hi, hi, hi.
I signed you up at
the market so you
call, tell them we're going tobe here for whatever you need.
The point is, Ger, you'renot in this fight alone.
We're going to be withyou every step of the way.
OK, so, who's
going to go with you?
MOM: Going where?
I have an appointment withthis oncologist this morning.
BOTH: Who?
- Dr. Murray.
MOM: Who is Dr. Murray?
Well, I did a
rotation with her.
- Her?
- Yes, her.
She's very good.
She's, uh-- well, women loveher because she's tough.
This is good?
She's a battle ax, and youwant someone who's aggressive.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
I see famous doctors
at famous clinics.
These are the Chanels, theGuccis, the Pradas of cancer.
Hi.
I feel like I'm cheating
on my first doctor.
I mean, just because you're asecond opinion and everything.
You're only 27?
Yeah.
This is unbelievable.
My god, you have
really bad luck.
My first doctor cried,
and my second doctor
told me I have bad luck.
I'm totally screwed.
We have a lot to talk about.
So I need a lumpectomy.
No.
You need a double mastectomy.
A double mastectomy?
Why hit something
with a feather when
you can hit it with a hammer?
Now, you have a lot to consider.
You can start chemo beforesurgery and continue after,
or you can just start after.
We can spread it
out with lower doses
over a longer period
of time or get through
it faster with higher doses.
You might be a candidate
for a clinical trial
that I'm involved in.
You'd be receiving
much more powerful
drugs, drugs that aren'tyet available to the public.
There is the risk of heartfailure and early menopause,
but with that risk,
there's a higher
percent chance of a cure.
How much higher?
About a half a percent,
but it's your decision.
I think I want a
second, second opinion.
You're in luck.
My cancer patients tend
to have good outcomes.
I didn't realize how manydoctors believe in luck.
Personally, I would recommenda lumpectomy with radiation.
The last doctor I
went to see told me
that she thinks I shouldhave a double mastectomy.
Can you believe that?
I mean, I have
cancer on one side,
and she thinks I should
take them both off.
Well, she may be right.
There are different treatmentoptions available to you.
But it's really your decision.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
There it is again--
my decision.
Like I have a clue, likeI'm deciding between a side
of coleslaw or potato salad.
There is a long-term studyout of Italy that suggests
that women live
just as long with
a lumpectomy as a mastectomy.
I mean, you're such an
attractive young woman,
I'd hate to see you
lose your breast.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
And I had to wonder,
did he hate to see me losemy breast from a doctor's
or a man's point of view?
A lumpectomy would removethe entire lump, as well as
the extra tissue around it, justto make sure that the margins
are free of cancer cells.
Now you still needchemotherapy and radiation,
but you'd be more, um--
Unchanged?
Yes, unchanged.
Oh, uh, but it's, uh--
it's your decision.
My decision, yes.
My decision, I know.
Um, what would you tellyour mother or your sister
or your daughter to do?
Well, it's hard to say.
Well, can you try?
Sweetheart, pick up yourhead and eat something.
You need your strength.
GERALYN: I don't want
anyone to see me.
I don't think your
plan is working.
When she was a
little girl, she
used to think that if she closedher eyes, nobody could see her.
Didn't you, honey?
And what a beautiful
baby she was.
Remember, she walked
at nine months?
Do I remember?
Of course I remember.
TYLER: You know what?
Maybe I should take her home.
I think she shouldstart a macrobiotic diet.
A woman I work with at
school changed her diet
and cured herself.
Of cancer?
High blood pressure.
But it works for
a lot of things.
There's another doctor
I want her to see.
GERALYN: Her?
I'm her.
Don't talk about her
like her's not here.
A seventh opinion?
No, she's a cancer therapist.
I've done some research, and shecomes very highly recommended.
She's someone for
you to talk to,
you know, someone to helpyou think things through.
Why would you think
I need to see a shrink?
Can I get you
guys anything else?
No, thank you.
Yes, I would like tosee a dessert menu please.
I have cancer.
Um, the doctor gave hersomething to calm her nerves.
Oh, I'm very calm.
Calm and cancerous.
OK.
Philadelphia's so far away.
Harvey and I would liketo come and stay with you
and help you look after Geralyn.
Oh, I don't--
I don't know.
I don't-- I don't think
that's a very good idea.
We can sleep on the floor.
It's not a problem.
It's not a problem.
You guys--
I don't think I can be
away from her right now.
Ger?
Ger.
So what's going on with you?
I'm good.
Thank you.
How are you?
THERAPIST: Maybe there's somethings you want to talk about?
Like what?
Right, I'm here because I'mstressed out about my cancer.
And I am, of course,
concerned about it,
but that's to be
expected, right?
I mean, I'm just normal,the normal level of concern.
Well, maybe
there's some things
that you need to say out loudthat you can't say in front
of your family and friends.
No, my family and
friends are wonderful.
I say lots of things
to them out loud.
You must be very scared.
I used to be scared
of cockroaches,
of algebra, sharks.
Not having makeup on whenI run into an old boyfriend
on the street, who I don'treally even care about,
but he dumped me, so-- althoughI was going to dump him.
I'm scared that I'll
make the wrong decision.
I'm scared that I can make theright decision and still die.
I'm scared that if I go tosleep at night, I won't wake up.
And I'm scared that
my husband secretly
thinks that he picked wrongand that I'm damaged goods.
And that deep down, he wishesthat he could run away.
[upbeat music]
I saw you from three
blocks away, huh?
