Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

Are you still experiencing cold winter weather? *Sigh* I’m not! Sorry to rub it in your face but the temperature here is mid 60s and man I’m happy about it.  It gets better though.  Next week I’ll be traveling to sunny Orlando, Florida for the Annual Conference for Young Women affected by Breast Cancer (C4YW). I received a registration waiver from the conference.  In addition, my other generous sponsors (mom and dad) are covering my plane ticket to and from Florida.  I’m super excited!

“C4YW is the only international event focused on the unique needs and issues faced by women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45.  Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Young Survival Coalition have created this conference for young women affected by breast cancer and those who support them.”

I’m looking forward to meeting other young survivors, learning more about trending research, attending workshops, sightseeing and of course the sunny warm weather.  A few of the workshops that I plan to attend are…The Case for a Greener World: Breast Cancer and the Environment…Advocacy and Inclusion: Coming Together for Good…Cancer and Careers: Understanding Your Rights in the Workplace…and many more interesting topics that’ll be a part of this year’s conference.  I’ll be sure to share more when I return.

The conference agenda is packed with tons of activities to keep busy.  In between workshops and conference speakers I do plan on venturing out into the city.  So, if you’re from Orlando or you’ve been to Orlando…

Where should I go? (Other than Disney World) What should I do?

Peace and Love

Tags: cancer survivor, life after cancer, young women & breast cancer, young women can and do get breast cancer

Your Health. Your Priority.

When I was finishing chemotherapy a few months ago, I witnessed something very troubling.  There was a young lady in the infusion center (place where you receive chemo) who was having a not so good day.  She was arguing with a not so helpful nurse.  See the young lady was thoroughly confused about why she was in the infusion center. 

The patient thought she was there to receive chemo.  The infusion center nurse was trying to explain to her that the doctor’s orders were not chemo.  Apparently, the patient did not like the nurse’s tone as the nurse was trying to explain chemo to her.  So she went in on the nurse exclaiming how she’s not an idiot, you can’t talk to me any ‘ole kind of way, and I really don’t know why I’m here today. I thought it was for chemo because that’s what I always get when I’m here. I don’t know, my doctor just told me to come down here so I’m here.

It got loud. Both parties were angry and frustrated.  I couldn’t believe this craziness that was transpiring in front of me.  Well, actually I could.  I’ve been there.  I’ve been the completely confused patient before.  I’ve been frustrated because I didn’t understand.

Before I found my way to UAMS, I was angry because a nurse or staff person was unpleasant or not helpful.  I was frustrated at a doctor who somewhat blew me off as being overly anxious. I’ve wanted to give those people a piece of my mind. I was thoroughly upset with how I was treated.  But I think I was more so disappointed in the fact that I had no idea what was going on with me medically. I decided that I’d never be in that situation again.  I had to be proactive about my health.

I’ve had more doctors’ visits in the past year than I’ve had over the span of my life.  Here’s what I do to prepare for and during a doctor’s visit –

Recruit someone to go along with me. Whoever it is, have him/her play the role of recording secretary.  Ask him/her to write down everything discussed while your doctor is in the exam room.

Ask for additional information.  There are usually free pamphlets that your doctor can provide.  My doctor is always helpful in printing info sheets for the various drugs that are being used during my treatments. 

Ask questions.  Usually, I have one or two questions ready before I even see my doctor. Ask away.  Let your doctor see that you want to be an active participant during the course of your care.

Do your research.  Refer to books, medical journals, or online sites to become more knowledgeable about various procedures, treatments, and drugs.

Be pleasant. Your attitude can make a big difference in the way you feel, how you interpret things, and often how others will treat you. Even when it’s difficult, remain positive and respectful when interacting with your care providers.

Be on time. Time is a precious commodity that no person can get back.  Trust, you are not as important as you think you may be…there are other patients who need care too. Be timely for all lab appointments, doctor’s visits, and/or scheduled treatments.

