BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - Day 6

KARA'S STORY (blog owner)...

Today, I thought I'd tell you a little bit about my wrestle with breast cancer. Last July, I went in for a routine mammogram. The tech was good - she was able to get quite close to the chest wall. There they found a few small white spots. I went in for a follow-up mammogram, and they found more spots. The radiologist suggested I get a biopsy to check for DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) - a non-invasive cancer. Cut it out, do some radiation, and you're good to go. In the first biopsy they found a lump that didn't show up on the mammogram. 2nd biopsy found another one. These were small but fast growing. After an MRI that looked like a snowstorm, several random needle biopsies, and a bunch of other stuff (including being HER2 positive), I made the decision to have a bi-lateral mastectomy. If I didn't do it, I had a 30% chance of the cancer coming back in one or both sides. If I did have it, the chance dropped to 7%. It was, as my plastic surgeon put it, "A no-brainer". The mastectomy was the hardest thing I've ever done - physically, mentally, and emotionally. It sucked. Then, on to 5 months of chemo - we won't even go there - and then re-constructive surgery (actually 3 of those). So, I've got one more Herceptin treatment (after a full year of those IV treatments), and one more surgery, and I'm done.

I never wanted to join this club. Never thought I would. But, we don't usually get to choose what happens to us, right? I have learned so much through this last 15 months, including how to slow down and enjoy my life. I've learned about charity and love from those who helped me. I've learned that there is more to life than going 150 miles an hour - work, work, work. I've re-programmed myself to take life at a slower pace and savor the time I have with my husband and children. Every once in a while I regret making the decisions I had to, but I'd probably do it again. Cancer is an ugly thing and we have to do ugly things to save ourselves. I'm still getting used to the "new" me. I've got a long way to go toward liking what I see in the mirror every day, but it's people like the women I've featured this week that keep me going in the right direction. I'm grateful for the chance to examine my life and change the things that need to be changed. I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for watching over me.

My advice to women is simply to do the tests that you are supposed to do - pap smears, mammograms, etc. They are a little bit unpleasant, but we are so lucky that they are available to us. My doctor told me that if we hadn't have done the mammogram and found the white spots, then we obviously wouldn't have done a biopsy and stumbled across the two lumps that were invasive. He said I would have gone maybe 4 more years before being able to actually feel the lumps. By that time, because I was HER2 positive (something that makes the cancer grow way faster than normal), I would have most likely been in the final stages of breast cancer and he wouldn't have been able to save me. 5 years. That could have been the end for me. If you find anything that feels different, tell your doctor, and make sure he checks it out. Take it seriously. I've said it before... cancer SUCKS - you DO NOT want to find out how much.

Thanks again to all of the women - the nurses and the survivors - that have contributed this week. What incredible women you are!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - Day 5

This week has flown by, and I'm kind of sad to see it ending. Maybe next year during October, I'll feature cancer survivors for 2 weeks instead of just one.

Today I'm featuring 2 cancer survivors. The first is Stephanie Butland, whose blog is called Bah! to Cancer. I love the line right under the title of her blog... Breast cancer had a pop at Stephanie. It really wishes it hadn't! Haha! Isn't that great?! The other survivor is Shelly Eyre. Shelly is one of the wonderful people who helped me at the chemo center. She runs the support groups there, and iS actually a big reason why I started writing about my breast cancer journey. She encouraged me to record everything. I just love her.

STEPHANIE'S INTERVIEW:

KARA: "What are the most important things that you've learn while going through breast cancer?"
STEPHANIE: "Going through breast cancer, I've learned:
- to look after myself. To admit when I'm tired, when I'm hungry, when I don't want to do very much, when I need someone to look after me.
- to ask for help. I was never very good at this before. I'm not that good at it now, but I'm getting better. This has also helped me to learn how willing people are to help - and how much better they can cope if they are allowed to help.
- how much I love my life. This experience has shown me that I am absolutely in the right place, with the right people, doing the right job.
- what doesn't matter. There have been things in my life that I've stopped doing because breast cancer made me realize that they didn't really mean that much to me. It's almost as though going through breast cancer has burned away everything I don't need in my life and left me happier and more secure in the things that I do do."

KARA: "How has breast cancer changed you?"
STEPHANIE: "Well, I think I'm learning to be more patient. And I think I am more appreciative of what I have. I asked my husband and he says I'm less hard on myself.
And I've got a funky new hair color (thanks to chemo), a couple of dinky little scars and a teeny tiny blue tattoo!"

