Filed under: All Cancers , Research , Daily news Antiretroviral drugs, used to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, are now believed to cause genetic damage in infants. This damage, leading to an increased risk of developing cancer, makes it highly plausible these children may be diagnosed with the disease in mid and late adulthood. Two new studies indicate there are cancer-causing effects of transplacental exposure to AZT, an antiretroviral drug. These effects -- like increased incidence of tumors and tumors with genetic changes -- have been demonstrated in mice and rats and seem to be cause for concern in humans too. "The cumulative mutagenesis data suggest that infants exposed transplacentally to AZT may be at increased risk for cancer as they age," said one researcher, whose findings are published in Environment and Molecular Mutagenesis. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Skin Cancer , Melanoma , Celebrity news Usually, when we announce a celebrity is raising awareness for cancer, it is the result of a news release that the celebrity has joined a cancer foundation in an effort to lend a higher visibility to the campaign. In the case of actress Julia Roberts, it appears simply having your photo taken is enough to raise awareness about cancer. At a Hollywood tribute to George Clooney, photographers noticed a mole on her right breast which led to a cancer expert urging Roberts to get it checked out. A dermatologist is suggesting that it looks like a scar resulting from the removal of a mole, according to the movie and entertainment reporting of the incident. Do you think celebrities ever get fish-bowl claustrophobia from such intense scrutiny and unsolicited advice into their private life? Roberts strikes me as an intelligent woman, and I would wager she is aware of her mysterious mole and has sought medical attention for it. However unintended, this latest gossip buzz does raise concern into what might qualify as a suspicious-looking mole likely to warrant medical attention. The warning signs of a mole that can cause cancer concern are: Asymmetry -- One side of the mole does not match the other side of the mole and appears uneven. Border -- The edge of the mole has a ragged or irregular border. Color -- The color of the mole is uneven and varies in shade. Diameter -- A mole bigger than a pencil eraser. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common and malignant melanoma can be the most deadly if not caught in its earliest stage. This year in the US, more than one million people will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, and 62,190 will be diagnosed with melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society. For more information on skin cancer related posts, visit Melanoma and Skin Cancer . Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Dalene Entenmann , Bloggers And now it is time for a well-deserved introduction to Dalene Entenmann, Life Sciences lead blogger. Dalene not only writes her heart out for the blogs she manages -- The Cancer Blog , The Diabetes Blog , and The Cardio Blog -- she also guides and enlightens and inspires those of us she leads to represent through words all sorts of topics pertaining to these health issues. It is my pleasure to share with you today words that come straight from Dalene -- words that capture the spirit and passion of this talented woman. So without further ado, I introduce you to breast cancer survivor and writer extraordinaire Dalene Entenmann. When did you become a Life Sciences blogger? February 2006. In May 2006, I became the Life Sciences lead blogger. As a writer and a blogger, it has been a dream job and a phenomenal opportunity to get paid to do what I love to do. How has cancer touched your life? In March 2002, I found a lump in my breast while showering. In May 2002, one week before Mother's Day, I was diagnosed with stage 2 infiltrating lobular breast cancer and positive node involvement. The 2.5 cm tumor had a moderately differentiated tumor grade and the surgical margin was compromised. In addition, I had other suspicious calcifications in both breasts. I was 47. The day I was given my personal copy of the pathology report, I folded it up and slipped it into my Day Planner. It has been there ever since. At the time of diagnosis, my prognosis was not the best one you can get if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. It wasn't the worst one either. In the last four-and-a-half years, I have re-read the report from time to time. All the feelings I felt the first time I read it come back full force. It is a reminder of how blessed I am in how far I have been able to come. I am still here. My children have not had to attend the funeral of their mother. My gratitude for being a cancer survivor is tempered with survivor's guilt. There is a part of my heart that is, and will remain, heavy with sadness and loss that all cancer patients do not survive. I cannot seem to accept the inequity. Needless to say, the life I had always known stopped the day I was diagnosed with cancer and was transformed in challenging and interesting ways I could not have imagined ahead of time. What advice would you give the newly-diagnosed cancer patient? Although surviving cancer is a mysterious process to me -- because I do not understand why some of us survive when others do not -- in Cancer Go Away and 5 ways to create hope I wrote about some of the things I did when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Believe in your healers -- then have faith they will do everything they can, as expertly as they can, to help you heal. Know your options -- you may not like your options but you must always realize that you have options. Know you are not alone. Never