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When I learned that family member, Allison, had a story to share about breast cancer, I put together the following questions. Her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Allison was at a young age. Her story helped me to see how her parents handled the situation with her being so young and what kinds of feelings and concerns she must have felt at such an age.
Like Allison, I was young when I heard that a relative was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the updates on this relative's progress were filtered by my mother as she talked with the relative's mother on the phone. I remember being scared and wishing I knew more about what was going on. My mother did not go into detail about my relative's treatment. Thankfully, this relative survived.
As a parent, I understand the need to be careful with how much is told to a child when a close relative is battling such a life-threatening disease. A lot of breast cancer information spread around can imply that it is not a disease many survive and this can be scary to a child. This can cause the child to be fearful of the outcome when someone they love is diagnosed.
Fortunately, Allison's story has a happy ending. Her grandmother survived breast cancer. She and her grandmother are closer because of this experience. Not only was it an educational experience for the both of them, but also a life-changing one.
Below are Allison's answers to my questions.
1. How old were you when you learned of your grandmother's diagnosis of breast cancer? How did you handle the news?
I was about 8 years old when I got the call and found everything out.
I was very educated and mature for that age, so I knew what it meant.
2. What do you know about the kind of treatment she received? Either during the early stages or later stages.
The treatment that I know about was that she qualified for the removal
of her whole left breast because the cancer hadn't spread anywhere
else. Back then, the new law hadn't passed yet about breast
reconstruction being something doctors were obligated to offer and
fulfill if the patient desired. What I know that she was offered was a
prosthetic breast which she did take. I just know that it was very
heavy and she moved on to a cloth prosthetic.
3. How were you able to support her and be there for her while she was receiving treatment?
At first, I didn't support her. I was so young and I was instantly
afraid of her possible death, because to me hearing that someone had
cancer, it meant they were dying. It was all over shortly, and she had
recovered fine, so I was just happy for her that she survived.
4. In what way did you and your family connect on an emotional level while your grandmother was battling breast cancer? In what ways did you cope?
I wasn't told much because I was too young, and though I am sure my parents were afraid, they wanted to protect me and didn't tell me when she was going in for surgery. It wasn't until she had her second cancer (in her chin) that I knew when she was going in for surgery, and we all took it as "she'll be fine, it won't kill her, she's too strong." Plus, the doctor had already made her feel assured, so she assured us.
5. On what other levels (spiritual, intellectual, etc.) did you
experience growth and/or empowerment during this difficult time?
I've grown in my ways of viewing cancer as something that IS beatable, and you DON'T have to go through chemo and all these horrible things in all cancer cases. It's made me feel confident that if I one day got cancer, I would probably be able to beat it.
6. What was your biggest source of support in trying to cope with this experience? Is it still a source of support in other ways?
Her words of assurance that she would be fine, and that if anything DID happen to her, she's lived a happy life. She is such an amazing person, and when she's not scared, it makes me feel like I don't have to be scared.
7. In what ways was your grandmother inspiring to you during her fight with breast cancer?
Her light-hearted humor about her prosthetic, and about how she didn't have a left breast anymore. She poked fun at herself, and it made it all very easy to deal with. She inspired me to laugh at life's challenges when you beat them, and just smile.
8. What is one memory that stands out from this time?
When she showed me her scar tissue on her chest, and her explanation of what it feels like and how she felt about it. And probably...me wearing her prosthetic breasts around the house because she thought it was funny.
9. Is there a major or national charity that really made a difference for your grandmother during this time? Please explain.
Not that I know of, actually.
10. How has your relationship with your grandmother improved or been changed ever since she became a breast cancer survivor?
We've always been close and had a very special connection. I know that I admire her more knowing she's battled cancer twice, and she has such a positive outlook about it all. She's so inspiring and such an amazing person. I think anyone who is suffering with cancer would benefit from her company.
Today's blog post will feature a breast cancer prevention organization in Puerto Rico called Ruta Pink. Here is some info:
Last year, Doral Bank in Puerto Rico teamed up with Susan G Komen for the Cure and launched “Ruta Pink” (or Pink Route). Ruta Pink consists of a pink mobile mammogram clinic that stops through various towns in Puerto Rico, offering women (and men) free mammograms, biopsies and referrals – with or without health insurance.
Since launching in June of 2008, Ruta Pink’s medical team has performed over 2,200 mammograms. In addition to offering mammograms, the Ruta Pink program also offers free cancer prevention seminars to the general public, and offers contributions to the Susan G Komen foundation.
