The Breast Blog

Reviewing the book on my other site

2007-04-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

As you've probably realized, I can't keep up with two sites!

So ... I'll review Cathy's book on Discussing Breast Cancer on Wednesday, April 25th!

Chris has won Cathy's book!

2007-04-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Author/survivor Cathy Bueti sent me two copies of her book, "Breastless in the City" so that I could read one and give the other away to one of my readers. Chris Rodas is the winner of that raffle and the book is going out to her today!

I'll be 'reviewing' Cathy's book in a few weeks so if you haven't picked up a copy from your local library or bookstore (local or online), you've still got time.

Thanks again Cathy, and thanks and congrtulations to Chris!

Moving Plans

2007-04-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all ... as you know, one of my goals with this site is to empower breast cancer survivors. Well, an opportunity has come up for me to combine my "blogging for breast cancer" passion with some web trafficking experts. I've decided to write for a new site, Discussing Breast Cancer, at www.discussingbreastcancer.com.

With the people at 451 Press promoting the site, I'll gain more readers. More readers means more people reached with the information I want to disseminate to survivors. More "armed" survivors means more of a chance of defeating our enemy: breast cancer.

451 Press gets paid for the advertisements on this site, that's how they make money. As far as I can see so far, many the advertisers on the site seem to be credible and worthy causes. Some are even links I've wanted to click myself because they'll provide me with more information. Don't be afraid to click on those links. Clicking on ad just means you are doing research into the things that might be pertinent to you.

This is a professional blogging gig for me. That means I'll get a percentage of the ad revenue which means I can actually donate more to the cause. I'll let you know what I earn and what I'll put the money towards once I start earning.

The book club will continue (here or there, I'm not sure). I'll choose the winner of the raffle by Wednesday and get the book shipped off to the winner in time to start reading over the weekend!

One day there will be a forwarding link to that site as I wean off posting here and get you all reading over there. So pack your bags and get ready for the move.

April Book Club Selection

2007-03-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

This month's selection was made easy for me because of Cathy Bueti, author of "Breastless in the City." Cathy sent me two copies of her book; one for me, one for a reader of The Breast Blog.

I'm giving the second copy to ... hmmmm ... who shall I give it too? I was going to give it to the most active participant in the discussion on "Digging to America," but that would have been me (aren't you sorry you lurked?).

So ... email me or post a comment asap and be entered into a random drawing for the book (to take place by the end of the week). You can always get the book on Amazon; here's a link.

"Breastless in the City" is about Cathy's life. Child of an alcoholic father, she married her high school sweetheart but was widowed at the age of 25. Seven years later, still trying to find her way in life after such a profound loss, she discovers a lump in her breast. Single, bald, breastless ... and that alcoholic father? He becomes one of her biggest supporters.

The back of the books explains that Cathy is stunningly honest and open in this book. She's a real person telling the story of her battle.

I can't wait to get started!

Switch to red wine ladies

2007-03-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

So I freaked out when I read this one: "a single alcoholic beverage daily may increase a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer by 9 percent. Drinking just over two drinks daily may increase the risk by 32 percent."

Not good. Not good at all. And apparently beer, liquor and white wine are all guilty vices. But red wine ... that's not on the "bad" list. So it is time for me to start pouring Cabernet at 'Happy Hour' instead of Pinot Grigio. Not sure if I can make the switch, but apparently alcohol consumption influences our estrogen levels ... Lord, have mercy on us all!

Read all about it here: New study links breast cancer and alcohol consumption

Faces for a Cure

2007-03-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to Janie and Matt Canei.

Janie is my sister. No, not my biological sister, not even a step or an adoptive sister. She's a sister in this fight against breast cancer. That makes Matt my conceptual nephew.

Janie is dealing with a cancer recurrence -- and 18 year old Matt, who was 15 when she was first diagnosed only three years ago, has come up with a fantastic, innovative, novel way to raise some money and support. He's designed facesforacure.com and tells his story there; it's a site where I've already placed my head shot in support of him, his mother, and all the rest of us fighting this battle.

Perhaps I'm projecting a little bit of affection onto this boy because I have two boys of my own who lived through my initial diagnosis and recurrence as well. They are still young ... but this disease affects our children more than we can ever imagine.

Anyway, go check out facesforacure.com. Buy some space so we can all see we're in this together. We make a beautiful army, don't we?

Hair Loss Due to Cancer

2007-03-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

A wise young girl once said, "Cancer is about a whole lot more than just a bald head." She's absolutely right -- but the fact remains, it is extremely difficult for a woman who has part of her identity wrapped up in her hairstyle to face baldness. It is an outward tangible sign to the world ... yup, I have cancer, no doubt about it.

Facing hair loss as a chemotherapy side effect is frightening and emotionally charged. I had the honor of accompanying my mother to a wig shop in Connecticut (Just Wigs in Old Saybrook) where they treated her with the utmost respect and compassion. I've heard of other places offering equal care and concern to their customers as well ... custom wig makers like Joseph Paris Naturally in NYC and the Noelle Foundation at Noelle's Spa for Beauty and Wellness in Stamford, CT.

My mother can attest, however, that her wig from the American Cancer Society's tlc catalog was even more realistic than her custom made one ... go figure.

A division of the company behind Joseph Paris Naturally sponsors a great site you can visit for more information on hair loss due to chemotherapy.

A Spit Can Save Your Life

2007-03-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Scientists have discovered a New Saliva Test that may help diagnose breast cancer.

I read in a medical journal that, "Mixed with substances from the bloodstream and the gastric and respiratory tracts, spit becomes a cocktail of bodily fluids. It contains proteins, hormones, viruses and billions of bacteria that can be used to detect everything from cystic fibrosis to AIDs."

It's safe, non-invasive and dentists can help with the diagnosis. And, hopefully, within the next ten years this technology will be in place.

This is perfect for women who've had double mastectomies and no longer have the use of mammography to aid detection; it's a great fear of mine and other women without breast tissue that cancer might grow on the chest wall or elsewhere in the body and remain undetected now that mammography isn't an option.

This new test? Worth all the spitting in the world if it saves just one life.

Digging to America

2007-03-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last month readers of The Breast Blog voted for Anne Tyler's novel, "Digging to America," as the first book for the monthly breast cancer book club selection.

Today the discussion begins!

"Digging to America" intertwines the lives of two families who share a common experience: adopting a little girl from Korea. From the opening chapter where the infant girls are greeted at the airport by the families to the last chapter where the families gather to celebrate the anniversary of that very arrival day, Anne Tyler offers a glimpse into the lives of families who adopt internationally.

While one child's (Jin-Ho's) family is typical American (if there is such a thing), the other child's (Susan's) family is Iranian-American. They eat Middle Eastern food and the grandmother (Maryam) switches from English to Farsi and talks talk about life 'in her country,' while trying to fit in a world away.

But of course these aren't the aspects of the story that I'll focus on here at The Breast Blog. I'm going to focus on the fact that at the start of the novel, JinHo's maternal grandmother (Connie) loses her battle to breast cancer. And towards the end of the novel we learn that Jin-Ho's mother (Bitsy) has breast cancer as well.

My opinion? I loved the international adoption theme because we have a daughter who was born in China. Because our daughter is our third child we do not celebrate her arrival day with fanfare; we celebrate her birthday because we celebrate her siblings' birthdays. But I understand the desire ... our daughter's 'gotcha day' is a day we'll never forget. Also, we do not use her Chinese name as her first name but we did choose to keep it as her middle name. I guess what I'm trying to say is I can relate to this facet of the story completely.

I enjoyed reading about the Iranian-American family because I am fascinated by cultures so unfamiliar to me, so foreign. When we traveled to China, I became intrigued by the perception the Chinese people had of Americans. I came to realize that Americans cannot begin to understand how we are viewed by other cultures, and though we have nothing to be ashamed of or guilty of, a little awareness of how we appear can't hurt. I'd love to learn if this is an honest representation of Iranian people living here in our country, those that immigrated and those of a second generation.

Now, onto the breast cancer ... I hated finding out that Connie wasn't going to live to see her granddaughter grow up. Perhaps that hit too close to home for me. My own mother just successfully battled ovarian cancer and it pained me to imagine she might have succumbed to the disease instead and not see my children grow. I hated reading about the adjustment it was for Connie's husband (Dave) after she died; facing the 'aloneness' and missing companionship. It made me think of my own father ... and each time Bitsy patted his hand with sympathy I pictured me consoling my dad.

When Bitsy herself was diagnosed ... I thought, of course. Then I thought what I've thought many times in my own life ... thank God those little girls didn't share their family's genes. What relief. I remembered this was fiction and not a memoir so nobody's life was really at stake but I still felt the same relief I feel that my daughter doesn't have a genetic risk of developing this dastard disease.