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"
STEPHANIE: "My advice about breast cancer:
Check your breasts. If you find anything unusual, go straight to the doctor. If it isn't cancer - and it probably isn't - you lose nothing. If it is, catching it earlier can save your life. I'm fairly sure it saved mine.
Ask lots of questions. (The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.)
Take notes when you go to meetings and appointments.
Keep a diary of your symptoms and side effects so that you can discuss them with your team the next time you see him.
Don't assume the worst. Just because you have cancer it doesn't mean you're going to die. Just because you're having chemotherapy doesn't mean you're going to be constantly ill. Just because you're having radiotherapy doesn't mean you're going to be permanently exhausted.
Make the most of all the help that's offered. There are charities that offer everything from counseling to hypnotherapy, to hair and make-up lessons for people with cancer, and they really help.
Trust your instincts. If you feel a course of treatment isn't right for you don't be afraid to say so. Most consultants (doctors) are treating the average/norm and you have the right to question that."

SHELLY'S INTERVIEW:

(I actually interviewed Shelly with the same questions as the nurses, instead of as a cancer survivor - but I think of her first and foremost as a survivor! Instead of writing my questions here, I think I'll just let her talk...)

SHELLY: "I am a survivor of leukemia and uterine cancer. It’s been almost 9 years now. My sister was not so lucky. She died of leukemia at 37 leaving 10 children and now my brother is waiting a bone marrow transplant because of his leukemia. So my investment in working with cancer patients is a natural flow from my life.

I always say I have a JOY, not job. I am so lucky to work with so many amazing people and to help a little on their journey. I run all the support groups and classes at the Central Utah Clinic and we call our space “The Healing Place”. We talk about moving from surviving to thriving, about healing your life. Sometimes that means being cured of disease, sometimes not. Healing is often a deep spiritual process. Healing relationships means asking forgiveness, forgiving, expressing gratitude and love. When you have said and done all of that Healing happens. I am honored to witness this healing everyday.

Cancer changes your life and you are never the same. People who can get to a place where they can see the gifts of cancer are always changed for the better. I lost everything during my three year process. I learned it is just stuff. What was most important was the relationships that endured the ups and downs of that time. The circle of my life had always been large. Cancer made it a deep and meaningful circle. Life is such a gift and I am thankful everyday."

Thank you, ladies. Tomorrow will be the last of our Breast Cancer Awareness week. I'll write a little about my cancer journey, and then we'll move on to next week's Incredible Woman!!!

Cancer SUCKS!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - Day 4

It's Thursday already! This week is flying by. Today I'm going to be featuring another nurse from the chemo unit where I received my treatment. Her name is Breanna Fawcett. I'll also be featuring 2 cancer survivors, Christina Olachia (The Uniboob Club), and Laurie Kingston (Not Just About Cancer). You guys ROCK!

BREANNA'S INTERVIEW:

KARA: "Why did you choose to work with cancer patients?"
BREANNA: "I don't feel very much like an incredible woman. I am just lucky enough to work where I do. Ever since I started as a nurse I've been drawn to oncology. I was very nervous starting at the chemo clinic. I thought that it would be sad and depressing. It's the opposite. My patients make me happy, they make me smile. They remind me why I do what I do. Some of the most amazing people I know I've met at work! I don't think I do what I do for the patients, it's what they do for me and what they teach me about life."

KARA: "How do you come to work each day with a smile on your face?"
BREANNA: "Some days I don't come to work with a smile. I guess I'm human and have my grumpy days :). It quickly changes when somebody comes in and we laugh and joke and banter. My patients make my day, then it's easy to make theirs! When I look around at what I'm grumpy about I have no reason to be, and I tell myself if someone who has cancer is happy then I should be too!"

KARA: "Has there been a patient that has changed your life?"
BREANNA: "Thinking about this, I don't think I can name just one. There are so many. Everyday I take care of someone and I think, "Oh, I just love him/her." Then I think the same about the next person. I am so grateful for the examples of love, courage, strength, patience, compassion, etc. Sometimes we have such a good time in the chemo room and we laugh and play, sometimes we cry together. We spend lots of time together and we become friends!"

KARA: "What is the most important thing to know about breast cancer?"
BREANNA: "I don't know what the best advice to women is...probably catch it early! Do your exams, etc. Don't ignore anything you think is different."

