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Saturday, November 28, 2009

How many does it take?

Since the new guidelines were released I have met or at least heard of three women in their 30s and 40s who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Three women in basically a week's time.  That is already too many and I fear the numbers are only going to grow, including the morality rate since some of these women most likely would not have even gone in for a mammogram yet due to the new guidelines.  Please be aware of your body and your family history but also know that I had no symptoms to give me a warning and even with a family history I was still younger than the rest of family at the time of diagnosis and we do not carry the breast cancer gene.

We need better screening, more awareness and most importantly a cure!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Channel 6 interview

Channel 6 wanted to know my response to the new screening guidelines and what I am telling young women about them.  They didn't use a lot of the interview because they had others in the piece but I agree with the docs.  Just keep doing what you are doing and be aware!

Channel 6 interview  

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

New guidelines

I am in shock over the new breast cancer screening guidelines.  I know mammograms are not 100% accurate but come up with something better instead of throwing out all the screening we have!  I have so much more to say about this but I am still calming down and gathering my thoughts after a crazy day of talking with media, American Cancer Society connections, contacts at breast screening facilities etc.  I am mentally wiped out right now!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Business at it's Best

This week I did a short interview for a local TV show.  Here is the link and my interview for Next Generation Leader starts about 10:10 into the show.

Business at its Best
A weekly 1/2 hour show dedicated to showing and growing our local business economy providing insight and interviews of local businesses in the area. Saturdays at 12:30 on FOX 12.

http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/story.asp?s=10403046

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Paying the price

I have been taking on too much lately.  Between that, stressing about test results, celebrating holidays and cancerversaries, and several other stressors my workouts have decreased and my weight increased.  Add in the darker days etc and I am losing my umph quickly.  Time to refocus before the holidays are in full swing.

Today I have so much to do around the house but it is so nice out that I am thinking the laundry can wait while I take some me time to go hike the foothills.  The laundry etc will always be there but soon the hills will be covered with snow and I won't get out there.

So get out there an doing something today to help your physical, mental and emotional health.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Cancerversary

Today is my three year cancerversary.  On this day three years ago my life and body were forever changed.  I became a survivor and a warrior.  I had started the battle to rid the cancer from my body.  On this day I underwent the first surgery of my life and the first of many throughout this journey.  I said goodbye to my left breast and nervously awaited the outcome of the lymph node biopsies.  I remember being unable to open my eyes but hearing my husband and mother telling me that the nodes were clean and the cancer hadn't spread.  I can recall being in pain and being doped up, but being happy the nodes were clean and the lump on the right breast was also benign.  I remember thinking this is just the beginning of a long journey that will impact the rest of my life and the lives of those around me.

Three years later I am thrilled to say that I am still cancer free.  But I am not the same person I was before November 1, 2006.  I am mentally, emotionally and physically stronger than I have ever been.  This journey was certainly not done alone.  I am continually thankful for my wonderful family and friends who continue to be there for me in any way that I need.  Bring on another 3+ years!!!!