IMO, Anne Tyler painted a realistic portrait of the circumstances these two families faced, two families that could represent any family living in America. Though I found her inconsistent writing style (she continually changed perspective -- how irritating to me), I found her to be telling a credible story that kept my interest until the end. I kept thinking it could have read like a memoir had she stuck with one person's perspective the entire time (Maryam's?). Maybe I wanted that to be the case because so much of the book could have been a true story about my own life!

That's what I thought. Now it's your turn. Let me know what you thought. Leave your comments or email me your opinion/review at karenmlynch at gmail dot com and I can post them individually asap.

Breast Cancer Book Club Discussion

2007-03-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the day we'll start our discussion of the first book we chose to read in conjunction with The Breast Blog's Breast Cancer Book Club.

Here's how this is going to work: I announce the book, we read the book, I post a synopsis and my initial reaction to the book, you comment with your initial reaction to the book, I post a question for discussion, you comment with your answers.

Any questions on the logistics? Post them in the comments here.

Meanwhile, I'll announce next month's book in the next few hours. I will tell you this:
I was sent two copies of the next book by the author herself: one for me and one for a participant in The Breast Blog Breast Cancer Book Club. The more actively involved you are in this discussion, the more likely it will be that I send you a free copy of the next book!

Free Acupuncture

2007-03-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

For breast cancer recovery ladies and gentlemen! This service at a NYC clinic is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Breast Cancer Patient Resource Foundation and starts on April 1st. It is designed for breast cancer patients under financial duress.

I can tell you, though I didn't have acupuncture during my treatment, I did enjoy therapeutic massage and Reiki treatments at Yale's complementary therapy program. The days I had a service scheduled were ones I actually looked forward to.

So look into this program if you are in the NYC area and are undergoing treatment. And if you use it, come back here and let us know.

The UK's leading cancer charity

2007-03-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what the stats are in other countries, but if 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer, then there are millions of women in the world that will develop breast cancer. I'm proud to grow my understanding of what other countries are doing for the cause. Like the UK:

Cancer Research UK: the UK's leading cancer charity

I won't get too cheesy and break out into the song, 'We're all in this together,' from High School Musical, but thank God we are.

Together we make a difference.

XM Satellite Radio Goes Pink

2007-03-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

I love my car's XM Radio -- I found my perfect station on XM, Channel 26 if you'd like to know, and it is all I want to listen to! But in the house we have Sirius Radio so I'm sunk. I know, if I could just get used to an iPod I could make my own play list. But I can't make that happen. Unless I'm listening to Bon Jovi, I just cannot remember who sings what song. I just know what I like when I hear it.

So, satellite radio is the way for me to go. And now I've found out about XMs Pink Pioneer inno ...

"Purchase a Special Edition Pink Pioneer inno from Circuit City or xmradio.com and together, XM, Circuit City and Pioneer will contribute a total of $30 per radio to the Komen Foundation for the first 5,000 radios sold and activated."

I smell a great Mother's Day gift!

XM Satellite Radio - America's #1 Satellite Radio Service

Live Pink Program

2007-03-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

The picture of this card makes me smile ... and now I want to put gold stars on my recreated nipple-less breasts, too!

The artist who donated this particular work to ZNE's Live Pink program must be smiling, too, knowing that a breast cancer survivor might be cheered up when she holds this particular card in her hands.

ZNE is an online community of mixed medium artists (if you're hung up on the name like I was, ZNE comes from the Italian word for "Variation": variaZioNE).

ZNE has added a great philanthropic project to their site. Through Live Pink, women struggling with breast cancer can be surrounded with inspirational artwork.

From their website:

"The program works like this: Artists create miniature pieces of original artwork that is given to Live Pink coordinators in hospitals, support centers, hospices, and other Breast Cancer related programs - for direct distribution to Breast Cancer patients and their families. The artists donate their art and the coordinators donate their time distributing the artwork."

Volunteers or wanna bes ... you can personally create art for Live Pink, you can register someone to receive a gift, you can be a distributor of the artwork, and pretty soon you can donate postage stamps, envelopes, printing, advertising or other materials of that nature to the site.

Check out their gallery here.

If you are the artist who created this card, let me know ... I'll add your name to this entry.

If you are another artist and you want to display your specific art on The Breast Blog, I can work to feature your images every so often here with a link to Live Pink or other program -- one that is connected to the cause -- email me to discuss at karenmlynch at gmail dot com.

Tykerb approved

2007-03-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

The US FDA announced today that the drug Tykerb has been approved for women with HER2+ tumors that have continued growing despite chemotherapy and use of the drug Herceptin.

Head over to the Glaxo (GlaxoSmithKline) home page to read more about what this pharmaceutical firm came up with to give hope to women with advanced/metastatic breast cancer.

Glaxo has also expanded their patient assistance program to include Tykerb ... a program that provides low income patients with access to their oncology products. Nice going GSK!

Here's the American Cancer Society Press Release on the approval of GSK's Tykerb: ACS :: New Drug Approved for Breast Cancer.

This Tykerb home page is coming soon ...

Breast Cancer Wikis

2007-03-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

You've heard of Wikipedia, haven't you? The online encyclopedia ... look up almost anything or anyone on Wikipedia and you'll be quite content with the results. If not, edit them. See, a 'wiki' is basically server software that allows users to create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. I could add to Wikipedia's page on breast cancer, for example, if I wanted to.

Here's another breast cancer wiki: Cancer stories, support and information

And another ... at OBGYN.net

Finally, one that mentions The Breast Blog specifically and is sending me quite a bit of traffic these days (thank you Jewcy): The Jewish Girls Guide to Genetic Testing

The thing that worries me about Wikis is that there isn't a credible source behind them -- they are written and edited by human beings. Not sure they are all going to be trusted authorities on a subject. But they are likely to point you in the right direction.

The Breast Blog Didn't Win

2007-03-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Bloggies winner for Best Topical Blog was not The Breast Blog -- the winner was a blog called PostSecret.

I posted my thoughts about this on A Writer's Blog so you can head over there to check out how I'm feeling.

Over here, however, all I want to say is ... I'll survive.

Stamps have raised $50.3M for breast cancer research

2007-03-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Read this in Michigan's Citizen Patriot today:

"Dear Pat: When I buy stamps, I choose the breast cancer ones in memory of my mother. How much money has the sale of those stamps raised? Does it really go for research? A Spring Arbor reader.

Dear Reader: As of last summer, the breast cancer stamps, which sell for 45 cents instead of the standard 39 cents, raised $50.3 million since 1998 when they went on sale, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

Seventy percent of the net proceeds is earmarked for breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and 30 percent to the Department of Defense."

Yup ... worth it. Learn more about the stamps here! You can also look at the other fundraising stamps they have available ...

Woman Battling Breast Cancer Wins Dream Horse

2007-03-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

How totally cool is this? Lenora Kater has breast cancer and at the urging of her kids, she enters an essay contest to win a horse (she's always wanted a horse) and guess what ... she wins a horse! Renee's Friends Fund, a horse community in Colorado, made it happen.

This group of supporters is doing something amazing ... we're talking BIG. Dressage for the Cure, Polo for the Cure, with silent auctions and big sponsors. I only wish I were about to get to just one of these events!

WOW. I'm so impressed with this organization. WOW.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

2007-03-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what is entailed in this surgery? Well, Lisa Marcucci, MD is a board-certified, practicing surgeon and critical care physician and blogger is online to tell us!

You can read all about the surgical details of breast cancer related procedures at her blog: Inside Surgery.

I just think this is so cool. So I checked out some procedures I'm proud to have had:

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or Dissection (Breast)

Salpingo Oopherectomy and Total Hysterectomy

Pretty nifty that she does this in her free time ... but when does she sleep I wonder?

Are your boots made for walking?

2007-03-08T06:19:00.000-08:00

Mine sure are ... have you decided which events you are participating this year?

BB Bear (see image) is the mascot for the Burke Barnstormers, and he's become on of my favorite walkers. He's part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team from Northern Virginia. What a great idea, getting a team mascot. I love it.

Another great idea? Creating a team blog in addition to your online fundraising site. Check this one out:

Burke Barnstormers' Avon Walk Blog

Way to go ladies ... I'll be cheering you on each step of the way.

After the Tears

2007-03-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

You have to read this article on the YSC and LBBC Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer ...

After the Tears - washingtonpost.com

Children Share Your Anxiety

2007-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

It is a mother's instinct to shelter her children from the anxiety of a cancer scare or worse, a depressing cancer diagnosis. But it is impossible to completely hide your emotions from them (nor is it wise -- but that's another post).

The most helpful thing you can do for your children when facing the kind of depression cancer brings on is get yourself the help you need. Counseling, therapy, guidance ... support ... not just because you will benefit but because your children will benefit.

