tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41306071708737642442024-03-14T05:05:42.838-04:00The Trurogirl Diaries"If you cry because the sun has left your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars." - Tagore<br>
"Let me face westward while my sun goes down." - Edith WhartonTrurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-31572006700009717662012-05-28T12:29:00.000-04:002012-05-28T16:05:56.275-04:00Taking A Break...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc; font-family: 'Cooper Std Black'; font-size: large;">I'm doing well - now 4 years and 11 months from diagnosis...at this time, I'm concentrating my creative energy on my photography, and on losing weight to be even healthier :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cooper Std Black';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc; font-size: large;">I post my photographs on Instagram as 'trurogirl'; it has been a wonderful and liberating experience to share my view of the world with others! Cancer gave me the courage to share my photos, as it gave me the courage to write about my experiences.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc; font-family: 'Cooper Std Black'; font-size: large;">My Photo Gallery is available on Instacanv.as; my name there is...(you guessed it!) trurogirl</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cooper Std Black';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc; font-size: large;">I especially enjoy taking photos of flowers; they really 'speak' to me!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cooper Std Black';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;">Here's a link to my Instacanv.as Photo Gallery: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://instacanv.as/trurogirl">http://instacanv.as/trurogirl</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc; font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My best advice to all from this point in my journey:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;">Enjoy every day of your life, and find beauty in the little things</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;">:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;">)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;"><a href="http://instacanv.as/trurogirl" target="_blank">http://instacanv.as/trurogirl</a></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-91848577098691876982010-09-29T19:24:00.010-04:002010-09-30T06:58:08.723-04:00Your MRI - A Hidden Danger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53c5yGhqzx6je7uyVmyHchjgtbwhiluR8EIFa58e_mI2Oj-RKuAM6Xol-BRkSLsa2tdXZYzxgVvO99neOwPhdZuq7Sf3-RIsmMFopcf8EZgwOlZV6uJhlLT-lPM6Zpz6vo9NQuCXR7_M/s1600/breast_mri_01.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 200px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53c5yGhqzx6je7uyVmyHchjgtbwhiluR8EIFa58e_mI2Oj-RKuAM6Xol-BRkSLsa2tdXZYzxgVvO99neOwPhdZuq7Sf3-RIsmMFopcf8EZgwOlZV6uJhlLT-lPM6Zpz6vo9NQuCXR7_M/s320/breast_mri_01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522482324909863218" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The FDA recently announced that it was requiring new warnings about the use of gadolinium contrast agents (dyes) used in MRI scans. Gadolinium has been conclusively connected with a rare, potentially fatal kidney condition called NSF (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis). The named contrast agents most often linked to NSF are: Magnevist, Omniscan, and Optimark.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">NSF is a progressive thickening of the skin's connective tissue: it can eventually affect the joints, eyes, and, most seriously, the internal organs. Patients experience tightening and hardening of the skin, with dark or reddened patches. The disease can lead to joint contracture, preventing normal movement; if it affects the internal organs, it can be fatal.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Breast cancer patients routinely undergo yearly breast MRIs in addition to our regular screening mammograms. The MRI visualizes the breast tissue without using radiation, and it can detect abnormalities which a mammography cannot. Using both of these methods provides a more comprehensive evaluation.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The MRI consists of 2 phases: a non-contrast phase, which happens first; then, the contrast phase, where an IV of saline mixed with gadolinium is administered; this provides an enhanced level of imaging.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Following the MRI, patients are advised to drink a large amount of water in order to flush the gadolinium out of their body. The added fluid lessens the chemical's impact on the kidneys, as gadolinium is a toxic substance.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Patients who have kidney disease or who are at risk for reduced kidney function should have only a non-contrast MRI, or have their physician explore non-contrast-based imaging options, due to their high risk of developing NSF.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Any patient who is experiencing a lessened ability to eliminate drugs from their system should have their kidney function evaluated prior to having a MRI using contrast.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most patients needing a contrast MRI will have the capacity to eliminate the gadolinium from their system rapidly by drinking more water for a day or so. But, if there is any question of impaired kidney function, patients should consult with their physician before undergoing this type of imaging.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-90075388795813856202010-09-04T09:20:00.013-04:002010-09-08T06:10:08.901-04:00This Friday, STAND UP!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrefN8wIqKfb8D0QzZblihgDbf8Drouv1CuYB1K7A-sC1C34G7dXVJHSse-4BoRvavAQz0aLJX2q6rM44uiJ_FgZtOH9HQWZrDdq_nOhMDgweoiAQwW8JtpF6-FTgDGlFCbIYBjyHMV8/s1600/Stand+Up+To+Cancer.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrefN8wIqKfb8D0QzZblihgDbf8Drouv1CuYB1K7A-sC1C34G7dXVJHSse-4BoRvavAQz0aLJX2q6rM44uiJ_FgZtOH9HQWZrDdq_nOhMDgweoiAQwW8JtpF6-FTgDGlFCbIYBjyHMV8/s320/Stand+Up+To+Cancer.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514291628931755154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On Friday, September 10th, at 8PM Eastern Time, Stand Up To Cancer will hold a multi-network 1-hour simulcast to raise funds for cancer research.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Celebrity actors, musicians, athletes, journalists, and others will all appear during the telecast; several were also cancer patients themselves, and have successfully journeyed through treatment to recovery.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There isn't a single person alive whose life hasn't been touched directly or indirectly by cancer. Before I became a patient, I had already lost my Father, Aunt, Uncle, and a dear childhood playmate to this dread disease. Right now, my wonderful Stepmother and a co-worker are also in treatment.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The mission of Stand Up To Cancer is to raise funds which go entirely and directly to cutting-edge cancer research, accelerating this process so that current and future cancer patients can get the greatest benefit in the shortest possible timeframe. It also celebrates the 12 million cancer survivors living every day in defiance of the disease, which gives hope to others should they ever be faced with a cancer diagnosis.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have been a member of SUTC since the first telecast in the Fall of 2008. I donated without hesitation, and was energized by this innovative approach to funding research. At the time, I also dedicated a star in the cancer "constellation" in memory of my Father; this is a wonderful way of memorializing a loved one whose life has been taken by the disease.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">SUTC invites us as cancer patients to create a profile and also make a statement about how we personally "stand up to cancer"; my Profile is available at the following Link, but I will also post it below:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&a=index&id=17595</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">It has now been 3 years since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I am now a "Survivor"... Most days, I don't even think about cancer; even though I can clearly remember how it overwhelmed every aspect of my life for weeks and months. My life is forever changed, and some changes are for the better. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Cancer has put everything else in my life in perspective. Finding joy in each day is the most important thing to me. I now realize that life is all about "the little things". Living in the "now", and truly experiencing what is all around you, makes you feel that you are not wasting any precious minutes of your life. This attitude is one that enhances life for all of us, not just cancer patients.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Cancer has helped me realize that I am an extremely strong person. I write about my experiences on my website, in the hope that it might help others going through their journey back to health: http://trurogirl.blogspot.com</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Cancer has robbed us of far too many friends, loved ones, and family. We must work together to make it a thing of the past. Stand up, everyone!!</p><div id="up2" size="14px" style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><img src="http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/custom/img/stand/its-up-2.gif" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; " /> me to never allow cancer to claim my spirit or take away my smile</div><div id="up2" size="14px" style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Please watch the telecast Friday; it will touch your heart, and it will also inspire you. Donate to SUTC so that together, we will be able to make cancer "history".</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p><p></p></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-60463682010125072912010-08-21T09:05:00.009-04:002010-09-07T18:15:59.247-04:00The Most Costly Disease In The World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXhxrtH-X-iQSTAcdnRfZvAxkj7vBnP713-aF3YUE8aejcEVho90g9M62-4VqWtpcJhxTrXWrk8KIjGStpGoSf40ZYTbwPWUBSFH73fk-q9Q6VodV96DHsX72vwjJUF6uZMOpJF5_-PQ/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXhxrtH-X-iQSTAcdnRfZvAxkj7vBnP713-aF3YUE8aejcEVho90g9M62-4VqWtpcJhxTrXWrk8KIjGStpGoSf40ZYTbwPWUBSFH73fk-q9Q6VodV96DHsX72vwjJUF6uZMOpJF5_-PQ/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507849588765716962" /></a><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If an interviewer asked "people on the street" what they thought was the greatest threat to worldwide health, the answers would most likely be "AIDS", "Malaria", "Flu", or another infectious disease. I would have given a similar response.