Wow.
[laughs] I almost crashed intothat car trying to pick you up.
I thought you were just a baddriver like most other caddies.
Me?
No, no, no.
I'm a really gooddriver-- good dancer, too.
You like to dance?
No.
Really?
Well, you look
like you can move.
You know what?
Dancing can free your
life of boring limits.
It can lift you up.
Choo!
Fly away.
You look like you coulduse some lifting up, ooh.
Huh?
Bad day, lady?
Oh!
I love this song.
Come on, sing with
me on this one, eh?
You know the words?
[singing along] Come on, sing.
[singing along in spanish]Hey, lady, you OK?
I'm fine.
TAXI DRIVER: You sure?
Please, just drive.
Come on, there must be
something I can do, eh?
Pull over, dance a little bit?
Actually, I won't be doingmuch dancing because next week,
I'm having my right breastcut off because I have cancer.
[tires screeching]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Tonight at 11:00,
"2020" loses one of theirown when a crazy Cuban taxi
driver kills Gail.
Lady, lady, listen to me.
You and I were supposed tomeet at this very moment.
It's what we Cubans call fate.
Fate comes from Cuba?
Yes.
I had testicular
cancer three years ago.
I was treated at
Sloan Kettering.
I had one ball removed.
I've been fine ever since.
And you would be, too.
I will.
Yes.
I am certain.
Thank you.
You know, I even dance
better with one ball.
[laughs] Really?
It's true.
Yeah, everybody says so.
Can you take me home now?
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Suddenly,an angel has appeared
to tell me that I can be whole.
I thought on the ride homethat if a one-balled man
and an about to be
one-boobed woman
can end up connecting in
a seven minute cab ride
in a city of millions,
then somehow,
I will survive this ordeal.
Go home.
When I'm a wreck,
you can cover for me.
[music playing]
Yes, tell him it's Dr.Tyler Lucas from Mount Sinai.
I'm calling about the
breast cancer study
he was doing with
women under 40.
Yes, I read his article.
It's just he doesn'tmention anyone in their 20s.
None?
[light snoring]
[indistinct chattering]
[snort]
Oh, she snorted!
No, it's a genetic.
It is.
It's not.
It's--
My-- my aunt.
It's how many glasses of wine.
That's what makes you snort.
Oh, boy.
[giddy laughter]
What-- what are
you doing here?
It's nice to see you, too.
No, I just--
I thought that you were
in surgery tonight.
No, I, uh, couldn't.
I just-- I didn't
want you to be alone.
I mean, you know, after
your brother went home,
and your parents went
to sleep, and your--
your friends left.
Well, don't you worry, Tyler.
You don't have to
satisfy all of us.
Let's go for it.
I'm just going to
jump in the shower.
We'll be gone
before you get out.
Or not!
Will you guys still bemy best friends when I die?
Ugh, you're not going to die.
Well, if I do,
you can marry Tyler.
Thank you.
But you're not going to die.
Well--
Are you OK?
Just--
What?
Well, why don't you
want me to marry Tyler?
[laughter]
- OK.
No, no, no, no, no.
She's drunk.
I am going to take her homebefore she says something
even more ridiculously stupid.
[books clattering]
Oh, good.
You're awake.
What should I do?
Please tell me what to do.
I don't know.
I have all the same
information you have.
It's your body.
It's your decision.
Please don't tell me that.
I'm so sick and tired
of hearing that.
I'm not a doctor.
I'm not qualified to makea decision like this.
I mean, I can't even decidewhether or not to have a flu
shot.
All right.
Listen, every doctor I canpossibly reach, I've spoken to.
And some think that a mastectomyis the safer way to go.
But then others think that alumpectomy is the same thing.
And you don't run the riskof losing your breast.
OK, I've decided.
Since it's my decision,
I want a lumpectomy.
You know how I love
to save everything.
I mean, I still have
my kindergarten report
card and all my baby teeth.
Yeah.
Come here.
And that's what we'll do.
All right?
What if after all
this I can't have kids?
We'll cross that bridge
when we come to it.
I want the baby more thananything in this world.
I know you do, too.
What if we can't?
We will.
Sleep now.
OK?
[doors banging open]
Great, you're awake.
Oh.
I told you they were up.
Did you tell him
about the lumpectomy?
Um, we were just
discussing it.
That's good.
Good.
We'll give them some time.
So you told them
before you told me?
No.
Um, sort of.
They were here, and
they're my parents.
And you told Wendy
and Donna, too.
Yes, I just needed
to hear it out loud.
How did it sound?
Good, I think.
No, good.
I'm-- I don't know.
Tyler, I don't know.
Maybe I just need to
un-decide for a while.
Here.
Make a list.
- Of what?
- It's what you do.
I don't know.
I mean, you took three weeksto research our dry cleaner.
You are a researcher.
Do the research.
[music playing]
Hi, this is Geralyn Lucas.
Um, I'm giving you a copyof my pathology report.
I decided to take
control of my life.
Oh.
Sorry, I think I must
have the wrong number.
[blender]
Hi, this is Geralyn Lucascalling Barbara Stoddard.
She told you that I
was going to call.
What made you decide tohave a double mastectomy?
Ooh.
Maggie, could you pull that showwe did last year on that woman
with breast cancer
who went to Mexico
and got cured with herbs?
I thought it might be
good to do a follow-up
piece on where she is now.
What?
She died.
Oh.
[typing]
I'm 27.
[knocking]
I am so sorry, but I reallyneed to talk to you right now.