accept blame -- do not blame yourself or allow others to suggest that somehow you caused your cancer. Accept responsibility for the changes you can make to help with your healing, but never accept blame. What advice would you give loved ones of someone diagnosed with cancer? Just be there. Go with them wherever they need to go. Be a listener. Don't worry about doing the wrong thing or saying the wrong thing. Your love will shine through. What advice would you give cancer survivors? That cancer is something that happened to you but is not a part of who you are -- do not own the cancer -- try not to allow it to define you. You are bigger than the cancer. Because I allowed my fear to run away with me on more than one occasion, I share this well-earned advice: try not to panic. If you spent the entire day gardening, and at the end of the day you feel all achy and sore, it doesn't mean you have bone cancer. Not every headache is a brain tumor. Surround yourself with things that are life-affirming. Each day, find something that inspires you. A quote, a sunrise, the giggling laughter of a child. Each day, take a humor break. What are some of your favorite quotes: "We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one's predicament into a human achievement." -- Viktor E. Frankl from Man's Search For Meaning "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." -- The Dalai Lama "The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love." -- William Sloane Coffin, Jr. "All that glitters is not gold. Not all those who wander are lost. The old that is strong does not wither. Deep roots are not reached by the frost." -- Tolkien Name three books you would recommend for those touched by cancer: Any book Bernie Siegel has written. Pronoia by Rob Brezsney. A blank journal to tell your own story. Who inspires you? My three children -- each one of them is a uniquely fascinating, intelligent, talented and authentic human being with an exquisite spirit and heart that extends into this world and lights it up brighter than it ever would have been otherwise. My husband for his hilarious sense of humor and for his calm response to my impassioned approach to life. The pioneering independence and courage of the women and men who are my ancestors. The women I call sisters in survivorship who possess a profound tender vulnerability and at the same time, a strength as tough as steel. All people who are working to make this world a better place. What inspires you? The goodness of people. When you are not writing for TCB, what do you do? I am trying to find more balance, and a shift into activities that reflect the future I envision for myself. Cancer overshadowed my perspective and hijacked the direction I was headed in before the diagnosis of breast cancer. I truthfully cannot remember where I was going before cancer. Right now, I am working on launching a blog about the creativity, comfort and charm of cottage life and in the middle of writing an almanac. I love to spend time in the kitchen adapting recipes, cooking, gardening and creating healing home environments. Visit Meet the Bloggers to read about the other fabulous bloggers who make up the our health blogs team. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Television , Cancer Survivors Celebrities catch our attention. They cause us to pay attention too -- which is likely why the media uses celebrities and prominent people to send messages about all sorts of issues, like breast cancer. It's not just the real-life survivor celebrity stories -- about Melissa Etheridge and Elizabeth Edwards and Sheryl Crow -- that make headlines and attract ratings. It's also the portrayal of cancer survivors on television that raises awareness about this disease. It's not a new trend -- it started long ago when All in the Family's Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) experienced a breast cancer scare, marking one of the first times the issue of breast cancer was discussed openly on TV. Tough cop Mary Beth Lacey (Tyne Daly) of the TV show Cagney & Lacey traveled a breast cancer journey. Sisters eldest sister Alex (Swoosie Kurtz) was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived chemotherapy with family by her side. Beverly Hills, 90210 character Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) found a lump in her breast and shed light on the fact that young women are not immune to breast cancer. Sex and the City's Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) developed breast cancer and proudly pulled off her wig on television. The L Word's Dana Fairbanks (Erin Daniels) lost her battle with breast cancer. And on Angela's Eyes, FBI agent Angela Henson recently learned her mother once had breast cancer -- and that it has come back. There are many others television story lines woven with the thread of breast cancer. They draw viewers and boost ratings. They also raise awareness -- because people pay attention to celebrities. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: All Cancers , Sunday Seven I have a new friend who is a new breast cancer survivor. She is surviving a new diagnosis, a recent lumpectomy, and the moments leading up to another surgery to further investigate the margins surrounding the tumor removed from her breast. She is surviving the first phase of her breast cancer journey. A phase full of uncertainty and fear and panic. A phase so new and so fresh and so raw, her mind is whirling. A phase that has her grasping for any bit of direction she can find as she navigates a terrifying, unfamiliar road. My friend is a young wife and mother whose worries are consuming her. She e-mailed me today and asked if I ever have moments when I look at my young children and worry that cancer will take me from them while they are young. She asked if I have always been so sure I will be okay. And so I replied with this candid cancer confession. I look at my boys every day -- mostly at night when they are sleeping and peaceful and perfect and when cancer makes me most emotional -- and wonder "what if I am not here for them for very long?" I think all the time "if I died right now, am I confident they will be okay?" Just before I went for my first Herceptin treatment -- and just after I had read that a few women died from an allergic reaction to the drug -- I started writing a bunch of notes for my husband for after I died. I told him where to buy the boys good shoes and I listed the names of all their doctors. I reminded my husband to remember to cut their fingernails and toenails and to e-mail everyone in my address book about my death. I wrote and I cried -- and my notes sit right behind me right now on a bookshelf. I did not die -- and the notes were not necessary. Only a few women died from Herceptin and they all had previous health issues. I am not sure why I got all worked about it --- I went on to have not one side effect from the treatment really. It was not really the Herceptin, I guess -- it was the cancer. It's always on my mind, always will be. How can we not contemplate death when it is happening to young women just like us? So, yes, I think about dying. But my gut tells me I will be okay for some time. My gut has served me well. I think there will come a time when yours will serve you well too! And after I wrote this, I thought about other confessions I could reveal that might shed some light on my whole realm of surviving cancer. So here are six more completely candid cancer confessions. Candid Confession #2 I truly, deeply, genuinely fear that every ache, pain, and twinge of discomfort I experience will lead to another cancer diagnosis. A bump on the roof of my mouth, a gurgling stomach, a lingering headache, an odd shape of tissue in my breast, pain in my esophagus -- each of these discoveries has sent me into a tailspin of panic, relieved only by a visit to a physician for exams that rule out my worst fear. Rationally, I know my fears are irrational. Logically, I am fine. Emotionally, I am not. Candid Confession #3 I can't imagine how I would emotionally cope with pregnancy now that I've had cancer. I can't imagine feeling calm and peaceful and serene while contemplating the possibility of a recurrence while pregnant, the possibility of a recurrence after pregnancy, the possibility that my early death would leave my husband with the monumental responsibility of three children, the possibility of a birth defect resulting from the poisonous drugs that for two years have been swirling through my body, the possibility I would give birth to a baby girl and would pass on to her the legacy of breast cancer. The possibilities are endless. And yet I want the same third baby I wanted moments before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I just don't know if the gamble is worth it. And I don't know if the regret will haunt me when I turn out to be alive and well with two grown boys. Candid Confession #4 I have been open and honest with my little boys about breast cancer. They know the basics. They know I had a boo-boo in my boobie, they know it was removed, they know medicine took my hair and made me better. They know the word cancer, they know it's a sickness, they know at the time being, we are done with it. But they are young -- five and three -- and have no real understanding of the word. They have no comprehension of what cancer can really do, can really take away from us all. And so there is a little pit in my stomach that aches for my little boys whose lives will forever be touched by cancer in ways none of us can predict. They are innocent and unsuspecting. I am afraid of what cancer might do to their simple souls. Candid Confession #5 I am afraid of what cancer will do to me -- short of the whole death thing. I am afraid of the chemotherapy drug Adriamycin that seeped into my veins and can be toxic to my heart. I am afraid of the drug Herceptin that sailed through my same veins over the course of one year that can also damage my heart. I am afraid of the sun because of an allergic reaction caused by my chemotherapy drugs. And I am afraid of chemo brain -- the mental fogginess I periodically experience that can prevent me from remembering my own phone number and can sometimes wipe out my short-term memory. Candid Confession #6 I have never been a fan of medication and even tried to avoid drugs to minimize treatment side effects. So when my oncologist recommended an anti-depressant during treatment to help manage my constant tears and constant anxiety, I was reluctant. Not until he convinced me that many cancer patients benefit from anti-depressants to take the edge off heightened emotion did I agree to try a daily dose of Zoloft. It worked -- in combination with counseling -- and I am not afraid to confess that this medication helps me survive. Candid Confession #7 In spite of my fears and my worries and my panic, I truly am okay. I am happy and confident and downright positive for most minutes of most days that I will survive this disease that makes me a bit unstable at times. Therefore, my most important cancer confession is this -- I have dark moments and I have dismal days and I have decisions facing me that I can't even begin to make. But I am alive right now. I am healthy. I have two beautiful children and a loving family who keep me smiling. And if it wasn't cancer, it would be something else popping up to plague me. I'm okay with cancer -- and in an odd way, I like that it keeps me thinking and analyzing and reflecting. I like that it helps me help others -- like my new friend, a new breast cancer survivor. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer There are various risk factors that can contribute to the development of breast cancer. Being female is the single biggest risk factor that on its own puts all women in jeopardy. But there are other risks -- many beyond our control and some more significant than others -- that can help explain why some women are diagnosed with the most common cancer in women in the United States. And why others are not. Age As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. Most breast cancer diagnoses occur in women over the age of 50. Personal history of breast cancer Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop it again. Family history of breast cancer Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast or ovarian cancer are at risk of a breast cancer diagnosis. Genetics Women with inherited genetic mutations have an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have an 85 percent chance of developing the disease at some point in their lives. High breast tissue density Women with high breast tissue density have more ducts and lobules and less fat -- and this puts them more at risk for breast cancer. Breast hyperplasia Hyperplasia is an increase in the growth of cells in a tissue. It can be detected only by looking at a sample of breast tissue under a microscope. If present, it increases risk. Lifetime exposure to estrogen The longer a women is exposed to estrogen, the more risk she acquires. Risk is highest in women who began menstruating before the age of 12 and in women who went through menopause after the age of 55. Since estrogen strengthens bones, women with high bone mass may also be at risk. Not having children, or having children after the age of 30 Estrogen levels are lower during pregnancy, so women who experience pregnancy have the benefit of diminished estrogen for a period of time. Not breastfeeding can also increase risk. Exposure to radiation Prior radiation to the chest area increases risk. Having Ashkenazi Jewish heritage Women with this heritage have an increased risk due to possible mutated genes -- such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Other possible risk factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, and drinking alcohol. Drinking just one drink per day can increase risk. These risk factors are only possibilities -- they are not definite, conclusive, without-a-doubt factors that will definitely result in breast cancer. A woman may have several of these characteristics and never develop breast cancer. And sadly, a woman may have none of these characteristics and still develop breast cancer. I developed breast cancer with three of these risk factors -- I have very dense breasts, I had my first child at age 30, and I did not breastfeed. But I was young when I was diagnosed -- 34 -- and since this is not a risk factor, it seems only fair this should cancel out one of my predictors. But clearly it doesn't. Even if it did, it wouldn't change anything. I still had breast cancer. And now I am more at risk of developing it again. There is no simple formula for determining who will get breast cancer. There are only possible predictors that can help us gauge our own risk. Still, these predictors are important -- they arm us with knowledge, with an awareness that helps us prepare for what may lie ahead. This awareness is critical. This month. Every month. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Lung Cancer , Research , Daily news Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer -- and 90 percent of all lung cancer cases are related to smoking. But family history is a risk factor too and can nearly double the risk of developing the deadly disease. A study published in the October issue of Chest found by studying a population of Japanese adults that people with a first-degree relative -- mother, father, or sibling -- who had lung cancer had a 95 percent higher risk of contracting the disease. Those who smoked had the greatest risk, but those who did not smoke were still at risk. And women were more at risk than men. The type of lung cancer most associated with family history is squamous cell carcinoma. The results of this study do not yet translate into recommended guidelines for screening. But those with a family history of lung cancer should make their physicians aware of their history. And perhaps one day people with family history will be identified as high-risk for lung cancer and will be included in further studies. In the meantime, these individuals should avoid all contact with all inhaled and second-hand smoke and should protect their children from all forms of tobacco smoke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 180,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year. About 170,000 die from the disease every year. It's the second leading cause of death for men and the third leading cause of death for women. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Blogs , Books , Celebrity in memoriam Years before she was diagnosed with cancer, Miriam Engelberg had planned on creating comics featuring her life as a mother . Instead, at the age of 43, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she used cartooning as a way to cope with the shock of diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, support groups, and a second cancer diagnosis. A collection of her comics can be found in Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person: A Memoir in Comics . Reviewers described her book as "a fusion of the deadly serious with the absurd, in the finest tradition of black humor." Readers described her book as an insider's humor for survivors -- funny, heartbreaking and totally relatable in her refreshing take on living with cancer. The world has lost some of its humor and light and spirit today with the loss of Miriam Engelberg. She took the mundane moments and the challenging trials of breast cancer and through her delightful perspective, encouraged us to see the lighter side. She exposed our private and sometimes silly thoughts and gave us a chance to laugh at ourselves. There is nothing funny about cancer. It is scary. It is heavy. It is dark. It is full of terror and it steals lives. But, through Miriam's extraordinary talent with pen and ink and cartoon conversation bubbles, we were somehow allowed a brief reprieve from the grim reality of the frightening struggle to survive a profane and inequitable disease that ordinary time makes impossible to escape. In the company of her delicious creativity, we found solace from and in our all too real and immediate reality. Gina, a close friend whom Miriam trusted to continue her online mail and weekly cartoon publication after she entered hospice care, wrote this evening, "Miriam had her family and close friends with her and was not in a coma. As far as I can tell, she didn't suffer and was spared the intense pain many go through with cancer. I like to think the love, humor and good karma she shared with everyone protected her from the worst aspects of dying." Our hearts are broken for the loss of the transcending spirit that will always be uniquely Miriam Engelberg. Our hearts are broken for the undefinable loss her family and close friends will endure in her passing from this life. Tonight, our laughter is muffled in a far away place, with Miriam. A part of who we are has gone, with Miriam. In the morning, we will keep her love, humor and good karma close to us in everlasting memory of Miriam. Tonight is full of tears. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Cancer Survivors , Survivor Spotlight Just two months after her mother lost her battle with gall bladder cancer, Liane was diagnosed with breast cancer. It all happened earlier this year -- and while Liane is still mourning the loss of her mother, she is also still managing the madness of her own disease. Liane is surviving with courage, with determination, with the same powerful spirit that powered her mother's fight. Liane lives in a small city -- population 43,000 -- in northern Alberta Canada. She has been happily married for 18 years and has two daughters, ages 13 and 15, and a golden retriever named Sunny. Liane loves to garden, cook, read, and spend time with family. She normally works full-time in a real estate and property management office but has been blessed with six months off for treatment. Liane is already -- without a doubt -- a survivor. When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? April 21, 2006 How old were you at the time of diagnosis? 45 Do you have a family history of breast cancer? Not really. My mother-in-law survived inflammatory breast cancer 14 years ago, just when I was pregnant with my youngest. That was really a mixed time of emotions. We were welcoming a new baby into our family and at the same time worried to death about the poor prognosis my husband's mother had been handed. She was granted her miracle and is as alive as ever (she never stops!) today. My own mother was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in February of 2005 and was also given a very poor prognosis. She fooled everyone and responded to her chemo treatments. Unfortunately she lost her fight on Feb 22, 2006, a full year after being told she had only months, maybe weeks, to live. Even so, her death broadsided us. She lived with us for the last eight years and was at home until the morning we had her brought to our only hospital. She passed away that afternoon. How did you find out you had breast cancer? On Easter morning I had an itchy spot on my right breast that just wouldn't go away. Then it was achy but I thought it was just normal achy before-my-period kind of achy. But this time it didn't go away and then my husband brought to my attention that there really was something there that hadn't been before. I knew too but I think I was still in that kind of dreamy, not really conscious state of mind that grieving seems to put you into when it just hurts too much to actually think about what you are feeling. When my husband verbalized what I had feared for the previous two weeks I found myself suddenly needing to run, not walk, to my doctors office. It just all seemed so surreal. How did you tell your family members about your diagnosis? I honestly don't remember. I do remember driving myself to my sister's and blurting it out and then both of us just crying for a long time. Later that day I vaguely remember sitting my girls down with gramma and grampa and telling them. It's all kind of a blur to me now. Everyone was so shocked and disbelieving I think. What types of breast cancer treatment did you receive? I had a mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, and axillary node dissection. I am currently receiving FEC chemo -- just received my 4th dose of six, spaced three weeks apart. Only two more to go -- Yay! How did you manage through breast cancer treatment? The recovery from surgery was more painful than I had imagined. My dad and his wife drove from 10 hours away and cooked and cleaned while my little family just was. We were all like robots -- functioning but just. Chemo has been gross. I ended up in the hospital after #2 with an infection of unknown origin and extremely low blood counts. My doctor lowered the FEC dosage by 10 percent and the next two treatments went much better. I still get very tired. I swear I have every side effect listed for the chemo drugs as well as the anti nausea