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Surprisingly, the answer is - "cancer". </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At a global cancer conference being held in China this week, the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">American Cancer Society</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> presented new findings about cancer: not about treatments, cure rates, or research, but that cancer is now the world's leading cause of death, and literally costs more than any other disease in terms of disability and years of life lost.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A staggering $895 billion was attributed to cancer's </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">economic cost</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for 2008 - this is roughly 1.5% of the entire world's GDP (gross domestic product). And, this is only the figure linked to disability and life-years lost to the disease. The costs of treatment, which are </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">not</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> included here, are also astronomical, and will only increase in the coming years.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">World Health Organization</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> has estimated that cancer would replace heart disease as the leading cause of death this year. In 2008, 7.6 million people worldwide died of cancer, and each year, 12.4 million new cases are diagnosed.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is an impending world health crisis of unimaginable proportions. Some are now comparing it to the global crisis leading to increased spending on AIDS in the early 1990s. The current 3% of public and private funding dedicated to global health must be greatly increased if we are to have any hope in turning the tide against cancer. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-66210055475368890952010-08-21T08:25:00.006-04:002010-09-07T18:16:36.476-04:00Many Women Not Informed of Reconstruction Options<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUbbdQi7dnFNEDdVQrhkekVb2GKRNmWfvojaGgifI3xTLi0EcmOyVegZvo5eIUQQD3QbQDobTKPfw4tvafHgl2lSJqVg8x5Db5c_uFMglKQZ7s0BuRa0SkIjOWOqmZtsgheAkUlO_CUw/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUbbdQi7dnFNEDdVQrhkekVb2GKRNmWfvojaGgifI3xTLi0EcmOyVegZvo5eIUQQD3QbQDobTKPfw4tvafHgl2lSJqVg8x5Db5c_uFMglKQZ7s0BuRa0SkIjOWOqmZtsgheAkUlO_CUw/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507838552260126050" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last Sunday, New York signed a new State Law requiring hospitals and physicians to discuss breast reconstruction options with patients </span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">prior to</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> performing cancer surgery.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sadly, although breast reconstruction following cancer surgery has been a Federally mandated covered benefit since 1998, the rate of post-mastectomy reconstructions is far lower for poor and minority women. I know that this is the case.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had personally been asked to research this issue a while ago, and I was completely taken aback to see the incredibly low rate of reconstructions vs. mastectomies in the Bronx. It did not ring true that 80% or more of these women would actively choose to live the rest of their lives this way, when the law says that they are entitled to reconstructive surgery. Not all women are medically eligible for reconstruction, but this could not possibly account for the disparity. Were these women not aware that reconstruction is indeed a covered benefit? Could something be done to raise awareness of the situation, and help these women to be "whole" again, following the devastation which cancer had caused them?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A major factor is that women undergoing mastectomies at hospitals which do not offer breast reconstruction were </span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">not</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> informed of their right to have this procedure performed at another hospital equipped to offer this service. From now on, if the hospital where the mastectomy was done does not offer breast reconstruction, it is mandated that the patient be referred to a facility where the procedure is available. In the NYC area, breast cancer patients at academic medical centers, which have breast plastic surgeons on staff, are far more likely to be informed of, and to undergo, breast reconstruction. The new legislation will ensure referrals to these institutions for post-mastectomy patients.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was fortunate enough to undergo surgery and treatment at a facility of my choice. This legislation means that other women will have access to the same level of care and treatment options, no matter where they are initially treated for their breast cancer.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-11731450947936413172010-07-17T08:26:00.013-04:002010-09-07T18:17:25.039-04:00The Kindness of Strangers - Angels Everywhere<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztCDbpte3HaDiHJ-7LluoUkB5ZKiTtXxjSREHSr2LUbsHuf66sO6f7sshk8DQMmYd8vyX47BQPxqLhGsTgZwgUPNjTG9tV6t5PGa3ElqLqTgrgggokHNrrsV3QknpMCwmzJbi1ahyphenhyphenL7k/s1600/2010-03+Potvin+Angel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztCDbpte3HaDiHJ-7LluoUkB5ZKiTtXxjSREHSr2LUbsHuf66sO6f7sshk8DQMmYd8vyX47BQPxqLhGsTgZwgUPNjTG9tV6t5PGa3ElqLqTgrgggokHNrrsV3QknpMCwmzJbi1ahyphenhyphenL7k/s320/2010-03+Potvin+Angel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494852403851347218" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last Wednesday, I traveled into Manhattan to attend an all-day conference in Midtown. After leaving the conference, I was walking to meet my husband at his office, when I tripped over an electrical cord which was taped to the sidewalk. The cord was not flat the entire width of the pavement, and as I stepped around to avoid it, my left foot was caught in the space between the sidewalk and the light pole where the cord originated (!). I fell hard into the street, right next to a man who was hailing a cab.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He immediately stopped what he was doing, grabbed both my hands, and lifted me back up onto the sidewalk. He asked me if I was OK, and said that if I needed to, he would use the cab to get me to the nearest hospital.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I said that I thought that I could still walk, but that I had hurt my left knee, elbow, and ribs, as I landed on my left side when I fell. I thanked him several times for his kindness, and he said that he would not leave me until I was sure that I was OK. He was a sweetheart. I told him that he was going straight to Heaven for being so kind to me. He was very modest, and said that he was only doing what anyone else would do in a similar situation. I really was somewhat in shock at the time; I was still trying to process what had happened to me.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While this was going on, a very petite Asian woman was silently brushing the dirt from my pant leg with her hands, and she patted me on the shoulder. I couldn't believe that she was doing this - it was so sweet. I thanked her, and she just smiled - I don't think that she spoke English. Several other people stopped and offered their help as I tried to get myself back together after falling. They were being kind to a total stranger in one of the busiest cities in the world, a city with an underserved reputation for having cold, unfeeling citizens.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I can say this because I was met with similar acts of kindness and generosity when I was run over by a van 15 years ago in Manhattan. People were absolutely wonderful to me, and I actually made friends as a result of that experience.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, even though I'm writing this while I'm still in pain, recovering from my brush with the "mean streets", the truth is that there were caring, kind people who stopped what they were doing to give aid and comfort to someone they didn't even know.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I feel very grateful for that, and I do believe that there are "angels" everywhere, in the form of people who will stop and help a total stranger who has been hurt.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The drawing accompanying this post was done by a little girl who was dying of the cancer which ultimately claimed her young life. Even though she knew that she was dying, she still saw herself as being watched over by angels.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Right now, I am thinking the very same thing. These people were my "angels", and I wasn't alone.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-82439240501509211522010-06-27T08:05:00.011-04:002010-09-07T18:05:57.446-04:00When You Look In The Mirror<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvNqBntBbJKp0A3h-X_ZaOsuK-qTFT4mFjWOkPD9FiRqoflq7g-A4vG16FKYC1s6-t9D43koPNFVQZ3mKr6QDogi8iNsq8fdxyeMIy5IP8DFHObFo9jVVoQHIXDXm5QjjlDanNdafLuo/s1600/u27800444.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvNqBntBbJKp0A3h-X_ZaOsuK-qTFT4mFjWOkPD9FiRqoflq7g-A4vG16FKYC1s6-t9D43koPNFVQZ3mKr6QDogi8iNsq8fdxyeMIy5IP8DFHObFo9jVVoQHIXDXm5QjjlDanNdafLuo/s320/u27800444.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487426039001240082" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">What do you see when you look in the mirror? And, how do you want others to see you?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I know how very difficult it is when you are diagnosed, undergoing surgery and treatment, to see the person in your mirror as anything else but a "cancer patient".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Your entire waking existence revolves around office visits, x-rays, scans, lab testing, blood drawing, taking meds, and trying to cope mentally, emotionally, and physically with your new unwanted identity. Cancer has erased the person whom you used to be prior to your diagnosis; you will never be the same.