There are not enoughstudies about breast cancer
in women under the age of 30.
What we do know is
it's more aggressive
and it has a higher
rate of recurring.
I mean, I don't even qualify forthat lumpectomy study in Italy
because none of
the women studied
were under the age
of 40, and my tumor
has an extensive
interductal component.
I want a mastectomy.
I know that it's the
most radical approach,
but it's the safest way to go.
And I'm telling you and I'mgoing home to schedule it.
You're telling me before youtell the pizza delivery guy?
You sound really confident.
I'm-- I'm proud of you.
I'm proud of me, too.
[music playing]
Good morning, Joe.
I've decided to go
with a mastectomy.
Saying it out
loud helps her cope.
Call me.
OK, Joe.
Bye, now.
I'll have a soy chai latte.
I don't know if you're aware,but I read this article
in Redbook that said
that in 18 soy studies,
they noticed 14%
different breast
cancer rates in Caucasianwomen who ate tofu.
I mean, they also note thatthe studies were flawed,
but maybe it can't hurt, right?
Hey, Geralyn.
You want to buy
a lottery ticket?
I got a feeling this
might be a lucky day.
Luck has nothing
to do with it.
You make a decision,
and you stick to it.
I'm going with the mastectomy,and I feel good about it.
Hey.
You have your health.
Are you busy?
Can I talk to you?
My job is very
important to me, but I'm
going to need to take
a couple weeks off
for some personal time.
Look, I have worked
really hard here,
and I'm not just going
to crawl under a table
and curl up into a
ball and disappear.
So how does that sound?
Yeah, that sounds really good.
You know, it's your
personal business.
You don't have to
tell anyone anything.
Yeah, she can't fire you.
It's illegal, so.
You think she's
going to fire me?
- No!
- Well--
No!
Ger, don't even think like that.
Come on, honey.
Where's your libido,
your confidence?
Holding on by a thread.
I'm about to lose mybreasts, my hair, my job,
and maybe my husband, so.
You know what you need?
You need some special attention.
Like a last hurrah?
New York style.
WENDY: I'll give you my skirt.
GERALYN: This skirt is
way too short on me!
Where did you get this?
Uh, the cutie section
at Bloomingdale's.
OK, OK.
It's 12 on the dot.
Let's go.- This is a terrible idea.
DONNA: No, no!
It's a sure-thing
confidence booster.
WENDY: Oh, oh, shoes, shoes!
You need these.
There's no way around it.
You need these.
DONNA: Aah!
WENDY: You look amazing.
DONNA: Yeah!
WENDY: Go, go, go, go.
[laughter]
It's hot.
It's hot.
Come on, let's go!
Come on.
Go, go, go.
DONNA & WENDY: Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
You're beautiful, Geralyn!
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I haven'tlived my life hard enough.
I've never even gotten
a speeding ticket.
But I will not be reduced to alab report or a bad cell type.
[knocking]
Hi, can I talk to
you for a second?
Sure.
Come in.
Um, my, uh, job is
really important to me.
And I love learning from you,and I love working for you.
And I absolutely hate the ideaof even missing a day here,
but I need to take
some personal time.
OK.
Oh.
OK.
Um, good.
Thank you.
I have cancer, and I have adouble mastectomy on Friday.
I know I should have
told you sooner.
Uh, there's--[clears throat] there's no
etiquette book on what to dowhen you get breast cancer.
Sit down.
I understand how you feel.
I know people say
that a lot, but, uh,
I really know how you feel.
Years ago, I had breast cancer.
And I had a mastectomy.
The goddess had cancer?
Oh my god.
Did I say that out loud?
That's just what I
call you in my head.
You are in for the
fight of your life.
But Geralyn, you're strong.
I have been telling--
telling complete strangers,but I just don't want
to be the office cancer girl.
You didn't choose this.
It happened to you.
And you're going
to get rid of it.
Have you ever tried a mantra?
A what?
It's just something you sayto yourself to give you focus.
I tell myself I'm like the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
Air planes can fly through me.
Storms can roll past me.
But I'm still the sky.
It worked for me.
I just want to live and
be happy, have a baby,
grow really old.
And you will.
How do you know?
Because I'm the goddess.
I need proof.
None of us gets proof.
Proof is in the future.
And the future is not here yet.
Leap of faith.
That's all we can.
[sighs]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Time for a new list.
One, get real breasts removed,and two, shop for new breasts.
This is one accessory
you don't skimp on.
This is when you throw
down the credit card
and say, give me the
Jimmy Choo boobs.
Hi, there.
They're not real.
Sorry?
You were looking
at my breasts.
They're not real.
Oh, I--
No one can tell.
I can wear backless dressesand spaghetti straps
for the first time in my life.
They look great.
I had my breasts andovaries removed two years ago.
Keel is the best boobreconstruction guy in the city.
How long have you had cancer?
Oh, I never had cancer.
But I tested positive
for the gene.
You had all of that
surgery just in case?
I felt like a
walking time bomb.
My grandmother and my motherand two of my aunts had it.
It seemed like it was
just a matter of time.
So I took control.
You want to see them?
Oh.
Um, yes.
I show everyone.
Wow.
They look good.
They look great.
They feel natural, too.
You want to feel them?
Oh--
Come on, come on, it's OK.
My husband loves
them as much as I do.
Hope he doesn't mind sharing.
Those are reconstructedbreasts following a mastectomy.
It's a book of boob mug shots.
After Dr. Bradley removesthe malignant breast tissue,
I insert a special implant
called an expander.