Follow your doctor’s orders.  I believe something like 99.8 percent (some random non-scientific statistic I made up) of doctors really are looking out for the best interest of their patients. So, if your doctor asks you to stay in the bed and get some rest. Do so.  If your doctor wants you to lose a few pounds. What are you waiting for?

Make your health a priority.  Always be proactive when receiving medical care.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Confide in a close friend or family member when you feel nervous or unsure about what’s happening with you health wise.

Have you had an unpleasant doctor or hospital visit?  How did it affect you?

Peace and Love

Tags: cancer survivor, healthy for life, life after cancer, postaweek2011, young women & breast cancer

Snow No More

Snow day number two is coming to an end soon.  Yes a snow day.  The concept is probably foreign to all of the Chicago, Minneapolis, D.C., New York, Boston folks but in the south we don’t typically get snow.   So when there’s a light dusting, we shut everything down!

Eight inches has kept everyone around here in their cave for the past 48 hours.  I’ve enjoyed my two days of doing nothing but I must admit that I’m ready for Big Bad Winter to leave us alone.  Go away snow and ice…come and save us southern spring weather!

Here are 10 reasons why I love spring -

Consistently sunny days.

Warm temperatures.

Patio dining.

Cuter and more comfortable clothes.

Moving closer to the opening day at the local farmer’s market.

Flowers in bloom.

Outdoor activities.

No pre-warming of the car before heading to work.

Longer days.

The beginning of barbeque season.

Are you a spring feign? Why do you love spring?

Peace and Love

Tags: big bad winter, snow days, spring, things I love

Mean Girls

I work in the area of youth development.  Kids is my name…kids are my game.  I’m around little people all the time.  I love the children!  I don’t just work with the youngest ones either.  I work with youth up to 19 years old.  So I get to work with the cute and innocent kids….and the I’m not a little kid but I’m not quite a teenager grownups.

Alas fourth, fifth, and sixth graders or 10, 11, and 12 year olds.  They’re so awkward.  They’re so confused. They’re so young.  They know it all.  They don’t know anything.   Here lately, I’m noticing that the girls and the boys in this age group are very different.

The boys are easily entertained.  They’re up for a challenge.  They like to play (i.e. basketball, football, any sport like activity).  They’ll even engage in a group conversation and participate in a short educational activity (emphasis on short).  The girls…well they’re a completely different story!

The girls I’ve been encountering lately are sassy, motor mouths, and often downright mean.  They love to interrupt when someone is talking with the group.  They often make snappy comments.  They are constantly criticizing each other’s appearance, demeanor, skills, and whatever else that can be criticized.  I don’t know what the issue is!

We’ve talked about respect…discussed the golden rule…made a chart and analyzed respectful behavior and disrespectful behavior.  No changes.  I know it’s probably a self-esteem thing…lack of discipline…mimicking of behavior that they see from adults around them.  Their behavior is becoming a major nuisance. This is the first time that I’ve actually dreaded being around a group of kids and I don’t like feeling this way! What shall I do?!?

Any thoughts on how I can get this group of girls to stop the disrespectful mean behavior? Do tell.

Peace and Love

 

Tags: education, spare the rod, the children are our future, the new new generation

True Life

www.planetcancer.org

I found a great website today…they have really cool t-shirts and awesome Top 10 Lists (I def love these).  The sun isn’t out today and I needed a really good laugh…I’m glad that I stumbled across this site.

Here’s a Top 10 List posted on Planet Cancer that made my eyes water it was so funny. The post stemmed from true stories from members of the Young Survival Coalition, which serves young women under 40 with breast cancer.

Top 10 (minus 1) Worst Things to Hear From Your Doctor

9. When complaining to my plastic surgeon about the funky shape of my tissue expander, he said “Well, it’s sort of like a beach toy that is not fully inflated yet.”

8.  When asked to take part in a clinical trial suitable for stage II cancer, I asked my oncologist, “So that means I’m stage II, then?” And he replied, “Yeah– at LEAST!”

7.  After taking samples of my tumor, my physician asked, “Do you want to see them? They look like little tiny pieces of angel hair pasta.”