In a study funded by the National Cancer Institute, researchers concluded that "children of depressed breast cancer patients were more likely to be concerned or anxious about their mother's cancer and its implication for their families." (ScienceDaily: Depression In Moms With Breast Cancer May Exacerbate Related Anxieties In Their Children)

When I faced my diagnoses, I looked into many support programs for my children (like the one sponsored by CancerCare for Kids) and ordered material from the American Cancer Society (a great workbook for kids to utilize when they just didn't have words). Read some ACS advice here if you have children's needs to consider.

I want to reiterate: If you are suffering from depression as a result of your breast cancer diagnosis, get help. Seek support from CancerCare, the American Cancer Society, or Y-Me if you feel you can't turn to your own oncologist for a referral to a hospital social worker.

It's the best thing you can do for you children.

Allies a comfort in fight vs. cancer

2007-03-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Young Survivors Coalition conference was a huge success (oh, how I wish I had been able to attend). More than 850 young breast cancer survivors made it, however ...

Did any of my readers get there? If you did, please share!

Allies a comfort in fight vs. cancer - Newsday.com

Cards for Cancer

2007-03-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

When word got out that I had cancer, loads of friends and family members took out their pens and note cards and whipped something off to me, heartfelt sentiments and all. I was touched; I kept every single one of them. Most of them were 'get well soon' or 'thinking of you' cards. Not one had the word, 'cancer,' pre-printed on them.

But apparently you can find a card dealing specifically with cancer if you are so inclined. Thank you Hallmark!

Check this article out:

Getting real: Now it's in the cards - Newsday.com

Pink Ribbon Fitness

2007-03-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week there was a study released by Reuters that "strenuous exercise -- such as lap swimming, aerobics and running -- appears to cut the risk of some breast cancers in women." (From the Archives of Internal Medicine -- read the news here.)

It's been said time and time again ... rigorous activity lowers breast cancer risk. And now that I'm in menopause thanks to my hysterectomy, I've got to worry about decreasing bone density. My doctor prescribed weight bearing exercise.

That's universal, ladies, so keep that in mind; we need to be particularly diligent in our effort to ward off osteoporosis. If you have used estrogen-blockers or had chemotherapy (read more here) you need to be even more mindful of this.

So check out this program designed for survivors:

Pink Ribbon Fitness ™ - LIFT Personal Training, Diet and Exercise, Podfitness

I've been told that Jim Ryno is "a fitness guru who has created a simple (yet effective) fitness program for people who have survived breast cancer. It's really the first of it's kind and it will soon be on his website and on podfitness.com."

Get moving my survivor sisters ... now, where did I put those hand weights?

There's no end to treatment

2007-03-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Once you are diagnosed with breast cancer that is. It might seem there would be ... but the resulting complications and side effects pretty much make it impossible to truly move on.

Lately I've been getting this excruciating yet intermittent pain in my groin. I'm thinking ... pulled muscle, hernia or, God forbid, a torn something or other post-hysterectomy. I decided to be prudent and head to the doctor.

Seems I've got what they call a traumatic neuroma. Post-operative scar tissue putting pressure on a nerve in my groin. Hurts like a mother and there's not much to be done about it. Except maybe some kind of ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, or *yikes* surgery.

Blast this darn disease ... if only cancer free meant treatment free.

Anyone out there with one of these babies, if you want to share how you manage the pain, please feel free!

And the Winner is ...

2007-02-28T05:01:00.000-08:00

"Digging to America," by Anne Tyler.

Largely focused on international adoption, author Anne Tyler is a breast cancer survivor, bound to interlace her experience into the lives of her characters, and this was the book the majority of my readers here selected. Though I've not read this one yet, I've read online that one of the characters is a breast cancer survivor. I'm eager to begin and I hope you are, too.

FYI, we had 19 votes total ... "Digging to America" received 7 of them.

So get your book and start reading! The discussion will begin on Wednesday, March 21, 2007.

Last Day to Vote

2007-02-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday, February 27th; it's the last day to vote for the first book The Breast Blog will feature in the upcoming book club.

Tomorrow the book will be announced and I'll also post an Amazon link to make the purchase easier for all of you who want to buy the book online. But remember, your local library is a free possibility.

Two things to note:

Each year my husband and I donate money to a variety of breast cancer related causes. Please be assured that any income earned as a result of the advertisements I place on this site will be put towards those charitable contributions. I will not be using this blog for personal profit. If any money is earned, I'll let you know how much, and what charity will benefit.
There is currently a TIE for the first book and that just can't be. Lurkers, please come out of the woodwork and vote so that I can finalize this decision tonight!

Attention publishers/authors: In the future, I'd love to be able to give a copy of the book to one of my readers ... just keep that in mind!

Let's Take a Vote

2007-02-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

Breast Cancer Book Club

2007-02-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Breast Blog is starting an online book club for fiction and non-fiction books pertaining to breast cancer.

Here's how the club is going to work. I'll pick a book (suggestions are welcome) and I'll offer a link to the book at Amazon.com. I'll also pick a completion date, the third Wednesday of each month. Then we'll read ... and the discussion will begin when I first post about the selection on that completion date.

If you are an author/publisher, review copies are accepted but my opinion will not be biased!

Any questions? Suggestions? Comments?

Clothes DO make the doctor

2007-02-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

Physician's attire doesn't matter to patients. Yeah, sure it doesn't!

And if you take that study finding at face value, I've got some extra special Connecticut air to sell you as well!

The study actually reports that it makes no difference if a doctor is in business attire, casual clothes or scrubs. But the question most likely wasn't asked if overall, would it matter if they were neat or sloppy!

I love that my doctors at Yale always seem to look sharp. Nice suits work really well for me for office visits. Full scrubs makes 'em look downright surgical. And if they smell good? Forget about it, you've won me over.

To be well dressed is a sign of professionalism, no doubt about it. To be unkempt? I'd find another doctor. The study wasn't specific. Stop wasting research dollars on common sense issues! Am I alone in this rant?

Having Children after Cancer

2007-02-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

Many women are able to have children after treatment for breast cancer. Others ... are not. I'm sorry for the pain that reality might cause. But please know, just because you can't conceive doesn't mean you can't have children. That little girl in the Catholic Charities advertisement I uploaded? That's my daughter. Our family adopted her after agreeing we wanted another child but could no longer have biological children.

I know adoption isn't for everyone. I know international adoption isn't for everyone. And, I know that having had two biological children before my initial diagnosis makes it impossible for me to walk in the shoes of women without children before cancer.

But I can share how we came blessed with this beautiful little girl. When my medical oncologist told me that Tamoxifen could make a difference for me in terms of my risk of recurrence and admitted that ethically she couldn't prescribe it for me if we wanted to have another biological child because it could cause fetal harm if I were to conceive ... well ... it was a no brainer for me and my husband. We felt our options weren't limited, we could still have a child, and it would be a child that needed a family desperately.

Thanks to the hand of God and the assistance of Catholic Charities, we were blessed with the most beautiful, most precious, most precocious child ... oh, you have no idea.

Or maybe you do. Do share!

Ford Cares for Survivors

2007-02-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

"In every woman there is a believer, a survivor, a fighter, a warrior in pink." Join Ford in the battle against breast cancer.

Ford Vehicles: Ford Cares: Home

LOVE this campaign. LOVE the music as the page opens in my browser. Makes me want to ... reexamine how I feel about Ford. I think I see a pink pick up truck in my future!

Don't forget your Vitaminds!

2007-02-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Feeling mentally run down? Spiritually fatigued? Emotionally under the weather? Take a Vitamind and see how well it works -- it's "a prescription for healthier thoughts."

I received a container as a gift from a friend of mine the last time I headed into surgery.

Today's remedy: "Learn something from everyone you meet."

So, tonight I'll try to post what I learned from the people I met today. Meanwhile, check out the site to order your own dose (or a contanier for a friend in need):

Vitaminds (R)

We Made Strides

2007-02-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Last night my husband and I went to a reception for the top fund raisers from last year's local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Here's the data:

There were 120 Making Strides walks nationwide in 2006.
Approximately $6 million was raised in New England
Approximately $1 million of that was raised in Connecticut
Approximately $200K of THAT was raised in the Westport, CT walk that I participate in.

The money raised for the Making Strides walk goes directly to (1) the American Cancer Society's survivor services, of which there are many, and (2) cancer research. Serious cancer research. In fact, the American Cancer Society is the largest nongovernment funder of cancer research in the United States.