Like a place holder boob.
Yeah, exactly.
Where are the nipples?
We put those and the areolaon after the reconstruction
is completed.
How?
With tattooing.
Most surgeons tattoo thenipple skin in only one color.
But an areola is not
just one color, is it?
No.
No.
I make a Seurat nipple.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Thank godI was forced to take an art
history class in college.
I make pointillisticnipples, different shades
with dots of color.
I'm very good.
I never realized howdifferent nipples could be.
Yeah, I know.
Mine aren't really brownish.
Actually, they're a
lot like hers, only
prettier and much less slutty.
I just want ones like
the ones I already have.
Oh, of course you do.
Ger, can we see them?
BOTH: Oh.
Oh, god.
They are nice.
They're beautiful.
We're going to take
a picture of those.
[snorts] No, I'm nottaking a picture of my boobs.
Yes!
No, no, no, we all will.
- Absolutely not.
Yeah!
We all will so that we canfinally look back to a time
before we had saggy
old grandma boobs.
I will never let that happen.
Yes, well, that's what Kendrasaid when she got pregnant, so.
What?
Nothing.
Oh, are there any more cookies?
What?
Uh, well, it's just--
OK, Kendra called.
She's having a baby shower.
And she wanted to knowwhether or not to invite you.
And we just didn't thinkit was a good time to bring
up the whole thing 'cause--
So you guys are just
going to leave me out
of everything because I'm sick?
No, no, no, honey.
Guys, I want kids, butif I have to wait, I will.
I mean, it doesn't mean thatI'm not happy for Kendra.
Well, you're
going to have kids.
You have to.
Because if you
don't, our kids won't
have your kids as bestfriends, and they'll grow
up and become drug addicts.
OK, everybody, shirts off!
We are all taking
pictures because we
are strong women who
understand that we
are not just sex objects, OK?
We are intelligent,beautiful, creative people!
Who have drunk
just enough wine--
GERALYN: No, we have not.
--to take pictures
of our boobs.
DONNA: Yes, we have.
GERALYN: We have not
drunk enough wine.
Yes, we have.
All right.
Start undoing.
Start undoing.
[laughter]
ALL: 1, 2, 3!
[laughter]
Oh my god.
It's OK because he's a doctor.
Oh, true!
So it's fine.
Bob's a great surgeon.
Yeah, he's a lousy golfer.
That just means
he's a great surgeon
because he's in surgery, right?
You'll be fine.
I know.
You know, you made
the right decision.
You promise to stay with me?
Oh, well, I have no choice.
I'm completely in love with you.
Yeah, that's why I asked
you to marry me, that
and the whole other things.
What other things?
So we can have sex in
the middle of the day.
We never have sex in
the middle of the day.
I know, but we could.
Right before major surgery?
Yeah.
It's going to be great.
And the time after surgeryis going to be even greater.
Guess who?
Surprise!
[laughter]
Ha ha ha.
Surprise.
Oh, we just want to
be with you tonight.
Are you surprised, sweetheart?
Come on, let's go upstairs.
MOM: Good night, sweetheart.- Good night.
Love you, too.
MOM: Mommy loves you.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I, uh, called Dr. Crone today.
Today, why?
I read that you
could have an egg
removed and frozen until you'rewell enough to get pregnant.
What did she say?
That I'd have to take
hormones so it would
cause the cancer to increase.
So, we'll wait.
If, um, I go into
early menopause,
then we can still adopt, right?
Well, I don't know.
I mean, did you discuss
this with your parents
and your friends today?
No.
I haven't even talked
to them about it.
I just wanted to considerall of our options.
We're both a
little stressed out.
Tomorrow's a big day.
Mm.
You know I'll be
right there with you.
Get some sleep.
GERALYN: I am the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
The sky is open and vast
and stays unchanged,
no matter what happens to it.
I am the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
The sky is open and vast
and stays unchanged,
no matter what happens to it.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I am notjust a mastectomy right side.
I am a woman in red lipstick.
I'm seizing control
of my future.
I am Geralyn Lucas,
wife, daughter,
friend, and future mother.
I'm going into battle
for my life, a battle
that I fully intend to win.
And this lipstick
is my war paint.
Do you have my mantra?
Got it.
Make sure someone readsit to me while I go under.
I will.
I'm really scared.
I know you are, but
you're going to be fine.
I promise.
[inaudible]
How are you doing?
Good morning, Geralyn.
You OK?
[inaudible]
Yes.
[chuckles]
[low conversation]
She's in.
And?
And now we wait.
I'm going to get some coffee.Does anybody--
Do you want one of
us to come with you?
No, no, I'm good.
I'm good.
Tyler, she's going
to be OK, right?
I promise.
You're as worried as we are.
You can't promise--
I'm telling you.
I spoke to her surgeon.
He's very confident.
She's going to be fine.
Oh, thank god.
I'll be back.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
I suddenly knew
why exit signs were invented,for dangerous situations
like this one, like fires,like fleeing a building so they
can't cut off your breast.
My life was on fire.
I hadn't lived hard enoughyet, and I wanted out of there.
[indistinct shouting]
[thunder]
OK, please.
Can you relax your
arm for me, please?
All right.
There you go.
I am the sky.
Nothing can stick to me.
The sky is open and vast
and stays unchanged.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: In thesterility of the operating
room, I am strong.
In the blood and gauze,
I feel like dancing.
Under anesthesia, I
am hopeful and maybe
a little sexy and
slightly in control,
just knowing that my
lipstick might last.