6.  After discussing plastic surgery for breast cancer, my plastic surgeon said, “You know they are never going to look real.”

5.  When discussing with my oncologist about getting my port removed, he said, “Well, I guess we can put it back in if we need it.”

4.  Talking to my oncologist, he says, “Well, everything is fine—for now”

3.  My primary oncologist asked me, “So, who is your primary oncologist?”

2.  My plastic surgeon remarks, “I hate making nipples.”

1.  Arriving to get a mammogram a few years after a breast cancer diagnosis: “So, why are you here?”

You may think it’s sick or a little twisted but hey you gotta have a sense of humor to be a cancer survivor…or else you’ll drown in sorrow. Have a super fantastic weekend!

Are you a dark comedy fan?  Share your funniest dark joke.

Peace and Love

Tags: cancer survivor, don't worry be happy, life after cancer, young women can and do get breast cancer

10 Things That Make Me Happy

Often times we dwell on everything that’s going wrong in our lives.  We’ll complain to anyone and everyone we cross about all that’s currently making us miserable.  Maybe it’s the inconsiderate neighbor who thinks its okay for their dog to relieve himself in your front yard…maybe it’s the unsatisfactory job that you’ve been stuck with for the past three years…or maybe it’s an annoying family member who feels the need to involve you in their day-to-day drama.  Whatever it is, negativity can put a damper on your spirit and influence your attitude.

I thought I’d share 10 Things That Make Me Happy.  I encourage everyone to stop and smell the roses (cliché I know). Try to remember all of the great things that make you smile instead of dwelling on the small things that distract you from truly living life.  So here it goes…

10 Things That Make Me Happy -

Much needed uninterrupted naps

I love a good nap. Nap time is the best when there are no phones ringing in the background, no scheduled plans after the nap concludes, no work/family/social/school commitments to worry about or to make you feel guilty for taking a nap. A comfy pillow, a blanket to snuggle under, and a couch to stretch out on can make a just okay afternoon really great.

Family time

My family is the best!  I feel so bad for folks who experience life without a loving and supportive family.  Whether we’re sitting around doing nothing or whether we’re on vacation, my family manages to have a great time whenever we’re together.

Great music

Did you know that I’m somewhat of a music connoisseur?  Nah, not really. But I do love music and whenever I hear a good tune, singing, finger snapping, and hand clapping just may ensue.

I’m also a former band nerd.  Yep. Just in case you didn’t know, I played violin and was a member of my school orchestra in the fourth, fifth, and six grades.  I began to play the alto saxophone in the seventh grade.  I stuck with that until I graduated high school.  I even had a stint as a baritone saxophone player in high school.  And would you ever believe that I was drum major during my junior and senior high band days?  Yep, I sure was.  So, I can appreciate the talent required for an individual to pick up a musical instrument and produce good music.

A good book

Ahhh, many a good book has kept me home on a Friday night.  Seriously, I’m a known bookworm. Once I begin to read a good book then it’s hard for me to put it down until it’s finished.  So don’t be offended if I choose a good book over dinner with you…food and you can wait.

Warm sunny days

I live in the South.  Sometimes our summers can get a little toasty.  I love the period of time before summer really takes over and becomes overbearingly hot and humid.  It’s a great time to explore the city, ride a bike or just have a lazy day outside.

New shoes

Isn’t this typical for a woman?  I’ve met a few women who are not shoe fanatics but I can count them on one hand.  I love new shoes…especially when I get a good deal for them.  If you snoop through my apartment then you’ll more than likely find at least three pairs of shoes in each closet….actually that’s an understatement. Probably more like ten pairs of shoes in each closet!  Yeah, I’m a shoe freak…what are you gonna do about it?

Delicious food

I’m relatively slim. In fact, I’ve been called skinny on numerous occasions.  Some people have even questioned whether I eat at all.  The answer to that question is yes ma’am and sir, I do.  Close friends and family know all too well that I do not play around with my food!  I love to eat. Always have. Probably always will. When I was a little girl, the running joke in my family was that my stomach was a bottomless pit.  Enjoying a well prepared delicious meal makes me all happy and warm inside.