It's a great, great organization that is sometimes overlooked because it is so big and non-specific to one cancer type. But did you know that the American Cancer Society has been involved in many major breast cancer research breakthroughs? For instance:

Mammography to screen for breast cancer
Lumpectomy + radiation for treatment of breast cancer
Discovery of cancer-causing oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
Discovery of genes for inherited breast and colon cancer
Use of tamoxifen to reduce risk of second or first breast cancer
Development of monoclonal antibodies to treat breast cancer (Herceptin) and lymphoma (Rituxan)

Click here to read more about their research programs. They really are noteworthy.

Anyway ... back to last night. The ACS recognized certain striders for their individual fund raising efforts. I personally was recognized as a "High Strider" for raising over $1,000 in 2006 along with four other individuals and got a glass stone to put in my pocket like the one I put up here that says, 'Hope.' And oh, boy, do I hope, on a daily basis, for so many things.

I love being a part of something this BIG in terms of breast cancer research and advocacy. Becoming a survivor ... well, the "cancer club" isn't one I wanted to join, but now that I'm in, I'm realizing that their are many benefits of membership.

Testing your Risk of Recurrence

2007-02-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

The FDA has approved a test called, MammaPrint, technically a gene expression profiling service, that assesses the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients.

Here's the link to the press release.

The test analyzes 70 genes in a woman's tumor and can predict the 10-year survival of the patient at a significance level over three times greater than existing methods and with an accuracy level of 96.7% as determined by a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"This new test enables the oncologist and breast surgeon to more accurately determine who should be treated, helping us to maximize survival and decrease morbidity," said Dr. David Loesch, Physician Director for Clinical Research at the Central Indiana Cancer Centers - a leading practice offering the test. "After the diagnosis of malignancy is made, MPI's MammaPrint® Breast Cancer Test is the most important test to get."

The cost of the MammaPrint® in the US is $3,200. I suppose we need to find out if insurance companies are going to cover it. I mean, how could they not?

If there were a way for me to know if I would have gotten a recurrence last year, I most likely would have had the double mastectomy back in 2003, even though I had DCIS the first time, Stage 0 breast cancer.

That might have saved my insurance company the money they spent on my original partial mastectomy, radiation therapy, tamoxifen prescription, follow up mammograms, subsequent biopsy, Zolodex prescription ... I'm sure that all adds up to over $3,200.

I just love hearing about these breakthroughs in breast cancer research, don't you?

When Life Gives You Lemons

2007-02-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

Make Pink Lemonade! A fantastic slogan from the Pink Lemonade Gal.

Michelle Murphy and I have such similar stores (read hers here). Another young mother, with no family history, diagnosed because she got a baseline mammogram at age 35.

Visit Michelle's site, read her story, check out the great tips (under more info) for what not to say and what you can do when someone is diagnosed. She knows what she is talking about!!

Fund Free Mammograms

2007-02-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Click this link to get to the Breast Cancer Site and click to fund free mammograms. I don't know how many times I've been referred to this link; each time I think ... is this really that simple? So today I did some research and I found out that it is!

Here's an article on exactly how your click have helped those in need; and, read this from the president of the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

"Because you care and click, needy women under the age of 50 in the state of Mississippi can now receive funding for free mammograms. Thanks to you, Puerto Rico now has a special program to provide free mammograms for needy women that serves the entire country. Your clicks also help the women of NYC and Los Angeles who cannot afford mammograms."

On the site, you can sign up to receive a daily email reminding you to click. Or, come back to my site and look to that link each day.

I'm a Fan of Arimidex

2007-02-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Arimidex is an adjuvant treatment for post-menopausal women with hormone-receptor positive early stage breast cancer. (FYI, adjuvant treatment means therapy following initial cancer treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemo) used in an effort to supress secondary tumor formation.) Anyway, the Arimidex website right now, there's the following offer: take a seriously short survey and they'll send you a personal fan. No catch. It's easy to to click indicating you don't want more information, if you don't, but if you do, it's also easy to get more information from them.

My oncologist has not put me on Arimidex now that I'm in a post-hysterectomy menopausal state. Decided it wasn't necessary for me. But I'm armed with the information about this drug should I start to feel differently about my adjuvant treatment down the road.

Good Things Come to Those Who Walk

2007-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Time to start planning which 2007 breast cancer events you'll participate in! The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer dates are up (the brochure gave me the idea for this post's title, that wasn't my own idea). I've not done the Avon walk; I'm not sure if this is the year I will start. I've also not participated in Relay for Life but was just asked to be on a team with another survivor I care very much about and I'm taking her offer seriously. I have done the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk several times now -- and know that's a given next October. Then of course, there's the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Since I was first diagnosed in 2003, I've chosen to participate in my local Making Strides walk because it is (1) a walk not a run (2) short and (3) by the beach. How do you choose an event?

"Heart Nouveasm" and a Cure

2007-02-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

This piece of art by Sarah Scott is on display at the 'lonely hearts' charity exhibition at the artstream gallery in New Hampshire. The exhibition was brought to my attention by owner Susan Schwake-Larochelle. In February 2007, 50% of the retail price of the artwork sold will support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; the other 50% goes back to the artist. The Internet will allow you to look at the entire 'lonely hearts' collection on flickr. Also, you can buy any of the works at the artstream online store.

Susan said, "Our story is simple – we want to give as fully as we can this year to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for our philanthropic giving."

Do the Breast Cancer Awareness Rumba

2007-01-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking about the dance, either. I'm talking about these frilly boy shorts! How adorable are these?

I found out about them via A Slip of a Girl (I had to get rid of the link that was there earlier, the post today was much raunchier than I could stand). Thanks, Slip, for the link to my site on your site ... and thanks for the link to Honeydew Intimates for these fancy panties!

Please don't get your panties in a bunch that I'm toting another vendor, especially one specializing in undergarments. Here's why I had to talk about these cute underpants here on The Breast Blog. For each $16 pair sold, Honeydew Intimates is donating $9 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. That's just over 56%. That is AMAZING considering so many other companies that sell or make something cause-related donate about 5 or 10%. Not that I'm complaining about that, every little bit helps and deserves kudos. But over 56% going to the cause? I've not heard of that yet with the sale of a tangible good. If you have, let me know, I'll let everyone know.

Truly generous people who make and/or sell a cause related product think more about giving than earning. I'm impressed, Honeydew, I'm impressed.

Thank you!

Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer

2007-01-28T05:28:00.000-08:00

On January 27th in women's hockey, UConn defeated Northeastern 4-1 (Go Huskies!!) and helped raise $4,000 for The American Cancer Society and Mel's Foundation.

The Hockey East Association held its first annual Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer Day with an event at each of the home sites for league games. Here's the article about the UConn event ... awesome job ladies and supporting gents!

This just goes to show us all, once again, that anything you do can be done for the cause.

Here's how the thought process works. Damn, someone else I know was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I feel so helpless. What can I do? I can cook, so I'll make her a meal (yum, I've received so many meals and I can tell you first hand that they are appreciated!). Or, I can drive and our kids go to the same school, so, I can drive her kids to/from school ... also good, don't stop, keep up the good work.

Think outside of the box ... I can ice skate, what does that have to do with breast cancer? Even TPS Hockey has created pink sticks as a tribute to "Hockey Moms."

When you do anything for the cause, survivors are touched deeply by the effort and the thought behind your contribution. Deeply.

Even if I didn't live in Connecticut I'd still be routin' for the Huskies from this day forward because by doing their part, they routed for me. And if I played hockey, I'd use a pink stick.

Please vote for The Breast Blog

2007-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

I'm proud, really proud to announce that The Breast Blog is a finalist for Best Topical Blog in the 2007 bloggies ... The Seventh Annual weblog awards.

It's up against some biggies ... the only way I stand a chance of winning is if it gets as many votes as we can muster up. So please, head over and vote for The Breast Blog. Tell your friends to head over and vote for The Breast Blog. Tell them to tell their friends ... perhaps a viral campaign is the best campaign and with your help, The Breast Blog stands a chance!

I'm humbly asking for your support. Can I count on it?

Blossoms for a Cure

2007-01-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

Chukar Cherries recently donated $1,186 to the Breast Cancer Foundation!

They are a cherry company ... check out their site. Delicious and generous, gotta love that!

Their Blossoms for a Cure™ campaign was launched in October 2006 during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One dollar was donated for each 8 oz. bag sold from October through December 2006 and will continue to be donated to the cause in 2007.

“The choice to support Breast Cancer is a personal one. We wanted to give our customer’s the chance to contribute to an issue that affects our sisters, mothers, girlfriends and coworkers,” said Pam Montgomery, owner and founder of Chukar Cherry Company.

Just goes to show you ... everyone can be part of the solution when you consider the cause!

My heart is here ...

2007-01-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Decision made. I'm not blogging on Cancer Commentary. My heart would not be in that.

