MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cancer survivor'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:09:46 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181800&cid=t_111722_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhospital-ceo-is-diagnosed-with-cancer-while-building-a-new-cancer-center%2F2011.09.01 Pat Elliott, me and a HUGE cactus at Banner MD Anderson! I am just back from the Phoenix-metro area. It’s now the 5th largest in the United States and despite home foreclosures, there is still a feeling of growth in many areas. Gilbert, a nearby suburb, has expanded to over 200,000 people and a growing major medical center. I spent several days interviewing patients and staff about the soon-to-open, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. The hope is that by bringing MD Anderson’s world-renowned expertise, clinical trials and processes to this new center, cancer care around Phoenix and the southwest will be improved. Look for my video interviews coming soon. But, in the meantime, one interview stuck out for me; the one with the Banner Health President and CEO, Peter Fine. Peter is in his lat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181800 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5181800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174824&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdreaming-about-cancer%2F I sleep with a dog. Well, actually, I sleep with two dogs and a husband. So you would think that when Sister and I spent several days at her cottage this past week, just the two of us, I would relish the opportunity to sleep sprawled out and alone on a comfy queen-size bed. I will admit that I was kind of looking forward to it, so I was deeply disappointed when I found it difficult to fall asleep. Sleep is my thing, so it was surprising that sleeping without my companions didn’t provide the enjoyment I was expecting, especially in the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Ontario cottage country. The fact that I tossed and turned for long periods of time before falling asleep all three nights and had a horrible dream about cancer was very perplexing. I haven’t dreamed about having cancer ev... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174824 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:34:38 +0100 5174824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140176&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flife-after-the-battle-with-breast-cancer%2F I am in North Carolina on vacation this week. My husband and I have been enjoying leisure time fishing, exploring, and watching the sun set over the mountains. Vacation time is important to me, and even though I am a full-time student and our income is drastically reduced, I would not go without it. I can’t tell you if this is because of having been threatened by breast cancer, or because of the change in attitude towards life I experienced when my dad died. It was after his death that I realized that life was for the living, that when it was over it was over, and all the things you wanted to do wouldn’t get done. My dad didn’t live for tomorrow. He enjoyed each day as it came. He was the most patient, content person you could ever meet. When he was in the hospital before his death... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140176 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:05:27 +0100 5140176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130989&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsupport-a-cure-send-your-bra-to-washington%2F The media coverage of the economic woes of the United States and the recent congressional battle over the deficit has been ad nauseam recently. Most of us have really had enough — and may even have become desensitized to the issues. This concerns me. The implication for women and especially breast cancer survivors is significant. If budget cuts for education, research, and health care continue, I worry that it will adversely affect any momentum gained over the past years in working towards a cure for breast cancer. Government’s involvement in finding a cure is paramount. Each of us needs to make an effort to keep breast cancer front and center, and I have a simple way that we can do it. I have sent e-mails to my representatives and senators about health care and breast cancer. Of... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130989 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:46:28 +0100 5130989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077690&cid=t_111722_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-best-time-to-be-treated-for-a-dvt%2F2011.07.28 You know I am a cancer survivor – 15 years down the road from a leukemia diagnosis and enjoying a 10 year remission. So whenever something seems weird about my health it’s cancer coming back, right? Wrong! Just how wrong was proven last night. I am writing this from my hospital bed in Seattle. The first symptom of a possible problem came three days ago when I had soreness in my right calf. A pulled muscle? Maybe. But I had not noticed straining it. Back at the gym the next day I had soreness again but thought it was no big deal. Last night it was worse. It hurt some to walk. I got home and, after my wife and son were asleep, got ready for bed. I had a slight fever and then noticed the right calf was not only sore, but swollen and warm. Very strange. I’d never seen that before. Trying... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077690 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:02 +0100 5077690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008550&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-best-evidence-says-mammograms-should-begin-at-age-forty%2F There was much hoopla a few years ago over recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to limit mammography screening to women ages 50 to 74 every other year. But there is less fanfare over new findings coming out of a study in Sweden, which suggests that regular mammograms in women ages 40 to 49 (the age group excluded by the new task force guidelines) prevented up to 30 percent of deaths from breast cancer. People, this is significant! The task force ignored studies like these ongoing in Sweden and Canada for their model, which was based on statistical data. The Swedish mammogram study spanned 29 years and included over 130,000 women. The task force’s answer to recent studies has been to recommend a baseline mammogram for women in their forties to look at breast density,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008550 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:39:24 +0100 5008550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934731&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-bra-shopping-to-fit-new-breasts%2F Now that my revised, reconstructed breasts are settling down, I once again need a new bra. I have learned through my transformation that shopping for a bra is a real task. The one black lace bra that worked in the past no longer fits my new breasts, and most of the bras I have tried on lately just don’t work either. It wasn’t until I had breast cancer that I learned how important a properly fitted bra is. First, I needed a good sturdy bra when I was using just a molded prosthesis for the first breast I lost. Then after the initial reconstruction surgery, I didn’t need as much support, but I needed a bra that would give me the shape I wanted. Now I need a new bra that has the right amount of coverage and can show off the cleavage without pushing my breasts together. What I really ne... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934731 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:39:16 +0100 4934731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872367&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-end-of-the-world-really%2F The devastation from the tornadoes across this nation has been overwhelming. My husband and I can only watch the news in small segments since it is so heartbreaking and difficult to take in. The stories of lost loved ones are especially agonizing, and we empathize with them, thinking how we would feel if one of us or our loved ones had been missing for days. For many this is the end of their world. In the face of the ridiculous professions of doomsday, these people truly are impacted by the end to their lives and security as they know them. I am reminded of something Billy Graham said in a crusade decades ago: “The moment you die, it is the end of your world.” Those of us who battled breast cancer know what it is like to feel as if our world is ending. It is perhaps our first thought w... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872367 Thu, 26 May 2011 18:55:28 +0100 4872367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853114&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-patient-not-welcomed-by-airline%2F Outrage was my initial response to the story of the woman who was turned away from a Korean Airlines flight last week because of stage 4 breast cancer. Crystal Kim wanted to fly from Seattle to her homeland of Korea after being diagnosed with terminal stage 4 breast cancer. Despite her doctor’s notes to the contrary, Korean Airlines decided she was too frail to travel and denied her boarding. The airline was following International Air Transport Association guidelines, which recommend that terminally ill passengers be evaluated by airline medical personnel before being allowed to fly. These, however, are only guidelines — and another carrier, Delta, who allowed Ms. Kim to board one of their flights, indicated that medical recommendations from doctors who knew her were enough for th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853114 Mon, 23 May 2011 13:44:45 +0100 4853114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829216&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fjudge-rules-that-mom-with-breast-cancer-cant-parent%2F I have been following the story of Alaina Giordano, the North Carolina woman whose two children (ages 5 and 11) have been removed from her care and placed in the custody of their father because she has stage 4 breast cancer. It doesn’t matter that Giordano’s cancer is under control; it doesn’t seem to concern Judge Nancy Gordon that the children’s father lives in Chicago and that she is relocating the children far from their home. It only matters that this judge feels they will do better by being with the non-ill parent. Is Judge Gordon surmising that women with breast cancer can no longer parent? Since when did breast cancer take away our ability to be a loving, caring, and responsible parent? I wanted to write about this when I first heard about it from my editor last week.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829216 Mon, 16 May 2011 18:18:14 +0100 4829216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709356&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbeating-breast-cancer-is-like-taking-on-a-pitbull-you-dont-know-you-can-do-it-until-you-do%2F The other night my dog Dixie and I went for our usual walk around the neighborhood. We look ridiculous, since Dixie generally walks me while I hold on to her with all my might. To say she’s not well trained on a leash — after 10 years — is an understatement; however, she has me well-trained. Generally, we feel quite safe and arrive home without incident. This night was the exception. Half way through our trek, we were confronted by a pit bull loose in the neighborhood and obviously without an owner. My reaction was not what I would have expected. I quickly swooped up my little Dixie — a Jack Russell terrier — in my arms and yelled at the pit bull to go home while lunging at it aggressively. Initially, the pit bull repeatedly turned away and turned back — at least until Dixie de... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709356 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:22:02 +0100 4709356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677040&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-writing-much-longer-i-hope%2F I only learned tonight that Ann Romney, the wife of Mitt Romney, a presidential candidate wannabe, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I didn’t know that until now, but I was happy to learn that she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer — ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS. Technically, carcinoma in situ is a pre-cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in situ when she was 60; she survived that and then survived lung cancer later. Women diagnosed at that early age are often considered cancer-free after a lumpectomy to remove the tiny tumor. I was not so lucky. When I was diagnosed, the cancer was invasive and had spread to several lymph nodes. That was over six years ago. I survived and I have been writing about it for five years. I never figured that I would sti... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677040 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:52:09 +0100 4677040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642912&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffinishing-the-fight-against-breast-cancer%2F I have been writing this blog for 5 years now and last week was the first week that I missed posting one. I think I finally crashed and burned. Not from writing the blog — this is something I love — but from trying to be superwoman. I had follow-up reconstructive surgery a week ago last Thursday, and Friday I was right back to business. By Monday I was feeling the fatigue that comes after surgery, which I could have avoided by resting Friday and Saturday. I stumbled through the rest of the week barely accomplishing anything. Generally I bounce back quickly from surgery. I need at least a day of rest after, but I didn’t give myself that privilege this time. I am always encouraging breast cancer survivors to take their time healing and to give themselves as much time and spac... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642912 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:39:16 +0100 4642912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610957&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fget-the-best-reconstructive-surgery-for-you%2F I am so grateful that Dr. Rebecca Studinger began her practice in Michigan. Yesterday I had another breast revision surgery and fat grafting. Fat grafting is actually liposuction; Dr. Studinger took fat from another part of my body — not hard to find — and put it into my breasts to get the right size. The best thing about this wonderful doctor is that she is not only highly trained, skilled, and talented, but is willing to work with me patiently to ensure I get the results I want. Her vision for women after breast cancer matches our own. We desire natural looking breasts as close to the real thing as possible and Dr. Studinger is one doctor who can make that happen. My surgeries with her have been like a spa experience — she is that good. My doctors at Johns Hopkins were... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610957 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:48:02 +0100 4610957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4581044&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2011%2F03%2F13%2Fmom-has-cancer-her-son-reacts%2F Elliot Levine My friend Julie Levine had everything I lacked: A charmed childhood, beautiful kids. I might have envied her had she not been the nicest person I ever met. And, therefore, a magnet for cancer. (On an Internet bulletin board I once frequented, we joked that compassion and a zest for living were risk factors.) Julie is eight years younger than me, so I assumed she would someday speak at my funeral. Especially once I was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer in 2001. Julie came to my hospital room. She took me to chemo. She and her mother came to my house bearing brisket, fudgy peanut clusters and matzoh ball soup. As a Jew, Julie had wonderful traditions. As white trash (OK “white nomad” if you want to be PC about it) I did not. Julie had loving parents of high mo... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4581044 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:25:06 +0100 4581044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566298&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fkeep-copies-of-your-medical-records%2F I have a huge file with all the test results and pathology reports that pertain to my breast cancer. It was helpful for a while, especially when I met with the genetics counselor and the surgeons who did my reconstructive surgery. I even had my bone scans and x-rays for a while, when I carried them with me to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to discuss prophylactic mastectomy and DIEP flap surgery. It was my oncologist’s secretary who carefully copied every test and made sure to give it to me as I left each office visit. She suggested I keep it nearby since it could prove helpful to have. Now it is just a huge file taking up room in my file cabinet. I seldom if ever look at it anymore, and it seems almost obsolete since losing both of my breasts. Truthfully though, just knowing that I have acc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566298 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:26:17 +0100 4566298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517316&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhaving-a-baby-is-the-ultimate-victory-over-breast-cancer%2F The weekends start out for me with the usual shopping trips to grocery stores and markets to stock up for the week. While my husband and I were standing in various checkout lines, it was hard not to notice the magazine covers with pictures of the actress Christina Applegate and her baby. It was also hard for me not to feel emotionally affected by her serene expression while holding her beautiful baby. This young woman battled breast cancer at an early age and survived to become a mother. I was overwhelmed by her story and her victory. Those of us who are diagnosed when our children are young worry about surviving breast cancer to be there for them. I can’t imagine what it feels like for younger women diagnosed with the disease who wonder if they will even be able to have children. Storie... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517316 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:32:59 +0100 4517316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495383&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpreventing-lymphedema-prior-to-treatment%2F I am worried about lymphedema. This is a condition that can develop with breast cancer treatment and involves swelling in the arm or chest after lymph nodes are removed, which clogs the flow of lymph fluid from that area. It’s something that I have been concerned about every now and then, and as I wrote earlier this week, I am aware of things I can do to prevent it. Lately though, when reading about lymphedema, it appears that it’s something we should be thinking about when we first start discussing breast cancer treatment. Surgery and radiation therapy can cause lymphedema by removing or destroying lymph nodes and vessels draining lymph fluid from the arm and chest. Lumpectomies and mapping of lymph nodes are among the techniques that doctors are using to reduce the risk of t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495383 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:47:08 +0100 4495383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489923&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpink-wristbands-to-remember-a-life%2F My son, the Big Guy, has a new girlfriend. She is adorable and not just because she only comes up to his waist. She is beautiful with big dark eyes and is refreshingly direct and witty. We had the opportunity to meet her at Christmas when the Big Guy brought her by for a visit. Since then we’ve got to know her a little bit and are as taken with her as he is. When I met her, the one thing I noticed right away was the pink band she wore around her wrist. She explained that it was in memory of her dance teacher. A woman who had been a big part of her life had not only been diagnosed with breast cancer, but had died from it. It had impacted this special young woman and gave her a reason to become part of the fight against the disease. I am always surprised by people’s connection to breast... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489923 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:04:37 +0100 4489923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464661&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-new-way-to-help-protect-breast-cancer-survivors%2F During one of my classes, the instructor showed a slide of a woman’s arm afflicted with lymphedema. Until then I had never seen a picture of it. The slide showed the affected arm beside the woman’s unaffected arm, and it was pretty apparent that lymphedema had swollen the arm to more than twice its size. It was the first time I had really seen what lymphedema could do. It jolted me and rekindled my fears about this condition. Having had lymph nodes removed during my mastectomy makes me a candidate for lymphedema. I make sure I tell nurses and doctors to measure my blood pressure using my other arm. When I get fatigued, I notice that my arm feels a little numb, and it reminds me that something else has been affected by breast cancer. I asked my doctor if I should get a medical alert bra... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464661 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:18:31 +0100 4464661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455438&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-new-challenge-thanks-to-breast-cancer%2F My blog has been neglected by the fact that I am in over my head. Here I am in the middle of my pursuit of a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, wondering if I can weather it through. This is tough stuff. It helps to remind myself, though, that if it was easy there wouldn’t be a nursing shortage. There is a lot of stuff to learn, but I think a nurse needs to know all of it. So I am stuck in the middle of the program feeling a little bit challenged. I felt in over my head during breast cancer treatment too. Starting with two surgeries and then 6 months of chemotherapy, there were times I wondered if I could tough it out. The truth is we have no choice, we have to go on. One thing that we must do after we have been diagnosed with breast cancer is to resolve that we will get through it. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455438 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:03:55 +0100 4455438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411678&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fseek-a-support-group-for-breast-cancer%2F I was talking with a group of people who were discussing how difficult it is to get a man to go to a support group. Men benefit as much as women by attending a group, and we were specifically talking about support groups for prostate cancer. My husband had radiation therapy for prostate cancer with no residual problems or side effects, so he didn’t even review the information about support groups that his doctor gave him. Sister is big on support groups; she attends one for women who tested positive for the BRCA breast cancer mutation. She has attended others for various reasons and also participates online in one or two more. I am beginning to think of her as a support-group junkie. Seriously though, Sister is so great about seeking support when she needs it. On the other hand, I am a ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411678 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:17:48 +0100 4411678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394692&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstrategies-for-survival-after-breast-cancer%2F Once we are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a plan for treatment. Once we survive the treatment, there really isn’t a plan for our continued survival. We are not sent home with a warranty and no one assures us that the cancer won’t spread or come back. So a plan for continued health and survival isn’t a bad idea. This month, I committed to making my health a priority starting with my routine visit to my oncologist. From there, my plan is to follow up with annual tests and a colonoscopy. Next month I plan to go to my eye doctor and the dentist. In addition, my new plan needs to include my commitment to more exercise, and of course, better eating habits. However, my main focus is to find additional support through alternative medicine, perhaps herbal supplements, and massage the... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394692 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:43:08 +0100 4394692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331194&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-is-not-a-right-for-breast-cancer-survivors%2F Do our representatives really think that their time is best spent trying to repeal health-care reform? After the midterm elections, I wrote a blog about breast cancer survivors not wanting another fight, but it looks like the fight is on. Does the new Republican-dominated House of Representatives truly not care that breast cancer survivors are threatened by insurance company decisions that limit or deny their coverage — or even eject them? I have been barraged with comments over the past few years from people newly diagnosed with breast cancer who can’t get coverage. They either can’t afford it or are denied for having a pre-existing condition. New reform is set to ensure that no one can be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition. Many people really do go without health insuranc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331194 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:24:32 +0100 4331194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233368&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fconsidering-my-options-without-femara%2F After writing my last blog on my decision to stop taking Femara, I wrestled all weekend with whether if that was the right thing to do. Cancer is so ominous and survivors have little recourse once treatment is over for preventing a new cancer or breast cancer metastasis. These hormonal drugs (tamoxifen, Arimidex, and Femara), are truly intended to prevent the return or spread of cancer. It is not my intention when writing about my experience to deter anyone from the protective effects these drugs have to offer — which leaves me with the dilemma of what I plan to do in place of taking them. One real option is lifestyle changes. The benefits of a low-fat diet combined with an extensive exercise regimen are well known to me. I have become soft and discouraged, though, since putting on what ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233368 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:44:36 +0100 4233368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225572&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-deep-dark-femara-secret%2F Last January, my oncologist gave me a prescription for Femara because my five-year course with tamoxifen had finished. Research shows maximum benefits from hormonal treatment if tamoxifen is followed by an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex or Femara for five years. I tried Arimidex in 2006 and wrote about how I had to stop because the side effects were so debilitating. So I initially put off taking it and then later blogged about the prescription still stuck to my fridge. Comments from many of you tried to ease my concerns and encouraged me to take it. So I agreed I would. I need to come clean. Until I had the bone cancer scare that I wrote about last week in my blog about pain and breast cancer, I wasn’t taking Femara. I had good intentions — really I did — mostly because of concern... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225572 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:24:16 +0100 4225572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214411&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdoes-pain-equal-cancer-spread-a-recurring-theme%2F Black Friday shopping is something I learned about only when I moved to the United States; it is a traditional part of the Thanksgiving holiday, but this aspect of the celebration never caught on with me. The second Thanksgiving that I was here, a friend coerced me into getting up at 3:00 a.m. to be in line at 4:00 a.m. to shop at a local store. I still haven’t recovered. This past Friday, my oldest son — I call this one the Wise Guy — was visiting from Toronto and we decided to simply cruise the mall in the afternoon. Still, it was a lot of walking and people to navigate, so I don’t call that a great shopping excursion. In fact, I ended up feeling worn and broken by the time I got home. Waking up for the next few days proved to be a painful experience. The pain in my right hip has... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214411 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:34:17 +0100 4214411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168150&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdont-let-stress-accumulate-during-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Stress is a real outcome of battling breast cancer. It is amazing to me that the medical community hasn’t taken the psychological component that affects women who are diagnosed more seriously. When a woman is diagnosed and her world is shaken, that’s one thing — when a breast is removed and she feels her body has been mutilated, that is another. Either of these has a huge psychological impact; both of them combined feel like you’re dealing with another illness. Throughout treatment, I was able to maintain a very positive, upbeat attitude toward the diagnoses and my hope for the outcome. I was also fortunate in that I had the opportunity to have supplemental help from a chaplain at the hospital, who met with me several times during treatment to direct meditation and relieve anxiety.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168150 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:13:06 +0100 4168150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4163027&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-you-either-get-it-or-you-dont%2F I can’t remember what it felt like to have real breasts. Even though I am thrilled with the results of my recent breast reconstruction revisions, I am questioning if I will ever be truly a whole woman again. I just don’t feel normal — I feel like a breast cancer survivor — and putting a new set of breasts on my chest doesn’t make me feel like I used to. If anything, I feel even less normal. To be honest, I don’t usually think this way. These sentiments are all coming out of an experience I had a couple of days ago. I made the mistake of explaining the DIEP flap surgery I had to reconstruct my breasts to a woman that had never been through breast cancer. I have always been excited about the procedure and the results from the surgery that took my excess tummy fat and made a pair ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4163027 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:48:52 +0100 4163027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152157&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-breast-cancer-survivors-really-want-another-fight%2F The big midterm elections are over. With the economy here in Michigan in distress — as in so many other states — we all had big expectations. But one outcome I wasn’t counting on was the vengeance with which the Republican Party steamed into power targeting the recent health-care reform bill. I for one am completely blindsided. Weren’t they all running on the issue of creating jobs and rebuilding the economy? Are we now going to have the debate about health care all over again — why didn’t they participate when they had the chance? In my household we have two cancer survivors and a 22-year-old son. The new law would really make a difference in easing our fears about health care. Now we find out that the only thing this new Congress wants to achieve will affect my family in the ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152157 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:02:45 +0100 4152157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134144&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-we-really-wait-10-years-for-a-breast-cancer-cure%2F I have been struggling with mixed emotions. The National Breast Cancer Coalition came out last month with a new initiative — to cure breast cancer by January 1, 2020. As exciting as it may seem to set a deadline for a cure, I am so terribly disappointed to think it may take another 10 years. That means that over two million more women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and a number of them will die from the disease. This to me is unacceptable. Millions and millions of dollars have been raised toward breast cancer awareness, treatment, and research just since I was diagnosed seven years ago. There has been real progress in finding better treatments and making inroads in new directions such as genetic testing. Yet, if we are prepared to wait 10 more years for a cure we can’t honestly ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134144 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:02:07 +0100 4134144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125225&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-makes-family-memories%2F Last week I had the opportunity to spend time with my son — the Big Guy — when I drove him and a friend to pick up his car from the repair shop. Halfway into our trip, I told him to get my wallet from my purse so he could take some money from it. When the Big Guy opened the wallet, his eyes fell on my driver’s license photo, which was taken when I had breast cancer. He took the license out of my wallet and handed it behind him to his friend in the backseat. The Big Guy then asked his friend if he remembered that he told him that his mom had breast cancer. It was interesting that my son wanted to show his friend a picture of me taken during the year I battled the disease. These are two big football linemen and I have to admit it took me off guard. The fact that the Big Guy discussed t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125225 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:05:22 +0100 4125225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119529&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcarly-fiorina-survives-more-than-breast-cancer%2F Carly Fiorina knows what it means to fight like a girl. She had to fight breast cancer after her February 2009 diagnosis, and she is fighting for a Senate seat in the upcoming November election. Like many of us survivors, Ms. Fiorina is also subject to surprise ambushes that come in the aftermath of our battle with breast cancer. This week while on the campaign trail, the candidate was ambushed by an infection related to earlier reconstructive surgery and had to be hospitalized. The source of Ms. Fiorina’s infection is not clear. She had reconstructive surgery in July and her wounds are probably well healed by now. But infections can be present in the body for a long time and may not go away without treatment. After her surgery in 2008, Sister had a chronic urinary tract infection that o... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119529 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:46:35 +0100 4119529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119530&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmen-fight-in-the-pink-too%2F I want to use this blog entry to wholeheartedly thank all the men who have taken up the cause against breast cancer. It is no surprise that more and more men are getting in the fight — breasts are not only beautiful, they belong to the women men love. From small local groups who participate in the various breast cancer walks to large national organizations, these guys are often motivated by a breast cancer diagnosis that hit close to home. Many of their stories are about their loved ones who battled the disease. When over 200,000 women are diagnosed yearly, you know a lot of men are waking up to the ravages and heartache breast cancer causes. The NFL is perhaps the biggest organization of men against breast cancer. For the past few years we have seen the players don pink cleats, gloves, ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119530 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:40:15 +0100 4119530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086460&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbe-the-manager-of-your-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Taking charge of our care after a breast cancer diagnosis is not something most people do with any great confidence. Most of us are reluctant to challenge or question our doctors’ directives. Ultimately, though, we need to get grounded and find a way to get involved. The doctors have the knowledge and experience, but we have the intuition and ultimate responsibility for our life. Becoming a manager of your health care doesn’t mean you have to have all the expertise of a physician; it simply means that you take the initiative to learn about the disease, its treatment options, and the best services available to you. It might include asking your doctor for more explicit information or seeking second opinions from other providers. It definitely means that you put some focus on learning... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086460 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:35:13 +0100 4086460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082277&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-warriors-become-champions-for-the-cause%2F This past Saturday, the Wayne State Warriors football team came blazing through a gigantic inflated “W” onto Adams Field in Detroit, to the cheers and ovation of the crowd. Along with their brilliant green-and-gold helmets and green home jerseys, their cleats were tied with pink laces resembling the pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This was a big game for the Warriors. Their support and solidarity for breast cancer awareness may not have meant much to the collegiate fans hoping for another win, but it mattered to the 200,000 women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and it mattered to the millions of survivors in this nation hoping for a cure. Football is big, really big. But there are a few things that are bigger than beating an opponent, and beating br... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082277 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:11:01 +0100 4082277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065554&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-basics-with-dr-kristi-funk%2F This week I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Kristi Funk again. I previously interviewed Dr. Funk during last year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Funk has been active in breast cancer awareness, surgery, and treatment since she was Director of Patient Education at Cedars-Sinai Breast Center in Los Angeles. In 2009, she left to open the Pink Lotus Breast Center. She is truly a treasure trove of knowledge and a dedicated warrior in the fight against breast cancer. I will include some of the great things I learned from talking with Dr. Funk over the next few blog entries. One of the important things we discussed was the role of diet and exercise in reducing the risk of breast cancer. More evidence continues to emerge to support findings that breast cancer is affected by a woma... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065554 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:52:21 +0100 4065554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4061032&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-stink-over-pink%2F Although I am elated by the pink hue around the world this October, there are some who don’t see everything through the same rose-colored glasses. There is a lot of opposition and even anger over the fact that breast cancer is receiving more attention than other cancers. While I don’t believe for a moment that it is more important to cure breast cancer than other cancers, I do think it affects more people than any other cancer. In the United States, lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer annually in both sexes, followed by breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men. But think about the number of people affected by breast cancer. When a woman gets cancer, her family gets cancer. Her children, husband, mother, and father are affected because she is the caregiver. It... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4061032 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:41:54 +0100 4061032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045291&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-your-life-worth-the-cost-of-an-annual-mammogram%2F Driving home tonight I heard a radio ad for a local clinic that will provide mammograms for 85 dollars. Apparently, as the ad puts it, if you don’t have insurance a mammogram can cost you hundreds of dollars. The significance of a mammogram in the effort to detect breast cancer early and save lives is enormous. That makes 85 bucks a real bargain — who wouldn’t pay that amount to save their life? The sad thing is that millions of women in America don’t have insurance, and many of them can’t afford 85 dollars either. There are clinics and organizations nationwide, however, that will provide mammograms for free to women who don’t have insurance and can’t afford to pay for one. I urge anyone in this situation to call their local American Cancer Society office to inquire about fre... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045291 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:57:12 +0100 4045291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031441&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpink-is-the-color-of-hope%2F Once again the world is ablaze in pink. I love this time of year. I love walking into the stores and seeing pink signs and merchandise front and center. It reminds me that we are all in this together — that there are companies and people and organizations united for one month to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for breast cancer treatment and research. This year there are banks promoting credit cards decorated with pink ribbons, as well as other merchandise I never would have thought could push pink. One interesting new campaign comes from Sutter Home, a vineyard that provides an overlay of their wine cap wound in a pink ribbon. If you add this overlay to your Facebook profile picture, Sutter Home for Hope (their organization) will donate a dollar to breast cancer treatmen... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031441 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:06:01 +0100 4031441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003392&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsurgical-solutions-for-lymphedema%2F I am so happy with the results of my recent DIEP flap revision. Dr. Studinger is detailed and very attentive, and I am so fortunate to have found her. She does other plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures as well. I had the opportunity to discuss lymph node surgery with her when I had my follow-up appointment last week. Until I read her brochure, I didn’t even know that there was relief for lymphedema through surgery. Dr. Studinger is one of only a few doctors worldwide who perform successful surgery for lymph node reconstruction in the treatment of lymphedema. Every now and then I sense a little numbness in my right arm. Generally it is around the elbow and radiates to the upper arm. I know that it is because I had lymph nodes removed when I had a mastectomy of the right breast. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003392 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:13:16 +0100 4003392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994241&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-made-me-a-better-person%2F I guess I have to give some credit to breast cancer for making me a better person. Honestly, I am more compassionate, more patient, and more considerate of people’s feelings. I know that is a lot of credit to give to a horrible disease, but if I hadn’t been diagnosed I really doubt if I would have had such a deep connection and concern for others. Working for 12 years in Christian ministry, I was truly sincere about reaching out to other people suffering and struggling in their lives. But now I just have a much deeper perspective and understanding of what they are going through and what their needs are. I can’t say if it is just a new maturity in my life or if it is all due to battling breast cancer, but I know in great part it is because of many of the people that inspired me while ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994241 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:06:47 +0100 3994241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987201&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchest-x-rays-are-an-important-test-for-breast-cancer-survivors%2F Last week I had a chest X-ray. It is just in time because I see my oncologist this upcoming week, and she has been asking me to get one for almost 2 years. Regular chest X-rays are a part of staying vigilant after battling breast cancer. I have found some information that suggests that 60 to 70 percent of deaths from breast cancer are because the cancer metastasized to the lungs. This is too scary for me. I don’t like to think about breast cancer spreading to other organs in my body. I know, of course, that it is possible, even though I have already taken precautions, like removing my ovaries and the prophylactic mastectomy of my healthy breast. When cancer was diagnosed in my right breast, however, it had already spread to the lymph nodes. That is why early detection is so important —... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987201 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:03:13 +0100 3987201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980976&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcelebrate-the-story-of-your-breast-cancer-warrior%2F When I got my breast cancer diagnosis, my biggest fear was dying from cancer and not getting an opportunity to make an impact in this world. I didn’t suddenly want to be rich or famous, but I wanted to make sure that I had touched lives. What would be my legacy? How would people remember me? I thought about the shoeboxes of collected memories under my bed, and the neatly stacked file folders with interesting projects I wanted to start — would there be time, and would those memories matter to anyone else? Six years later, I have had time to put my memories on the wall and share them with my family and friends. I have been able to put my projects in perspective, and I am embarking on a new mission to get a second bachelor’s degree, this one in nursing, so I can truly be of some val... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980976 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:45:07 +0100 3980976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973079&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbecoming-a-gem-after-breast-cancer%2F When we got engaged, my husband gave me an emerald ring. It is truly beautiful. The ring has a large baguette emerald with diamonds. The thing about emeralds is that it is hard to find one without inclusions. Inclusions in emeralds are called gardens, and the gardens are what make each emerald unique. If a diamond has an inclusion, it would be called a flaw. It is all a matter of perspective. I have had to learn to accept a few flaws after breast cancer, including scars and weight gain. Even after breast reconstruction, the flaws are pretty apparent. I will never be as perfect as I was before breast cancer, but believe me, I didn’t think of myself as perfect then. Only after I was sliced and transformed by breast cancer did I look back and think I took myself, and especially my smooth sk... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973079 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:49:02 +0100 3973079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3954450&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-is-like-a-thief-in-the-night%2F The Big Guy is living near his college campus with two roommates, and yesterday while they were at football practice, their house was broken into. There were only a few items taken, but enough to shake these college kids up when they realized that even big football players are vulnerable. Of course by the time the Big Guy called his mother he was calm and not wanting me to be upset. He didn’t want my advice either, which if he had taken in the first place might have prevented the whole crime — but that is a discussion for another time. I feel bad for my son and his roommates, and like most mothers I would like to swoop in, replace their items and lock all the bad guys out. Certainly these three bright college kids can work out what they need to do without my interference, but it is an ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3954450 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:27:39 +0100 3954450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933233&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbonding-over-surgery-with-other-breast-cancer-survivors%2F I went to a follow-up appointment with my doctor for the reconstructive surgery I had a few weeks ago. I am still very concerned about everything healing up with minimal scarring, so I am taping the scars while they heal and being careful not to get anything near the wounds. It is such a task. Anyway, while I was in the waiting room I got to meet another woman who was considering DIEP flap surgery and was there to consult with my doctor. Speaking to her reminded me of what a huge decision breast reconstruction is — not getting the breasts, but settling on the type of surgery. There are still far fewer doctors performing a DIEP flap than there are who do implant surgery or TRAM flap. While each surgery has its benefits, I chose DIEP flap as it seemed to have the best outcome. For example,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933233 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:39:03 +0100 3933233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903099&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdoes-tanned-and-wrinkled-mean-healthy-and-cancer-free%2F Recently my husband commented on how tan my feet are. I have been in love with flip-flops (also known as thongs) all summer long, so my feet are constantly exposed to the sun. I have been pretty careful about sun exposure since my early twenties. My skin has benefited from my caution, but with all the new information about vitamin D and its effects on cancer prevention, I wonder if this has been a good practice or not. I have written a little about the importance of vitamin D supplementation before, especially for women needing calcium or for those on hormonal drugs like aromatase inhibitors. Vitamin D may protect against bone loss in women taking Arimidex, a type of aromatase inhibitor, and lessen the bone, muscle, and joint pain that are known side effects of this drug. Now the effect of... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903099 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:29:13 +0100 3903099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896057&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-few-complaints-after-surgery%2F Now I remember why I put off the surgery to fix my reconstructed breasts — healing after surgery is no fun! I feel okay, but I can’t get the sutures wet while I’m healing, so I can’t go swimming and I can’t even go outside because I’ll sweat too much. My body is having a reaction to the surgical tape, and one little spot is red and getting infected. It just sucks. The only good thing is that this time I didn’t come home with any drains attached to my body. After every surgery I usually go home with the drains, and the last time I had to keep them for almost two weeks. I’ll say it again: healing isn’t fun. I bounce back quicker than most people, but I still need to whine a little about the discomfort and limited activity due to the surgery. Because I am a little swollen ar... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896057 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:55:52 +0100 3896057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889270&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdealing-with-the-scars-from-breast-cancer%2F Recently I was invited to do a guest blog on a site that produces and sells cream for people dealing with the effects of radiation treatment on their skin, including to the breast area. They provide a blog and tip site that provides encouragement to survivors of all kinds of disease; they just happened to find my blog and thought I would be a good fit. I am often asked to write guest blogs for other sites. I love these invitations because I get to find out about efforts towards breast cancer awareness and research. I also find all sorts of new resources. I don’t endorse any products and generally no one asks me to. If I have written about a specific product or company, it is because somehow these organizations provide support to breast cancer research and survivors. I found out that Jean... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889270 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:34:58 +0100 3889270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885512&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-good-stuff-can-outshine-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis%2F There is a Bible book in the Old Testament called Job, which tells the story of a man who had everything in life. Job was a well-respected and good person who was prosperous and had a big family. But when God allowed Satan to test Job, he lost everything, including his children. While he was sitting forlorn and discouraged, his wife — who I assume was just as adversely affected by all the loss — told him to curse God and die. I don’t blame her for her sentiment at the time. Job, however, resisted all urges to turn on God and refused to give up his faith. In the end, God restored everything to Job and more. Lately I have heard more than one person give themselves the name of Job. We are all tempted to see our particular hardship as the worst thing that could happen to anyone. A woman ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885512 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:45:18 +0100 3885512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003198&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2010-08-10-cancer-treatment%2Fdid-a-doctors-mistake-ever-make-you-happy%2F 2 years ago: Jim's sons doctors made a mistake... Not a small mistake for that matter: they were about 1.600% wrong. (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003198 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:26:05 +0100 4003198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831526&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fyou-cant-tell-that-i-am-a-breast-cancer-survivor%2F With the huge debate in the United States right now about illegal immigration, the question comes down to: What does an immigrant look like? Some people come from different ethnic backgrounds, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they weren’t born here. Others, like me and my son The Big Guy, have no distinct difference in appearance from many natural-born Americans. Just to clarify, both the Big Guy and I are legal residents of the United States, and we don’t take that privilege lightly. Most of the time, however, we don’t even talk about being immigrants to this country and I doubt anyone (unless you hear me talk for a while) could tell. Just as I am not identifiable as an immigrant, it is not apparent either that I am a breast cancer survivor. Once we get through breast cancer, no ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831526 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:38:35 +0100 3831526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823117&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-benefits-of-female-friendship%2F Every year the girls get together for an up-north vacation. There are seven of us in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage — and it works! Hosted by a dear friend who owns the cottage and supplies all of our needs, this yearly getaway provides lots of camaraderie, talk, and tears. It is always a treat and we have a great cook among us. This past weekend was the annual event. We spent Friday on a three-hour kayaking trip down the river. Seven middle-aged women kayaking in a line, dodging fallen trees and sandbars, provided lots of laughs and challenges. Needless to say, it also allowed us to feel no guilt curling up on couches and chairs in the large living room to watch movies and graze on tons of snacks on the rainy Saturday that followed. Our fireside chats are always fun too. We e... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823117 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:01:00 +0100 3823117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798754&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fgetting-the-best-breasts-possible%2F I had a great doctor’s appointment last week. I got to tell my plastic surgeon how I wanted my redesigned breasts to look. Dr. Studinger is an amazing, patient, and understanding doctor. She is really skilled in the DIEP flap breast reconstruction procedure and committed to helping me get the best possible results from the touch-ups I want. Although I had two surgeries to reconstruct my breasts, I still need to finalize the shape and size of my breasts; one breast is a little bigger than the other. This is in part because one breast was reconstructed from a prophylactic mastectomy, while the other was removed with cancer and my surgeon did not want to leave much skin that could harbor cancer cells. One thing Dr. Studinger reviewed with me the fact that under law, insurance is required to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798754 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:25:37 +0100 3798754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776571&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmemories-are-harder-to-sell-after-breast-cancer%2F I have been planning to have a garage sale since March. I am not a big fan of garage sales, but the last few times we have put our stuff out to sell, we made hundreds of dollars. This seems to be motivation enough for my husband to be enthusiastic about hosting this very American community event. I promised him that I would get my stuff together and be ready in April. That didn’t happen, so we targeted a weekend in June. When that date passed, I agreed to work towards a date before the end of July. So here we are and I am still no further ahead than I was in March. As soon as my husband saw me sit at the computer to write today’s blog he immediately started with: “No, no, no…not until you get the stuff up from the basement for the sale.” Truthfully I was looking for a diversi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776571 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:58:58 +0100 3776571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754035&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-cancer-gone-or-just-waiting-to-get-me%2F Every now and then I struggle with the question of whether cancer will come back or if it is hiding inside of me and is just looking for an opportunity to plant its ugly, insidious self in some organ. I don’t understand if the cancer went away or if it is just dormant. When it comes to breast cancer no one likes to tell you that you are cured, and when the word remission is used it just sounds like the cancer has gone into hiding. Like most breast cancer survivors, I say things like “I had cancer,” or “I don’t have breast cancer anymore,” but this doesn’t speak to the actual status of cancer in my body. Some experts like to say that we all have cancer cells in our bodies — it is just a matter of whether it develops or not. I tested positive for the BRCA... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754035 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:50:38 +0100 3754035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733249&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fempowered-to-decide-for-breast-reconstruction-or-against%2F Surgery for my touch-up breast reconstruction is planned for August, so I am scheduled to see the doctor in a few weeks to discuss the changes I want. This surgery is exciting to me, but I waited a long time to have it. I had the original DIEP flap surgery in 2006, then the follow-up in March 2007 — since then I haven’t had any additional work, cosmetic or otherwise, on my breasts. When you take into account the fact that it took me almost 13 years to grow the first set, it doesn’t seem like this new set is really taking that long to perfect. Breast cancer survivors get to do what a lot of women wish they could — get a new set of designer boobs. It is a hollow triumph, really, when you realize what we had to go through to earn them. But if you can get past the horror of the dia... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733249 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:16 +0100 3733249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714394&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-obsessed-after-breast-cancer%2F I have become a boob person. I am obsessed with breasts! I catch myself staring at women’s chests all the time. It is easy to find a pair to look at these days, with all the skimpy summer tops and t-shirts exposing cleavage. I wasn’t always like this. Before I had breast cancer, boobs weren’t a big deal. After my mastectomy, my interest began to grow, and I became fully obsessed while I was deciding on reconstruction. The only other time I developed a minor obsession was when I was 13 years old and my first set wasn’t growing as fast as those of my classmates. This is also similar to when I was bald during chemotherapy and I became obsessed with hair, especially blonde hair. Fortunately, I have more to do in my life than stare at women’s bodies, but when the opportunity arise... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714394 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:54:49 +0100 3714394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706862&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-challenges-us-to-live-a-life-of-no-regrets%2F I have seen my in-laws almost every weekend for the past couple of months because of birthday celebrations, bridal and baby showers, and a family reunion. I don’t mind because I have the best in-laws in the world. I tease my husband that I married him only so I could have his mom and dad in my life. My father-in-law is 91 and my mother-in-law is 87, so they have endless stories that I never tire of. He is a veteran of the Second World War and she grew up on a farm during the Depression. I love her homemade canned relish and squash, and it is never a chore to invite them for dinner. If I sound like the nauseatingly perfect daughter-in-law, it is because they really are as great as I make them sound. My father-in-law is a reminder of how important the people we have in our lives are compar... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706862 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:50:05 +0100 3706862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699665&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhy-does-god-allow-breast-cancer%2F As a little girl, somehow I got the impression that God was watching everything I did and would clobber me for any bad behavior. I am sure this came from a mother who wanted to instill the fear of God in me — and it worked. But in my early twenties, I developed my own relationship and understanding of God that has only grown deeper as I get older. For me, now, He is a loving father. Like many people who are diagnosed with cancer, I turned to God with questions and prayers after my breast cancer diagnosis. I didn’t think God gave me cancer, but I knew He somehow had allowed it in my life. I was comforted knowing that He would be with me through my battle against the disease. I was also convinced that He had a plan and a purpose for me to go through this trial. I know there are many who ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699665 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:33 +0100 3699665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691053&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdid-god-give-you-breast-cancer-2%2F As a little girl, somehow I got the impression that God was watching everything I did and would clobber me for any bad behavior. I am sure this came from a mother who wanted to instill the fear of God in me — and it worked. But in my early twenties, I developed my own relationship and understanding of God that has only grown deeper as I get older. For me, now, He is a loving father. Like many people who are diagnosed with cancer, I turned to God with questions and prayers after my breast cancer diagnosis. I didn’t think God gave me cancer, but I knew He somehow had allowed it in my life. I was comforted knowing that He would be with me through my battle against the disease. I was also convinced that He had a plan and a purpose for me to go through this trial. I know there are many who ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691053 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:36:40 +0100 3691053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683820&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-your-breast-cancer-survivor-a-pink-power-mom%2F I have a friend who is experiencing some challenges in her life right now. She told me she just can’t feel sorry for herself because she knows that there are women who are dealing with so much worse than she is. This is typical of many women — we tend to feel greater compassion for others than we do for ourselves. Truthfully though, I am often inspired in my own personal battles by watching other women deal with larger issues and keep on shining. This is especially true of breast cancer survivors. I often meet women who have later-stage cancer, more debilitating side effects, or other overwhelming obstacles to managing their disease, family, and work. In hearing their stories, I find the strength within me to emulate them in their determination to overcome adversity and continue living... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683820 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:37:44 +0100 3683820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671969&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsupport-for-the-breast-cancer-survivors-who-inspire-us%2F When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, it affects her home, her family, and her community. I am so grateful when I hear of organizations that benefit and support women in their fight against breast cancer. Often it is survivors themselves who start these groups that support breast cancer awareness and the needs of patients. In addition, I am inspired by the survivors in our communities and workplaces — by their tenacity and indomitable spirit — but mostly by their concern for others who also battle the disease. Today, I am grateful for a corporate initiative through Bright Starts to reward and support these inspirational survivors. Each year, Bright Starts honors and rewards eight women for their inspirational fight against breast cancer. Not only have these women persevered, th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671969 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:26:51 +0100 3671969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3659119&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcancer-is-a-big-fear-of-breast-cancer-survivors%2F Last week I experienced a bit of an upset stomach that lasted for a few days. It was a flu-like symptom, but I had no fever, aches, or other telltale signs. By the third day I had no explanation for the continued discomfort, so I was convinced I had cancer. My mind always gravitates to the conclusion that I have cancer. This was never the case before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since that battle, however, I find cancer at every turn. I have been doing a lot of yard work which has put some strain on my right hip. One night I awoke with excruciating pain in the hip joint — immediately I thought that I needed an MRI to find the bone cancer. It took a few minutes to convince myself that sleeping on that hip after a whole day of hard work was the cause. Fear of a new cancer or cancer ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3659119 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:18:40 +0100 3659119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656794&cid=t_111722_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fexperts-urge-cancer-patients-exercise%2F Breast cancer survivor Marika Holmgren, University of Pennsylvania epidemiologist Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, and Albert Einstein Cancer Center Director of Psychosocial Oncology Alyson Moadel, PhD discuss the benefits and strategies around exercising during and after your cancer treatment. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656794 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 18:55:09 +0100 3656794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666163&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2010-06-08-cancer-treatment%2Fthe-whole-truth-about-metastatic-liver-cancer%2F Learn about the only 2 options of metastatic liver cancer: cure or care, as crude as it gets… Today I read 2 comments that summarize metastatic liver cancer to the fullest: one is an update of Jim’s son – metastaticliver cancer survivor, 22 months after his diagnosis the other is listed below from Kath-e: recently diagnosed and opting for hospice and palliative care. I will publish her story below as is – capitals included, taking opium pain killers – because it reminds me so much of the situation and emotions we went through when we, hospice and health care nurses were taking care of our father at home: KATH-E…UPDATE…WELL I’VE KNOWN NOW OFFICIALLY SINCE 4/16/10 THAT I’VE BEEN GIVEN 3-6 MONTHS WITH NON HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA WITH L... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666163 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:43:59 +0100 3666163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625729&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-a-breast-cancer-vaccine-on-the-horizon%2F The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio is vaccinating mice against breast cancer — and they are seeing some very promising results. This means that there may be a breast cancer vaccine in the foreseeable future; this is too wonderful to even hope for. The scientists working on the vaccine were able to prevent tumors from growing, but were also able to reduce the size of already growing tumors. They were able to target a protein found in most breast cancers and use it in the vaccine. Dr. Vincent Tuohy, an immunologist and the lead scientist, suggests that human studies could begin as early as next year. It will be a long process to work through FDA requirements and raise the funding for further studies in humans, but this is so promising. Dr. Tuohy was inspired by the vaccines that protect children... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625729 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:37:07 +0100 3625729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3610477&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcelebrating-breast-cancer-survival-on-memorial-day%2F This Memorial Day weekend is a good time to celebrate surviving breast cancer. It marks the start of another great summer season that usually involves holidays and fun, and it is already a day off from work and the daily routine. Why Memorial Day? My thought was that since I may not be successful if I launch a campaign to create a national holiday to celebrate cancer survival, maybe I should just claim a ready-made national holiday. This led me to conclude that Memorial Day is probably the best choice. It isn’t a stressful holiday where you have to wrap presents or entertain for days, family often gathers, and there is plenty of food and fun — not to mention fireworks. In fact, it is the fireworks that have me sold on Memorial Day as the best choice for a national day to celeb... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3610477 Fri, 28 May 2010 16:17:49 +0100 3610477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595840&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhat%25e2%2580%2599s-all-the-stink-about-breast-cancer%2F We are blessed with the best weather this year in Michigan. We had a great winter, an early spring, and now amazing summer weather. This isn’t typical, that’s for sure — and it brings up a new breast cancer-related issue for me. With all the hot weather, a girl needs anti-perspirant. Up until now, it hasn’t really been an issue for me — in fact, for most of my adult life, I haven’t really needed any. I don’t really sweat much, what can I say? Even with hot flashes, the perspiration is mostly limited to my face, and I probably don’t run around enough to work up a sweat otherwise. But I usually just claim that I am too much of a lady to sweat. I do use a natural deodorant called Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal every now and then. The pink ribbon next to the logo caused me t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595840 Mon, 24 May 2010 20:01:39 +0100 3595840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3589017&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-survivors-can-donate-blood%2F I have been under the completely mistaken assumption that breast cancer survivors can’t be blood donors. Somewhere, I heard that if you had been diagnosed with cancer and then also had chemotherapy, you were not eligible to give blood. I think about giving blood often and urge family members and friends to give. I have often wished that I could contribute to blood banks and drives, but truly believed that having had breast cancer eliminated me. Yesterday I decided I really didn’t know for sure and that I should look into it. On its list of eligibility requirements for blood donation, the American Red Cross states that people diagnosed with cancer can donate if the cancer was treated successfully and at least 12 months have passed with no cancer recurrence. This is a change from their p... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3589017 Fri, 21 May 2010 21:09:01 +0100 3589017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529983&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F05%2F04%2Fcancer-its-all-in-your-mind%2F Cartoon by Robert & Donna Trussell © 2010 Filed under: Cancer Tagged: cancer cartoon, cancer patient, cancer survivor, positive attitude, positive thinking (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529983 Tue, 04 May 2010 06:51:52 +0100 3529983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529967&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-across-the-border%2F I am in Canada visiting with family this week while waiting to attend the breast cancer conference with Sister on Wednesday in Toronto. While lounging at Sister’s this weekend, I picked up a magazine from the stack under her coffee table. It was one of Canada’s premier women’s magazines, Chatelaine. I love this magazine — my mother used to buy me a subscription every year when I lived here. As far back as I remember, Chatelaine addressed breast cancer. They would have a supplemental section a couple of times a year for Look Good, Feel Better, the Canadian Cancer Society’s self-esteem program for women going through breast cancer treatment. Actually, when I was in my twenties I questioned why they would keep reminding women that they could get breast cancer — now I applaud t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529967 Mon, 03 May 2010 19:59:12 +0100 3529967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494506&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-hair-is-back-and-so-is-my-vanity%2F Finally! After five years, my hair is back to where it was before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When my hair first started growing back after chemotherapy, it was completely different than what I was expecting. It was dark and curly, and the texture was thicker than my ”real” hair. I didn’t mind it much, mostly because I was so grateful not to be bald anymore. It was also a novelty to have short, dark, curly hair when most of my adult life I had shoulder-length, blond, straight shiny hair. As my hair continued to grow, it lost the curliness and I had long wavy brown hair — this was a novelty for me too. I actually felt like a sexy, sultry brunette. What I didn’t feel was like myself. For a few years, I struggled with my appearance. I liked how I looked as a brunette, bu... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494506 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:06:34 +0100 3494506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463795&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-is-the-winning-story-at-the-masters-tournament%2F In May 2009, Amy Mickelson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has been battling the disease for the past 11 months and has been bedridden for much of that time. Amy is a mother of three children and the wife of Phil Mickelson, the winner of the 2010 Masters golf tournament. Like many people, I tuned in to watch the Masters this past weekend because Tiger Woods was playing. I am not a huge fan of Tiger’s, but like a lot of people I was disappointed when I learned of his lapse in character and integrity over the past years. I am hoping for his family’s sake that Tiger can get his career and personal commitments back on track, so I tuned in hoping to see him do well. I can relate to his wife, Elin Nordegren, since I was betrayed by my first husband in a similar way. For obvious reasons... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463795 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:56:58 +0100 3463795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441009&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-breast-cancer-with-hope%2F “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” I found a beautiful plaque with this quote and hung it in my bathroom. Why my bathroom? Well, that is the one place that I know most of my guests will end up visiting — and actually read what is on the wall. Hope has been a theme lately in my life. My brother-in-law and I had a discussion about it recently. He is a motivator, a businessman, and a marathon triathlete. He has established orphanages in Africa and is invited to speak at leadership conferences often. I think this makes him an expert on hope. Recently he began working with a mission in downtown Toronto serving meals to homeless people. He finds that the homeless who suffer most are the ones who truly feel hopeless. It isn’t just those who are down and out that need ho... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441009 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:05:16 +0100 3441009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404094&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreasts-get-good-ratings-and-an-uncomfortable-viewer%2F Like a lot of people in America, I tuned in to watch Dancing with the Stars Monday night. It was the premiere for the new season and a new celebrity cast. It’s really fun to watch actually. Every season I notice the outfits become more risqué and the show becomes a little less family oriented. This new season is no exception. One thing that is pretty obvious, well a lot of things actually, is the women’s breasts. I don’t know if it is intentional to show the jiggle, or if it is just because breasts get good ratings. All I know is you can’t miss them.  Maybe America’ fascination with breasts is what makes losing one to breast cancer especially difficult. I don’t want to suggest that losing a body part and battling a terrifying disease as not difficult, but losing a breast real... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404094 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:19:08 +0100 3404094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395334&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-reform-a-breast-cancer-victory%2F I am sitting in my family room this Sunday evening listening to the final debate in the House of Representatives over health care reform. It is overwhelming to think that finally there will be a solution to the huge lack of accessible health care for millions of Americans. I am relieved to know that finally in America health care will be a right, and not a privilege. This is an important step in the quest for a cure for breast cancer. No matter what treatment researchers find, it won’t be a cure unless all women have access to it. Those of us that have fought and won our battle with breast cancer won’t be denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition. More women will survive breast cancer because they have screening at a critical early time; Ensuring that all women in America ca... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395334 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:48:42 +0100 3395334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385512&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-funny-surprise-from-breast-cancer%2F There is one positive thing that I can honestly say came out of chemotherapy. It came up with my hairdresser today when she happened to notice that I have great eyebrows. I know it sounds funny, but hey, let me have this one thing. I have always had darker and thicker eyebrows than most women, but not quite as great as Brooke Shields. I was constantly plucking and shaping them and then breast cancer hit. Chemotherapy thinned them out quite a bit, but it couldn’t quite get rid of them. After my hair grew back, my eyebrows took on a new shape – and I couldn’t be happier. So today, my hair dresser commented on how great my eyebrows looked. When I told her I did not have to pluck or shape them ever, I knew she was impressed. We suffer so much through chemotherapy. Many of us struggle wit... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385512 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:05:55 +0100 3385512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378688&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemotherapy-shows-us-at-our-worst%2F The only thing more challenging than living with a teenager is living with a college kid home for spring break. Like most parents I get to see a side of my son that no one else does. If you were to meet the Big Guy you would tell me that I had a polite, charming, intelligent and sensitive young man and congratulate me for raising such a great kid, most people do. If you do meet that kid, please send him home because I think I got the wrong one. Actually though, I need to cut him some slack since he is cranky because of the pain he is experiencing from his recovering knee injury. I can relate to that. When I was going through chemotherapy there were times when I was a little cranky too. Trying to handle chemotherapy and the world at the same time can be a little overwhelming. We are run dow... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378688 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:08:47 +0100 3378688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3362542&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fincluding-family-in-breast-cancer-decisions%2F My son – The Big Guy – injured his knee last fall and had minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus. This is huge in his world because he is a college football player attending school on an athletic scholarship. This past week he injured his knee again and I am beside myself with worry about him, his emotions, and his future. Of course I am not at all concerned about his football, that is the least important to me, but not to him. We have different perspectives and different priorities. Truthfully though this is a minor injury and if we can get him to rest and stay off his knee this should clear on its own, but I still worry. The Big Guy is only 18 and can’t see beyond the next few years. For many of us that face breast cancer we often find that our priorities are different than our fa... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3362542 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +0100 3362542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346653&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhappiness-and-breast-cancer%2F Are you happy? I don’t mean happy with your life, or happy with your job or happy with your mate. I mean are you happy despite everything that might not be great in your life right now? I guess I should ask instead; are you a happy person? When I was thinking about what makes me happy I realized that I don’t need anything to make me happy. I am happy a lot of the time. Not the silly superficial happy, or the happy that comes with always finding people to party with, but really happy. In people who are happy there is just a sense of cheerfulness and optimism. These people have the ability to bounce back from sad and tragic places and move on. We can find the cancer in a body and the lump in a breast, but no one has found where happy resides. Is it in the heart or the head? I do ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346653 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:35:12 +0100 3346653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3327250&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbattling-breast-cancer-with-memories%2F Cancer is a family affair. One life may be affected but all lives are disrupted. When you talk to someone who had a mother or sister or wife or daughter that battled breast cancer, it is plain that they felt the pain of that diagnosis and the fear of loss. It is at those times a family needs to remember all the happy days they had. I think of all the happy days in my family’s life and am grateful that they outweigh the cancer days. Making memories becomes so important for those of us that survive cancer and realize how much those happy days we created before the diagnosis meant to us during the battle. I think this is what is fueling my need for family pictures all over the house. For the past three months I have been buying frames and photo books and even have one wall in the hallw... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3327250 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:34:14 +0100 3327250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322585&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-on-the-run-to-beat-breast-cancer%2F Today I saw a woman jogging through the snow. She made it look like a walk in the park. I took up skiing just last year and love it, I went back to school and aced some college courses but I just can’t jog further than my mail box! I remember with triumph a time when I ran around the block at my parent’s house. That was 15 years ago and I could only do it once. Truly this is a dream of mine; to be able to lace up my Nikes and run for at least 15 minutes straight. All I can say is that when I battled breast cancer, it’s a good thing I didn’t have to out run it. Sometimes in my mind I feel like superwoman. I went a round with cancer and surgery and chemotherapy and I’m still standing, shouldn’t that mean I could at least run a 15 minute a mile? Seriously, this woman looked great.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322585 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:39:51 +0100 3322585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314773&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Feveryone-deserves-a-lifetime%2F I am starting to hear ads in Michigan for the 3-day walk to end breast cancer. Many of you have written to me about your participation in this event and how rewarding it is. The one thing that I love about this year’s ad is the line at the end when the announcer says that “everybody deserves a lifetime.” I am sure that I have heard this line before, but it really hit me this week. The whole medical community, all the research and info sites like everydayhealth.com are dedicated to the premise that everyone deserves a lifetime. No one’s life should be cut short because a tumor began to grow in their breasts. The United States has a 5- year survival rate of over 90%. This is so exciting when you think about it. People are surviving the disease. My concern is how well we recover after... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314773 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:36:43 +0100 3314773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298550&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-and-the-power-of-napping%2F There is new information out of the University of California at Berkley that indicates that napping during the day boosts cognitive power. I like this! I am a napper. I don’t always get the opportunity for a short afternoon nap, but when I need it I take it. It might just be a few minutes before dinner or an evening class but it helps. When we go through chemotherapy or radiation one of the most distressing side effects is fatigue. Usually I worked in the morning and then went to Chemotherapy in the afternoon, returning to work the next day. This resulted in only a half day off from work. After a couple of months I would take the day after chemo off as I began to feel the cumulative effects of months of treatment. That would give me the whole day to rest. I then learned that if I cou... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298550 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:16:14 +0100 3298550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290967&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftaking-inspiration-from-other-breast-cancer-survivors%2F There is a lot of transition in my life right now. I am working on new projects and my husband is refocusing his career while my boys are working on major plans of their own. During times like this, not necessarily bad times, but when I am not the one being able to predict how we will all end up, I feel agitated and overwhelmed. I am not one to back away from risk or change, but I do fantasize about going in my office covering myself with a blanket and sitting under the desk until everything works out. Sounds crazy, but I’ve come a long way from when I used to imagine locking myself in the closet. I didn’t have these feelings when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I really am a fighter. Show me injustice and I’ll speak up, pick on my friend and you pick on me. Take on o... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290967 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:22:33 +0100 3290967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283785&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-it-seasonal-affective-disorder-or-breast-cancer-depression%2F It’s snowing today. Well, it is Michigan. I keep asking my husband, ‘What self-respecting Canadian (me) moves south of the border and stops in Michigan?’ I grew up in northern Ontario where it snowed a lot more than Michigan. The difference in the winter weather between the two places is huge though. In the little city where I grew up we had tons of snow, but we also got a lot of sunshine. The sun shone almost every day in the winter, so much so that our city was called the sunshine capitol of the North. It made for a fun winter. Even though I had a great weekend skiing in the north part of Michigan and we haven’t had near the snow we had last year, I am finding the gloomy winter almost unbearable this year. Usually I muddle through but I have to say that I am battl... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283785 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:08:07 +0100 3283785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339766&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2010-02-11-cancer-treatment%2Ferbitux-erbitux-head-and-neck-cancer%2F Jim’s son is now getting better thanks to his holistic cancer treatments and Erbitux. Erbitux isn’t chemotherapy but in stead are antibodies helping your body to fight the cancer. Pretty logical approach to cure cancer: not using a poisonous chemotherapy in the hope to kill the cancer without killing the person buy making sure your body has an extra advantage in fighting the cancer by "adding antibodies". What is Erbitux? Erbitux is a mouse/human monoclonal antibody – monoclonal meaning all of them are cloned or made originating from the same cell. It is an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor and given by intravenous infusion for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and Erbitux is also known to treat head and neck cancer. Jim’s son is now t... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339766 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:04:57 +0100 3339766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262847&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhy-am-i-keeping-this-wig-after-i-survived-cancer%2F Like a lot of women I know I have fat pants in my closet. You know, the ones you kept from when you were at your heaviest so you can remind yourself how much weight you lost. They are usually one or two sizes bigger than you are now. Only some of us keep them because every now and then our weight creeps back up and we actually need a pair of bigger pants. We refuse to pay for fat clothes because we are convinced the weight will come off again. Some of us never even tell anyone but sisters and close girlfriends about our fat pants. Certainly my husband doesn’t know. When he comes with me to doctor’s offices I don’t even let my husband see the nurse weigh me or check my height; I don’t want to ruin his image of me as tall and thin, which isn’t easy to accomplish... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262847 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:29:19 +0100 3262847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216802&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhat-did-you-learn-from-breast-cancer%2F I had to stand in a long line to pay for my groceries this weekend. Once I finished reading all the covers of the gossip magazines which updated me on the important stuff in the world, I decided to entertain myself by making a mental list of all the things that I learned from having breast cancer. I thought I would share it with you. Breast cancer taught me: That it’s not what you have but who you are that matters. That healthy people get cancer. That good people get cancer. That if life was fair no one would get cancer. That you need to be grateful for the good times. That a real friend is one who calls just to chat when you have cancer. That one great sister is better than twenty good doctors. That there is always something to smile about. That people will tell you your wig looks g... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216802 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:41:52 +0100 3216802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200629&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbuying-shoes-to-get-through-chemo%2F I have decided that I need a pair of red patent leather high heel pumps with a platform. I saw them somewhere a couple of weeks ago and they keep creeping into my thoughts. I have a real weakness for shoes. This doesn’t make me unique as a woman, shoes have a real appeal for most of us. These shoes are pretty sensational though, they are shiny and the perfect shade of tomato red and have at least a four inch heel. I picture them with a skinny pair of jeans (I was envisioning when I was skinnier). Truthfully I didn’t buy them because I sensed they would end up with the rest of my collection of shoes, many of which are still new and in the box. OK, I confess, I am obsessed with shoes and have a very weird relationship with them. They make me happy! Before I had the second surgery... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200629 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:02:09 +0100 3200629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189351&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcancer-patients-need-treatment-but-that-doesnt-mean-we-trust-it%2F There is no way to express the horror I feel over the devastation and human suffering caused by the earthquake in Haiti. It is beyond understanding how these people are coping in the midst of this. I watched the news with real heartbreak as some Haitians refused to eat rations provided off of trucks. One individual took the package and started telling everyone not to eat it as the date said it was expired. People started rejecting the packaged food and throwing it on the ground as the truck drove off. Others chased after the truck begging them to provide more. As friends and family expressed their dismay at this scene, I began to comprehend. Imagine people desperate for food receiving something as foreign to them as a small package of nutrition. There could have been mistrust. Remember, Ha... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189351 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:39:02 +0100 3189351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178952&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcommitting-to-better-health%2F Well it’s my first week back on Weight Watchers and I lost five pounds. I love the program, I always have. There is no reason that I can’t follow the principles of Weight Watchers for the rest of my life except that food gets in the way. Not the good food, but things like potato chips and chocolate. You know that is why Weight Watchers should really work for me because it allows even these things a little at a time. Health takes commitment. It’s easy for me to commit to my family and friends, but I fall down when I commit to me. This is a new decade and I think I really have to make it about me. It is a little cliché, but so true that if you don’t take care of yourself you can’t take care of anyone else. I let myself get run down before Christmas. I ran throu... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178952 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:20:26 +0100 3178952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167403&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fthe-bra-ha-ha%2F My new post on Politics Daily / Woman Up: Regarding my previous post “My Bra? Color Me Furious,” which has clocked in at 1,000+ comments: I guess I hit a nerve. My initial headline was “My Bra? Color Me Dubious.” But who would click on that? Not me. Writers can be so dramatic. (Besides, furious sounds kinda like dubious.) In truth, I’m not so furious anymore. Mostly I’m grateful. And I’m sad about friends who were not so lucky. I miss them. I still love them. My colleague Frances Tobin wrote an excellent post on the Facebook bra-color meme. We bloggers on Politics Daily try to support and respond to each other. Since memes can come and go quicker than strawberry season, I thought I’d better step it up. Can o’ worms? Oh yeah! As a rule, ... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167403 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:31:54 +0100 3167403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3164006&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F01%2F11%2Fmy-bra-color-me-furious%2F My new post on Politics Daily / Woman Up: The bra-color meme that’s sweeping Facebook and allegedly raising awareness of breast cancer got a nice one-two punch from my colleague Frances Tobin. Allow me to pile on. Not for myself, but for friends I’ve watched face this beast. Many of them aren’t wearing bras of any color because their breasts are long gone. Instead they might be wearing a lymphedema sleeve on their arms, sometimes for the rest of their lives. As a member of the all-too-exclusive club of long-term ovarian cancer survivors, let me first say I used to resent the enormous amount of attention breast cancer got over other cancers. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (also known as “pink nausea” by certain folks) seemed to begin in late July and end in lat... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3164006 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:31:15 +0100 3164006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149274&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-the-front-lines-in-the-battle-against-breast-cancer%2F I’m at four month visits with my oncologist now. After five years of trotting off to the same office, I still look forward to visiting my old support network that saw me through chemotherapy. It appears though that after five years, the old support staff has changed. The oncology nurses that hooked me up to the drip bags have all moved on to other jobs and I didn’t recognize anyone in the chemo clinic this visit. Maybe that’s a good thing. Nothing to link me to the chemo period. This visit I met with my doctor’s physician assistant. She checked me out and told me everything looked good, gave me my prescription for a chest x-ray and sent me to the chemo clinic for a blood sample. Before she finished though she advised me that I was finishing with Tamoxifen this month... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149274 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:37:25 +0100 3149274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142785&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsurviving-breast-cancer-to-celebrate-another-year%2F Happy New Year! What are you going to do with this new year, this new decade? A new year is like a clean sheet of paper just waiting to be written on and you get to choose the story that gets written. Breast cancer may have impacted the last decade of your life, or maybe you’re still not quite through the battle but the new decade is marching in so get ready for great things. That is the one problem I have had with being a survivor, the idea that something great is going to happen to make up for the fact that I had breast cancer. Each birthday, each new year is supposed to be this milestone or a marker for something special I’m supposed to do. The wisdom I have gained these past years though informs me that something great does happen each time one of these milestones is reache... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142785 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:54:56 +0100 3142785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119027&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsurvive-and-rejoice-this-christmas%2F Another Christmas to rejoice! As breast cancer survivors, Christmas provides another milestone each year. More importantly we can look to those we love and cherish our moments with them. I wish you and your family the happiest of Christmases and the joy you deserve. (Source: Life with Breast Cancer) Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119027 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:44:42 +0100 3119027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105248&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmemorials-to-the-battle-with-breast-cancer%2F Almost all breast cancer survivors can remember where they were, the day and the time when they heard the words “you have breast cancer.” Lately I haven’t thought about this very much, but the other day I drove by the building that housed the clinic where my doctor was, and where I was the day she told me I had breast cancer. But, this is Michigan and now that building like many others here is empty and for lease. That morning, (the one when I heard “those” words) I dropped my husband off at the airport which is only about three miles from the doctor’s office. He had to take a flight at 11:00 and my doctor’s appointment was at the same time. He had to be away for work and though he wanted to be at my appointment I made it clear he needed to go and that I would be ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105248 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:52:13 +0100 3105248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089504&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbad-habits-and-breast-cancer%2F Both my boys are living away from home now and I am finding it hard to get motivated for the Christmas season. This used to be such a huge holiday for me. I have been so busy this fall with working and taking classes at college that the fall has zoomed by. The other thing that has happened is that I have fallen back into some pretty bad habits. I am not eating as well as I should since junk food and fast food drive ups seem to fit my schedule better. This is not good. Every now and then I get that little nudge from that little voice that reminds me that I can’t take my health for granted. Breast cancer survivors know what I mean. We had our warning and we need to heed it. Especially now that I am a half century old, my health matters. Although I have not been eating that well or exer... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089504 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:06:36 +0100 3089504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075728&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flosing-health-care-in-the-middle-of-chemo%2F Those of us that have been through treatment for breast cancer know how complicated it can be to have to deal with insurance companies to make sure you are covered for tests, surgery and office visits, it can be a nightmare to navigate through. My personal nightmare is all about losing health insurance coverage in the middle of chemo. When I was in my third month of chemotherapy, my husband’s job situation changed. That meant that after 30 days we would have to choose COBRA or be without health insurance. I still had several more chemotherapy sessions scheduled. So we chose COBRA. I have told this story before, but it helps people understand why I am so committed to health care reform. It is because in the middle of chemotherapy I had to find an additional 1200.00 dollars a month to ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075728 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:23:54 +0100 3075728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3030060&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fholidays-bring-hope%2F Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday season. The Thanksgiving and Christmas that I celebrated while undergoing chemotherapy were special for me because I was so glad to have the hope of beating breast cancer. This is a season of hope. It is a time to be grateful too. When we take these moments to focus on the best part of our lives and who we are, we are showing breast cancer who is the victor and that none of us are victims. Blessings to you and your family for this Thanksgiving Kathy-Ellen (Source: Life with Breast Cancer) Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3030060 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:58:44 +0100 3030060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999815&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F11%2F17%2Fyou-and-me-and-cancer-makes-three%2F My new post on Politics Daily / Woman Up: Melinda, I wish you were correct. Junk science, you say – the study showing men will dump sick women with a six-fold greater frequency than women will dump sick men. Eight years ago I happened to read about a similar study that showed a four-fold disadvantage for sick women. That tidbit did me no favors when, just weeks later, I was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer. Cancer threw me for such a loop that had it been humanly possible, I would have divorced my cancer and promptly fallen in love with anyone who represented the opposite of this hideous disease. But I was stuck. Not so, my husband. I got it. I just didn’t like it… Read the rest on AOL. You and Me and Cancer Makes Three. Posted in Cancer, Politics Daily Tagged: div... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999815 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:22 +0100 2999815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999779&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-and-hot-flashes%2F I have been on Tamoxifen going on five years now, after you account for the breaks I took. At first I experienced hot flashes as a side effect. For the past several months I have to say that the hot flashes have really tapered off. This past week though I noticed that the hot flashes have returned with a vengeance. It seems odd, but I think I know why. I even wrote about this before. My husband is your typical football fan. He loves to spend the weekend clicking from college football games on Saturday to pro football games on Sunday and every game in between. In order to accommodate sitting through 36 hours of football he likes to snack – recreational eating he calls it. One of his favorite snacks is fried spicy hot wings. He buys them frozen and sticks them in the oven with pizza snacks... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999779 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:57:36 +0100 2999779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984990&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F11%2F10%2Fthe-war-within%2F [Ed. note: First posted on August 5, 2008. Reposted for Veterans Day 2009.] I just finished watching the final episode of The War, the 15-hour Ken Burns documentary on World War II that premiered almost a year ago. Last night I watched episode five, FUBAR, which seemed long and padded. The show swung wildly from prosaic observations that did nothing to deepen my understanding of war to monologues that just about broke my heart. And then back to the kind of “meh” narration that gives documentaries a bad name. Tonight I had the fast forward button at the ready. Didn’t use it. The finale, A World Without War, was packed: The fall of Berlin, the Holocaust, the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, Okinawa, the dropping of the atomic bomb, the liberation of prisoners of war in Jap... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984990 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:18:07 +0100 2984990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959039&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fcancer-patient-boot-camp%2F Cartoon by Robert & Donna Trussell © 2009 Posted in Cancer Tagged: cancer cartoon, cancer humor, cancer patient, cancer survivor, chemo humor, kick cancer's ass, lance armstrong, medical cartoon, medical humor, robert trussell (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959039 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:07:32 +0100 2959039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924940&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F10%2F24%2Fchaos-theory-cancer-patient-boot-camp%2F New cartoon by Trussell & Trussell on AOL’s Politics Daily: Cancer Patient Boot Camp. Posted in Cancer, Politics Daily Tagged: cancer cartoon, cancer patient, cancer survivor, cancer treatment, chemo, humor, lance armstrong (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924940 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:56:45 +0100 2924940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3122177&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-10-07-cancer-treatment%2Fnow-what-just-diagnosed-with-metastatic-liver-cancer%2F There are 2 directions you can go when you are diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer: live or die. We share stories of cancer patients that went one way and the other.   What are your 2 options?   Against all odds you can try to beat your cancer: holistic cancer treatment. Going with the flow you accept you are going to die in less than 6 months: palliative care.   1. How to treat metastatic liver cancer?   First and foremost you need to believe you can cure your cancer, as much as you believe that the sun will rise tomorrow.   Unfortunately your doctors will advice you not to cure the cancer because in their experience they never met any metastatic liver cancer survivor, nor is there any known ‘fast lane’ cancer treatment to cure secondary cancer. ... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3122177 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:12:26 +0100 3122177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809864&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-chicken-catcher-vsthe-opera-singer-and-cancer-survivor%2F Kudos to the winner of America’s Got Talent, but I’m not sure he deserved to win. His talent was marginal at best, so I have to say that people were swayed by his story. An unemployed chicken catcher with a family to support who sang to his wife was America’s choice to win the million dollar prize and a show in Vegas. It seems the sister dance team or the over-the-top percussion team would make a greater show in Vegas, but Americans weren’t going for that. It even appeared that America was going to select the remarkably talented opera singer who had overcome cancer when the final two stood side by side. But no, America wanted the chicken catcher. Isn’t that how it goes sometimes? You know how it should be, you sense what would make a better story, but it doesn... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809864 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:43:09 +0100 2809864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3122178&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-09-16-cancer-treatment%2Fjims-son-happy-1-year-metastatic-liver-cancer-anniversary%2F Update by Jim on his son’s battle with metastatic liver cancer – primary colon cancer – (read the whole cancer story at Jim’s son’s victory over metastatic liver cancer).   Tomorrow will the first anniversary of my son’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer with liver mets, and today he has just had his 15th round of colon cancer chemotherapy. His is still on Oxalyplatin and Xeloda; therefore he is still with us, and in good spirits even though he has his ‘down’ days about one week after the intravenous colon cancer treatment.   We found out the other day that he is still in stage IV but the cancer is not advancing and the oncologist said on Monday that he is surprised at his condition considering the severity of the illness. His blood pictures are g... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3122178 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:54:00 +0100 3122178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789168&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Foncology-appointments-and-co-pays%2F Last week I had my regular oncologist appointment. My appointments are now four months apart instead of three months. I had the usual blood pressure check, review of medication and blood tests. The doctor also palpated for any lumps and listened to my lungs through a stethoscope. The usual stuff. She also checked my chart for my last chest X-ray and gave me a script since it’s been over a year and a half. That is something that I don’t like. I have the same discussion every visit about the necessity of X-rays and whether they can promote cancer. The response is always the same one about how these x-rays have very little radiation and it is important to monitor my lungs. This time I also wanted to know the increased risks for another cancer because of chemotherapy. My father wen... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789168 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:24:25 +0100 2789168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778655&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-wall-of-honor-post-your-thoughts-and-memorials-here%2F Beneath every breast cancer diagnosis is a beating courageous heart. Breast cancer has proven it does not discriminate based on race, class, intelligence, beauty or even gender. It strikes at our home, our community and doesn’t spare our loved ones. Whether ourselves, a friend, a colleague or family member, we feel the heartache and pain that comes with the disease. As often as breast cancer wields its hideous reality in someone’s life, just as often that person rises to the challenge and inspires us beyond the heartache. There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in America. Women who have fought the good fight and have won. There are precious souls too who have fought the battle and have lost but they are no less special in the memories of those who loved them. In tru... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778655 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:08:21 +0100 2778655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737980&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-cure-for-breast-cancer-in-two-years%2F So here I am sitting and listening to the late night local news. The newscaster suddenly announces that a potential cure for cancer may be only two years away. At first I am stunned as he explains how researchers in Britain have isolated molecules that allow cancer cells to spread which could lead to drugs to turn off the process. Then I realize that he used the word “cure” and not “treatment.” This makes me cry, bawl in fact. A real cure for breast cancer could be imminent and I had no idea how emotional I would be about this possibility becoming a reality. I have been watching TV for most of the night and I should consider the night wasted, but instead I am elated. I was caught up with the show “America’s Got Talent” because of a young woman named Barbara Padilla. This ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737980 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:03:52 +0100 2737980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730325&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-reform-and-breast-cancer%2F Too many women are still finding breast cancer too late only because they don’t have insurance and can’t afford regular check-ups. Even with the best hospitals, treatment facilities, medicine, doctors and follow up care in the world, it is not helping those who don’t have access to it. Several of the comments that were posted to my blog last week on genetic testing were from people desperate for the test, needing it, but not able to afford it. It may appear that I have been silent about health care but the truth is that I have been discussing it on another forum. I have had the opportunity to participate in a panel to discuss health care reform on The Washington Post’s Web site. As a member of the panel I get to give my views on a weekly question concerning health c... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730325 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:46:37 +0100 2730325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709365&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fweight-lifting-to-alleviate-lymphedema%2F This study pretty much gives me the go ahead. That means I could develop arms as lovely as Michelle Obama’s! Kathy-Ellen (Source: Life with Breast Cancer) Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709365 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:38:53 +0100 2709365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688868&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fconcern-for-your-family-if-you-are-a-brca-gene-carrier%2F Being diagnosed with the BRCA II gene mutation for breast cancer answers a lot of questions for me. For one thing it helps me to understand how I could have been so careful with my health and yet developed breast cancer. I don’t have to wonder what I should have done to prevent it. To some extent we all ask that question after diagnosis wondering how we could have avoided developing the disease, but as my surgeon said “Cancer is not your fault.” I never believed it was, but nonetheless having a predisposition to the cancer still provides me with some insight. It also gives me something more to consider. I have been considering how the hereditary factor may affect my children. I wrote a couple of weeks ago about “the Big Guy” asking me if the cancer I had was ran in th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688868 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:08:57 +0100 2688868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2662625&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F08%2F01%2Flong-strange-trip-grand-canyon%2F Writer and cancer survivor Donna Trussell at the Grand Canyon [Ed. note: Continued from Long Strange Trip: Get Your Kicks.] Ask anyone and they’ll tell you they’ll never forget their first sight of the Grand Canyon. I was 13 years old, and what struck me most was the depth and breadth of the canyon. For a girl from a Dallas suburb, the moment was literally breathtaking. The canyon is so large that the Colorado River looks like a trickle, as it did to the first explorers. Untrue, we now know. Maybe someday we’ll have the technology to recreate such vistas, but for now the axiom “pictures don’t do it justice” applies to no other place on earth as it does to the Grand Canyon. The iconic El Tovar and other hotels within the park had no vacancies — not sur... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2662625 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:02:41 +0100 2662625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3122180&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-07-31-cancer-treatment%2Fhow-to-beat-metastatic-liver-cancer%2F What can 4 weddings and a funeral teach us about metastatic liver cancer? Shouldn’t it more be like 4 funerals and a wedding?   No it shouldn’t!   Metastatic liver cancer treatment   We just got 3 updates, 2 from metastatic liver cancer survivors and one from a person who wants to survive metastatic liver cancer.   Let’s start with Jim’s son’s metastatic liver cancer: see his comment at Jim’s son’s victory over metastatic liver cancer.   It has been 10 months since my son was diagnosed with liver mets and colon cancer and he is still with us thank God. He is on his 10th round of chemo therapy and has had is oral chemo increased to 1500mg/day. He is doing ok and is in good spirits even though some days he is down. His cancer... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3122180 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:33:52 +0100 3122180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2634627&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F07%2F23%2Flong-strange-trip-albuquerque%2F [Ed. note: Continuation of Long Strange Trip, about my journey with Linda Elizondo, a friend from my college days and a fellow cancer survivor. Accompanying Linda is her son Danny Chowla and his friend Montana Sergeant.] Montana Sergeant & Danny Chowla Albuquerque, the first stop on our journey, welcomes us with desert, then mountains, then the Southwest’s signature archways, red tile roofs and the color teal. We detrain and hail a cab with a cavernous trunk. We’ll need every inch. Overpacking must afflict all but the most seasoned travelers. Every time I return home I swear I’ll never do it again, but somehow I always do. Our bed & breakfast is located in the heart of downtown in a Victorian mansion that dates back to the 1800s. Because we have two kids in tow, w... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2634627 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:13:05 +0100 2634627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614042&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Flong-strange-trip%2F Watching the sun rise at home might mean a sleepless night followed by what will surely be a lethargic day. But on a train, ushering in the dawn is a badge of honor. Most of us in the lounge car at 5:00 in the morning could not sleep in coach or even in the roomette. Our compensation was the dramatic landscape that inspired novelist Willa Cather accented by a deepening pink and coral sky. As we awaited the opening of the dining car – and that first cup of coffee – the night conductor walked back and forth, preparing to detrain in Dodge City. To sleep, he said. “Tonight I have to do this all over again.” Soon the tsunami of teenaged boy scouts began assembling for breakfast along with their eager leaders. These men not only agree to supervise thousands of teenagers f... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614042 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2614042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594600&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-connection-between-sleep-and-cancer%2F The one thing I don’t take for granted is my ability to sleep. I think I am gifted with a sleep gene. I can sleep in the car, on a plane, in the airport, in the rain… well you get what I mean. Even bad news and worry don’t usually interfere with my sleep. I think I handled chemotherapy pretty well in part because no matter how I felt I got a good night’s sleep the night before and the night after. The down side is that if something like noise or circumstance interferes with my sleep I get really cranky. I have always believed that good sleep was a huge part of staying healthy. I instilled good sleep habits in my boys and even made sure the dog knew when to go to sleep. After marrying my husband I got him off the habit of falling asleep with the TV on. My house has t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594600 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:17:16 +0100 2594600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556324&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhen-do-you-quit-the-fight-against-cancer%2F “You are not finished when you lose, you are finished when you quit.” That is a quote that has stuck with me for years, but I can’t tell you where it comes from. It is timely as I think about the death of Farrah Fawcett. Farrah may have lost her battle with cancer, but she never quit. During high school, all the girls wanted to look like Farrah. Some of the girls succeeded in copying her tousled locks, and some of them - like me - didn’t no matter how hard we worked at it. Then at college, almost 4 out of 5 guys had her poster on their wall. She was an icon for my generation and so it is disturbing to lose her to a horrible bout with cancer. Her battle with anal cancer is well known and also well documented by Farrah herself in a documentary she worked on during h... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556324 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:24:20 +0100 2556324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512828&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Freaching-milestones-after-breast-cancer%2F Another significant milestone in my life has been reached. Last Friday I had my 50th birthday! I share my birthday with my husband, who is a couple of years older, but having been born on the same day assures me that he won’t ever forget it. For breast cancer survivors decade birthdays like this one really do mean something, we cherish each year after our diagnosis and generally don’t take them for granted. To mark my new decade I have finally decided on staying blonde and will soon have a new picture on my blog to show the new (and older) me. My updated photo I don’t feel any different than I did last year and last year I didn’t feel like I was as old as 49. Women have come a long way and I think we age a lot different than our mothers did. I do have to admit though that my mom h... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512828 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:50:32 +0100 2512828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2474084&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-pat-on-the-back-for-breast-cancer-survivors%2F Wow! What a whirlwind time for me. The Big Guy just went thorough his graduation week. It started May 29 with his prom. He had a date and wore a white tuxedo. Then he had the honors convocation where he got to wear a satin striped collar, white cord and white tassel instead of the school colors. We credit Bobby his stepdad with getting him to study and ultimately graduate with honors, I am one of those moms that is charmed with crayons and construction paper so not a big help in pushing for better grades. Then he had an athletic banquet where he was awarded all area first team for discus throwing. On Saturday we sat through the pomp and ceremony of the main convocation where again he wore the white tassel and special get-up and finally finished the whole shebang with a graduation celebrati... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2474084 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:05:11 +0100 2474084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464394&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fanxiety-and-breast-cancer%2F Stress is hard on the body. In past blogs I have eluded to the role I believe stress may have played in my developing breast cancer, recently though I have been dealing more with anxiety.  Anxiety was something I battled when I was first diagnosed. There is a difference between anxiety and stress although both are brutal to deal with. Stress I believe comes from dealing with overwhelming circumstances. Anxiety is different in that it is fear of the future. Breast cancer provides an environment for both to flourish. Trying to manage a busy life and family while undergoing treatment and battling the disease causes stress for many. Worrying about what will happen from treatment or how breast cancer will affect your life is the anxiety that comes with the diagnosis. The fear that causes anxie... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464394 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:34:45 +0100 2464394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458183&cid=t_111722_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FjGNK_-1HyUg%2F Cancer victim or cancer survivor? Which term do you prefer to use if you’ve had cancer? While I’ve not been touched personally by the disease, I would guess that most would prefer cancer survivor because that’s what you did or are doing - surviving the horrible disease. Today, June 7, it National Cancer Survivors Day and it’s the 22nd annual Cancer Survivors Day. According to the Cancer Survivors website , National Cancer Survivors Day is held annually in hundreds of communities throughout the world on the first Sunday in June. It is a symbolic event to demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a “survivor” as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnos... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458183 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:45:47 +0100 2458183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458453&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F05%2Fshe-was-told-ovarian-cancer-patients-don%25e2%2580%2599t-live-long-enough-to-have-support-groups-gloria-johns-proved-otherwise%2F Every so often, you come across a story of hope, courage, and dogged perseverance that renews the spirit and lifts the soul.  Gloria Johns’ story is a classic example.  Gloria Johns is a 61 year old stage IV ovarian cancer survivor, who has battled the disease for nine years through five cancer recurrences.  When Gloria [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458453 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:47:52 +0100 2458453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453065&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F06%2F03%2Fcancer-survivor-manifesto%2F Kate Winslet & Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) “I am not a concept.” Famous last words from Clementine, aka the glorious Kate Winslet in the best love story you’ve never seen, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Like Clementine, I too am not a concept, but I am sometimes treated like one. I am a cancer survivor, but I am not brave. I’m chicken. That can be a good thing, though. I can be a very squeaky wheel. When you have cancer, even the smallest advantage counts. I am a cancer survivor, but I will not make a better friend to you than someone who is not. Most likely I’ll be worse. I have been traumatized. I can be mean. I can find fault with almost anything you say or do. And you can’t get me on it, because I’m al... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453065 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:16:40 +0100 2453065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442581&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Frunning-from-chemotherapy%2F Remember those days when you woke up and realized that it was the day you had been dreading? The day when you had to go for chemotherapy? Well then, you probably remember once or twice wondering what would happen if you just didn’t show up. You knew the doctor might call you and maybe family and friends would offer to take you so you didn’t have to go alone, but beyond that it really was your will that got you to go for your treatments. Imagine then if you decided not to go for chemotherapy and the police showed up to take you. That’s the startling reality for Daniel Hauser, the young 13-year-old boy who ran away recently with his mother to avoid having chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Those of us that have been through chemotherapy can imagine the desperate hope of that boy to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442581 Fri, 29 May 2009 21:11:50 +0100 2442581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593222&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-05-20-cancer-treatment%2Fcolon-cancer-survivor%2F Update on Jim’s’ son: both colon cancer survivor and metastatic liver cancer survivor.   We urge all colon cancer survivors and all metastatic liver cancer survivors to share their experience in order to inspire others that are going the same road.   We thank Jim for his continuous updates about his son, who was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer September 2008, spread from the colon both to the liver and the lungs.   Jim’s’ son’s aunt is a certified oncology nurse who insist Jim’s’ son keeps on taking a Grifola mushroom compound, because one of her patients who couldn’t afford the mushroom compound saw her cancers coming back.   We stress that Grifola mushroom (see picture above) also known as Maitake in Japan or "Grifola... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593222 Wed, 20 May 2009 06:44:52 +0100 2593222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442583&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-regrets-about-my-breast-reconstruction%2F Breast reconstruction is a huge part of the decision many survivors make when deciding on mastectomy or lumpectomy. I had a mastectomy and then a year and a half later had reconstruction. The DIEP flap surgery that I had that involved removal of the healthy breast and replacing both with tissue from my tummy has proven over time to have been a great decision for me. I love that I have real breast lumps and that I look and feel normal. With summer coming I, like many women, am reassessing my body which includes yet another attempt to take off those pounds that crept on over the long, long winter in Michigan. This year though I am really motivated to get the final touches done to my breast reconstruction. I still need nipples and areolas. A final reshaping of one breast is required too but I... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442583 Mon, 18 May 2009 20:58:15 +0100 2442583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415731&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-regrest-about-my-breast-reconstruction%2F Breast reconstruction is a huge part of the decision many survivors make when deciding on mastectomy or lumpectomy. I had a mastectomy and then a year and a half later had reconstruction. The DIEP flap surgery that I had that involved removal of the healthy breast and replacing both with tissue from my tummy has proven over time to have been a great decision for me. I love that I have real breast lumps and that I look and feel normal. With summer coming I, like many women, am reassessing my body which includes yet another attempt to take off those pounds that crept on over the long, long winter in Michigan. This year though I am really motivated to get the final touches done to my breast reconstruction. I still need nipples and areolas. A final reshaping of one breast is required too but I... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415731 Mon, 18 May 2009 20:58:15 +0100 2415731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405975&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F14%2Fhusbands-love-for-wife-inspires-a-9000-mile-bike-trek-to-raise-money-for-ovarian-cancer-awareness-cancer-prevention%2F On May 15, 2009, Craig Broeder Ph.D., FACSM, FNAASO will embark upon a 100-day bike trek that will take him to 32 U.S. cities as part of  a 9,000 mile circumnavigation of the U.S.  Since July 2008, Craig has been planning this trip to honor his wife, Kay, in her 20th year of surviving clear [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405975 Thu, 14 May 2009 23:13:35 +0100 2405975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2406024&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhaving-an-identity-crisis-after-breast-cancer%2F My picture on the bio for this blog was taken about three years ago. In it, as you can see, I have long flowing glossy brown hair. I like the picture and the hair, but it’s not really me. I have been a blonde for most of my life. I was a tow head as a child (white-blonde locks) and as it darkened during my teenage years I learned that squeezing lemon in it along with other drugstore products lightened it up. As I got older I could afford to go to a hair dresser to keep my natural blonde color bright and brassy. Being diagnosed with breast cancer provided an odd opportunity to try out the other side of life…as a brunette. As my hair grew in dark and curly it looked kind of interesting. As it got longer and the curl gave up, it still was fun to have a different look. Family and frien... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2406024 Wed, 13 May 2009 20:40:19 +0100 2406024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2406025&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fside-effects-from-breast-cancer-treatment%2F When I complain to friends about brain functioning issues or eyesight changes due to breast cancer treatment, they generally look at me with the “I know” look and explain that it is all a part of aging. They feel that they experience it too and I just have to accept that it happens to everyone; that it is not because I had breast cancer. I am convinced though that I suffer from chemo brain and that is why my memory lacks and my cognitive functioning isn’t as acute as it once was. In addition, I have often complained of vision changes over the past several years and I am sure it is related to treatment as well. I have suspected that Tamoxifen may play a role. I, like many women my age need reading glasses, but I also have problems with light sensitivity and night vision. I went from a... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2406025 Mon, 11 May 2009 18:56:57 +0100 2406025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399145&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemo-brain-and-stress%2F I’ve been focusing on stress a lot lately in this blog.  As if stress isn’t bad enough, couple it with chemo brain and I’m having a bad week! I have written about chemo brain often over the past three years of blogging. Those of us that experienced it after chemotherapy treatments are finding that there are lingering symptoms of fuzzy brain, forgetfulness and mixed up words and thoughts. At my middle age it’s easy to write it off to age, but because these symptoms assaulted me right after I went through chemotherapy, I have remained suspicious. These past months, maybe because I am managing the symptoms better, I found they were lessoning. Lately though as I have been dealing with stressful situations, I have found stress has exacerbated the cognitive problems. I have to wonde... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399145 Fri, 08 May 2009 17:37:13 +0100 2399145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593223&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-05-08-cancer-treatment%2Fcolon-cancer-treatment-2%2F   All medical info and patients experiences related to colon cancer treatment in order to better follow the discussion between Lisa whose dad had colon cancer and Mag whose father underwent colon cancer surgery 2 weeks ago.   Read first what doctors can tell you about colon cancer treatments and read more below many cancer stories about patients and their loved ones needing to deal with colon cancer.   Notice that:   in a conventional medicine prognosis, the patient’s general health comes last  in all our cancer survival stories we stress on doing everything you can to improve your general health first!   Wikipedia also has a huge coverage about colorectal cancer.   Colon cancer treatments according to your doctor   Prognosis or chance of re... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593223 Fri, 08 May 2009 05:41:32 +0100 2593223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390304&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmore-on-stress-and-breast-cancer%2F This was a great weekend to relieve stress. The weather was great, the trees are greening up and the sun was shining. The thing I loved best was that I got to set up my fish pond. About four years ago my eldest son dug a hole in my yard and put in a pond liner for me. I loved it and enjoyed selecting the fish and listening to the water. Sadly, last fall it began to leak and had to be replaced. This weekend we finally got the new pond in. The big job is arranging the field stone around the border and placing the river rock so that the water will trickle down into the pond making a lovely sound and aerating the pool for the fish. A friend brought me a turtle and I’m waiting for the toads that come each year to lay eggs. In fact the toads were the motivation to get it done quickly; I didn�... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390304 Mon, 04 May 2009 20:12:09 +0100 2390304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2387129&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F03%2Fa-wish-to-build-a-dream-on%2F Karen Marquadt is an ovarian cancer survivor. On April 13, 2009, Karen’s oncologist informed her that she had only three weeks to live.  Throughout her life, Karen had one dream:  To attend a legendary Bruce Springsteen live concert and actually meet “The Boss.” …The Dream Foundation is the first and largest national nonprofit wish-granting organization [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2387129 Mon, 04 May 2009 03:50:30 +0100 2387129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382769&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmeditation-for-stress-and-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Years ago I discovered meditation as a method to reduce stress. I always thought there was some secret to it involving Far Eastern chants and pretzel poses. I actually fell into a method of meditation that worked for me and now describe it as a place in your mind to retreat to for peace and calm. It started by realizing that I needed to get away but didn’t have the means or resources to do that.   So I took a few moments one morning to imagine a place that would provide complete calm away from my world. See, it doesn’t sound eerie or bizarre in any way! The place that came to me was a room overlooking the ocean with two balcony doors wide open to the outside with gauze curtain panels blowing in the breeze.  The best part about my envisioned room was that the only furniture in the roo... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382769 Fri, 01 May 2009 17:52:10 +0100 2382769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376715&cid=t_111722_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-true-breast-cancer-hero%2F It was a great weekend finally as far as weather is concerned in southeast Michigan. Although the warm weather brought in some late day thunderstorms, we got almost two days of sun. I got to work on my yard and set up my pond for the season, but I also took some time out for a boat ride with my husband. We take the boat out to the Detroit River through a canal from the marina. We also have to pass by a city park where people line the water to fish. I have to say the highlight of the ride was having the opportunity to cruise by the most amazing woman who was fishing by the river. She was sitting with her husband with her fishing pole set into the water. I’ll never forget her fabulous smile as she waved to me while we passed by in the boat. This woman had the ability in that moment to show... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376715 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:18:10 +0100 2376715