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Most of us are forced to lose part of our body to cancer; but, you don't have to relinquish your identity to it as well. You may even decide to see this as a kind of "rebirth" of the rest of your life. Now, as someone facing your own mortality, what is truly important is very clear; and the person whom you see in the mirror is indeed still you, after everything which you have experienced.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana, serif;">As more and more people living with cancer (over 12 million, at last count) finish treatment and enter their survivorship stage, they will be redefining their own lives. As survivors, we also have a real opportunity to empower and help others; both our fellow cancer patients, and those who might someday also face the disease. This is the reason why I am writing here about my experiences, and sharing them with you. I'm almost 3 years from diagnosis, and there are days when I don't even think about cancer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">It's unfortunate that cancer patients are continually bombarded with the "warrior" and "fighter" personas which are automatically bestowed on us. I believe that the very best way to diminish cancer's power over us is to be true to ourselves, and to define our own lives. Remember, you are not defined by your disease; or by what image society attributes to someone in our situation.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">There are many times, even now, when I don't particularly feel like a "warrior" as I deal with my daily symptoms. I don't feel particularly strong or empowered when I'm overcome, literally, by the severe hot flashes caused by my anti-estrogen meds. This happens at least a dozen times a day, and during the night: besides any normal activity, it can be set off by things like standing too close to the toaster, drying my hair, ironing clothes...but I have chosen to laugh it off, and say to myself, "Only 2 and a half more years of taking this drug - I'm almost halfway through!" And, I was the person who was always cold...!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">When people describe me, I think that they would most likely say, "She's an upbeat, funny, short woman with blonde hair, who always has a smile for everyone. She loves reading, sci-fi, architecture, history, gardening, pugs; she loves Hawai'i, and plans to move to Maui in retirement. She also happens to be a person who had breast cancer." Cancer is far from the first thing people associate with me, and that's exactly the way I want to be seen, because that's how I see myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I have vowed that even though cancer could take my life, I will never allow it to claim my smile, or change the essence of my personality: then, it will have "won" in another way. That, to me, would be even more tragic than dying.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">When you feel overwhelmed by fear and worry, think about this: no one knows how much time they have left in this world. And, have you ever considered that you may die from something other than your cancer?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Put your life in perspective, and focus on your present and your future. Be as "you" as you can be; this is the best advice that I could possibly give to the person you see in the mirror.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-23155616742045973802010-06-18T19:28:00.010-04:002010-09-07T18:05:30.833-04:0032 Years!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOIXlKNd8Q3GkyDOVhaks8Y1AIWIrQLd_etUWDQDFnmXPHbKSXh5E8f3q3h1N3RBwc1ibfipQRCXbMEMp90zLRaJkwIID_CGE2RZmnGEXtd7jg0VvB2Mo_WKTk7vnDVXeg7tdCtKxr9Q/s1600/31uncddkstL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOIXlKNd8Q3GkyDOVhaks8Y1AIWIrQLd_etUWDQDFnmXPHbKSXh5E8f3q3h1N3RBwc1ibfipQRCXbMEMp90zLRaJkwIID_CGE2RZmnGEXtd7jg0VvB2Mo_WKTk7vnDVXeg7tdCtKxr9Q/s320/31uncddkstL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484259872569640674" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">On June 17, 1978, two very young people in love got married outside in a wooded setting, by a little pond with ducks, on the grounds of a historic New England restaurant. We had been engaged for four years, the entire time I was attending college. Our wedding day was a little over a year after I graduated from college and my groom graduated from art school.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">As we stood there and said our vows, to remain together "...for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, 'til death do we part", our entire history together was yet to be made. There is something brave and touching about seeing any two people get married: so much love and hope for the future is present on that special day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Yesterday marked our 32nd wedding anniversary; we have walked through all of life's experiences together, no matter what. We have seen beloved parents and family become ill and then be taken from us; we moved from our hometown, left everything and everyone we knew, and started a new life together 20 years ago in "the Big City". We have traveled halfway around the world together, knowing that we truly are at home wherever we can simply be in each other's presence.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">We have had our share of problems, as all couples do; but our commitment to each other and to our marriage has been a constant force in our lives. Most of all, we have gone through my cancer experience as a team every step of the way, and it has brought us even closer together. I will never forget the look in my husband's eyes as I was being prepared for my cancer surgery; no words were needed to let me know how much I mean to him, and how much he wanted to have me in his life for many years to come.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I cannot believe that we have been fortunate enough to be best friends who have been married to each other for 32 years. The day after our anniversary, I said to my husband, "Today is the first day of the next 32 years of our marriage!" We both would be very happy to walk through life, holding hands, for as long as Fate gives to us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Every single day that I have him in my life is a gift. He is the one person I can trust, the person who can make everything all right, whose love is truly unconditional. He loves and accepts me exactly as I am; and I feel the same way about him. We have found a "home" in each other.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">My dream is to continue growing old with him: that is what life and love means to me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana, serif;"> </span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-57320638089607217572010-06-05T09:21:00.014-04:002010-06-07T18:33:14.322-04:00Another National Cancer Survivors Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpyoGOu8WnkZtGaS55kfIQOzUPPuh9_-qITiDEPuWM3Q5VXD6F0eRrezFgTI0r7NsMQfcexr7QLBBGcvdne8j0a1F_29Ot_uz4Z5eb-12QO4YM2ANGqF88Y-mpxLy2TxFXvYI1F49K2c/s1600/2010_NCSD_Logo200px.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpyoGOu8WnkZtGaS55kfIQOzUPPuh9_-qITiDEPuWM3Q5VXD6F0eRrezFgTI0r7NsMQfcexr7QLBBGcvdne8j0a1F_29Ot_uz4Z5eb-12QO4YM2ANGqF88Y-mpxLy2TxFXvYI1F49K2c/s320/2010_NCSD_Logo200px.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480163152143458194" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tomorrow, June 6th, is National Cancer Survivors Day: this is traditionally observed on the first Sunday in June.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is a day for cancer survivors, their loved ones, and their caregivers to all celebrate life. Today, there are 11 million cancer survivors in the US, and I am very grateful to be one of them. I owe my life to my wonderful surgeon, radiation oncologist, oncologists, radiologists, and their support staffs: I am forever in their debt.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was diagnosed almost 35 months ago; that day now seems very far in the past. As I have written elsewhere, the diagnosis of cancer is no longer a death sentence, as it truly was earlier in my lifetime. By living, we have robbed cancer of its power to overcome us, and each day is a victory.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The fact that National Cancer Survivors Day even exists is testimony to the tireless efforts of researchers and caregivers to find new ways to improve and prolong the lives of those who have been diagnosed with cancer. And, it is also a testament to those who have invented and improved methods for detecting cancers in their earliest stages (my cancer was Stage I, could not be felt, and was only visible as a cluster of microcalcifications on my mammogram).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The day is also intended to demonstrate that cancer survivors everywhere can lead active, productive lives; in most cases, much like those in their community who are living without cancer. I am still amazed that during my entire cancer treatment, including 2 surgeries, that I never spent one night in a hospital, and that I didn't have to take any work-related disability leave. I was able to work throughout my treatment.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All of us who are living with cancer face varying survivorship issues, but the important thing is that we are alive: that is what tomorrow is all about!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Take one day at a time; find joy in each day, and with those close to you. Do not allow worrying about your future to cloud your present!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Below are some links from the "Coping With Cancer" website:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(82, 82, 59); line-height: 16px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="header" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(44, 106, 20); font-size:14px;">More information on cancer and cancer survivorship: </span><br />National Cancer Survivors Day: <a href="http://www.ncsd.org/" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold; ">www.ncsd.org </a><br />National Cancer Institute: <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold; ">www.cancer.gov </a><br />American Society of Clinical Oncology: <a href="http://www.cancer.net/" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold; ">www.cancer.net </a><br />American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures:<br /><a href="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/STT_0.asp" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold; ">http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/STT_0.asp </a><br />American Cancer Society: <a href="http://www.cancer.org/" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold; ">www.cancer.org</a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-1416561464476978062010-05-23T07:41:00.005-04:002010-05-23T08:09:56.006-04:00I Got My Wish!