See, I know cancer stinks. I know there's lots to be shared about lots of other cancers. But I live with breast cancer, ya know? And I'm not doing this for the money. I'm blogging here because each time something happens to me pertaining to breast cancer and each time I read something pertaining to breast cancer I want to share it with others who live with breast cancer. Period.

At least the opportunity forced me to look at my motives for doing this.

You will see that there is some advertising on this site. I included the Amazon link to Dr. Susan Love's breast book because I believe each survivor should have that book. Period. If you don't have it, order it.

Every now and then I'll link to cause-related products ... just because they might be of interest to you.

There's a smidgen of advertising going on down there on the bottom right of the page. Quite frankly, it's filler and if it points someone to something of interest, then whoopee. It's not making me any money and I'm not really investing any time/energy into promoting that section of my side. If you don't care about it, don't read it. If you are interested in products and companies that might want to attract your attention because they have something to offer you, go for it.

But know that as far as my site goes ... I'm simply in it for us.

(Oh, and this rose is for you. Thanks for sharing Cvalentine!)

I have a decision to make

2007-01-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

What do my readers here think?

B5Media has invited me to be a "co-blogger" for their Cancer Commentary blog.

The current solo blog author, Gloria Gamut, brings great medical news to the site, but doesn't have a personal relationship with cancer ... and I could bring that to the blog.

However, Cancer Commentary isn't solely focused on breast cancer ... as my blog is. It could use more pink, I'd say ... but does it need me?

I'd have to keep myself from posting duplicate content, or phase out The Breast Blog to put all my efforts into the other blog, highlighting all things breast cancer related there instead of here.

OR, I could keep both (would I be able to give all my passion to both and keep content unique to each?)

OR, I could just stick with this one ... and not reach as many people but hope that one day I will. (I'm not in this for the money, but money doesn't stink ... and I could donate more if I earn more; here I earn nothing but it's a newer blog.)

What do you think?

Volunteer for Reach to Recovery

2007-01-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

HELP WANTED: Breast cancer survivors who have regained a well adjusted and emotionally stable everyday life. Must be warm, courteous, tactful, and considerate. Ability to maintain confidentiality mandatory.

If you can meet these qualifications, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345, or call your local American Cancer Society office to become a Reach to Recovery volunteer.

Imagine, finding some meaning after your illness. Using what you went through to guide others through the stress, the fear, the sadness and the pain of a breast cancer diagnosis.

For more information, click on this link: Reach to Recovery.

I think every survivor out there learns how to use their illness for a greater good. Have you found a way to use yours?

Special Soy for a Special Purpose

2007-01-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

I just read that "a compound produced by specially grown soy beans may prove to be successful in fighting the growth of breast and ovarian cancers."

Here's the link to the original news release.

It just begs the question. Is soy good for breast cancer patients or not? I've been told NOT to up my soy intake because it acts like estrogen in the body and could stimulate growth of estrogen receptive cancer cells. But this is special soy ... is that different from regular soy.

I smell additional research ...

Realize Your Dreams

2007-01-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

What have you always wanted to do? Do you want to make 2007 the year you do just that? SuperViva.com is one cool site that is helping thousands of people realize their dreams.

You can ...

Get ideas by searching for then reading thousands of other people's goals.
List everything you might want to do on an "a la carte" menu.
Choose whether to share your list or keep it private.
Easily update, re-prioritize, and check in over time.
Motivate and exchange ideas with other members.

I did a quick search for ideas pertaining to breast cancer and cancer survivors and here are a few that came up:

Participate in a breast cancer walk, run or weekend event
Make hats for cancer patients (I suppose you could make scarves or shawls as well)
Get breast implants (or any reconstruction for that matter -- maybe those nipples you've been putting off)
Donate $100K+ to cancer research (WOW, now that's a goal)

How amazing is this? Share your goals. Make them happen. Inspire others. I love it.

Seven for 2007

2007-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Here are seven things today's breast cancer survivors need to know to stay one step ahead of this disease:

Women who consume even a few drinks per week raise their risk for breast cancer -- don't drink (too much).
Dense breasts increase your risk -- find digital mammography.
Vitamin D helps protect against several types of cancer -- drink milk?

Caveat for the next several ... estrogen is bad for breast cancer survivors.

Because fat tissue converts into estrogen in the body even when ovarian production stops at menopause -- lose and/or don't gain weight!
Activity keeps your weight down therefore decreasing the amount of estrogen in breast tissue -- exercise
Use of birth control pills and HRT is risky -- don't mess with estrogen; just say no.
Tamoxifen or raloxifene may cut the incidence of breast cancer in women at increased risk for the disease -- talk to your doctor (down with estrogen).

Click here to read the original release with your own eyes ... Seven for 2007: Seven Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer Risk:

The Power of Written Prayer

2007-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

A study has come out that says online prayer support is helpful to cancer patients, a step beyond simply giving survivors the ability to better cope with their illness.

Jump to the article I read or stay here for my synopsis: Seems writing religious words (like pray, worship, faith, holy and God) in online support groups is associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of self-efficacy and functional well-being.

"From a psychological standpoint, there are a variety of reasons why cancer patients may benefit from prayer - whether on the Internet or elsewhere. In reviewing the messages, some of the most common ways study participants used religion to cope with their illness included putting trust in God about the course of their illness and consequently feeling less stressed, believing in an afterlife and therefore being less afraid of death, finding blessings in their lives and appraising their cancer experience in a more constructive religious light."

Of course, I believe in the power of prayer. I'm also a writer. So I take away this message ... if you are in an online support group, and you are the recipient of prayers and giver of prayers, more power to you (literally). If you are not in an online support group ... you can still benefit from writing your personal prayers down for your eyes to read and the Lord to smile upon. It is still putting trust in God and He knows it and I know it and you know it.

You can learn how to keep a prayer journal by reading this article at Deeper Devotions or simply get a blank book and start writing. There are also online prayer journal sites like this one and online prayer support groups like this one.

Finally, most breast cancer support groups have prayer forums -- if this is your preference, head over to my favorite one at breastcancer.org.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are not the only rogues

2007-01-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

Move over BRCA1 and BRCA2, make room for PALB2. Scientists have uncovered that ... "a faulty version of PALB2 more than doubles a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, taking her lifetime risk from one in nine to around one in five."

You can read more about the discovery here.

If you've had genetic testing in the past and you didn't have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene you aren't free and clear from a genetic predisposition to this disease. It only means you didn't have an abnormality in those two previously identified genes. Use common sense: if breast cancer runs in your family it probably runs in your family!

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year

2006-12-31T09:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight I will toast the New Year like never before. I will kiss my husband, hug my parents and embrace my children like never before. I will thank God like never before. I will put 2006 behind me and ring in 2007 and get ready to have a year like never before.

Happy New Year everyone. Happy New Year.

Household Chores Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

2006-12-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

Now I've heard everything. I find this the most amazing spin on a study I've read so far. This is the exact title of an article in today's Dominican Today, Dominican Republic News. Now, I completely buy into the fact that increased physical activity is beneficial for survivors; physical activity is good for your health all around. But translating that into household chores? Give me a break.

There's going to be chauvinistic men all over the world telling their wives to work harder to keep their breasts healthy! Give me a break!!!

My Boobies, My Self

2006-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

I was up all night thinking about this post. See, on A Writer's Blog yesterday, I mentioned that in college, a guy named Craig nicknamed me Cleavage my freshman year. That got me thinking about my breasts and how they defined me.

See, I didn't develop early. I got my original breasts the summer between junior and senior year in high school. It was noticeable, at least by the boys. I'll never forget the look Gerald Fisher had on his face when he saw me again that September. I'll never forget the feeling it gave me at the time, too. It was allllll good.

The two guys that lived across the hall from me my freshman year in college decided to name my breasts after themselves, Andrew and Stephen, my right breast and my left breast respectively. The guys on my floor even had a 'whose were bigger' contest between my roommate and I (she, incidentally, practically had her breasts in Kindergarten). She won, but it didn't matter, because I was pleased they even thought I was in her league. That's about when Craig started calling me Cleavage. I was flattered. Bring on the attention, I thought, bring it on. I'd waited a long time for it.

I'd been told I had really nice breasts. Round. Soft. Just the right size. More than a handful but not unmanageable. Can you believe they were analyzed so much? They were. Really quite fascinating if you stop and think about it. Men and breasts ... go figure.

My breasts were part of my identity. They were even personified for Heaven's sake.

See, I should have known Andrew would be the one acting up first! (If you knew Andrew, my right breast's namesake, you'd understand completely!)

Now? Well, the reconstruction I chose guaranteed a natural look, a natural feel. Just with scars and no nipples. You'd think it would depress me ... having spent so much time enjoying the benefits of the male obsession with breasts. But it didn't. Why? Because my friend Jeannie repositioned the whole issue for me one night. I how have Barbie breasts. Barbie breasts! What young girl would be overjoyed to grow some knockers like her beloved best-friend doll?