You can read more about Ruta Pink at Ruta Pink (click English in upper right corner), or visit their new youtube page at www.youtube.com/rutapink
They’ve also recently been written about in Everyday Health, FastCompany, Brandweek, and more!
While women most commonly acquire breast cancer, the breast tissue in men can become cancerous. It is extremely rare for men to develop breast cancer, yet it has been known to happen. Because breast cancer in men is so rarely discussed and little is understood about it, the following facts about breast cancer in men have been gathered to inform readers.
Fact: Men between the ages of 60-70 are most commonly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fact: Symptoms of breast cancer in men include a nipple discharge, lump under the nipple, discoloration of the breast skin and dimpling of the skin in that area.
Fact: Risks of men developing breast cancer include genetic factors, exposure to radiation, high levels of estrogen (which commonly occurs in men diagnosed with Klinefelter's syndrome -- having an extra female chromosome, resulting in XXY rather than the normal XY), and liver disease.
Fact: The most common type of breast cancer to occur in men is infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which is cancer with origins in the ducts (tubular structures) of the breast. It is referred to as "infiltrating" because this means that the cancer cells have spread beyond the ducts.
Fact: Once a lump is detected, a biopsy is the most common method used to determine if there is cancer.
Any woman who is used to walking and standing may understand the rigors of trying to get a mammogram, or even what's involved in receiving chemotherapy during treatment. However, if you are bound to a wheelchair, then being able to stand to receive a mammogram or move into a recliner for chemotherapy can be a struggle. Being helped to stand as well as carried around can be humiliating for someone already burdened with the stress of a possible breast cancer diagnosis. The problem is that there are not many handicap-accessible machines to accommodate the mobility impaired patients who must use them.
The good news is, more medical establishments and health care professionals are finally paying attention to the needs of the mobility impaired. Physicians and staff are being trained to accommodate the physical limitations of patients who require a mammogram or chemotherapy.
The first step is to discuss these limitations with your doctor. More and more medical facilities are becoming handicap-accessible and steps are being taken to include this accessibility inside of the buildings. If the arms of your wheelchair can be lowered, this will make it easier to receive a mammogram while in your wheelchair. If you are not able to sit up for the duration of your mammogram, a Velcro apparatus will be used to help you.
It's a good idea to ask someone to come with you to your appointments. A friend, sibling or caregiver is likely willing to assist you if needed so that you can receive your mammogram or be comfortable while receiving chemotherapy treatments.
Before your visit, ask if you can see the imaging center first. Ask questions about what sort of accommodations are in place for patients who are mobility impaired. If this is not provided, then talk to your doctor about finding a facility which is more helpful to the needs of disabled patients.
The MayoClinic understands the rights and needs of a patient who is stuck in a wheelchair. They have created three facilities specially equipped to assist such patients:
The Breast Clinic in Arizona
The Breast Center in Florida
The Breast Diagnostic Clinic in Minnesota
Finally, a free guide for disabled women is available for review on the Internet:
Breast Self-Examination: A Handbook for Women with disAbilities
If you are mobility-challenged and must have a mammogram or chemotherapy treatment, don't resign yourself to the delusion that all disabled patients must "put up" with using equipment not accessible to the disabled or being discriminated against by physicians. Ask questions, speak up. Talk to a medical professional you trust. If you feel your medical needs are not being sufficiently met or that you are being discriminated against, find another physician. Don't accept discrimination from a physician, who is obligated to treat ALL patients regardless of race, ethnicity, social stature, religion, financial situation AND disability. Know your rights but, more importantly, know what kind of accommodations and services are available to you as a patient. Every person, disabled and abled, has the right to receive competent and thorough care for breast cancer and it's important to make sure that care is given to you. Medical treatment of breast cancer is important. Receiving proper medical care for breast cancer could mean the difference between life or death.
Bright Pink is a national nonprofit organization devoted to helping women who are fighting both breast and ovarian cancer. Their goal in offering education and support is to "arm young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offer companionship and empathy during their journey. We empower them to take control of their breast and ovarian health and in turn, grant them the freedom and peace of mind to live a beautiful and fulfilling life."
Part of the work they do is partnering with companies to create products that promote breast cancer awareness, mainly during September and October. As an example, the specially-created pink Bubblemint Orbit White Gum means 10% of sales of this gum will go towards supporting this organization.
Their Little Bright Book series, which medical professionals can obtain for free from the site, provides information about breast and ovarian cancer. Titles include "A Young Woman’s Guide to Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and How to Be Proactive with Your Health” and the breast/ovarian cancer fighter/survivor's edition “For Our Mothers and the Women We Love: A Guide to Being Proactive and Protecting Your Family’s Health."