I am the sky.
I am the sky.
I am the sky.
Is this heaven?
No, girl, you're right
here at Mount Sinai.
[chuckles] What I really wantto know is what kind of lipstick
is that?
It stayed on through
six hours of surgery.
I need to get me some of that.
Come on over.
Honey?
Can you open your eyes?
Am I OK?
Perfect.
Couldn't have gone better.
Your father kissed nurse Kimwhen he, uh, heard the news.
He's a good kisser, too.
If he wasn't already
married, I don't know.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Oh, did you feed the dog?
Honey, we don't have a dog.
I know, but I was thinkingthat we should get one.
It's a good idea.
Are you awake?
She's awake.
They're all here.
How are you feeling, honey?
Does it hurt?
DAD: Do you want me
to put the TV on?
DONNA: Do you need anything?DAD: Do you want something?
DR. CRONE: Hey.
Hi, Dr. Crone.
I wanted to come
and check on you.
Are you managing your pain OK?
Yeah.
I heard things
went really well.
You found that lump yourself.
I might've missed it.
I'm lucky.
You're very lucky.
You're young, you're strong.
I still want to have a baby.
Changes in your hormone levelsmight be very dangerous for you
at this time.
After the chemo, I probablywon't be able to anyway, right?
Please, don't even try.
[music playing]
Hey, morning.
Hi.
Aw, breakfast in bed.
TYLER: How're you feeling?
Um, happy to be home.
I'm happy to have you home.
I'm just going to
change your dressing.
Honey, have you looked?
No.
Dr. Bradley wanted
me to, but I can't.
I don't want you to
see me like this.
Honey.
Open your eyes.
No.
Open your eyes.
It's OK to look.
Oh my god.
Oh my god, a Frankensteinmonster boob.
Run-- run while you can.
Run.
I'm going to
change the dressings.
And then--
And then you can leave
and never look back.
No one will blame you.
No one, but I want
to keep the dog.
Then, can we make love?
With me?
Well, yeah, you're mygirl, and you're beautiful.
And I need you to know that, so.
Can you get me my lipstick?
Yeah.
Yeah.
I don't want to hurt you.
You're not.
You OK?
Uh-huh.
I love you.
I love you, too.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: My newchest was making its debut.
Between the expander booband some clever padding,
I could pull off somepretty impressive cleavage.
Is this the chemo room?
Mrs. Lucas.
Yes.
I'm Stella.
We've got everything
set up for you.
Just make yourself comfortable.
This is the CMF cocktailyour doctor ordered for you.
MONEISHA: Virgin?
What?
I mean first time.
Yes.
Well, it shouldn't be so bad.
You have your sister
here with you.
Oh, she's-- she's my mother.
I know.
Just said that in case
she has some chocolate.
[laughs] Matter of fact, I do.
I'll bring more.
Thank you.
Let me tell you
something, baby girl.
The best thing
about having cancer,
it's a get out of
jail free card.
It's like, I can't pick youup at the airport tonight.
I have cancer.
I can't watch your cat.
I have cancer.
Moneisha, please.
Sorry, Ms. Thing.
I have cancer.
NURSE: I'll start your trip now.
Thank you.
You know, I was lying
down back there,
and I was worrying about myself.
And then I saw you.
What are you, in your 20s?
Yes.
Oh, unbelievably tragic.
You see, at my age, youexpect something like this,
but well, anyway, thank youfor making me feel better.
Goodbye, Mrs. Jackson.
[music playing]
Taxi.
Taxi.
Darling, let me do it.
Taxi!
Darling, are you sure you're OK?
I can take you home,
stay overnight, take
the morning train to Philly.
I'm feeling fine.
Really, I am.
I love you.
You don't feel sick?
I feel fine.
They told me that somepeople don't even get sick.
[vomiting]
Yuck.
[vomiting]
Hi.
[applause]
CO-WORKERS: Surprise!
Guys, thank you so much.
Welcome back, Geralyn.
You look great.
I'm so glad you're back.
Thank you so much.
Now get out of here.
No, I'm fine.
Really, I'm--
Even Superman took a breakwhen he encountered kryptonite.
You go home, you take it easy.
We'll still think of you
as Supergirl, I promise.
I need to be here.
I feel normal.
Please don't make me go home.
Eat some cake?
Mm, this chocolate
sure does cover
up that metallic chemo taste.
Whew.
Everything that I've
been eating tastes
like a rusty nail, Moneisha.
Moneisha is not my real name.
That's my porno name.
My real name is Monica.
You're in porn?
No.
But everybody should havea porno name just in case.
You see, I took the
name of my first pet,
the street I grew up on.
I put them together.
Moneisha Alpine.
What's yours?
Bootsy Blanch.
Oh!
MONICA: Oh, I like that.
What's yours?
Oh, uh, Pepper Oregon.
Italy Lacont.
Fido Topeka.
[vomiting]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Tyler andI discovered a whole new idea
of what romance is.
It's pulling back your wife'sthinning hair while she pukes
so hard she shivers to death.
I'm OK.
Is she OK?
Yeah, I tried giving herginger and mango because I read
that it helped some people.
She's making her sicker.
And I've talked
to every person I
could possibly
get in touch with,
and no one has any new answers.
And I don't know
what's coming next.
And I feel helpless.
You're doing
everything you can.
No, see, I can't do
anything to help her.
And I'm-- I'm-- what kindof doctor does that make me?