CHRISTINA'S INTERVIEW:

(Christina and her boys, Joshua and Micah, this month at the Komen walk)

KARA: "What is the most important things that you've learn while going through breast cancer?"
CHRISTINA: "I have learned to take life one step at a time. Not to get too wound up in the material things life has to offer but instead to be grateful for what I do have. What I know is all the things this world has to offer can't make us happy but all the memories we make together can last not just in this lifetime with me, but with my children and be passed down to their children, and so on and so on. I have learned to be at home with who I am and to take the time with my family and my closest friends as a gift. When I heard the words breast cancer I was a bit in shock. I had to dig deep into my faith and ground myself in it. I found peace and strength in who I was, who I am and began seeing my life differently.... with a new lease on life. I would say in the end I stopped worrying about tomorrow and began living fully in the herE and now as a wife, a mother and a daughter."

KARA: "How has it changed you as a person?"
CHRISTINA: "I would say as a women it has changed me most. Of course there are the obvious things like my breast, my hair and all the new scars all over my chest. But I would not say they aren't positive changes. Don't get me wrong here I am not jumping up and down doing a happy dance here. But breast cancer has brought many dear and wonderful women into my life. I am a better person for our shared struggles. Breast cancer has also changed me in a way I did not expect as it has made me comfortable in my own skin. Losing a breast and your hair as a women can be incredibly devastating as they are both parts of the female body that say to the world who we are right? So I have to say losing both freed me in ways I never knew I could be freed. I still have not completed my reconstructive surgery all this time later and maybe I never will. I see these scars and the disfigured lump where a breast used to be and I count my blessing because I am here today. I am not afraid anymore to just be me."

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"
CHRISTINA: "Be aware! I know we hear these words a lot during the month of October and many times we may get tired of hearing about this cancer. I know from experience people tune it out while hearing blah blah blah BUT breast cancer is a killer. It affects both men and women and over 40 thousand deaths are anticipated this year alone from this terrible disease. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in our country, so you have to be aware of any changes in your body and not ignore the signs. Do your breast self exams and don't put off going in for a your mammograms. Most of all don't ever say " I am too young for breast cancer". I was 32 years old with no family history when I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer ( TNBC is a very aggressive form of breast cancer accounting for just about 15% of all breast cancers out there). If I had put off going in to see my doctor when I discovered a lump in my left breast I would not be here today."

(Christina's blog is one of my very favorites. She has this one picture on there that is so cool - it's a woman's eye with a pink ribbon reflected in the pupil. LOVE it!)

LAURIE'S INTERVIEW:

(Laurie was kind enough to answer my questions, even though she wasn't feeling well right after her chemo treatment. Been there, done that, so I know how she feels. Thanks Laurie)

KARA: "What has having cancer taught you?"
LAURIE: "Having cancer has taught me that you can find joy and humour in even the darkest places."
KARA: "How has cancer changed you?"
LAURIE: "The biggest change in me is how I am learning to live in the moment, to take pleasure in the here and now. I am happier because of this. I also find that being more 'present' has opened the door to my creative spirit."

Laurie has written a book called "Not Done Yet, Living Through Breast Cancer". You can order it through Women's Press (click here)

Such wonderful women, don't you agree. Tomorrow is the last day of the features for breast cancer week. 2 more cancer survivors! I've been thinking maybe I'll share a little bit of my experience with breast cancer on Saturday. I hope you'll return.

Oh - and just a little plug for the give-away... if you are a cancer patient, a cancer survivor, or know someone who is, PLEASE comment sometime this week and tell me why you want that super cool bag loaded with PINK stuff (see the sidebar for pictures).

Take Care.

Cancer SUCKS!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - Day 3

Today, I'll be featuring 3 cancer survivors. The first two are women whose blogs I read... Tracy Kudrna (Breast Cancer & Me) and Debby Hornburg (Life's Funny Like That). Congratulations on being survivors, ladies!

The third is my good friend, Janie Squire. Yes, she is a former Incredible Woman (actually, she's still incredible - I'm talking about her feature in our first week of this blog!). She helped me so much through my fight with breast cancer - just wanted to honor her again.

TRACY'S INTERVIEW:

KARA: "What is the most important things that you've learned while going through breast cancer?"
TRACY: "The most important thing that I have learned is that the world is a broader place than I ever thought. My friendships, outlook and experiences have broadened since being diagnosed. I have met so many incredible women who have reached out to me or I have reached out to because we share the same experience. It opened my eyes to the strength, determination, graciousness and kindness of people in a way that I never expected."