The site also provides a wealth of information about breast and ovarian cancer, all written by a team of medical professionals who understand the needs and concerns of those who are at risk of either cancer.
Also, anyone looking to connect with another cancer fighter/survivor can check out the PinkPals program. This will pair you with someone similar to your own situation who you can talk with and turn to for support via phone or email. You may even be able to meet your PinkPal in person.
The organization also emails or texts monthly reminders to "make time for the girls," offer information about a physical outreach group in your area, and visitors may even submit questions to genetic counselors ready to answer your questions and address your concerns.
They also offer educational workshops and conferences.
For more information: Bright Pink
You don't have to break the bank to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While there are organizations out there who will definitely benefit from any and all fundraising efforts, people who just can't financially help can still do something special in honor of this month. Below are ten no-cost things you can do to participate and still be a part of breast cancer awareness.
1. Volunteer at a cancer support group or center.
2. Join a network of breast cancer survivors and befriend someone and just talk.
3. Wear pink! Even better, something with a pink ribbon on it. Or wear a pink ribbon in your hair.
4. Read a book about breast cancer. Stay informed!
5. Create a sign, card or collage that honors someone you know who has lost their battle with or survived breast cancer.
6. Write a blog series on breast cancer awareness!
7. Encourage your friends and family to learn about breast cancer.
8. Write something that shows why you are glad we have a "breast cancer awareness month."
9. Spread the word about charities who are helping people struggling with breast cancer or a survivors network.
10. Decorate your Web site or page with pink and/or add something which reminds visitors that it's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Add links to charities and foundations or videos of breast cancer survivors sharing their stories, if you'd like.
Personal message from Dawn: Happy Birthday, Jesse! Hard to believe you are now 2 years old! The years go by so fast! We all love you so much and I feel so blessed you are in my life, sweet baby.
Every year, the national cosmetics retailer, Avon, Inc., creates specials and events to benefit breast cancer research and awareness. One of the things they are doing this year is offering the very nifty and pretty Avon Crusade Tote. Designed by Maimekko, this handy tote can be yours for only $10. So why not buy a new bag for a cause?
The new Avon Crusade Tote is only $10 and 100% of the net profits will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
Check it out here: Avon Crusade Tote
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, which is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to breast cancer research and awareness, has developed a new program called Passionately Pink for the Cure.
Passionately Pink for the Cure allows participants to organize a "passionately pink" event with accessories and items to promote their event and the cause. Proceeds raised from such events can be sent to the foundation as the event's donation.
Details: Passionately Pink for the Cure
The following are signs and symptoms of breast cancer:
* A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle.
* A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea.
* A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast.
* A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
* A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed).
* Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.
* An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
* A marble-like hardened area under the skin.
Source: The Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
1. Only women get breast cancer.
This is probably the most common misconception about breast cancer. Surprise! Men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, as well. Men have breast tissue and their breast duct cells are just as vulnerable to developing cancer as a woman's. However, because women have many more breast duct cells and hormones attacking those cells than men do, breast cancer is more prevalent in women.
2. Breastfeeding will prevent a woman from developing breast cancer.
While various medical reports and physicians will attest that women who breastfeed have indeed a decreased chance of developing breast cancer, it is not the "cure" for breast cancer. Some women who breastfed their babies have developed breast cancer later in life. While breastfeeding is a good preventative measure against developing breast cancer, it won't guarantee a block against it.
3. Mammograms are dangerous because of radiation exposure.
In the 1970's, the risk of harmful radiation exposure from mammograms was a growing concern in the medical community. This debate over radiation exposure from a mammogram, however, remains very strong and rampant. Still, mammograms are definitely useful in detecting tumors which might otherwise go undetected. Today's technology has improved the performance and safety of equipment used during a mammogram.
4. The breast-self-exam (BSE) is sufficient in detecting a tumor.
There are two things wrong with this myth. One is that not every female knows how to perform the BSE correctly. A young woman should consult with her doctor about the proper way to perform a BSE. The second thing is that relying on BSE to detect any tumors or suspicious lumps is not the best way for finding any. A tumor or lump on the breast can be undetected and hard to locate. By the time a tumor is detected, it is very large and has been festering in that area for some time. As a measure of caution, a yearly mammogram or yearly breast exam performed by a physician is advisable.
5. If I have no family history of breast cancer, I can't get it.
This is also another popular myth about breast cancer. Anyone with a first-degree family member (such as parent or sibling) with breast cancer has the highest risk of obtaining the disease. The next highest risk is anyone with a second-degree family member (such as anyone on the mother or father's side) who has had the disease. However, people with no known family history of breast cancer have also developed the disease. According to the book, Mammography and Breast Imaging: Just the Facts by Olive Peart, "Over 90 percent of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease."
Once a tumor is detected in the breast, it is advisable to seek medical assistance as early as possible. The soonest medical intervention occurs, the greater the chances of having the cancer removed from the area and for the patient to start recovering or obtain further medical assistance. The moment the tumor is detected is known as the early stage of breast cancer. Understanding the early stage of breast cancer can help a patient to feel more at ease about receiving treatment.
Early stage breast cancer has four stages: Stage I, II (A or B), III (A, B, or C) or IV. The size of the tumor and whether or not the cancer has spread is what determines the category of the cancer. Not all stages of the tumor are considered "early-stage." The only ones which are "early-stage" are Stages I, IIA, IIB and IIIA.
There are no other unique characteristics associated with the tumor which will designate which stage it is. Only the size and its capacity for spreading are what result in the type of stage it is classified as.
Treatment for early-stage breast cancer usually involves surgery. The surgical procedures used for early-stage breast cancer are as follows:
The first type of surgery is called "breast-sparing surgery." In other words, a surgical procedure in which all or most of the breast is spared from removal. The surgeon will either remove the tumor and surrounding tissue involved (perform a "lumpectomy") or remove a part of the breast that includes the tumor (perform a "partial mastectomy"). Usually, with this type of surgery, some lymph nodes from under the arm will also be removed. This type of surgery is also known as "breast-conserving surgery." The affected breast may look exactly the same or mostly the same following this type of surgery. After breast-sparing surgery, the patient normally undergoes radiation therapy.
The second type of surgery is called a "mastectomy." There are two types of mastectomies: "Simple" or "total" mastectomy, and "modified radical mastectomy." The simple or total mastectomy involves removing the entire breast and possibly some lymph nodes located under the arm. With modified radical mastectomy, the entire breast is removed as well as some lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles and possibly part of the chest wall muscles.
The reason for removal of lymph nodes is to help the treating doctors detect if the cancer is spreading. If they detect cancer in the removed lymph nodes, they may need to remove more in order to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body (to metastasize). From here, the patient may or may not be advised to receive adjuvant therapy, depending on the results.
Reference: Early Stage Breast Cancer Frequently Asked Questions
The Web site Temptalia.com is holding a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser for October. Last year, they were able to raise $1,180 to go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This year, they hope to raise $2,000, which will go to The Breast Cancer Research Fund.
To encourage donations from visitors, for every $5 donated, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a variety of make-up and beauty products. There will be eight winners total.
To find out more, visit their site:
Breast Cancer Awareness 2009 Fundraiser
Here are more events, opportunities and specials taking place during October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This list is not exhaustive. More will be added in future blog posts. Happy shopping and participating!
The radio station WRVQ Q94.5 (Richmond, Virginia) is partnering with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for the 3rd Annual "Q94 Bras on Broad!" for the month of October. They are collecting bras and for every bra collected, they will donate $1 to the Foundation. On October 23rd, all bras donated will be stretched out along Broad Street.
The 3rd Annual Q94 Bras On Broad
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Save-A-Lot has partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and donated $100,000 towards the fight against breast cancer. In recognition of this and to promote the occasion, NASCAR has created a special pink race car with the Save-A-Lot brand. Additionally, you can purchase a special pink reusable bag at any Save-A-Lot store for only 99 cents.
Save-A-Lot joins fight for breast cancer awareness
Darphin, a skin care company, will donate $20 from each sale of Arovita C Energic Firming Cream to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Darphin.com
When you buy Boscia Rose Blotting Linens, a portion of the purchase will go towards breast cancer research.
"American Airlines and American Eagle employees are joining forces throughout October to do their part in the fight against breast cancer. Among the activities scheduled in celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American and American Eagle are encouraging their nearly 90,000 employees to "think pink" as they participate in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure(®) program Passionately Pink for the Cure(®) on Friday, Oct. 16." Among the ways the airlines are participating is by offering pink menus and any item purchased off of these menus will result in a 10% donation towards breast cancer research. "American kicked off its month-long observance last week with a special gift card offer: during October, when customers purchase an American Airlines Gift Card and specify Komen as the beneficiary, American will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every $50 of travel purchased via the gift card. To purchase gift cards and support Susan G. Komen for the Cure, consumers can go to AA.com/giftcard. When completing payment information, "Komen" must be entered in the tracking code box in order for the donation to be made. Gift cards must be purchased by Oct. 31 for the 10 percent donation to be made to Komen, and it applies only to online purchases." Read all about all of their specials and programs here: American Airlines Celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Web site, ShopAtHome.com, is also participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Go to this page and click on a retailer to shop from. With every purchase made through that click, they will donate $1 to breast cancer charities.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the company, TeleBrands, has created a special Limited Edition Pink PedEgg decorated with the universally recognized pink ribbon. You can purchase it for $10 at this site and it is available only for a limited time. The company is donating $50,000 of sales of this PedEgg to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The Breast Cancer Survivors organization was formed in 1998. They have recently changed their name to Breast Cancer Solutions.