Forget what kind
of doctor you are.
Think what kind of
husband you are.
The two of you will bestronger because of this.
Thank you.
Tyler, I know it's been hardhaving us around all the time.
But we don't know
any other way to be.
[groaning]
Hey.
I'm so cold.
Oh, I know.
I mean, that's the drugs.
Please don't go in today.
I have to.
TYLER: No.
No, you don't.
- I do have to.
No, listen.
Hey.
Most people going throughchemo, they stay home.
They try to recover.
What are you trying to prove?
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Hearing my black pumps
click against the hospitalfloor makes me feel hopeful.
I need to reclaim
myself by being daring.
The more my hair falls out,the shorter my skirts will get.
Living with risk
has made me risque.
I never thought a shampoocommercial could make me cry.
Last night, I was
drooling over the one
where that woman whips herhair back in slow motion,
and then they kind of freezewhen she flips it back.
Honey, that's just hair porn.
Everything's going
to make you cry.
And you're going to feel
very, very frightened.
I'm terrified all the time.
And Tyler says that I
should stop worrying
like I've beaten this thing.
My family, I
simply wore them out.
And the doctors gave me
three months to live.
That was over two years ago.
Today I feel good.
Today is all that matters.
I'm going to be fly until I die.
I'm going to win mybling-bling and everything.
You're not afraid to die?
Have you ever
been to Disneyland?
Yeah.
Oh my goodness.
I stood in that long line,and I realized something
scared me more than death--
reincarnation.
Really?
There was absolutely
no one in that line
I wanted to come back as.
[laughs] [snorts]
I find peace in knowing
the truth about God.
She's a selfish son of a gun.
Eventually, she
wants us all back.
MAN: Can you hold the elevator?
Hold it!
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]:
Please don't throw up.
Please don't throw up.
It's good to see you, Gail.
Thank you so much
for the flowers.
They were so beautiful.
And you're so very welcome.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Pleasedon't throw up on Victor.
Please don't throw up on Victor.
A major achievement-- Ididn't throw up on Victor.
It's good to have
you back, Geralyn.
Thank you.
[vomiting]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Idid, however, hit my shoes.
[flushing]
Taxi.
Please.
Don't whistle.
I don't think you're
that cute either.
I will never ever make funof men's comb overs again.
You still look great.
Liar.
Every time the wind
blows, I panic.
Today's chemo, are you coming?
Uh, I'm in surgery
until 3:00, so I'll
see if I can make it after.
It feels like two ships
passing in the night.
You know what?
I'll be there this afternoon,and then if you're up for it,
we'll grab a bite.
A date?
Yeah, a date.
I've already locatedthe port in your expander
and it's filling with
saline right now.
I'll continue to
fill it with saline
every two weeks to stretchyour skin and muscle
until we reach the right size.
Later, we'll
replace the expander
with a permanent implant.
Oh, god is it supposed
to hurt this much?
I know it's uncomfortable.
Uncomfortable.
Can skin actually burst?
Not typically, it
just feels like it.
OK, if it's going to
hurt this much, then
I'd better stop traffic.
Make them huge.
What did you have in mind?
Give me Pamela
Anderson breasts.
Well, we have to be carefulbecause you're a small frame.
What is she, a 34B?
Probably at birth.
[MUSIC - EVA CASSIDY, "FIELDS OF GOLD"]
[SINGING] You'll remember mewhen the west wind moves--
Dr. Lucas, Geralyn andthe gang left an hour ago.
Oh.
Oh, I must have the time wrong.
[SINGING] You can tellthe sun in his jealous sky
when we walked in
fields of gold.
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, guys.
Oh, hi, Tyler.
Hey, Tyler.
- We're making pizza.
- We're making pizza.
What kind do you want?
Hi.
Oh, hey.
Um, I'm feeling a little sleepy.
I think I'm going to crash.
You OK?
Yeah, why wouldn't I be OK?
Tyler.
Um, I, uh--
I came by your chemo
appointment today.
You and the gang
had already left.
Oh, I rescheduled to earlier.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't think that you'd come.
Well, honey, I told you
I was going to be there.
Sweetie, you've
said that before.
Are you sure you
want to be alone?
You should try it sometime.
[SINGING] So she took
her love for to gaze
awhile among the
fields of barley.
In his arms she fell
as her hair came
down among the fields of gold.
Will you stay with me?
Will you be my love amongthe fields of barley?
And you can tell the
sun in his jealous sky
when we walked in
fields of gold.
You'll remember me when
the west wind moves
among the fields of barley.
You can tell the sun
in his jealous sky
when we walked in
fields of gold.
When we walked in
fields of gold.
[water running]
Hey Geralyn.
Oh, hey.
Um, listen, I think I'mgoing to be late tonight.
I'm going out to dinner withsome of the other doctors
from work.
OK.
You don't mind, do you?
Um, no, I--
maybe we could have
dinner on Friday night.
Friday.
Yeah, Friday.
Oh, you know what?
I think I have a late
surgery that night.
Tell you what,
let's play by ear.
Sure.
[music playing]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Thesaline injections were doing
their job, but it's
funny the things
the doctor forgets to tell you.
SHOP CLERK: Honey,
you need some help?
Uh, no, thank you.
I'm-- actually, yes.
I'm lopsided.
SHOP CLERK: The whole worldis lopsided sometimes.
It's up to each one of usto find our inner balance.
Forget about inner balance.
I need to find my
inner cleavage.
[upbeat music]
If I saw you on the street,I'd buy you a fur coat.