KARA: "How has it changed you as a person?"
TRACY: "Breast cancer changed my priorities and perspective. I do not get stressed about things that don't matter anymore like traffic or work politics. I realized that the most important thing in my life is my relationships. My friends, my family, my community, other survivors and my relationship with my self. We can get through anything if we have each other."

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"
TRACY: "The best advice I can give someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer is to be their own advocate. Do research, get different opinions, ask for help when you need it and question your treatment options. No one knows what the best course of action for you is better than you. Take every possible action you can to know that you are fighting with all of your might."

DEBBY'S INTERVIEW:

KARA: "What is the most important things that you've learned while going through breast cancer?"

DEBBY: "Probably the biggest thing that I learned while going through breast cancer was this one thing...I was always kind of the aloof person who never felt she had much to offer, or that she fit in especially well. I was always there to help others. When I got cancer, for the first time in my life, I realized that I was loved, really loved, by others. I was embarrassed by the outpouring. Meals, and gifts, and cards. Everyone wanted to help. I learned that it is just as faith growing to be ministered to as it is to minister to others."

KARA: "How has it changed you as a person?"
DEBBY: "I love better. I can show my feelings better. And I'm also more conscious about what constitutes a good life. I really find myself prioritizing things, living life more attentively, as foolish as that sounds. I pay attention to things, and I notice the small stuff, the things that make life full and rich, and I am grateful to God for that."

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"

DEBBY: "I am the poster child for early detection. Truly. My first mammogram was the diagnostic mammogram after I found the lump. I've always been a physically strong and healthy person. I took things for granted. There was no direct family history of breast cancer. I simply put my head in the sand and ignored everything. I was an idiot! And speaking of idiots, I've gotta say, one thing that I DETEST is hearing some women carry on about how excruciatingly painful mammograms are. I'm going to sound very unsympathetic here, and I apologize in advance, but really. SHUT UP. Number one: You've got no business deterring other women from having the procedure done. Number two: It's a lot less painful than being sliced and diced, and chemo'd and radiated. Get the test done. It's quick. It's uncomfortable, but it has a beginning and an end, and really the two points are not that far a part. Make that appointment today."

JANIE'S INTERVIEW:

KARA: "What is the most important things that you've learned while going through breast cancer?"
JANIE: "Most important thing that I've learned going through breast cancer is that it can happen to anyone. No one is immune. We cannot assume that it will not happen to us because it "doesn't run in the family" or "I'm too young" etc. We cannot
take things for granted."

KARA: "How has is changed you as a person?"
JANIE: "Going through this experience has taught me to be of service to those around me. It has instilled a desire in me to make a difference in people's lives.
There is so much we can be doing for others! We need to take a look around! When one goes through trials, priorities change. We learn what is important in life. To me, that is my family. I love my family. I treasure the time that I have with them and want to continue creating memories with them. So I will continue to be diligent in my breast cancer screenings!!"

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"

JANIE: "My advice for women is to go get that mammogram! Yes, it is embarrassing, a little painful, etc... BUT it is not as bad as surgery, chemo and radiation. Early detection saves lives. There has been tremendous advances in the treatment of breast cancer and early detection is the key. Please get checked. If there is any doubt in the results, get a second opinion. Demand an MRI. Do what it takes to save your life. Listen to your heart. If you feel that something is not right, follow through with those promptings."

I love talking to cancer survivors - they are so inspiring!!! Join us tomorrow to meet 2 more cancer survivors and another one of my nurses.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - Day 2

Today, the featured Incredible Women are Annette Merzlock, one of the nurses who worked in the chemo room - yep, she's one of the people who poisoned me! Haha. I really love the nurses there - they helped me so much... they were always kind and smiling, and they would do anything to make you comfortable. They'll get you a pillow, a cup of ice, a snack, make sure your nausea meds are working, etc. What wonderful women. I hope to be able to introduce you to more of them this week. The other woman I'm featuring today, is Iris Smale, a breast cancer survivor, whose blog, "Me and Breast Cancer" is one of the blogs I read. Congratulations, Iris!