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz33rArq77kk8EqwoKyTyv-6cOP3TVnh37NzK7hNQCZEkISmBefftsqsmCXLAcWppAKp2EXm5qM03PUcxdww9zgoYQahnMC-63lXPFtiBLcnKMFO1OLGXPO9A7yJyKse10pNLcEu5PoQ/s1600/CIMG3406.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz33rArq77kk8EqwoKyTyv-6cOP3TVnh37NzK7hNQCZEkISmBefftsqsmCXLAcWppAKp2EXm5qM03PUcxdww9zgoYQahnMC-63lXPFtiBLcnKMFO1OLGXPO9A7yJyKse10pNLcEu5PoQ/s320/CIMG3406.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474436558969934322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ2RUwEWs5J-WimnM0CfHpEsmiycDrvsfP87UgdN-ys-lUSiieUOGKZydw5TQOvBKil0Q14jqtxk5ywCmGvg26_bKXVfxqrbI3cHO0llq0c5euox-zBQRjIbla24zYFPkID9pvXQ5yuE/s1600/P1000545.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ2RUwEWs5J-WimnM0CfHpEsmiycDrvsfP87UgdN-ys-lUSiieUOGKZydw5TQOvBKil0Q14jqtxk5ywCmGvg26_bKXVfxqrbI3cHO0llq0c5euox-zBQRjIbla24zYFPkID9pvXQ5yuE/s320/P1000545.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474436391478481682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtG72ob9rvQeMQ1fx8DPNz-AkxdyEMv8uBjlEzz01jIdhUCgsYmFKP2YdrOE2f7VHrdm0RfJM9Ro_DKim9EpBQY9_6BtHT63b13y_Z0WRNo3TemzWmCxVi87pSM3GQjhZUzCoujKU-RQ/s1600/P1000600.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtG72ob9rvQeMQ1fx8DPNz-AkxdyEMv8uBjlEzz01jIdhUCgsYmFKP2YdrOE2f7VHrdm0RfJM9Ro_DKim9EpBQY9_6BtHT63b13y_Z0WRNo3TemzWmCxVi87pSM3GQjhZUzCoujKU-RQ/s320/P1000600.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474435820836059362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVVtocFx3TtOR53ytzKCyiDR5lHIedbibkr38cYuH0iNe0QDG1kwk-QKedywtiwU5hAlxHQgzJNnc5hXjmnrRWFft7bXFSLnQGm3bj59wIemAi7psafgKWIha23GQfcmlLebK1cNDaZk/s1600/P1000356.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVVtocFx3TtOR53ytzKCyiDR5lHIedbibkr38cYuH0iNe0QDG1kwk-QKedywtiwU5hAlxHQgzJNnc5hXjmnrRWFft7bXFSLnQGm3bj59wIemAi7psafgKWIha23GQfcmlLebK1cNDaZk/s320/P1000356.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474435101880812530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2uQ0225xU5ieAtcLhAsMWlrmveTa_biOoA2IBpIMnj1VgVmXC5SpFzUHRwLbtfzbc2l9HyXO0BzK8OdhoIe7UXGWRsDtQKz-TD5SYkr8QL47hBVk-Vu3Ioxs_WEA3TElr56XEtwvaZ0/s1600/P1000260.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2uQ0225xU5ieAtcLhAsMWlrmveTa_biOoA2IBpIMnj1VgVmXC5SpFzUHRwLbtfzbc2l9HyXO0BzK8OdhoIe7UXGWRsDtQKz-TD5SYkr8QL47hBVk-Vu3Ioxs_WEA3TElr56XEtwvaZ0/s320/P1000260.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474434827626125250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguagjHAI0XOBFthBh8vx7_s664vdo111vLs2vB2EfCEosxBseGvkyv1Jbi4qeJNVm16wzaenrD_G2su3NB6kGOKAUKGG1g_xb1AFtmL5x4QK-3S0M0NX48n2e0R6OJugU_d1HHV5Zg0vM/s1600/CIMG3413.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguagjHAI0XOBFthBh8vx7_s664vdo111vLs2vB2EfCEosxBseGvkyv1Jbi4qeJNVm16wzaenrD_G2su3NB6kGOKAUKGG1g_xb1AFtmL5x4QK-3S0M0NX48n2e0R6OJugU_d1HHV5Zg0vM/s320/CIMG3413.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474433966240111218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwIR3__e2dlbxQqzOXq1T96XfUQQC-aIDi0ASweEGkaiqLqoO8MFY6TKuc0vz1fVuIYbjLTIkFrUq8gYJRH85-L865OzXmki8UcgticodDh5Jg0ZoZo8ByBnQCQXZms8Y5kKniL8gN-w/s1600/P1000701.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwIR3__e2dlbxQqzOXq1T96XfUQQC-aIDi0ASweEGkaiqLqoO8MFY6TKuc0vz1fVuIYbjLTIkFrUq8gYJRH85-L865OzXmki8UcgticodDh5Jg0ZoZo8ByBnQCQXZms8Y5kKniL8gN-w/s320/P1000701.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474433287032429170" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I haven't posted anything for a while, but I had a very good reason: I just came back from MAUI!!!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">My husband had read my January post about how much I missed Maui, and so, on my birthday, my surprise present from him was - 10 days in Maui!! My greatest gift in life is having him in it; but this is a gift I will always hold most dear.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">It meant so much to me psychologically to be able to go there again after my illness; it is the farthest that I have ever traveled, and I'm happy to say that the trip was amazing. Just to have the chance to be there again was restorative, and soothed my soul.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Emerson wrote: "Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air" - this is exactly what we did there. To me, Maui is a most spiritual place, even though I am not a religious person. Just being there, I feel tremendously at peace; it's difficult to put into words.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I know in my heart that I will return there; hopefully one day to spend the rest of my life in my beloved Maui. Maui, you will always have my aloha...!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-56439169585478690182010-04-17T07:03:00.010-04:002010-04-25T09:19:02.732-04:00Cancer Patients - Another Battlefront<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><div><br /></div>Tuesday's <i>Wall Street Journal</i> had an unsettling article about cancer patients who are financially overwhelmed by the costs associated with their treatment.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Surprisingly, the vast majority of cancer patients under age 65 (70%) do indeed have private health insurance coverage. However, policies with lifetime caps on benefit payouts and sizable out-of-pocket costs can wreak financial devastation on a cancer patient and his/her family. Adding to this is the fact that cancer patients' income is reduced, or eliminated, during their time away from work; this sets up a scenario for financial ruin.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">This seems terribly unfair, as dealing with your diagnosis and getting through treatment is challenging enough. And, the added emotional stress of being financially overwhelmed is certainly counterproductive to getting well.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Patients who are insured usually believe that they would not qualify for any type of financial assistance with their treatment costs. So, they are forced to dip into their savings, if they have any, in order to pay their expenses not covered by insurance. Otherwise, difficult choices have to be made, such as between the basic necessities of life and the costs of their daily cancer medications. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">When we hear the words "cancer support", naturally we think of peer groups, counseling, and other resources dedicated to helping the patient deal emotionally with diagnosis and the treatment path. Now, programs are being developed to support patients as they face overwhelming financial challenges while simultaneously having to confront a life-threatening illness.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Although this is a positive sign, many patients are still totally unaware of these financial assistance resources; as they are not in the usual "care package" of support contacts normally shared with cancer patients. This has to change!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I was extremely fortunate that I was able to work from home during my surgeries and treatment. I didn't have to be on medical disability, so my normal income wasn't affected. However, if my cancer recurs, more extensive treatment would be needed. Then, I could find myself in a similar financial dilemma, even though I have excellent medical insurance.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Below are the names and website addresses of the agencies listed in the <i>WSJ</i> article: I'm hoping that we will never need them, but I also know that cancer plays no favorites. Having knowledge about our treatment options, and about how to deal with potential financial issues is empowering.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 14px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; ">Patient Access Network | </strong><a class="" href="http://panfoundation.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 61, 114); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; ">panfoundation.org</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; ">CancerCare | </strong><a class="" href="http://cancercare.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 61, 114); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; ">cancercare.org</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; ">Patient Advocate Foundation | </strong><a class="" href="http://patientadvocate.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 61, 114); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; ">patientadvocate.org</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; ">Partnership for Prescription Assistance | </strong><a class="" href="http://pparx.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 61, 114); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; ">pparx.org</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><a class="" href="http://pparx.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 61, 114); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "></a> <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; ">Cancer Support Community | </strong><a class="" href="http://cancersupportcommunity.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 61, 114); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; ">cancersupportcommunity.org</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-10016135032227439922010-04-03T06:29:00.027-04:002010-09-07T17:56:21.135-04:00Finding True Happiness With Someone<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/epUk3T2Kfno&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/epUk3T2Kfno&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How many of us are fortunate enough to find true happiness just being in our partner's presence?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is exactly how I feel whenever I am near my husband.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Next Tuesday is the 37th anniversary of the day that we met.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">He has stayed by my side through the darkest of times, and</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">every obstacle that we have faced only serves to strengthen</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">our bond.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">One of my favorite Irish proverbs is: "There is no love like</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">the love an old man has for his old wife." As we grow old</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">together, I see the truth and wisdom of this statement.