[interposing voices]
Can I help you?
I hope so.
Do my hips look
big in this hat?
Ugh, not at all.
Queens from Queens.
Are you here for a cut?
Um, no.
Actually, I started chemo.
And I started releasing,and um, I just need a wig.
I have just what you need.
Really?
I promise you'll be gorgeous,even more gorgeous than them.
Because she won't
have to cover a beard.
Come on.
[music playing]
[laughter]
Bea Arthur or Estelle Getty?
I feel like a fraud.
Then go for the real thing.
[laughter]
Ta-da!
[inaudible] sugar.
It's what's in here that counts.
Anyone who can't see
how beautiful you are
ain't worth your time.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Go figure.
The Queen of Hearts
was from Queens.
And yet another angel that Ineed to meet crosses my path.
[MUSIC - JOSHUA RADIN, "THESE PHOTOGRAPHS"]
[SINGING] I hand you
a robe and so it goes.
The moment had passed.
You're Simone de Beauvoiras you get out the car.
The way you read me
no one can see me.
It's who you are.
These photographs keep me alive.
Babe, here's your song.
Babe, it took too long to findin your eyes my best surprise.
You're Nina Simone when
you talk on the phone.
You sing to me, and I'm
truly no longer alone.
You're Mary Cassatt whenpeople tell you you're not.
Babe, here's your song.
Babe, it took too long to findin your eyes my best surprise.
ANNOUNCER [ON TV]: Do youwear your hat all the time?
Can't get a date?
If you are ashamed of a recedinghairline, thinning hair,
or baldness, then the hairglove for men is for you.
Hey, honey.
How are you feeling?
ANNOUNCER [ON TV]: --thelatest treatments for baldness.
These poor men.
What's wrong?
There's so muchsuffering over hair loss.
There is definite discrimination
against the follically
challenged.
Honey, that's a little nuts.
Oh, it's easy
for you to say, you
with your fancy head of hair.
You made dinner?
Yeah, it's Friday night.
We had a date.
Honey, I said we
should play it by here.
I had surgery until late.
Besides, I figured you'd go outwith your friends after chemo.
Oh, I, um--
I misunderstood.
TYLER: How was chemo today?
The usual.
Got poisoned, came
home, threw up.
Sorry I missed it.
What's that supposed to mean?
Everyone comes every
week, except you.
Yeah, exactly.
Everyone comes.
Why do you need me there?
Because they're not you.
I need you, too.
It just doesn't
feel that way to me.
So, you're mad at me becauseI have people who care about me?
I mean, do you-- do
you want to me to make
me pick between them and you?
Or maybe you want
me to suffer alone?
I do.
It sure didn't seem
like that the other day.
- Excuse me?
- Nothing.
TYLER: No, no, what--
what-- what did you say?
What did you say?
I came by the hospitalto see you the other day,
and you were talking
to some girl.
Girl, what?
What girl?
You seemed pretty involved,so I didn't want to bother you.
You came all the way
down to the hospital,
and you didn't come talk to me?
You seemed kind of busy, justlike you were busy tonight.
I can't believe
you're saying that.
You know, I don't care somuch that you're accusing me
of, I think, being
unfaithful to you,
but um, it's that youwaited to ask me about it.
Geralyn, you're not theonly one who's suffering.
The only difference is I don'tneed a marching band to follow
me around everywhere I go.
[loud thud]
Tyler?
TYLER: Uh-huh, yeah.
You OK?
Fine.
I'm OK, I'm OK.
Sweetie.
Good.
You don't need me.
What?
That's why I don't come toyour treatments because I--
I-- it's my fault.
I gave you cancer.
What?
When I did my breast
cancer rotation,
I told you about
that girl who died,
and then I put
that in your head.
Tyler.
I'm a little sick.
Use my knee pillow.
[thuds]
TYLER: Ow.
Damn it.
Oh my god.
Aw, sweetie.
It's fine.
It's fine.
Thanks.
Now we both have scars.
Except yours--
yours is for bravery.
Mine is being an idiot.
I get it now.
I know how you feel.
Like a moron?
I wish they were
stitching up my head.
I wish that I was
the one who had cancer.
Don't.
What?
I look like a cue ball.
All I see is my wife, mycourageous, my beautiful wife.
And I am so proud
to be your husband.
Come on.
So, you gave me cancer bytelling me about that girl
that you treated?
No, I--
I just-- I told
you all about it.
I know how
impressionable you are.
I was wrecked by it, and Iwas just laying it all on you.
You don't believe
in religion or faith,
and you make fun of me becauseI won't walk under a ladder
and I read my horoscopes.
But this, you believe
that you unconsciously
gave me cancer by conversation?
Telling me about that
woman you treated,
making it so real for
me, and that's what made
me think it could happen to me.
That's why I did self exams.
You telling me about that girlmight be what saved my life.
Let's go home.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I must'vebeen feeling the guilt gene
because when a women's magazineasked if I'd be willing to have
my breasts photographed inorder to encourage others who'd
had mastectomies, I said yes.
I'll tell her.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Butfirst, I had to get a nipple.
Honey, that was
Dr. Keel's office.
You're late for
your appointment.
I don't want to go.
TYLER: Do you want
me to go with you?
[sighs] No.
I'm having nipple ambivalence.
Who am I doing this for?
Am I doing it for you or for me?
Because we're actually bothgoing to know that it's fake,
so am I doing it to be likean average two nippled woman
or so I can look normal changingin a women's locker room?
