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Recent news reports state that Laura Bush and Margarita Zavala, first lady of Mexico, are banding together to educate Mexican women about breast cancer. Positive Hope applauds their efforts as many Mexican women are either ashamed or too poor to get breast cancer care. We hope that this is the first of partnerships with many countries to educate women about breast cancer.
However, there are many here in the United States who need education and access to care as well. We need to ensure that our own poor, disadvantaged, and rural women get the education and care they need as well. The Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation gives grants each year to education groups within the State of Florida who address the needs of Florida Women. Many other states have similar programs.
Anyone reading this blog has been touched by breast cancer. I would urge you to take the next step: instead of just concentrating on your own situation, figure out how you can share what you have learned with others. Perhaps you could give a ride to someone else in your own community when you go for treatment. Perhaps you can pass on your wigs and bras and scarves to someone else in need or give them to local centers to distribute. Perhaps you can volunteer to help in a chemo or radiation lab to show others that they can get through their treatment, too.
I'd urge you to join your own state organization that works to end breast cancer. If you're in Florida, please join the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation (www.fbccrf.org) to work to end breast cancer through advocacy, education, and research. Sign up for our Alert Network so you can lobby our senators and congress people about legislation that affects breast cancer and access to quality health care for all. Give a few hours a month to put our literature in tag agencies to raise awareness of the "End Breast Cancer" license plate which gives $25 of the $27 specialty plate fee to FBCCRF for grants for research and education. Write me to see how else you can be involved.
Together we can end breast cancer - and give others Positive Hope! |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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I hope you all had blessed holidays - ours was very peaceful and quiet this year - a chance for reflection and gratitude. My biggest blessing was getting "fired" by my oncologist. He told me that there was no reason for me to keep seeing him and that my "rebel nature" at dictating what I would and would not do for cancer treatment had served me well. As of this month, January, 2008, I am eight years out from my breast cancer and doing fine.
My mission is encouraging you to take control of your own health care. My oncologist verified that my doing so had benefited me. Medical professionals have heard us. Please look at the recent article published in Artemis - an award-winning e-newsletter. Seem that we've been right!
Research Moving Toward Personalizing Breast Cancer Treatment
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.04.08.asp
Recent research suggests that analyzing individual characteristics of breast cancer tumors can provide a more effective treatment while avoiding unnecessary therapies with often serious side effects. For example, a study presented at a large breast cancer conference in December discussed results of a genetic test called Oncotype DX, which can help predict the likelihood of a breast cancer recurrence, and in doing so, provide information as to whether chemotherapy would be helpful in women whose breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The test works by analyzing genes in a breast cancer tumor and rating the chances that the breast cancer will return.
Let me know how you're doing in your taking charge of health care for you and your family! |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I knew with a certainty what I wanted to do: mastectomy followed by chemo. I wanted to get it off, get it out, and get on with life. However, there are different choices today - actually there were those choices then, but I knew what I wanted. The main points are: do not rush into a decision; do not automatically do what your doctor recommends; get a second opinion; do your own research; and then, when you have all the options - make an informed decision. A woman today MUST control her own health care. This is a link to a very good article about surgery. I hope it motivates you, if you are facing a surgical decision regarding a breast cancer diagnosis, to make an informed decision. http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1666089_1666563_1668034,00.htmlLet me know what you decided! Deb |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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One of the most frustrating things about being treated for breast cancer is when the treatment is over. After months of blood tests, and doctors appointments, and being pushed and prodded and infused and radiated, it's over. Now what? What do I do now? Am I cured? What tests should I be having done on a semi-annual or annual basis? Do I stay with my oncologist for the long term or do I go back to my regular doctor? Finally this frustration is receiving the attention it deserves. Medical professionals are realizing that they must come up with a recommended follow-up plan for survivors - of all cancers, not just breast cancer. The link below leads to a wonderful article about follow-up. Read it and discuss it with your own doctor. And realize that while the article does not recommend some tests because they "do not save lives" you and your doctor may elect to have them done. http://asco.org/portal/site/ASCO/menuitem.c543a013502b2a89de912310320041a0/?vgnextoid=8ba694b14d005110VgnVCM100000ed730ad1RCRD&cpsextcurrchannel=1Know that you're not alone, all of us still wonder if we're doing all the right things, if what we feel is "normal," and whether or not we're still in 100% remission. |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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Occasionally I receive feedback from someone who has also been affected by breast cancer. Christine Flurry wrote to me to agree that one always has to stay positive and always has to have hope. Here's her story:
I would like to introduce myself to the community, especially anyone concerned about breast cancer. Hi, my name is Christine Flury, aged 30, married with two children and two step children. Born and currently living in southern New Jersey. On October 27th 2005, I was shocked and distressed that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, I am very young but I am a courageous and strong-minded woman. I have been
through chemo, radiation and surgery and lots of tests. In being diagnosed with breast cancer, it has come to my attention that I must make the best of what was dealt me. The opposite way of thinking will do me very little good. It has been hard but I have learned to accept my condition with a good deal of optimism.