Barbie doesn't have nipples either you see. Her breasts are round and smooth and solid and nipple free, just like mine. I have Barbie breasts.

Anyway, I'll be damned if that thought doesn't perk me up from time to time. I might not be blond or disproportionately figured, but I have some fine new breasts.

It's a good day to reflect on that!

Women at Risk

2006-12-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

Who work in the textiles industry. According to a new study by Dr. Judith Shaham of the University of Tel-Aviv, "Women who worked in the textile or clothing industry were about twice as likely to develop breast cancer as those who did not."

With each new study I become more convinced ... if you have breasts, you could get breast cancer. Just get a mammogram, please.

Words of Wisdom

2006-12-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars."

(Og Mandino, once homeless, was a "sales guru" and author of the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World.)

Nordie's At Noon

2006-12-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

I just read about this book ... now I want it so I can read it! It's the personal story of four women too young for breast cancer. Too young meaning under 30 -- that's really, really too young (remember, I haven't hit the big "four o" yet so I thought I was too young for breast cancer. Look at it on Amazon today.

The Best Christmas Gift

2006-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Is a mammogram! Yes, that's right, if you can get one for the people you love, or persuade the people you love to get one ... that's all you need to figuratively package up and tie with a bow this Christmas.

Have you already finished celebrating Hanukkah and didn't offer this gift up? It's not too late. I hear New Year's gifts are being exchanged this year for the first time ever.

Your birthday is around the corner, right? Don't you know that a mammogram is all that people need to give you this year?

Ask your friends and family members to put their appointment card in an envelope and hand it over to you. That way you can follow up with them. And hand one over to them to give to them on their birthdays.

Honestly, it's the best gift ever.

(Thanks maternityunderwear for sharing this photo with the world on flickr.)

Survivors Not Taking Medication

2006-12-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

I just read this startling statistic: 1 in 5 early-stage breast cancer survivors prescribed some form of hormone therapy may not take their meds regularly! I can't believe it. I mean, if you are told something can be done to impact your long-term survival, you do it, right? Isn't life, even a life with hormone therapy related side-effects, better than death? Help me understand this one ... after you read the article ... why in the world are these women messing around with their treatment this way?

Save the Date

2006-12-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

The 7th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer is from February 23 - 25, 2007 in Arlington, VA.

A collaborative effort between Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and the Young Survival Coalition (YSC).

If you go, you will (and I quote):

Hear updates relevant to young women from leading professionals who care for them
Learn what’s in the pipeline in scientific research and clinical care for young women affected by or at increased risk for developing breast cancer
Empower yourself to make informed choices with up-to-the minute and age-appropriate information about your treatment and well-being
Gather the resources you need to help you navigate your breast cancer journey
Network with peers who relate to your experience

Let me know if you are going, okay?

Dr. Susan Love Answers Questions About HRT

2006-12-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

It's been all over the news lately, the link between Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Rates. Seems the rate of breast cancer is decreasing as fewer women are using HRT after menopause. Here's an ABC News article that includes a transcript of an online chat with Dr. Susan Love on the issue.

SeaCrest gets the robe!

2006-12-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

You'll understand why I chose SeaCrest instead of MB after I share this story. See, last Spring, when I had my second breast cancer diagnosis and humongous surgery, I relied on a group of friends to see me through, to care for me, to care for my three kids, to do all the thing I usually do in a day -- only they did it for weeks on end. I desperately wanted to thank them, though I knew that nothing I did would compare to what they did for me.

Eventually I was able to secure a limo driver, pick up the women who were central to helping me each day, take them all to dinner at Barcelona, present them with a piece of jewelry I'd picked out for each one of them at Blue Tulip, then drive them home after a night of food, wine, tears and laughter.

There's no way you can ever communicate exactly how much appreciation you feel for the people that support you when diagnosed with breast cancer. But hopefully this robe will exude gratitude to another woman who has selflessly helped her friend through a difficult time.

MB, if I had two, you'd get one, too. Actually, if I could figure out a way to get all reconstruction survivors something special, I would, because we all could use a little comfort as we get used to our new bodies and develop our new, positive body image.

At the very least, I thank both women for reading this blog, supporting my efforts, and participating in this sisterhood we share.

Breast Cancer Can Be Sexually Transmitted?

2006-12-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure about this study. Of course, I'm also not sure about all these commercials about HPV (human papillomavirus) causing cervical cancer. It seems to fly in the face of all we've heard about cancer and why some people get it and others don't. But man, if there is truth to this? That breast cancer might be caused by HPV and can be sexually transmitted? Well, no wonder it's an epidemic. Go scientists, go!

Love Your Ta-tas!

2006-12-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Whoa, Nelly! I was just checking out the SaigeNicoles online boutique; they have a 'Passion for Pink' page telling the owner's breast cancer story and featuring their collection of artist designed jewelry inspired by the strength and courage of women afflicted with breast cancer. ("With the sale of each of these works-of-art, SaigeNicoles will donate a portion of sales to support breast cancer research and education. We may not be the one to come up with the cure, but we can make a difference.”) That's when I saw this t-shirt. Crack me up. I did some research ... there's another site selling them as well: ta-tas.com! They donate 5% of every sale to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Fantastic!

Love 'em. Hey, I've got a new t-shirt design ... Love me, love my reconstructed ta-tas!

Cancer Care Monthly Newsletter

2006-12-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

I just received my December 2006 Cancer Care newsletter via email.

Cancer Care is a supportive agency for people with cancer, health care professionals, and people living or caring for someone with cancer. When I was just finishing up my treatment "the first time" I had breast cancer, Cancer Care ran a support group that was just what I needed to get my feelings sorted out and my life back on track.

Words of Wisdom

2006-12-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

"I always wanted a happy ending... Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."

Gilda Radner

Living with Cancer? Visit Gilda's Club for support ANYTIME.

48 Hours Later and I'm Home

2006-12-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to get online tonight and tell you all that I'm home! The good news is that my surgery was a success. Dr. Thompson did a fantastic job opening and closing my incision. Dr. Rutherford successfully performed the hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy. Both men are medical professionals that have earned my utmost respect and admiration. I couldn't be happier with their care.

The amazing part of my story is that Dr. Narayan figured out a way to see me on Friday: first, in the admitting, next in the pre-op area, again during my surgery (so I'm told), and his was the first face I saw while in post-op/recovery. He visited me today in my hospital room before I was discharged. He's a surgeon with equal skill and precision but such a huge heart and a personal rapport second to none. He's fantastic. I consider it an honor that he went out of his way to comfort me with his presence. An honor.

I feel blessed and relieved and glad that it is over. Blessed to have had such fantastic care. Now, onto healing!

The Season for Giving

2006-12-08T02:58:00.000-08:00

This type of giving should be year 'round, don't you think. Read this breast cancer survivor's story in the Indianapolis Star and consider calling the journalist to see what you can do. And if you know of more breast cancer survivor's that have a Christmas Wish we can possible meet (remember, we're not medical professionals OR God) please post it in a comment. You never know who is reading ...

Preparing for surgery minus one special doctor

2006-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

The clock is ticking! I start my clear liquid diet in approximately 45 minutes. I'm ingesting the last of my Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc as I type. Though I think white wine could be considered a clear liquid ...

But here's what's heavy on my mind. While I should be overjoyed that my insurance company has approved my surgery, plastic surgeon included, I'm completely bummed that I'm good to go for Friday's hysterectomy.

My plastic surgeon, Dr. Narayan, was out of town for two weeks when this was scheduled and has another TRAM flap scheduled for Friday. I have to head up to Yale tomorrow to meet Dr. Thompson, my new plastic surgeon. I'm devastated.

Dr. Narayan recreated my body when he did my reconstruction last May. He helped me retain my positive body image and gave me a strong sense of self-worth (or at least helped me hold onto what I had) after a mastectomy.

I was anticipating his presence with me on Friday morning and now ... I'm just devastated that he isn't going to be there in that operating room. And I have to come to terms with the fact that Dr. Thompson will be there and recognize that he is probably a really nice, skilled surgeon.

I'm probably a psychiatrist's dream patient right now with my attachment to this doctor.

But seriously ... how will I get through this without him?

Dr. Susan Love Addresses Fears

2006-12-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

For any newly diagnosed woman, Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book is a must have. There's also the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation -- worth checking out and supporting when possible.

Here's a link to a great article I just read by Dr. Susan Love (and Sue Rochman, though I don't know who she it). In it, she answers all these concerns about what these studies are alluding to in terms of what causes cancer. Like the red meat thing, hormone replacement therapy, and stuff like that.

Isn't she the bomb?

Plastic Surgery Denied

2006-12-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

This Friday I'm headed to Yale New Haven Hospital for a total abdominal hysterectomy -- finally approved by my insurance company, once they realized that with early onset recurring breast cancer and a family history of ovarian cancer, ovary removal is medically necessary AND that the five layers of mesh in my abdomen from last May's TRAM flap reconstruction would make laparoscopic surgery both difficult and risky.

Today's battle? My insurance company won't approve of my plastic surgeon opening and closing the surgery -- the same plastic surgeon that actually inserted the mesh in my abdomen when he removed the muscle, fat, and tissue to reconstruct my breasts.

I have FIVE layers of mesh in my abdomen standing between my ovaries and my uterus and my skin because I had a double mastectomy and used my own muscle, fat, and tissue for reconstruction purposes -- and I endured a long, long recovery as a result of such an intensive, invasive surgery ... and these insensitive decision makers dare to think I want a plastic surgeon there for COSMETIC PURPOSES??????

AAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

A Holiday Season Giveaway

2006-12-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

I'm bumping this up ...

With one holiday behind us and others fast approaching, my gratitude is shifting naturally to generosity.

This here is a full size image of a brand new, still in the box, Linens N Things Shawl Collar Velour Jacquard Robe. It sports a lovely pink embroidered breast cancer ribbon on the left lapel, is 100% cotton and "one size fits most" (their words, I swear). I paid the marked price of $39.99 for one of these last Spring -- the day before my good friend Stephanie appeared with a lavender robe from Blue Tulip. I chose to keep the one from Steph because it was a gift from her heart and I think of that blessing each time I put it on. But I've had the other robe sitting in my home, still in the box, ever since, waiting for a deserving woman to wrap itself around.

Maybe you are that woman. Leave me a comment as to why you want, need and/or deserve this robe. If you are too shy, you can email me at karenmlynch (at) gmail (dot) com, though I will post the reason(s) why the winner of my giveaway wins when they win so the people that don't win understand. (Does that make sense?).

It'll be my gift to you -- simply because you want, need and/or deserve this robe and I'm feeling generous! (I see it is now down to $29.99 online plus shipping ... fyi ... so if you want it and don't want to compete for a free one that link is just for you!)

Though I celebrate Christmas, I'll end this contest on Friday, December 15th, the first day of Hanukkah because I'd love whoever wins to receive the gift in time for their own holiday celebration.

'Tis the season, isn't it guys?

Survivor Sheryl Crow

2006-12-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

I missed her on Oprah, but had a chance to read this article this morning to see that she's just like all the other survivors out there ... grateful to be alive, appreciative of life and the people that surround her, aware that cancer becomes a part of who you are but isn't all that you are ...

Read the People Magazine story here.

Here's a great quote: "Your family, your friends, those are the people that really are here in your life for a reason to sort of help you find your way."

Research Grant Brings Info to US

2006-12-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

With a $2.1-million grant from the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, London scientists are studying how breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. Part of the grant required the scientists to explain their work to the broader community. The website -- www.themetastasisproject.ca -- was launched this week in response.

Visit The Metastasis Project site to learn more.

Hypnosis really necessary?

2006-12-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Another concept from the MedWire:

"Radiologists can use hypnosis to ease patients' pain and anxiety during breast biopsy, researchers claim."

I mean, I don't know, I've had two biopsies ... and yeah, I was nervous about the results, and it didn't feel great, but hypnosis? What do you think? A good idea or just wee a bit over the top?

About the Morning After Pill

2006-12-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

This just in from MedWire News ...

"The morning-after pill can block the development of BRCA1-linked mammary tumors in mice, reveal researchers who think the discovery could lead to a novel treatment option for women carrying the high-risk gene."

I'm just in awe of how God works ... here's a controversial drug that Pro-Lifers couldn't get their heads around and through science it gets turned around into something life saving?

And for the record, I've been one of those Pro-Lifers ... a Pro-Choice Pro-Lifer if that makes any sense ... but this is impressing the daylights out of me as a possibility.

It's like Wellbutrin. Sucks as an antidepressant but geesh, all these people on it were able to quit smoking, so there you go!

Better than a mammogram?

2006-11-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

First, let me say that I truly believe mammograms are LIFE SAVING. That being said, they do miss 15% of breast cancer tumors and feel really, really uncomfortable.

But I've been reading about a new scan that might out do even digital mammography in both comfort (no "squishing" involved at all) and diagnostic ability. There's still a lot of testing to be done, but it is an interesting concept, to say the least.

Preparing for a battle

2006-11-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

This is so outrageous to me I have to write about it. Call it therapy. Anger management. Whatever. Get this:

I received a call last Tuesday from my 'care manager' at the insurance company -- they felt the information they received from the gynecological oncologist at Yale Medical Center was insufficient to authorize the surgery he scheduled for December 8th. They said I needed a second opinion.

(Background in case you haven't been following: I was first diagnosed with and ER+ ("estrogen receptive") breast cancer at age 35. I was treated with a partial mastectomy and radiation therapy and put on Tamoxifen. Two and a half years later I had another ER+ recurrence (on the Tamoxifen mind you ...). Had a double mastectomy with an immediate TRAM flap reconstruction and switched to a different hormone therapy, Zolodex, the chemical equivalent of ovary removal, though the only way to completely stop estrogen production is with a hysterectomy. Oh, and while I did not test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 abnormalities, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer three months ago. AND, my cervix feels abnormal in texture.)

My surgeon wants to remove my ovaries, cannot go in laproscopically b/c of the mesh put in during my reconstruction, and feels he should remove my uterus and cervis (which feels abnormal as well) while he is 'in there' to save me future surgeries and future cancer occurences -- bottom line, to save my life. And my insurance company doesn't want to foot the bill.

After an hour of irritation and obstinate thinking, I pulled myself together and
made some calls and got myself an appointment with another gynecological oncologist at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in NYC. I went yesterday. He strongly concurred with the first surgeon's recommendation. Strongly. Down to the almost immediate timing.

My case is still 'pending' with insurance. Let me ask you this ... if they do not authorize this claim, how furious would you be, and what would you do about it (besides drink lots and lots of wine)?

Another Great Quote

2006-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

"Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen to them."

Shakti Gawain

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T07:25:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all the very best today, reminding you to count your blessings, and consider the things that are bountiful in your life!

Genetic Testing

2006-11-22T08:18:00.000-08:00

Research has shown that if you have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer is significantly higher. Here's a great article from The Mayo Clinic that explains this concept.

The problem is, it is probable that these are not the only two genes linked to breast/ovarian cancer and a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you're out of the woods.

After my first breast cancer diagnosis (if you haven't read about it, I was only 35 and had no family history to speak of at that time), I went for genetic testing, and found I did not carry the mutated genes. No worries, right? WRONG. Had a relapse less than three years later.

A few months after that second diagnosis, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. But again, I didn't carry the mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes ... so how could this be???

I reiterate ... there are more genetic links that have yet to be identified.

Now there's a chance that my health insurance company isn't going to deem the recommended hysterectomy I was supposed to have on December 8th as 'medically necessary' because of my genetic test results.

You tell me ... early onset, hormone receptive breast cancer twice ... the second time while on Tamoxifen (so no guarantee hormone therapy is efficacious) ... a mother with ovarian cancer ... three kids aged seven and under ... mesh in my abdomen after a TRAM flap making laproscopic surgery quite risky ... wouldn't you want a hysterectomy??????????

2006-11-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

I AM 100% THANKFUL

I'm an incredibly thankful person, and everyone around me feels very appreciated.
I inspire people to be more optimistic, forgiving, and grateful.

How Thankful Are You?

Another Great Quote

2006-11-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

"Get pleasure out of life ... as much as you can. Nobody ever died from pleasure."

Sol Hurok

Rising Invasive Cancer Rates

2006-11-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

As noted in this article, invasive breast cancer rates are going up for young women ... and especially young, black women.

Spread the word ... and get your mammograms, please!

Get Those Extra Pounds Off

2006-11-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

There's always a reason to lose weight. And I know, it isn't always easy, for many, many reasons. But there's one serious reason to lower the amount of fat on your body. Weight loss absolutely decreases your risk of breast cancer.

Here we go again

2006-11-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

Surgery time! And I thought I was done with that.

See, in 2003 I was diagnosed with DCIS (that's Stage O, non-invasive breast cancer for those of you who aren't fully versed in "BC" slang -- DCIS stands for ductal carcinoma in situ). At that time, I had a partial mastectomy followed by the norm, about seven weeks of radiation therapy (I may have already told you that in my introduction so just accept my redundancy, please).