Maybe it's so I can prancearound a topless beach.
Well, you know--
Tyler, but nipples
are so in right now.
They're like a must
have accessory.
OK, look, women are
wearing these white,
sheer, little, thin shirts--
Honey, honey, honey.
GERALYN: No bra.
Honey, it's your breast.
So no matter what
you do, I promise
to honor and cherish it.
But let-- let-- let's justbe clear about one thing.
Under no circumstances
are you ever
going to be average or normal.
[laughs]
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I wasso sick of wearing my heart
on my sleeve that I decidedto have it prominently
etched on my boob instead.
Hey.
Hey.
I saw you walking around.
I thought you might be lost.
Caught.
Um, I was actually wondering,can you do a tattoo
on a breast reconstruction?
Sure.
We do it all the time, actually.
There's 10 layers of skin soyou actually get to the implant.
We only have to
go three deep, so.
Really?
Yeah.
Cancer?
Um, yes.
Yeah.
My grandmother had
cancer when she was 40,
and she lived till she was 85.
You kind of look like
you're actually good.
Come on in.
Another angel.
So, um, I don't want
to get a nipple tattoo.
Good.
They're so yesterday.
[laughs]
You're not going to get
a man's name, are you?
No, why?
Because I have to
remind you that Johnny
Depp had to change his Winonaforever tattoo to Wino forever.
[laughter]
OK.
Have a seat.
No man's name.
No man's name.
Um, so I want a heartto remind me of my courage
and the courage of
everyone around me.
And I just want it atthe lower end of my scar.
And, um, I want wings
at the top to remind
me of all the
angels who showed me
that I would get my life back.
Nice.
Would you like to show
me where you'd like it?
Um.
That's OK.
My husband is the only onewho has ever seen me like this.
It's right here.
You're a very foxy lady.
[laughs] No, I'm not.
Oh, you are.
Your husband's a very lucky man.
Why did I agree to do this?
For all the women who
were scared like you.
Well, what if
they're not inspired
when they look at the pictureand they're grossed out?
That'll never happen.
I've never liked
even one single picture
I've ever taken of myself.
And I've got a weird
smile and a round face,
and I've got a snaggle tooth.
And my eyes are not--
what?
That's all true.
And it's good to hear youcomplain about that stuff
again.
But you are beautiful.
Go.
[upbeat music]
Hi, I'm Geralyn Lucas.
"Self Magazine"
sent me over here
to have pictures taken fortheir breast cancer article.
Hair and makeup,
they're ready for you.
Great.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Maybethis is why women pose topless.
- Can I grab a cookie?
- They're ready for you.
Yes.
OK.
Hi, I'm Geralyn.
Um, I just washed my
hair, but I didn't
do anything to it
because they told me
that you guys were going to--
Don't touch her hair.
I love it like that.
Hi, I'm Geralyn.
Nice to meet you.
Come along.
Stand on that mark.
Right here?
Take your shirt off.
What?
Take your shirt off.
Usually, I make someone
buy me dinner for that.
Um, I don't have
hair and makeup yet.
Now.
Can I, uh, at least justhave some red lipstick?
Please?
It gives me courage.
Sure.
Red lipstick!
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I shouldhave used Tyler's deodorant
because it's a clear stickto avoid the deodorant
lines in my topless photo.
Can they airbrush
out deodorant lines?
Can they airbrush in a nipple?
I need something
to center me here.
I need to lick the beeswaxand taste the courage.
I'm sorry.
I'm-- I'm having
second thoughts.
I, uh--
I promise you.
This is going to be
tasteful, and you're
going to look beautiful.
Yes.
And your bra.
Yes.
Turn.
OK.
Now, drop your arms.
Oh, I was thinking maybethat I could, um, like, drape
an arm fold my arms acrossmy chest so that you saw it
and turn it maybe
a little so you
could see the tattoo and, um,a bit of the scar, but not--
No.
Everyone will wonder
what you're hiding.
Oh, I'm not hiding.
I just--
You're beautiful.
I'm so sorry.
Um, I can't do this.
I-- I-- please don't
let them publish it.
Just, like, rip
it up or burn it.
I will pay for your session.
It's just when I
agreed to the magazine,
I thought I was going to
be able to cover more.
You look so strong.
Look at yourself.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I
don't recognize myself.
I see my eyes and a depththat I've never seen before.
I see a journey.
I set out to inspire other womenthat they could be beautiful,
and I ended up
convincing myself.
I was robbed of my innocence,my life, my future,
of an actual piece of me.
I decided I would
steal it all back.
My scar looks like a skidmark where I hit the brakes
and came so close to death.
The photographer has capturedsomething so honest and raw,
it is unfamiliar.
Now, where there
was a huge defect,
I was the most beautiful.
I finally found
my inner cleavage.
Geralyn, you want to
try and win the lottery?
I already have.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: Noone is guaranteed a future.
Moneisha taught me to hold ontotoday and let go of tomorrow.
I lost Moneisha and
too many friends
to worry about what will be.
I no longer make lists.
I just put one foot
in front of the other,
and I look for theangels who walk among us.
Ow!
One more.
It hurts.
One more.
One big one.
I can't.
One more.
One more.
Ow!
[baby crying]
My little Sky [inaudible].
Oh, your daddy and
I have been waiting
such a long time for you.
GERALYN [VOICEOVER]: I
want to live to watch
Sky wear red lipstick one day.
I want her to be
one of those women.
I'll tell her she
deserves to be.
[music playing]