drugs. I find that keeping a little food in your tummy at all times helps with the nausea. Nothing tastes better than lemon drops when everything else tastes like kaka, and my daughter's soft blanket that she so willingly shared with me was soothing on my sore skin. What has been your worst breast cancer moment? When I was undergoing a lot of the testing for staging I had to go into the same diagnostic rooms and see the same technicians as I had accompanied my mother on one year before. It was very difficult to relive that. I wasn't even really able to worry about myself or what I was undergoing. When I was hospitalized after my second chemo they put me on the same floor that my mother spent her last day on. My nurse thought my tears were for me but when I told her what was going on in my mind, she told me that this sort of thing actually happened quite a bit, being such a small community with only one hospital. It made me realize that others have been in my shoes before me. When it came time for my first appointment with the cancer clinic I requested the same doctor who had treated first my mother-in-law and then my mother. I trust her implicitly. What has been your best breast cancer moment? Having that same doctor tell me that although there is no cure, I would be fine. That simple statement put me at ease and made me believe and look forward. How do handle anxiety and worry related to breast cancer? I talk to my mother-in-law who is full of experience and shares without reservation. My mom had a way of making me strong with just a few simple words. She taught me to believe in myself and I still talk to her too. My husband has been a rock. He holds me when I am having my moments and that is enough. I hold my girls when they let me (teenagers) and that has been a lot lately. My sister is just always there for me. My 2-year-old niece is also very therapeutic. I highly recommend keeping a few babies around when the going gets tough. How has breast cancer changed your life? I've learned to let the little things go and accept help from others. What lessons have you learned through breast cancer? We can handle a lot more than we may ever have imagined. Are you involved in any breast cancer support groups? Fundraisers? Organizations? We held a multi-family yard sale right after my surgery. My sister, our father and his wife worked for days. My sister made a big sign with a photo on it of my mom, myself, and my sister on my wedding day. My sister wrote that all proceeds that day would go to the Alberta Cancer Society in honor of our mother who had recently passed away. And the people bought and bought and bought. Some gave us money without buying anything. Many told us how they had lost a loved one or survived a diagnosis. It was bitter sweet because some of my mom's things went home with strangers. In the end we had almost $400 to donate. That was pretty amazing considering most items sold around the $1.00 mark! What advice would you give someone newly diagnosed? Let people help you. Now is not the time to try to do it all yourself even if you are that type. Listen to your body and don't push it. Talk to someone who's been there, done that. What advice would you give family members and friends of someone diagnosed with breast cancer? Talk about it! Communication is so important with any cancer diagnosis. There is so much fear associated with the word cancer and silence feeds that fear. Not everyone can handle all the information that is available but I for one, and my sister for another needed and wanted any and all info. with my mother. We found information comforting. Not knowing is not an option. Name any breast cancer related books or other resources you would recommend. The Cancer Blog , of course. I also found reading the blogs of others very comforting. For strictly the facts there are countless reliable sources on the web -- your local cancer society is likely the best starting point. What else would you like to share? None of us know when or how an illness might hit or how numbered our days are. Don't take your health for granted but don't live as though everything is a danger either. We still need to have fun. And appreciate those who love you. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Cancer Survivors , Survivor Spotlight Jennifer Matherly is a 27-year-old wife, mother, daughter, sister, insurance broker, student, and friend. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Jennifer, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with friends and family. She doesn't have much free time lately -- but when she finds moments all to herself, she tends to her hobbies which include cross-stitching and working on her blog. Jennifer's blog began as a story about her journey to motherhood. It turned into a story about her journey with breast cancer. It's an inspiring read, full of trials and triumphs. It's a testament to her strength and courage and sheer determination. It's a story of survivorship -- a little something like what follows. When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? I was diagnosed on September 23, 2005. How old were you at the time of diagnosis? I was 26 years old. Do you have a family history of breast cancer? I have no family history of breast cancer. How did you find out you had breast cancer? I found a lump in my breast and first went to my OB/GYN to get it checked out. They did a breast ultrasound which was not reassuring and I was referred to a breast surgeon. My surgeon did a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) in the office and scheduled my for an excisional biopsy to remove the lump. My results from the FNA came back benign and I stopped worrying. A couple weeks later I had the surgical biopsy. My surgeon called