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">He is the treasure and the joy of my life.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-63159487303860040592010-03-07T09:01:00.004-05:002010-03-07T10:02:15.450-05:00It's Official: Material Things Aren't the Source of Happiness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">A study published recently in the <i>Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</i> concluded that spending your money on experiences (trips, concerts, movies, dining out) brings more happiness than purchasing material things.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The study, which combined results from eight separate studies, found that people had more anxiety over making the right material purchase; were more likely to compare their material purchase with those of others; were envious of others who had made a superior purchase of a similar object; and, perhaps most important, their initial satisfaction with their purchase diminished over time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">To me, this really isn't very surprising. Our entire culture encourages competing with others on a material level, which is both wasteful and mentally unhealthy. For example, when we bought our house, we didn't replace any of the existing major appliances: they all worked very well, so we continued to use them. Some of them are over 20 years old now, still attractive, and still working!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">About 25 years ago, I saw a magnet in a shop on Cape Cod which perfectly expressed my thoughts. It says, "The most precious things in life aren't things."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Unfortunately, some people never realize this, and they are constantly disappointed when the material things which they surround themselves with don't bring them the happiness that they imagined.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">As I have written here, cancer patients are frequently given a very precious gift; the realization that living in the "now", and finding beauty and joy in the many little experiences which happen from moment to moment, are what truly feeds our souls. I knew this long before being diagnosed, and I continue to live my life this way. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Experiences can be held in your heart for the rest of your life. And, you can have meaningful and enjoyable ones each day that don't cost you a cent! It's simply a matter of changing your mindset. We would all be healthier if we adopted this way of seeing the world.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana, serif;"> </span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-47506732449814139052010-02-18T17:49:00.004-05:002010-02-18T18:25:45.116-05:00Aspirin reducing breast cancer deaths?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQBqOZsulpu8eGDyUD6D51SmY8W-7uV_MuGBCYmB05a3OBPlpbpKfUzodmLzB0uwO6NjAxdWM5j2NxRWRznMPnDD2VsE_Rp7hP6akTBjoH7FLPvZze1G_2-UJjPApWs9fV10RcoWPc-k/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQBqOZsulpu8eGDyUD6D51SmY8W-7uV_MuGBCYmB05a3OBPlpbpKfUzodmLzB0uwO6NjAxdWM5j2NxRWRznMPnDD2VsE_Rp7hP6akTBjoH7FLPvZze1G_2-UJjPApWs9fV10RcoWPc-k/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439726218360405970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>Last Tuesday, The Journal of Clinical Oncology published the results of a study showing that aspirin appears to have a dual benefit: it reduces both the risk of cancer death and the risk of early-stage breast cancer spreading to other body sites.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The study involved over 4,000 nurses who have been participating in the Nurses Health Study since 1976. Early-stage breast cancer survivors who took aspirin 2 - 5 days a week reduced their risk of death by 71%, and their risk of their cancer spreading by 60%. Interestingly, taking aspirin 6 to 7 times a week reduced death risk by 64% and spread risk by 43%, so more frequent dosing did not increase the protective effect of the drug.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">How aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen work to stop tumors from spreading and recurring is not yet known. Study researchers think that tumor growth may be fueled by inflammation; NSAIDs interfere with this process, depriving cancer cells of a favorable environment in which to grow and thrive.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Both estrogen-positive and non-hormone dependent tumors were adversely affected; so this finding could potentially benefit virtually all breast cancer patients.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">At the moment, no one should start taking aspirin or other NSAIDs in the hope of preventing future cancers; patients on radiation or chemotherapy should NOT take these drugs due to their potential side effects. Also, NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and bleeding; so consult with your oncologist first before adding any other drug to your cancer regimen.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Interesting news, though! Perhaps aspirin really is a "wonder drug" in an entirely new way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-48099028379534949962010-02-07T07:26:00.005-05:002010-02-07T07:42:16.625-05:00It's My Birthday - Time To Look Fabulous!!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbQmam6U5Kp27p8wL395wyBGrXWkj-hjBHPB2g_a5x-njvgDu9glwp9rViLGNsl2VZdZLS_oDVqZ0owPBEZ0GVVneB_ftHpc2US0ZrogIkqKAVlXdPAiCU2czTxa6_JKF5xVqVhOeeQU/s1600-h/Cinnamon+Lakewood_face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbQmam6U5Kp27p8wL395wyBGrXWkj-hjBHPB2g_a5x-njvgDu9glwp9rViLGNsl2VZdZLS_oDVqZ0owPBEZ0GVVneB_ftHpc2US0ZrogIkqKAVlXdPAiCU2czTxa6_JKF5xVqVhOeeQU/s320/Cinnamon+Lakewood_face.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435477974504677794" /></a><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Today is my Birthday, the third one I've been able to celebrate since being diagnosed! I'm not a girl who enjoys getting dressed up and going out; I'd rather relax at home. But, I can "dress up" and give myself a new look via the magic of the Internet. In the spirit of my friends at Fight Pink, I now have pink hair - without using any harmful chemicals!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Thanks to RuPaul's "dragulator" website <a href="http://www.dragulator.com/">http://www.dragulator.com</a> , I can channel my inner fabulousness! Try it, it's really fun and great for a laugh!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">This is my alter ego, "Cinnamon Lakewood"...you'll see how I got this name if you visit the website.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-80353933553118125672010-02-05T09:06:00.005-05:002010-02-05T16:37:07.802-05:00Breast Cancer Isn't the #1 Killer of Women<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5je-oW0Ok4Om9bBzextD30aqfRMPSGFjGeNYQXYFWhC3rkpJX7mKrJxGi1q4azCpqXanxrcxJxgKWvdCqBtNp5Q67KYjDuGJeFuDIXsbCJlcheaP7QpodxrZX5OVIXpgjft09dGXAMNg/s1600-h/37506-inter-logo.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5je-oW0Ok4Om9bBzextD30aqfRMPSGFjGeNYQXYFWhC3rkpJX7mKrJxGi1q4azCpqXanxrcxJxgKWvdCqBtNp5Q67KYjDuGJeFuDIXsbCJlcheaP7QpodxrZX5OVIXpgjft09dGXAMNg/s320/37506-inter-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434848971941474482" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">With all of the constant publicity about breast cancer, you might be tempted to believe that it is the #1 killer of women. Breast cancer is so much in the public eye that it's easy to have the impression that most women die from it than any other medical cause. This is NOT the case; there is another disease which claims ONE of EVERY THREE WOMEN, and we all need to remember this fact (even myself, a breast cancer patient!).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Heart Disease claims the lives of <b>more women than any other disease</b>, even breast cancer! To raise awareness of this sobering fact, today has been designated as "National Wear Red Day" by the American Heart Association. Women wear red today to spread the message that Heart Disease claims far too many women (and men), and leads to years of disability and diminished quality of life for others.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">My Mother had debilitating congestive heart failure for years; she was a heavy smoker for decades, and could never manage to quit. She had to sleep sitting up, could barely walk even a few steps without becoming exhausted, and she died at age 59 from a heart attack. My goal even before I lost her 22 years ago was to adopt a healthy lifestyle so that this would not happen to me. Until I was diagnosed with cancer, I led a model life in terms of heart health. I'm struggling to get back to my former weight and level of activity, because I know this is vital to my survival. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Do you know the risk factors for heart disease? Having even one of these doubles your risk of developing heart disease:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Smoking</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Diabetes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Overweight/obese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Physically inactive</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">High blood pressure</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">High cholesterol</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Age (55 and older for women)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Family history of coronary disease</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Visit the <i>Go Red for Women</i> website for valuable information and assistance in improving your heart health: <a href="http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx">http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Do what you can to improve your risk factors and to lead a long, healthy life. We all can agree on this!<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-87784257452560693222010-01-18T05:55:00.012-05:002010-01-18T06:33:19.076-05:00Winter Dreams of Maui<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Here, a cold rain is falling, but 6,000 miles away, the air is fragrant and warm...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwNQUd1NqqJBFcVCk82KOgNTbsq4_kUoC5e0A_RSEqpdaVG7hKmA-fBUb24MuuqgTZJ7UiN1ZAete1V04zg1lYleIYKThRu5ktSQ_BKxbkRSLz3oG_Cefz7slP8xLNs3-EUAFbSA4AHw/s1600-h/CIMG0554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwNQUd1NqqJBFcVCk82KOgNTbsq4_kUoC5e0A_RSEqpdaVG7hKmA-fBUb24MuuqgTZJ7UiN1ZAete1V04zg1lYleIYKThRu5ktSQ_BKxbkRSLz3oG_Cefz7slP8xLNs3-EUAFbSA4AHw/s320/CIMG0554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428034131999754354" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">You look up and see the green slopes of Haleakala above you, rising to the cloudline...