ANNETTE'S INTERVIEW:

KARA: "Why did you choose to work with cancer patients?"
ANNETTE: " I wasn't really planning on it but was offered a job on the Medical/Oncology floor of the hospital as a new nurse. I loved working with the patients there. When offered a job full time at the Oncology Clinic I couldn't turn it down. The BEST people in the world get cancer, it's just unfortunate that they do get something so challenging. But then again, isn't that what makes us stronger? I never thought I could work with cancer patients. As a young child I watched my brother suffer tremendously from cancer, and the nurses at Primary Children's Hospital inspired me. I later became a nurse, but didn't think I could face the pain and suffering cancer can impose on a life. I was wrong! It's the most rewarding place I could enjoy working. I appreciate the opportunity to endure this with so many friends and wonderful people that enter the chemo room every day."

KARA: "Has there been a patient who has changed your life?"
ANNETTE: " I think every day I have life changing experiences working with cancer patients as I view their courage and the battles they face. I admire so many of my patients' ability to stay positive, to forge on without thought but for a positive outcome, and just live in the midst of so many obstacles. Most people aren't just dealing with cancer, it's multiple obstacles in every day life. So, to see their strength and endurance throughout the cancer experience is absolutely life changing. I appreciate knowing the patients and learning about them. If I named particular people I wouldn't have enough time to list them. It's also inspiring to watch these people change through their experience. It's like they have a 2nd chance at life. They become the people they want to be. They value the important things in life - that's life changing in itself."

KARA: "How do you come to work each day with a smile on your face?"
ANNETTE: "It's like I have a room full of best friends. They ask about my life, I love finding out what's happening in theirs. How couldn't that put a smile on your face? You know, so many times a patient will bring in something to say thank you, and it always amazes us as nurses. We feel like, "Don't worry about us, you're the one who's not feeling well. We are worried about you!" Nonetheless, they still take time to say thank you and focus their concern on us, and it's absolutely amazing. We work with the best people here in the Oncology Clinic. It puts a HUGE smile on your face every day!"

KARA: "What is the most important thing to know about breast cancer?"
ANNETTE: " I don't think I'm qualified to answer this question. Those who've been through the experience could answer this better than I. One thing that's always important though, is that the earlier the cancer can be detected, the better the results; but don't give up hope if that doesn't occur. It's not uncommon for doctors to miss the cancer in the beginning, because there aren't clear cut signs most of the time. Cancer is usually masked by something else. Another thing to remember throughout the experience is that you need to be patient with yourself. It takes a while to make you sick, and it will take a while to get you better. We live in such a fast pace, get-it-done-now society. Cancer puts the patience back in your life!"
--Annette Merzlock, RN, BSN, OCN (registered nurse)

IRIS'S INTERVIEW:


KARA: "What are the most important things that you've learn while going through breast cancer?"
IRIS: "Put all my dependence on God and His ability to take care of me, and not to take the future for granted."

KARA: "How has having cancer changed you as a person?"
IRIS: "I try and live more in the present. The past is gone and we can't get it back, the future isn't promised and may not be ours, all we really have is today - make the most of it."

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"
IRIS: "Absolutely! Don't be shy about getting a second opinion. Doctors are not always right, that's apparently why they call it "practicing medicine". Do research, ask questions, ask lots of questions and be sure you get the right answers. Get copies of every test - yeah, you may have a drawer full, but that's okay. And doctors have to give you copies of your own information. Learn what the test results mean. Yes, have your mammograms and tests, but you know your body better than anyone else. Do self exams!!! I found a lump just before my scheduled mammogram, told the doctor and they noted it on the mammogram. Radiologist said don't worry, it's just cystic. It got bigger, Dr said not to worry. I confided to a nurse friend and she insisted that I get a second opinion. I had Stage IIB Breast cancer. Don't be paranoid, but don't let doctors brush you off or rush you. There's a world of information out there in today's world - find out what you need to know so that YOU can make your own decisions. Sorry, I kinda get on my soap box about this subject!"
--Iris Smale

What wonderful women. This week is making me happy! :-) Tomorrow is another day to celebrate cancer survivors and their caregivers...

Remember, cancer SUCKS! You DO NOT want to find out how much. Take care of yourself.

Week 11 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Featuring Aimee and Sara...

Today, I'm going to be featuring Aimee Demille, who is my oncologist's medical assistant. She was the lucky one who got to weigh me, check my blood pressure (only on the right arm, please!), and my temperature, etc., before my doctor saw me each time. She is always smiling and makes an unpleasant situation much more pleasant! Thanks Aimee! I'm also going to be featuring Sara Williams, a breast cancer survivor, whose blog I read. Congratulations, Sara!