Great friends

I have some kick-butt friends!  They’re funny, loyal, encouraging, smart, and all around good people.  I mean come on are there any other types of people that you should surround yourself around?

Hugs from my nephew

Look at that face up there…who on earth wouldn’t smile after he gives you a hug?!?

Being alive

We all know what is the alternative to being alive…to have the opportunity to laugh, love, make mistakes, learn from mistakes, enjoy the simple things and share your life with great people are surely things that can make a person happy.

What makes your heart happy?  Who or what makes you smile? Please share.

Peace and Love

Tags: gratitude, just live your life, people I love, postaweek2011

Life After Cancer

www.standuptocancer.org

Did you know that approximately 11,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40 every year?  On January 6, 2010 I was counted in that number.  Four days before my 26^th birthday, my doctor entered the cold sterile room where my mom and I patiently waited for the results from a biopsy of my left breast.  It didn’t even take my doctor thirty minutes to return with the results.  Before she even opened her mouth, I had a gut feeling that she would say – You have cancer. And she did.  Since those words were spoken to me, my life has never been the same.

The past year has been one filled with heartache, sickness, confusion, fatigue, and extreme emotions.  And though people always reiterate how positive I’ve remained throughout this entire process, I’ve struggled many times to keep the negative thoughts and the pain from invading my life.  I can’t believe I ever questioned God and asked Him why? Why would He allow this to happen to me?  What did I do to deserve this?  Why didn’t He intervene?

I’ve come to realize that this was an attack by the devil. God didn’t want this to happen to me.  The devil tried to use cancer to turn my world upside down…to break me…to push me to lose my faith…to become unloving and cynical.  What was meant to hurt me and what was meant to have me distrust Jesus made me a better person and made my love for Him even stronger.  It may sound bizarre but I am grateful for this experience. 

Since my diagnosis, my outlook on the world has changed.  My thought process is so much different.  The way I interact with others has evolved. The list of things I want to experience in life has grown. Now the importance of how I spend my time and who I spend my time with has become a major consideration. I feel and believe that I can and will do everything and anything that I set out to accomplish.  Many people wait until much later in life, often after they’ve been consumed by a demanding career, exhausted from raising a family, beat-up by destructive behavior, to re-evaluate what’s important to them or to define who they are as a person. 

Being diagnosed with such a life threatening illness at a young age has helped me to realize who I am, to give me the confidence needed to face my fears, to value life, to be proactive in regards to my health, to build a stronger relationship with God, to reevaluate friendships and relationships, and to show my appreciation to my parents and family for all of their love and support over the years.

Today I turned a year older.  Not so long ago, birthdays were just another day for me.  No reason to get excited.  No hurt feelings if people didn’t send me birthday wishes.  Just another day in the neighborhood. I must admit that I was looking forward to today.  No, I didn’t have any super plans.  In fact, where I live, we got several inches of snow last night.  And in the South if we get two snow flurries we shut everything down! So, I’ve spent my birthday – or snow day – at home, on my couch, watching countless reruns of sitcoms, and taking impromptu naps.  A perfect birthday.  And every birthday that I’m blessed to see from this year forward will be perfect.

I’m thankful for today…I’m thankful for life…I’m thankful for the support and love of family and great friends…I’m thankful for Doctors Henry-Tillman, Hutchins, and Yuen for their care and their vigilance in seeing that cancer will never invade my body again…I’m thankful for the nurses and staff at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute for their warmth, optimism, and ability to make me feel comfortable on my worse days…lastly I’m thankful for a loving and merciful God. If He never does anything else for me again…He’s already done more than enough.

Below is a link to one of my favorite gospel songs – Nobody Greater by Vashawn Mitchell.  Every time I hear this song I become teary eyed and I reflect on the fact that yes there is nobody greater….thank you Jesus for life, love and hope.

Peace and Love

Tags: cancer survivor, God, gratitude, life after cancer, young women & breast cancer, young women can and do get breast cancer