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLi0F0ChKJe9hgocchHkonMB66knWiipg-uKy8HzyvdQtI6_7Buv-boe-XZ5DtQaQFESBDBBO0Xx9Lj-SrK6Mrb4jQOxkNbm2U-Oht9kRHmoIrfd9k68pTqlObm_MB-7SzJ3VhvbiRsw/s1600-h/CIMG0459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLi0F0ChKJe9hgocchHkonMB66knWiipg-uKy8HzyvdQtI6_7Buv-boe-XZ5DtQaQFESBDBBO0Xx9Lj-SrK6Mrb4jQOxkNbm2U-Oht9kRHmoIrfd9k68pTqlObm_MB-7SzJ3VhvbiRsw/s320/CIMG0459.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428035038638113458" /></a><br />Turn around, and the warm water and powdery beach sand are there for your relaxation; there is always an island in sight:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fv5_Uaf8Wqb60Cq8XVGhb6cc5WAh6oRssTqoWJSaXUWMt79RbVe_grGAO-XzppECzp6nRJm-7e1tFAgSzMyNtOG8oAYEfYeIKKRD93-Jda6KNT0jGUsLf76Hwucg7XDsXFkhITvTNg4/s1600-h/CIMG0729.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fv5_Uaf8Wqb60Cq8XVGhb6cc5WAh6oRssTqoWJSaXUWMt79RbVe_grGAO-XzppECzp6nRJm-7e1tFAgSzMyNtOG8oAYEfYeIKKRD93-Jda6KNT0jGUsLf76Hwucg7XDsXFkhITvTNg4/s320/CIMG0729.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428037463665050306" /></a><br />You are in paradise, and there is nowhere else that you would rather be...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugUCtB19YJP-GxNHhvOarH2I9Ihh74z049JESjWxA_sis5-Nc0wbwr6PZFnM8yMEhol37vnyK4ixK4yWjr8Es3_HY7frCHihREiZlXmm1PwYN5-FNhRHoFJaYBqH5lMEGWJHwUHVw64s/s1600-h/CIMG0709.JPG"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugUCtB19YJP-GxNHhvOarH2I9Ihh74z049JESjWxA_sis5-Nc0wbwr6PZFnM8yMEhol37vnyK4ixK4yWjr8Es3_HY7frCHihREiZlXmm1PwYN5-FNhRHoFJaYBqH5lMEGWJHwUHVw64s/s1600-h/CIMG0709.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugUCtB19YJP-GxNHhvOarH2I9Ihh74z049JESjWxA_sis5-Nc0wbwr6PZFnM8yMEhol37vnyK4ixK4yWjr8Es3_HY7frCHihREiZlXmm1PwYN5-FNhRHoFJaYBqH5lMEGWJHwUHVw64s/s320/CIMG0709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428038828868683570" /></a></span><br /></div></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Maui, you live in my heart...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-43953755032368444692010-01-17T14:22:00.003-05:002010-01-17T15:02:15.132-05:00Pomegranates May Fight Breast Cancer in 2 Ways<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">A recent study found that a specific group of chemicals found in pomegranates successfully inhibited the cell growth of estrogen-positive breast cancer tumors; and, these compounds also suppressed aromatase from being used by the body to produce estrogen. So, these chemicals both prevent or slow the growth of actual cancer cells, and, they simultaneously create an environment detrimental to the creation of estrogen-positive tumor cells. Right now, one specific compound called urolithin B was found to have the greatest significant effect upon inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Because pomegranates have a high antioxidant content, they have gotten attention in recent years. You can easily find pomegranate juice and juice drinks containing pomegranate in supermarkets these days. I myself have been drinking a cranberry-pomegranate juice combination for well over a year now, because it's not soda (!) and I enjoy the taste.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Being 2 years into a 5-year course of an aromatase inhibitor (Arimidex), I know that many women discontinue these drugs due to severe joint pain, increase of fractures, and uncontrollable flushing/sweating. I haven't experienced joint pain, I take Fosamax weekly (which is thought to also prevent against cancer spreading to the bones), and daily meds for the increased flushing events. I will continue to take Arimidex faithfully until the end of my 5 years.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">It would be extremely beneficial to patients who can't tolerate the aromatase inhibitors if eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice could equal the drugs' proven results. One question is, how much pomegranate would have to be consumed, and how often, in order for the phytochemicals to be effective? Also, the results can be markedly different in a laboratory environment versus being tested on actual patients. What works in a petri dish, sadly, does not always work in the bloodstream.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I am hopeful about this news, and until then, it certainly couldn't hurt for estrogen-positive breast cancer patients to add pomegranate products to their diet. Aromatase inhibitors are still the most effective treatment for hormone-positive cancer, and we should keep this in mind. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-10759170420110723512010-01-09T09:16:00.009-05:002010-01-10T07:10:02.184-05:00Showtime Picks Up Linney Cancer Comedy<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just saw this headline, and I have to say that I find the expression "cancer comedy" offensive and disturbing. I'd wager that other cancer patients will feel the same way. As a person who has lost a parent, aunt, and uncle to cancer, it's troubling; never mind the fact that I'm a cancer patient myself! This strikes me as a little too casual, and disrespectful. Basis for the show: "A suburban wife and mother finds out that she has cancer" - hilarious! No, it's not humorous: it's devastating. Ask anyone who has been in this situation.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Of course, there are going to be comedic moments as part of the cancer experience: the very day that I was diagnosed, my OBG said on the phone, "I'm going to prescribe an anti-depressant for you right now." My response was, "Okay, thanks; I guess that I might become a little depressed about getting this news." I was being ironic, but she was prescribing the drug for my hot flashes and night sweats, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">not</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for depression! The point is, I could decide to joke about this at the time of my diagnosis; but cancer is no joke to those who have to deal with it each day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you want to see a TV series which truly depicts what goes through the mind of a person who is diagnosed with cancer, watch "Breaking Bad" on AMC. Bryan Cranston is nothing short of brilliant in his portrayal. His entire world, and most notably, his moral compass, are changed by his will to live long enough to provide financially for the family he will be leaving behind. He ably portrays the shock, numbness, grief, anger, and conflicting emotions which a cancer patient goes through. Ultimately, he leads a double life in his quest to ensure that his wife, physically challenged teenage son, and newborn daughter will not live in poverty when he dies.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Correctly, this show does not take a comedic approach to a man and his terminal disease. It shows the sheer desperation and urgency he feels in the face of impending death, and what he chooses to do with the time he has left.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I still have my sense of humor, and I joke about various aspects of my cancer experience: being a "radiation and imaging supermodel", my many medications, my wicking t-shirts and PJs, not needing to give up my "pre-cancer lifestyle" because I'm so boring, etc.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But, I still find treating cancer in a comedic light unsettling. Perhaps I'm being too sensitive?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><br /></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-70092466961739654562010-01-01T07:20:00.005-05:002010-01-18T05:45:59.828-05:00A New Year!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Today is the first day of 2010; the entire year is spread out before us right now, full of possibilities and opportunities. It is a time to celebrate, because we have been given another chance, another "blank slate", in which to improve our lives.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I don't believe in resolutions; they are too easily broken, but I do believe in positive thinking and working towards a goal. Whatever motivates you is the key to success. And, keeping your goals attainable and your expectations reasonable will provide much more fulfillment on a personal level. "Baby steps, baby steps!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Here's what I would like to focus on in 2010:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">letting my precious husband know every day how much he is loved</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">treasuring the life that I have been given, and never taking it for granted</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">maintaining healthy exercise and eating habits</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">slowly getting back to my pre-cancer weight for my continued health</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">seeing the beauty in the tiniest things all around us</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">not giving up my dream of retiring to Maui (and hoping to be back there very soon!)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">keeping my heart open to others and the joy that this gives back to me</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">being thankful for my wonderful job, my friends, my home</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Happy New Year, Everyone! May we all have health and happiness in 2010.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-4404162268024552782009-12-26T10:21:00.012-05:002010-02-05T16:34:45.422-05:00Why I'm Always Sad at Christmas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The last time that I saw my Mother alive was at Christmas. She was living in her lovely little apartment in a beautiful converted church building, near the University at which she had worked before I was born. She was the Secretary to the Dean of Women in the 1950's, and she spoke with pride about her time there.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">She met my Father when they worked at the same Company; she was his boss' secretary. They fell in love, and against her family's wishes, she married him. He came from "the wrong side of town", and from a much poorer family. The marriage was most likely doomed by their decision to live in the same house as my Mother's parents; this was a common custom at the time. They separated when I was 2, and he moved away when I was 6. My Mother led a very lonely life; unlike today, there were very few "broken homes" in the 60's, so she experienced a lot of social isolation. She focused her entire life on raising me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">When my Grandfather died, and we were forced to close our family's shoe store, she had to find work as a waitress just to get along. Later, she worked for several years in a department store owned by a family friend. Her last job, which she held for over a decade, was the secretary to the Director of a social services agency for senior citizens. Finally, she became unable to work due to her worsening emphysema and congestive heart disease.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Her Sister effectively forced her from the only home which she had ever known as part of settling my Grandmother's estate. This was completely ruthless and unnecessary, as my Aunt's husband had just been awarded a very large sum of money to settle a medical malpractice lawsuit. I urged my Mother to legally contest losing her home, which she had been paying all costs to maintain, but she was emotionally devastated by her own Mother's death, and by her Sister's actions. This affected her health as well, and hastened her decline.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I was able to get my Mother into the church apartment due to her past association with the University. A wonderful husband and wife team were the building's caretakers; they lived on the premises, and kept an eye on the tenants, who were all either elderly or disabled, like my Mother. Sue and Dick often had all of the residents over for dinners and parties. It gave me comfort that my Mother was living there with such caring people. Her apartment was on the ground floor, with a private outside entrance, a combined living/dining/kitchen area, and a separate bedroom. The building's striking architectural details were preserved throughout.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">That last Christmas, we visited her in her new place. I had earlier helped her put up the tree; we decorated it together, with the ornaments lovingly collected over the years, and placed our Family's keepsake decorations around her apartment. Everything looked beautiful, and she was so happy; at least some things from her former home were still with her in this next phase of her life.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">She was my only parent during my childhood, and had worked very hard during some truly challenging times to make sure that I had whatever I wanted. I fondly remember the Christmas when I got my folk guitar; and the year before, she gave me a sewing machine. These were very meaningful Christmas presents, and not inexpensive. I know that she constantly put aside her needs to fulfill my dreams.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I owed so much to her, and I knew it. So, now that she was ill, I would make sure that she was taken care of in return. My husband had just gotten a better-paying job, and we were really pleased, because it meant that we could do more for her. She had emphysema, had smoked since her teenage years, and even had to have part of a lung removed because it was so severely damaged. As a result, she was unable to walk more than a few steps, or leave her home to go anywhere other than for medical appointments. I did her grocery shopping, housework, banking, got her medicines, and helped however I could. She wanted to live alone, and she liked it that way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I would see her in person almost every day. I spoke with her on the phone just before my husband and I went away for New Year's; she was going to spend New Year's with the other residents at the caretakers' apartment.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">We returned a couple of days after New Year's, and I got a phone call from my Mother's cousin: my Mother wasn't answering her phone, and her cousin was worried. With mounting fear, I called Sue and Dick at my Mother's building with this news. Sue said that she had been at their New Year's party, and had a wonderful time. She sent Dick to my Mother's apartment to check on her.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Dick found my Mother dead in her apartment; she had been dead for at least several hours. He was in tears as he told me the news. It was almost unreal. I was in shock.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">In a complete haze of fear and emotion, my husband and I went to her building. Police cars were already there, with lights flashing. Upon entering the apartment, two policemen were standing there; they took my information, and let us go into the bedroom to see my Mother.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">She was slumped over, looking so tiny and frail, sitting on a wooden chair; it looked as though she must have died either putting on or taking off her slippers, because one slipper was on, and the other was off. This somehow reassured me that her end came very quickly, because she wasn't able to complete the task. At least she wasn't in a hospital, hooked up to machines, as had been the case so many other times in the past, when her doctors told me that she wouldn't survive. She was only 59 years old.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The funeral home attendants arrived, went into the bedroom, and closed the door. I waited, looking around at all of the Holiday decorations, and the presents that she would now never get to use. Her bedroom door opened. Next, I saw my Mother being wheeled past the Christmas tree, but now she was in a plastic body bag. I will never get that image out of my mind. She was gone, being taken away from me forever, in the midst of a scene which formerly had been so happy. I would never feel the same way about Christmas; even now, 22 years later. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Taking down the Christmas tree and putting away the decorations which she so loved were further reminders of her permanent absence. Years later, I have no interest in decorating my house for Christmas; perhaps I see it as a bad omen, and that I will lose someone I love if I do...the mind works in such mysterious ways. This is why I am always sad at Christmas time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-77288389409033186112009-12-11T10:02:00.004-05:002009-12-17T05:45:08.015-05:00Another benefit from Fosamax?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">As part of my cancer treatment regimen, I was placed on a daily dose of Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor which effectively brings your circulating blood estrogen to a non-existent level. A five-year course of the drug is now standard procedure for post-menopausal women with estrogen-positive breast cancers. The drug deprives cancer cells of the estrogen which the cancer needs in order to grow, hopefully preventing any recurrence.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Because a total lack of estrogen is extremely harmful to existing bones and bone growth, patients are usually prescribed an osteoporosis drug in tandem with the aromatase inhibitor: I was put on a weekly dose of Fosamax, and I have now taken both drugs for almost 2 years.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">On Thursday, Dec. 10th, the results of a new observational study involving more than 150,000 post-menopausal women were announced at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: women taking Fosamax, or other biphosphonate osteoporosis drugs (Boniva, Actonel) had <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">32%</span> fewer cases of invasive breast cancer than women who were not taking these drugs. This is a significant finding, both for the percentage of cancers avoided, and because the biphosphonates are now seen to benefit patients in an entirely different manner than for which they were originally intended.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">A previous study had already established that breast cancer patients who were given biphosphonate osteoporosis medication (Zometa) intravenously every 6 months developed fewer new contralateral breast cancers in the unaffected breast.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">So, treatment with osteoporosis biphosphonate drugs appears both to prevent cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients, and also to reduce initial occurrences of breast cancer in healthy postmenopausal women. The drugs are also seen to prevent breast cancers from spreading to the bones by creating unfavorable conditions for tumor growth in bone tissues.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The chief oncologist behind the latest study stated that the biphosphonates also interfere with growth of blood vessels to tumors, and they simultaneously stimulate immune cells whose role is to seek out and destroy tumor cells.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">If this can all be proven, there will be other very good reasons for post-menopausal women to take osteoporosis drugs. Right now, I'm very glad to hear that I might also be reducing my chance of developing a new cancer via both the Arimidex and Fosamax. Hopeful news!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-26646754515715266142009-11-22T07:07:00.013-05:002009-11-26T13:08:13.267-05:00Mixed Messages About Breast Cancer Screening<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Almost 2 weeks ago, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced a change in their recommended routine breast cancer screening guidelines: "The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years." This set off a swarm of controversy and confusion.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The USPSTF's reasoning behind having women delay mammographic screening for an entire decade (!) cited that mammography has the most benefit for women aged 50 to 74, meaning that it is more effective in finding actual breast cancers among women in this age group. Mammography was cited as having "maximum effectiveness" for women aged 60 - 69 years.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">For women aged 40 - 49, the recommendation mentions specifically that false-positive results occur more often within this age group. This might well be true, but as roughly 25% of breast cancers are found when women are in their 40s, I cannot begin to understand how delaying screening for 10 years could ever be advised. Also, many of the most aggressive cancers occur when women are in their 40s.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">According to the American Cancer Society, for the year 2006, women in their 40s accounted for 17% of the deaths from breast cancer. This is not an insignificant number. If the USPSTF thinks that the ratio of 1900 women screened to 1 life saved is not enough to justify recommending screening for women in their 40s, they are overlooking the fact that most of the patients surveyed for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">any</span> disease will not have it; that's why they call it "screening". If 17% of breast cancer deaths, and over 25% of breast cancer cases occur in women 40 - 49, their recommendation to do nothing until age 50 is completely outrageous.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">And, if you're a gal who is 75 or older, you have apparently lived long enough, according to the USPSTF. There is "insufficient evidence" to recommend mammography screening for this age group. I have read some very heated comments on the web from women in this category: they are planning to live a very long time, and who is to decide that their lives are not worth as much as women in their 60s and 50s...? The answer is, "no one".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The USPSTF also mentions the "psychological harms" of undergoing screening and biopsies; I can tell you from personal experience that the anxiety which you feel while waiting for your biopsy results is nothing, compared to hearing those utterly devastating words, "We found cancer". Most women would rather undergo a temporary period of anxiety about their mammogram or biopsy results, because for most of them, it is followed by the relief that they feel when they find out they are cancer-free.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The entire biopsy process is much easier now than it was when I had my first cancer scare 16 years ago: I had to undergo general anesthesia, have an excisional biopsy/tumor removal in an operating room, then awake from the anesthesia to find out whether or not I had cancer. When my cancer was found in 2007, I underwent a stereotactic biopsy in a surgical suite, where I was awake the entire time, and only needed a tiny incision. A month later, post-MRI, I had to have another stereotactic biopsy of a suspicious growth in my other breast; thankfully, this turned out to be benign, although I had mentally prepared myself for the possibility of having cancer in both breasts.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I am very concerned that women who don't routinely get mammograms will use this as an excuse to delay or forego being screened. We all know friends or co-workers who put off getting their mammograms for one reason or another, and they will use the USPSTF's recommendation to justify their decision. This will ultimately cause more harm, and have women presenting with more advanced cancers, diminishing their chances of survival. This is costly to the patient's quality of life, and to the entire healthcare system, as these cases are more difficult and expensive to treat.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Many medical professionals are now angered by the climate of confusion and conflicting messages which the USPSTF has created: for decades, women have been encouraged to have regular mammograms, which do save lives. My cancer was found by my yearly, non-digital mammogram, and I remain extremely grateful for this. I am convinced that my mammogram saved my life.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute still recommend yearly mammograms for women aged 40 to 49. This is the important thing to remember, and please, get screened. Life is precious.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"> </span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-85679587019180195062009-11-14T07:18:00.007-05:002009-11-16T17:27:02.559-05:00My Biggest Health Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo9pZeAGXp-5x_nKuieZMuxqppuMxhNTHRrNa_wZf8LN2E8O1royvVyGunUN60Iy0Yd9jpw6D5U1TkqmnYYxJMyt9c3fVcGak9dbFCl0TB5vbysYofPYN6yUeP1DjTt3w8MdumSeBvkc/s1600-h/cat-barbell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo9pZeAGXp-5x_nKuieZMuxqppuMxhNTHRrNa_wZf8LN2E8O1royvVyGunUN60Iy0Yd9jpw6D5U1TkqmnYYxJMyt9c3fVcGak9dbFCl0TB5vbysYofPYN6yUeP1DjTt3w8MdumSeBvkc/s320/cat-barbell.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403932749595855666" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">My biggest health challenge right now is losing the extra pounds I gained during and in the months following my radiation treatments. As I have written here, I have never weighed as much as I do now; besides the aesthetic and wardrobe limitation issues this brings with it, I need to lose weight for my continued health. I was always a tiny little person; now, I'm still tiny vertically... To minimize the risk of my cancer returning, and to prevent heart disease and diabetes, I have to lose weight.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I literally wanted to sleep all of the time during radiation; I even started drinking coffee at work (something I had never done before) just to stay awake. For someone who was always described as "perky" and "bubbly", I barely managed to drag myself through the day, by sheer force of will. The fatigue that I experienced was profound, and it made the slightest effort seem truly overwhelming. Exercising was impossible; everything seemed like exercise!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Sometimes, I would find myself eating just to keep awake, and I could no longer eat the same foods that I formerly enjoyed. At the end of the day, there was no "second wind" to draw upon for my usual working out with weights, or walking on the treadmill. Napping became a major activity; when I finally managed to go out on the weekends for a 4-mile walk, I would have to take a 2-hour nap afterwards just to be able to stay up until my usual bedtime.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">Now, I find that I'm running around at work or at home, and I consciously realize that I'm getting my energy back. Last weekend, I walked 4 miles both days, and I'd like to keep it that way! I'm working out with weights regularly, although at times I feel like the photo above; I'm walking on the nature trail near my home, and on the treadmill. It's much easier walking outside than on the treadmill, though, because I feel like I'm enjoying nature, and not "exercising".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">My eating habits are better now: whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lots of water, small meals. I try to maintain some of my "old" rules, such as not eating anything after a certain time of day (usually 8PM or so). I don't believe that some foods should be "forbidden"; you will just crave them even more. That's why snack-size candy bars and ice cream cones were invented! My daily medications present challenges to some patients in their efforts to lose weight; I managed not to gain any weight when I fractured my ankle and couldn't even walk for 2 weeks. That, to me, was an achievement! Right now, I'm losing 1 pound a week, and I'm happy with that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">I saw my oncologist Thursday, and said that by the next time I see her, I hope that there's less of me to see. That would be another "milestone" to reach on my way back from July 2007. Wish me luck! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"> </span></div></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130607170873764244.post-32488055967660296322009-10-31T08:41:00.013-04:002009-10-31T11:10:32.542-04:00Over-Screening for Breast Cancer?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Earlier this month, both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published communications alerting the medical community about over-screening for breast cancer. The estimate now is that 30% of the breast cancers which are found are so slow-growing that they are not life-threatening; and, some of these will disappear completely without any medical intervention at all.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Breast cancer screening has greatly improved the ability to find very small tumors; mine was only 2mm in size, and showed up on my yearly screening mammogram as a concentration of white dots, called microcalcifications, indicating an area of rapid cell turnover. The tumor wasn't found at my OBGYN exam a few weeks before; it would have taken months before it had grown large enough to be felt.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">My tumor had already reached the invasive stage; it had broken through the breast duct, and was invading the surrounding tissue. At this point, the cancer cells have had a chance to reach other areas of the body, possibly creating secondary tumors. If the patient is fortunate, there has been no metastases, or tumor formation at other sites, and the cancer cells which did migrate elsewhere have been killed by the patient's immune system.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">People have asked me how I feel about undergoing biopsies, 2 lumpectomies, 6 weeks of radiation, several screening scans and MRIs, and taking anti-cancer meds for a 5-year course when there is a 30% chance that my cancer wasn't deadly to begin with.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">My response is that there is a 70% chance that my invasive cancer would have killed me, so I am very happy that it was found so early. If I had not gotten my yearly mammograms as recommended, my cancer might have spread to my lymph nodes, greatly decreasing the odds of my survival. Another advantage is that my node-negative status meant that I avoided needing chemotherapy, and I am very grateful for that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I don't feel that I should have delayed treatment, hoping that my cancer would resolve itself. Once you find out that you have cancer, you just want it out of your body. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to just "do nothing" when you're diagnosed, unless there is an additional means of confirming that the cancer you have is indeed the non-fatal type. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">My cancer was Stage 1, but even cancers this small, and some at Stage 0 (non-invasive) have proven deadly. There is so much that we still don't know about what causes some cancers to grow, and others to become dormant, or even totally disappear.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So, until researchers can determine which breast cancers are non-fatal, women shouldn't forego being screened. The ACS is standing by its recommendation of yearly mammograms for women over 40. That is vital for us to remember amid all of the current controversy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div>Trurogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978556243018425480noreply@blogger.com1