Because I was estrogen receptive, my oncologist put me on Tamoxifen. I was 35 when I was first diagnosed, but without a family history to speak of, we were curious as to why I got cancer so young. I went for genetic testing, but didn't test positive for any abnormalities in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The reason I got cancer would remain a mystery.

Last Spring (March 2006), I was diagnosed with Stage I IDC (that's invasive ductal carcinoma). Grrrr. Also estrogen receptive, FYI, a real bummer considering I was on Tamoxifen. Only 2 1/2 years had passed since I had blasted that breast with radiation. How the heck it came back is still a mystery. And I was only 38.

So in May, I had a double mastectomy followed immediately with a TRAM flap reconstruction to both breasts then began getting Zolodex shots every 28 days to put me into chemical menopause. Fun, fun, fun.

My recovery was brutal -- mostly because I had three kids six and under to take care of and wasn't able to lift more than five pounds for six weeks. Try telling a one year old that their momma can't pick them up ... really, really horrific for me. Then there was my inability to get up off the couch easily, lie on my stomach to read to my kids, swim in a pool with them (things you just can't do easily without a stomach muscle.) My oldest son internalized so much of my physical pain/discomfort that it came out in his school work. He even created a math problem for his first grade teacher that went like this: It costs $1 to have surgery. I have $2. Can I pay for my mom's surgery?

So ... today I had the JOY of telling my kids that I have to have another surgery. This time, a proactive hysterectomy. See, in July, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Though my genetic testing was negative, experts agree that most likely there is a genetic predisposition is in our family tree, on a strand of DNA that hasn't been identified by scientists yet. That puts me at serious risk for that disease, especially because I've had early onset breast cancer twice. So, out with the ovaries, of course. But because of the TRAM flap surgery and the risk of puncturing the mesh that lies where I used to have abdominal muscles ... well, I can't have laparoscopic surgery. I have to have yet another abdominal incision. And, they figure they might as well remove the rest of my equipment when they go in for the ovaries (thus, the full hysterectomy).

Oh, and it can't wait until January. See, because the Tamoxifen wasn't effective in suppressing the estrogen in my body, they can't be sure that the Zolodex is working either. The only way to ensure that we no longer feed any remaining cancer cells in my body is to remove my ovaries and the time is NOW!

So, December 8th ... off to Yale I go once again. At least I don't have cancer again, I know, but geesh, some people have all the luck, don't they?

2007 will be the year of the PARTY here at Chez Lynch after the horrible 2006 that we've had! How many days until the new year begins?????

Grant the Wish of a Child with Cancer

2006-11-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

I know, this is a breast cancer blog, I know. But when I was in treatment up at Yale and a child walked past me who was also in treatment it always rendered me speechless. While I was frightened and sad, the children I saw seemed brave and cheerful. Their strength bolstered mine.

The Luke Neuhedel Foundation has a website up to show you how you can donate to a child with cancer, or a whole family dealing with their disease, this holiday season. The children are recommended by their social workers who have recognized their family's financial hardship.

This holiday season ... if you are at all in a place where you can help ... take a look at these wish lists and see if there is a wish you can grant for a child. The directions are on the website and are easy to follow.

Remember, children with cancer haven't had a Susan B. Komen fighting for them. They have had to face way too much, way too early in their lives. I'd never really thought too much about these kids until I met one and let her into my heart. (You can read about this special girl on my other blog if you'd like.)

Anyway, think about the joy one wish granted would bring to a child with cancer. Just imagine, if you were a child, dealing with cancer ...

It's unimaginable, isn't it?

Another Great Quote

2006-11-17T16:23:00.001-08:00

"This is our purpose: to make as meaningful as possible this life that has been bestowed upon us; to live in such a way that we may be proud of ourselves; to act in such a way that some part of us lives on."

Oswald Spengler, German historian and philosopher (1880-1936)

Girls' Day Out in Thailand

2006-11-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

You know, I've heard great things about Thailand, but this just takes the cake. Seems the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre is sponsoring a "Girls' Day Out" complete with fortune-telling, a salsa dance lesson, mini spa treatments, women's health information services and a bingo hall.

But the best part of this shindig will most likely be the 'bra sculptures' and art installation "comprising several hundred bras collected during the first part of the campaign."

"Women are being encouraged to donate their old bras as part of the campaign. For every old bra handed in, Triumph International (Thailand) will donate to the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre. The bras will be distributed among women living in the northern hill tribe areas, as well as in women shelters and prisons."

Though I quoted much of the article here, you can click to read the full text in The Bangkok Post.

Sister, sister

2006-11-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

There's a really important study taking place right now and nearly 30,000 women have already enrolled; they're working to enroll 50,000 women in the next three years.

The Sister Study is the only long-term study of women aged 35 to 74 whose sister had breast cancer. It is a national study to learn how environment and genes affect the chances of getting breast cancer.

You may be able to join the Sister Study today if you answer YES to each of the following:

Your sister, related to you by blood, had breast cancer.
You are between the ages of 35 and 74.
You have never had breast cancer yourself.
You are a woman living in the U.S.

Spread the word ... this is an important study for those of us who have been diagnosed but we cannot participate. We need your help! Thank you ... my sisters.

Edamame, anyone?

2006-11-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

Another food related study. This one found that women who ate the most soy-based foods such as tofu and miso when aged 5 to 11 reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by 58 percent.

Read the news story here. I'm so glad my two year old daughter pops edamame in her mouth like they're gummy bears!

Eating Red Meat Increases Breast Cancer Risk?

2006-11-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Warning: This research is not conclusive! But a new study has shown that eating red meat may increase a woman's risk of certain breast cancers. Specifically, hormone-related ones. Read the story as written for The Washington Post.

Here, I'll give you a quote:

"Women who ate more than 1 1/2 servings of red meat per day were almost twice as likely to develop hormone-related breast cancer as those who ate fewer than three portions per week, one study found."

However ... I've never been a meat-eater and I had hormone-related breast cancer twice, so personally, I'd wait for more research before you change your diet completely!

Buy a Gadget for the Cause

2006-11-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I didn't find this cool contraption, my 'proud to be a geek' husband came across it and I now have one of these beauties backing up my writing every day.

Check out Popgadget to find out more about how you can back up your data and support the cause at the same time by buying Seagate pocket drive.

Incidentally, the item comes with .pdf and .mp3 files for you to enjoy: Breast cancer facts, a BSE form and inspirational songs from various artists. Gotta love it!

Depression after Diagnosis is NORMAL

2006-11-13T17:45:00.000-08:00

Just in case you thought you were the only one who wanted to pull the covers over your head and never resurface after you were diagnosed with breast cancer, a new study has just confirmed that you are not alone!

As reported on WebMD, of 236 patients included in the study, nearly half felt emotional distress strong enough to interfere with their daily lives and one in ten had major depression.

Let's face it, getting diagnosed with breast cancer stinks. It's scary and it's unfamiliar and it's disruptive and it's depressing!

So make sure you acknowledge the horrible fear and sadness, grieve the loss of the life that you had before you were diagnosed, then pick up the phone to get help and/or support from friends, family, medical professionals, support groups, an online community ... and get out of bed so you can kick some ass!

Metastatic Breast Cancer Network Conference

2006-11-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

Dr. Larry Norton of Memorial Sloan-Kettering will be the opening speaker at the first major conference on metastatic disease to be held by the newly formed Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN) on Saturday, November 18th at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC.

The conference will focus on issues of concern for people with metastatic breast cancer. The all day program will cover the latest treatments and future directions of metastatic breast cancer therapy, current and future clinical trials, and strategies for coping with physical and social side effects of treatment.

Breast Cancer Charities

2006-11-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

Man, I keep finding information I want to post here ... it's starting to be an addiction!

I know that I've been looking for this list, a list of the charities focusing on breast cancer awareness and research, and HERE IT IS!

This is fantastic. I might try to research then write up something on all of them over time, but for now, if you want to check them out and let me know your thoughts on any/all of them, please do!

Beating the Odds

2006-11-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

Many people ask me how I happened to get diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age ... did it run in my family, did I find a lump or exhibit other symptoms; those are the most frequent questions I'm asked.

I decided to share the story of my first diagnosis by linking you to an article I wrote for Chicken Soup for the Soul magazine, before my second diagnosis.

I'll tell you right here and now that since that first diagnosis I received treatment and have been under constant surveillance by a brilliant team of doctors at the Yale Cancer Center and my second diagnosis came after one of many follow up mammograms.

The key to beating the odds is early detection ... don't underestimate the power of a mammogram.

What book should we read first?
	"Digging to America" by Anne Tyler
	"It Takes a Worried Man: A Memoir" by Brendan Halpin
	"Nordie's at Noon: The Personal Stories of Four Women Too Young to Have Breast Cancer"
	"Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy" by Geralyn Lucas
	Other: Please email me your choice

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