My prognosis was good until Feburary 5th 2007. My cancer had metastasized to my brain and now I have felt the need to face any challenge ahead of me. I would like others to be aware that it is imperative and important to do self exams every month regardless if you're 20 or 70. If any changes occur like swelling, lumps, skin changes, nipple retraction, anything abnormal, please go to your doctor for a physical exam. I believe that early
detection can save can save your life. Unfortunately I never did monthly exams and so one day I had an advanced, 10.5cm tumor in my right breast, very big and very aggressive. At the inital diagnoses, I was scared, so surreal. As of today I am following up with doctors staying as positive as I can. It's inconvenient going to doctors, going to get tests, but it is something that I, myself, can handle. When I was growing up I was actually a hypochondriac, had lots of anxiety. I went to the doctors all the time I was so scared and worried I had something bad. Now I have cancer and know one day it may take my life, but I am not at all afraid. I am living each moment like it was my last.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all of my doctors Ashok Bapet, MD (oncologist) Alexis Harvey, MD (radiation oncology) Charles Butler MD (breast surgeon), Dr. Sarao MD (family physician), and Dr. Brett Garber, DO (Plastic Surgeon). Without question, you all are absolutely superior for the excellent care you all gave me and I am so grateful to know that I will always be safe one way or another despite my outcome. Keep up the good work
I would also like to thank my mother and father for giving birth to me, who knew one day, I would grow up to be a phenomenally gifted woman. Also, my thanks to my husband for being there for me throughout all of this and for not leaving me when times got tough and my children for being kids, keeping me occupied and lovable, the fundamental reason for my strength in getting through this. Most of all I could not cope as well as I do without the support of all my family and friends. And to myself for well, just being the rock, the same yesterday, today and forever.
Christine Flury
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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When I found out that I had breast cancer and would be having chemo, I tried to look on the bright side - well, chemo can cause menopause - that would be a blessing. Then a month later I found out I would also have to have a complete oophorectomy (uterus and ovaries removed) - that cinched the menopause.
However, along with the obvious joy of menopause came the curse - hot flashes! And were they hot! And drenching! And at inopportune times! How to solve the dilemma? I did a lot of research and came up with the formula that works best for me.
As a breast cancer survivor, I can't take hormone replacement therapy. The best solution I've found after almost eight years of living with this is Evening Primrose Oil and Effexor. I take one 1000 unit capsule of EPO four times a day. The Effexor is an anti-depressant, so a doctor's prescription is needed. I take 75mg each morning. The nice thing about the Effexor is it not only reduces hot flashes, but evens out your moods as well.
It really does work - I'd gone up on the Effexor to max dosage during a particularly stressful time (with the concurrence of my doc) and later told myself that was ridiculous, so I gradually weaned myself off it entirely - forgetting why I started taking it in the first place. Boy, when the hot flashes hit with a vengeance, I quickly remembered!
Let me know what works for you! |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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Since I first was diagnosed with breast cancer, I have endeavored to find the best resources to stay informed about the disease and progress on treatment and cure. One of the best resources I have found is Imaginis. Published monthly, their newsletter is a wealth of information as is the website. For May's newsletter, check out Imaginis.com Breast Cancer News and Information - I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I am.
Let me know! |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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https://www.lymphedivas.com/catalog/index.php?osCsid=96ce54fa88c7fbbb74f924d373ed7a0d
One of the hardest thing for many breast cancer survivors to handle is lymphedema. This is a swelling of the arm where lymph nodes were removed during a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Sometimes it occurs, sometimes it doesn't, but breast cancer survivors are cautioned to not lift anything heavy with that arm, to not hang their purses off that arm, to not get blood pressure taken on that arm, to not get injections in that arm, to beware of insect bites or scratches on that arm, etc.
I thought I was one of the unfortunate ones who had avoided it and was bravely going around doing almost everything they told me not to do. Then one day I tripped and fell - on the wrist and hand of "that arm!" I now have lymphedema from the first joint of my fingers to about four inches past my wrist - and it is usually okay. However, at some times in the past it has swollen so that my fingers have felt like sausages about to burst. When I travel for long distances, I now wear a pressure "sleeve" and a "glove" to help keep the swelling down.
Some of us have continual swelling in the entire arm - which can be quite painful - and have to wear their "sleeves" and "gloves" all of the time. The site listed above, Lymphedivas.com, gives us a fashionable alternative to the ugly sleeves and gloves we have to wear. So even in our discomfort, we can have some fun! Check out the site and celebrate the fact we are alive and can have hope - even if we have to wear a garment to control the lymphedema. |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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begins an article in the Victoria News http://www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=36&cat=46&id=976855&more=. The teens and their moms were guests at a breakfast where the head table was piled high with oranges. If undetected, a breast cancer lump can grow to the size of an orange.
The teens were shocked: I imagine their moms were, too. But this was an excellent way to raise awareness of the disease and to educate teens and their parents about breast cancer. Just imagine the way an orange grows...from an almost unseeable speck to a full-grown fruit...so goes breast cancer.
Education about the disease is crucial. Even though the age group with the highest risk of breast cancer is women over 80, it can and does attack women (and men) of all ages. Usually the younger the patient, the more aggressive the disease.
So teach your kids about breast cancer. Kids, teach your moms. Embrace pink and all the publicity the disease can get. Do races and walks and attend events and concerts that support breast cancer research. Knowledge is power - and the way to an ultimate cure for the disease as well as the best way to handle it if you yourself are diagnosed.
Hats off to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for hosting these Mother-Daughter Breakfasts! |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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I have read much recently about developments in breast cancer screening, genetics, and proteomics. With all of the publicity, one would think we are on the brink of a cure. However, breast cancer is not one, but many diseases under the same heading. I was reminded of this when talking with a young woman about the treatment recommended for her aunt. The woman could not understand why, if the cancer was just in one breast, the doctors said the protocol was to remove both. The aunt had invasive lobular cancer - a type that is more likely than most to spread to the other breast, therefore the recommendation to remove both breasts at once.
I had invasive ductal carcinoma, but that's not the whole story. I was also Her2Neu negative, and estrogen and progesterone receptor positive - you can see the combination possibilities.
I mention this because it is another reason women should take control of their own healthcare, ask questions, get second opinions, and not accept the first answers given. This is your life - you deserve to live it the best way possible and that means making your own decisions about treatment - after you've thoroughly researched the alternatives. |
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| Posted by Deb Haggerty at | | | |
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