AIMEE'S INTERVIEW

KARA: "Why did you choose to work with cancer patients?"
AIMEE: "Well I didn't exactly choose to work in this department, or should I say I didn't know I was going to be. I applied for the job and when I got an interview is when I found out, and I thought to myself sure I can do this... Boy was I in for a surprise. This job is not easy. I get attached very easily and it's very hard to watch and see what patients go through. At first I thought I can't do this - I can't handle it - it's too hard. But then I had a talk with my dad who is a very wise man, who gave me some good advice. He said, "Aimee just think - it could be worse, and look at it this way, you're helping the patients out by being there and smiling and asking them how everything is going." So from then on I told myself I am going to keep doing that and keep a smile on my face. And I do - everytime I see a patient, I smile, which I have never had a problem doing anyway!"

KARA: "Has there been a patient who has changed your life?"
AIMEE: "Yes there have been patients that have changed my life. In fact, I think every single one of my patients has changed my life for the better. They have the best attitudes, it just amazes me."

KARA:"What is the most important thing to know about breast cancer?"
AIMEE: "This month is Breast Cancer Awarness Month. I just urge all the women out there to do the self exams and get mammos when needed - such early detection is the best key in staying ahead of this."

THANKS AIMEE!

SARA'S INTERVIEW:


KARA: "What is the most important things that you've learn while going through breast cancer?"
SARA: "I have learnt to treasure and value the little things in life and to not focus on the bad. I have especially learnt to take each day for what it is and how it comes. I make time for the things I never had time for before because I didn't appreciate the value and frailty of life, things like playing and talking to my children, stopping a moment to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. I have learnt not to take anything for granted."

KARA: "How has is changed you as a person?"
SARA: "I have become stronger as a person because of cancer, I am able to endure so much more than I previously could. I don't worry over things so much, its easier to dismiss the things that really do not matter, so I no longer fret about storms in teacups!! I now know what it is like to suffer and I can appreciate the suffering of others. My faith has strengthened and I have a deeper understanding of the love of God."

KARA: "Because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you give the women who read this blog some advice about breast cancer?"
SARA: "Check yourself regularly and if you notice anything different, get it checked out immediately, you have to face cancer head on. Early detection for me meant that the cancer had not spread to my nodes, this means that I was able to have a lumpectomy, and only sample nodes removed. In turn this meant that I didn't have to endure the stronger chemo or more intensive radiotherapy. Ask lots of questions, do research and ask for the treatment you want. Let those who are treating you know of your fears and they will help you overcome them. If you have any side effects from treatment at all, let the professionals know and they can give you things to relieve them, do not suffer in silence. Finally, I would advise you to talk about it, cry about it, get angry .... get all of the frustrations out of your system so that you can move on and deal with cancer in a strong way."

I hope you've enjoyed the first day of going PINK! Are they just lovely ladies?! Tomorrow we'll feature a few more women, and hopefully, as the week goes on, there will be more and more each day. Enjoy your day.

PINK WEEK - Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ok, so I promised I'd tell you all what is going to be happening on this blog this week... we are going PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Some of you might be aware that I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with non-invasive DCIS and invasive cancer one year ago - August 2008. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and 5 months of chemo, then reconstructive surgery. It's been a long year, buT I'm still here - alive! And that's the important thing. So, in honor of all of the women who have walked that long road that I've walked (and crawled at times)... I'm going to feature several breast cancer survivors. I'm also going to be featuring several of the nurses from the chemo unit at the Huntsman - the people who have helped me and taken such good care of me! Each day I'll feature a few different people. I asked the nurses one set of questions, and the cancer survivors a different set of questions. I'm really excited that so many have responded. I did a post a few weeks ago on my breast cancer blog - 10 things that will help you when it comes to breast cancer. I'm going to post that on Saturday. Also, on the 15th of every month, I do a reminder post on my cancer blog about self exams. You can also click on a button on the sidebar of that blog and help women get mammograms for free. Here is the address, if you haven't had a chance to visit yet...
www.foobbabe.blogspot.com

If you know anyone who is a breast cancer survivor, and would like to see them featured here this week, get me their email addresses ASAP!

I hope you're looking forward to this coming week as much as I am!!!!