They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting anyone who has been affected with breast cancer, either as a patient or as a survivor.
They have contributed more than $2,600,000 to support 1100 people affected by breast cancer. Unfortunately, they only assist people located in Southern California.
They not only assist patients on a financial level but they also become an advocate for that person to receive treatment and information during the course of the disease.
In order to continue their services and assistance to anyone affected by breast cancer seeking their help, they hold fundraisers, accept donations and offer volunteer positions.
Their Web site: Breast Cancer Solutions
Their contact information:
Breast Cancer Solutions
270 Bristol Street, #101-142
Costa Mesa , CA 92626-7940
866.960.9222 phone
866.781.6068 fax
info@bcsurvivors.org
Yesterday's blog post showed how just one click can help a woman receive a free mammogram this month. Now, all it takes is just one image!
The Web site Diets in Review.com is doing something in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For all of October, if you include the above image on your blog, they will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of your site.
I have included the image above for today's blog post. I am also including it on the side of my blog.
I am excited and grateful to see a web site being so generous and active in fighting for the cause. It's all in the power of your blog! So visit their site today, copy the image to your blog, and you will have just contributed to the fight against breast cancer.
Blogs Against Breast Cancer 2009
The Breast Cancer Site is partnered with the non-profit organization, the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For the month of October, they are holding a "click to give" program which will help women receive a free mammogram. For every click on their pink button, a sponsor will pay for a mammogram that will help a low-income woman who may not otherwise have been able to receive one.
The Breast Cancer Site is affiliated with CharityUSA.com, which also owns and operates sites such as The Hunger Site, The Child Health Site, The Literacy Site, The Rainforest Site and The Animal Rescue Site. All of these sites have a "click to give" program. One click will mean a sponsor contributes to the designated cause.
To help a woman receive a free mammogram, please visit The Breast Cancer Site today and "click to give."
The Breast Cancer Site
Do you have an artistic side?
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is holding a contest! They are soliciting submissions of designs for their newest T-shirt, which will be worn by hundreds of participants in next year's Race For the Cure. The deadline to enter is November 8, 2009.
Read all about it here: It's All About the Shirt!
The following is a list of just some businesses and corporations which are taking steps to support breast cancer awareness and breast cancer research as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I will include more later.
For the entire month of October, Hungry Howie's Pizza will be using pink boxes for their pizzas, complete with a pink ribbon on each box. And for every pizza ordered, they will make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. This will take place at every Hungry Howie's Pizza location. You can find a location of a Hungry Howie's Pizza at their Web site: Hungry Howie's Pizza
Breath of the Dragon, which creates unique and custom wood burning designs, has an inventory of breast cancer awareness items specifically created in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of the sales will be donated to a local women's resource center. You can check it all out here: Breath of the Dragon
For the month of October, Target is selling pink ribbons in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For every ribbon sold, they are donating to breast cancer charities. Likewise, a New York-based Target is all pink for October, donating 100% of proceeds from sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. There are other merchandise available specifically for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can buy from them in stores or at their Web site: Breast Cancer Awareness items
Bornstein Seafoods is selling pink salmon decorated in pink cans and wrappings in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The seafood company's co-owner, Sharyn Bornstein, is a breast cancer survivor. For every can sold, they will donate $1 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Find a location on their Web site: Bornstein Seafoods
Olive Juice, a company that sells children's clothing, is also donating to the cause. The company's founder, Maryellen Kane, knows the pain associated with breast cancer: She watched her mother battle breast cancer for years. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they are donating $1 for every purchase made to Cuddle My Kids, a company that helps families affected by cancer. Visit them on the Web here: Olive Juice
The company Exygon Health and Fitness teamed up with CYBEX International by installing pink treadmills in their offices. for every mile ran on the treadmills, they are donating 10 cents to breast cancer research organizations. Here is their site: SETCHomepage.com
When you buy a Hobo International pink clutch bag, the company will donate 25% of proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Find out more here: Hobo International Jolie Cosmetics Bag
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