me at home two days later to tell me that I had cancer. How did you tell your family members about your diagnosis? I was at home alone when I got the call, so my first call was to my husband. I felt bad that I had to call him at work, but he immediately came home to be with me. Next I called my parents who live several states away. They offered to book a flight immediately, but we had them wait until we got more information and I would really need some assistance. What types of breast cancer treatment did you receive? After my initial diagnosis, I was scheduled for another surgery. This surgery consisted of putting in a port, re-excising my lumpectomy (some of the initial margins weren't clear), and doing a sentinel-node biopsy. Thankfully, my lymph nodes were clear. After surgery, I began chemotherapy. I had three rounds of FEC (5-FU, Epirubicin, Cytoxan) and then three rounds of Taxotere. Each round was given in three week intervals -- for approximately four months of treatment. I also was HER-2 neu positive, so starting during my Taxotere cycles, I began a weekly regimen of Herceptin. Once I finished the chemo, they adjusted my Herceptin schedule to every three weeks. I should finish it in December. After finishing chemo, I also received radiation treatment for 6 1/2 weeks. I was PR (progesterone receptor) negative, but focally weakly positive for ER (estrogen receptor). Although with a weak positive, the benefits are minimal, I have agreed with my doctor for the time being to take Tamoxifen. I am not sure that I will complete the five-year suggested regimen, but for now, I am on the treatment. How did you manage through breast cancer treatment? For me treatment was not as difficult as I expected it to be. Chemotherapy made me very fatigued and I was nauseated for a couple of days unless I kept my stomach full. I worked throughout treatment, although I would take a week off after each treatment. I was proud to say that I never vomited! The second week my blood counts would usually drop and I'd have to take an antibiotic, but I never had any serious complications. Radiation was a breeze compared to chemo. My appointment was at 8:15 a.m., so I went in every day before work. I didn't miss a day of work on radiation. The Herceptin doesn't cause any side effects for me (except I can smell the Herceptin coming out of all of my pores for the next day). I just leave works a couple of hours early every 3rd Wednesday, take a little nap in my chair and then go home. I have noticed zero side effects from the Tamoxifen. What has been your worst breast cancer moment? I think the worst moment for me was the day of my diagnosis when we went into the surgeon's office to discuss the situation. Eric and I had planned to have our children two years apart. At the time of my diagnosis, my daughter was eight months old. We had planned to start trying to have the 2nd child in just six months. During that moment we realized that our plans were going to have to change. I would not be able to get pregnant in six months, it would be at least two years, maybe five, or worst case scenario, I may never be able to get pregnant again. This is still an issue that I struggle with. What has been your best breast cancer moment? There have been many good moments. The best thing for me is the amount of support from friends and family. I have never felt more loved. How do handle anxiety and worry related to breast cancer? In general I am not a worrier. Of course, anything abnormal still causes some anxiety. I pray and trust that God has a purpose for whatever happens in my life (good or bad). I also stay informed and research and anything that seems "off" to me, I make sure to discuss with my doctor. How has breast cancer changed your life? The biggest change for me is that I am working towards a total career change. Even before diagnosis, I felt like God was working on some big plan for me. I couldn't get a grasp of what "the plan" was, but felt like somehow I needed to help women. When I prayed, the answer I got was "wait". Then I got cancer. I went to a spiritual retreat the week before I started chemo and finally the plan was revealed to me. I am going to go to medical school to be an OB/GYN. It's a long process, but I've already taken two courses for my pre-requisites, and will continue to get my science classes, so I can apply. I was a business major in college, so this is a totally different path. What lessons have you learned through breast cancer? Faith is important. A good attitude makes a world of difference during your treatment. There is strength inside me that I never knew existed. Just by going through this experience and having a positive attitude, I can be an inspiration to others. Are you involved in any breast cancer support groups? Fundraisers? Organizations? I'm not currently involved in any breast cancer support groups (don't have the time with work, class, and the family). I have helped with a mail project for cancer research, and plan on putting together a team for the next Race For the Cure. What advice would you give someone newly diagnosed? Be informed and share your thoughts with your doctors. Stay positive. Talk to other survivors. What advice would you give family members and friends of someone diagnosed with breast cancer? Don't be afraid to talk about the cancer. Don't always say, "everything will be ok." Sometimes we need to talk about what happens if it isn't ok and if you won't talk about it, we're all alone. When you offer help, you should be specific and give a time frame. Cancer patients may not want to ask for help, even if you said, "call me if you need anything." It's better to say, "Let me bring you dinner on Friday." Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments