Think Pink!

Cancer Go Away: 18 ways to survive

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 18:58:43 GMT

While looking for articles to promote on the AOL Think Pink blog, I've met some dependable partners who support raising breast cancer awareness and I met some new friends along the way. Dalene Entenmann is a blogger for The Cancer Blog and she had given me a lot of insight and interesting articles in the last couple months. Here is one of my favorite writing's of hers. Her words are so genuine, it's refreshing to hear such a down-to-earth point of view. Keep writing Dalene! You're an inspiration to us all!

Cancer Go Away: 18 ways to survive

Cancer go away.

The news is not good today. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, and there seem to be so many of us now, it does not diminish the initial response when you find out someone else has cancer. The news is still a shock to the spirit, a moment where the breath catches and pauses out of rythmn, and the heart drops into another pool of sadness. As a cancer survivor, you know what is to come for the newly diagnosed, not just the physical, but the mental, the emotional and the spiritual effects for the cancer patient and those who love them.

Cancer. I hate this disease.

You have just learned you have cancer, and I am surviving cancer. With all my heart, I want you to survive cancer too. I walk back through my mind, retracing my footsteps from the day of my cancer diagnosis to this, remembering all the things I did that might have tipped the scales in favor of my living and not dying. I cannot say I know the one thing that it might have been, or the combination of things I might have done, so I want to remember it all. I want to share all of it with you. I want you to be able to tip the scales in favor of life and not death too.

Here is how I approached my diagnosis of cancer, these are the perspectives I held and the steps I took during my cancer treatments and healing. Maybe there is something in all of it that matters, that made a difference, that if you know too, will help you in your healing too.

Believe in your healers. Look for compassion. Someone who has time to listen. Someone who has time to answer your questions. Listen to your intuition when you meet with them, feel what your intuition is telling you. If you do not believe in your healers, keep looking until you find the healers you can believe in. Then have faith they will do everythingthey can, as expertly as they can, to help you heal. Let them know you will be doing everything you can to help yourself heal, while they are doing everything they can to help you heal.

Know you have options. You may not like most of your options, but you have options. Do not allow yourself to believe you are helpless to choose, change or affect the outcome of the challenge before you. Take your time. Research all the options offered to you, and when you are sure they are the right ones for you, then consent to the procedure and treatment.

The surgeon, the oncologist, the radiologist, the chemotherapy nurse, the plastic surgeon, the oncology social worker, all the healers and healthcare workers, have been trained to do the jobs they do, and most likely you have not been trained in any of these specialities. It can be impressive what they can do. But you can learn about what they are planning for you, and the reasons why, and you can know that of the entire group of healers, you are the most impressive in what you can do, while they are doing their jobs.

Get the nutrition facts. Find out what others are saying in relation to cancer and nutrition. Some cancer patients begin to follow a macrobiotic diet, some become vegetarians, some simply begin eating organic whenever possible, and prepackaged and processed never. Unfortunately, the U.S. is the fast food nation, and the convenience of our foods are laced with chemical additives, hormones and antibiotics. We are what we eat, and our food supply is based on food industry profit, not personal nutritional value. Because I wanted to achieve balance, I adopted a habit of eating based on the glycemic index diet to maintain even blood sugar levels, follow the Mediterranean diet pyramid, eat as much organic as I can find, and prepare all my food from scratch. I will not eat anything with transfat.

Beware the quacks and snake oil salesmen. There are the unscrupulous selling empty promises by preying on the vulnerable and frightened. Be skeptical, cynical and cautious. But do not dismiss centuries old traditions like Ayreveda, Chinese Medicine, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, massage, talk therapy, support groups, visualization and the power of prayer. You can integrate many of these into any conventional medical treatments you choose to treat your cancer.

Let it go. All the deep down inside loneliness,the memories of abandonment, the coldness, the resentments, the anger, thegrudges, the memories of any physical and emotional injury, that may have happened in the past. I sat and wrote letters, long letters to each person I had a difficulty with at any point in my life. I wrote and wrote and wrote until I had nothing else to say, and I said it all. Then I ceremonially built a fire in the woodstove and watched each letter burn until it was pure ash. Until it was gone. And I walked away.

Know you are not alone. Even if you do not believe in guardian angels, go ahead and know you have at least one with you at all times. Looking out for you, at all times, and has been with you before you were born. Believe you are loved, completely and unconditionally loved, and that you always have been, even in the times you may not have felt you were loved. Keep telling yourself you were always loved, are loved now, and will always be loved. You were never, and are not now, and never will be, alone. I kept telling myself this throughout the day, each day, and did not bother to question whether I believed it or not. Sometimes I think I short circuited an internal belief system of deprivation so deeply embedded within my consciousness I was unaware it existed on a conscious level. One day it occured to me, I not only knew these statements to be true, I realized I truly, and finally, believed I was loved. Love has been with me ever since, and I have never felt alone. Love, providence and grace are my constant companions. I am saying they are yours too, in the concept comfortable for you to believe in, in case you do not know it already.

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 I repeat, never accept blame from yourself or others. In Healing Words by Larry Dossey, Saints and Sinners, Health and Healers, he notes that many great spiritual leaders have suffered ignominious ends marked by grotesque pain and suffering. Saint Bernadette, died of bone cancer. Jiddu Krishnamurti, died of pancreatic cancer. Suzuki Roshi, who brought Zen Buddhism to the U.S., died of liver cancer. The list goes on and on. And sickly saints are mirrored by what we could call healthy reprobates -- individuals who have no obvious spiritual inclinations whatsoever, who break all the rules of good health, smoke and drink with abandon, and live to be a hundred without ever falling ill. Simply accept and understand there is a great mystery here to life and we are standing in the middle of it. Illness is not a punishment.

Rediscover time. Find ways to be in the present moment, to observe the beauty surrounding you, to breath in the tranquility of being in the moment. Spend time in nature. Make time for yourself. Do the things that make you feel good, that give you a sense of renewal and enthusiasm.

Set aside time each day to collect inspirational quotes, prayers and stories of healing. Write these down on slips of paper. Create a healing shrine for yourself. Mine sat on my bedside table, and I kept my slips of paper of quotes, prayers and stories of healing in a beautiful little treasure box. I placed in my healing shrine, photos and momentos that had great personal meaning to me, that represented a tender love or pleasant memory. I kept a small blue velvet drawstring bag filled with the slips of paper of the prayers I felt were most powerful for me, so that when I had to travel or be in surgery or treatment, I had inspiration with me.

Plan for the future. Make a list of all the things you would like to do in your life, that perhaps you have put off or felt you did not have time to do, and all the places you would like to see, and then make step by step plans on how to do and see all that is on your list. Take the time to make a long list. Add to your list as time goes on. Keep an open mind that you will have all the time you need to accomplish every item on your list. There is no rush, no hurry. You will have the time you need.

Avoid toxic people. We all have them in our life, and we all know who they are, and we put up with them. They are the people, who on the surface may appear nice, but whenever we spend time with them, we leave the experience feeling bad somehow. If you cannot avoid these people, mentally visualize a white protective light surrounding you and protecting you when you are in their presence, that protects you from their energy.

Fill your environment with colors you love, aromas you adore, art and books that move your soul, people you hold most dear. Honor yourself at all times, and celebrate your life continuously.

From the Institute of Noetic Sciences, here is a list of some of the characteristics associated with remission and survival that cancer survivors are reporting:

1. A change from dependency to autonomy combined with activities, attitudes, and behaviors that promote increased autonomy, awareness of themselves, others, and their environment, love, joy, playfulness, satisfaction, laughter, and humor.

2. Facing the crisis, the despair, the sadness, and the pain and discovering they have the power to find a new way of life that is fulfilling and meaningful.

3. Taking control of their lives, personally, professionally, emotional, spiritually, and medically, and living each day fully combined with a willingness to evaluate their beliefs and attitudes and change old beliefs and attitudes that are no longer appropriate or adequate.

4. Becoming comfortable with and expressing and accepting both their positive and negative emotions/feelings, their needs, wants, and desires, physical, emotional, spiritual; the ability to say "No" when it is necessary for their well being.

5. Having at least one strong loving relationship-a strong connection to another person, an activity, an organization(s), changing the quality of their interpersonal relationships with spouses, friends, family, neighbors, doctors, nurses, etc. in a positive way, and motivation to help others.

6. Working in partnership with their physicians and participating in decisions related to their health and well being.

7. Finding meaning in the experience of cancer, finding reasons to live, accepting the diagnosis but not the prognosis, seeing the disease as a challenge, belief in a positive outcome, and having a renewed desire, will and commitment to life.

8. Choosing activities and practices that promote increased awareness and reduce stress (imagery, stress reduction, yoga, etc.); showing renewed spiritual awareness (Soul) that often results in a spiritual practice (prayer, meditation, religious affiliation, connection to nature, etc.).

Cancer. Just go away. Stop threatening to take any more people away.

Cancer Go Away was originally published in an obscure little blog of mine last year. Because I am sure most of the readers to The Cancer Blog never visited my personal blog, I am sharing it here. Another friend has just been diagnosed with cancer. Each time, I think of what I wrote in Cancer Go Away.

http://www.thecancerblog.com/2006/07/08/cancer-go-away/

My Review of 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy'

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:37:50 GMT

I was looking forward to watching 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy' because I wanted to see how the film would balance the serious subject of breast cancer with humor. Clearly authors such as Geralyn Lucas are tired of breast cancer being a taboo subject. Humor is a great way to educate people about breast cancer and other causes, and 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy' creates that balance nicely.

There are some great scenes in the movie that really make the film work. These include Geralyn and her girlfriends taking pictures of themselves topless to show their strength and beauty as women, just as Geralyn's husband walks in on them. Another sincere yet lighthearted moment is when Geralyn tries on wigs in a salon with a bunch of encouraging drag queens. The whole film is very genuine, and you really feel for Geralyn throughout her journey from a perfectionist girl living out her dreams, to a sick and scared woman just struggling to get through the day. Your heart goes out to Geralyn as she is brought face to face with the fight of her life.

I was taken aback by the sometimes selfish behavior Geralyn's husband displayed during her breast cancer fight. He was jealous of the attention she received from her friends and family, and he had a really tough time handling her chemotherapy. He worked late hours and didn't visit her much because he assumed her friends and parents would be there for her, therefore she did not need him. This brings up a good point that husbands of women battling breast cancer need support too. Organizations like Men Against Breast Cancer can help, and it would have been nice to hear a mention in the film about support groups for men -- because I really think Geralyn's husband could have used some support himself.

If you get the chance to watch this film, watch it. I'm not saying you won't get teary-eyed at a few points (OK, a lot of points) because it is a little hard to watch at times, but it also has a lot of humor. The film succeeds at being entertaining and raising awareness at the same time.

'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy'

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:36:21 GMT

You've been hearing a lot about Breast Cancer Awareness news all month long. However, you probably haven't seen a movie about breast cancer yet. Why not watch the Lifetime Original Movie called 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy' based on a book by Geralyn Lucas?

Read an excerpt from the book:

Lifetimetv.com: Movies -- 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy'

Read the interview of Geralyn Lucas and Sarah Chalke (who plays Geralyn's character in the movie).

Lifetimetv.com: Movies -- 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy'

Watch the movie trailer and on-the-set videos.

'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy' premieres Monday, Oct. 23 at 9PM ET/PT.

I'm planning on watching this film tonight and will blog about it tomorrow. You should watch it, too!

Global Survivor Story: Lithuania

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:30:34 GMT

Name: Erika Umbrasaite
Birthday: October 3, 1970
Year Diagnosed: 2005
Location: Vilinius, Lithuania

A New Survivor

Erika is a one-year survivor from Lithuania. Everyone was very supportive of Erika during her battle with breast cancer, especially her husband and son. Although she is not participating in the Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer in NYC, she does a lot of work in Lithuania to raise awareness for the disease.

This was Erika's first visit to the United States and she urges women who have breast cancer to continue having hope!

On a side note, I was personally very excited to meet Erika because I am part Lithuanian. I had the chance to ask her about the castles and Vilinius. She highly recommends that everyones comes to visit her country.

NYC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:58:19 GMT

On Saturday, Oct. 7, I went to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer race in New York City. The opening ceremonies began at the East River's South Street Seaport. It was a very chilly morning, but the chill in the air didn't seem to faze the thousands of women who huddled around talking and warming up before the race. There were tents set up for participants to grab a quick bite to eat before they began. At the entrance, a couple of huge inflatable walls stood towering high above the festivities. The men and women walked up to these towers and wrote messages for family and friends to inspire them on their journey.

I took a moment to read these messages. "I will walk for you no matter how far -- to find a cure. I love you, mom." "I miss you grandma -- Olivia" "Girlfriends 4 Life" People wore these messages on their shirts, their hats ... and you could tell just by looking at many of these men and women that they had someone special that they had lost on their minds. Each person was fighting for someone.

This year 3,500 walkers, volunteer crew members and breast cancer survivors from around the world raised $9.6 million for this event. The opening ceremony was breathtaking. A young New Yorker who was diagnosed at the age of 24 spoke to the crowd. She told her story and encouraged others to fight for a breast cancer cure. Music played in the background and a video was shown to inspire the women before the race.

It was just about 6AM, and you could feel this amazing buzz in the air as the men and women prepared for their 39-mile journey. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was a noncompetitive fundraising walk structured for all fitness levels, so walkers of all ages were participating.

To participate, walkers raise a minimum of $1,800 in donations. Funds raised at Avon Walks are awarded by the Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Grants are also awarded for scientific research, awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment and support services.

On Saturday, walkers headed to the West Side, Wall Street and they paid their respects at Ground Zero. They continued on to the Hudson River Park Trust Pedestrian and Bicycle Path as they continued uptown to Riverside Park.

The most rewarding experience for me was getting the chance to cheer on the walkers along the different cheering sites. The cheering crowds were always boistrous, applauding and smiling at the walkers as they made their way. Men and women would smile sincerely and say "thank you," and you could tell that the support of the cheering crowds really meant a lot to them. I joined them in walking for about 2 miles until I reached the quick stop where women could stop for a water break and take a moment to stretch. Avon volunteers in silly inflatable costumes brought smiles to the racers' faces, and many stopped to get their picture taken with them.

At the quick stops, you could really tell that the walkers and runners were trying to keep up the momentum, even though their bodies were tired and sore. Lunch was at 11:30AM, and at this point there were only 2.2 miles until lunch time! When the Avon volunteers announced this news to the walkers, they were ecstatic. It was just the push they needed to keep going.

After walking past Columbia University, the Museum of Natural History and strolling down Central Park West, the determined racers completed the day before they headed east to their home for the night on Randall's Island, where they camped out overnight. These "wellness villages" consisted of two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals, entertainment, comprehensive medical servies and other special services.

After witnessing the first day of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York, I had an even greater amount of respect for these men and women. It was an extremely inspirational day, and I am so happy that I had the chance to cheer them on during the race.

Global Survivor Story: Mexico

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:37:35 GMT

Name: Rosa Ela Gijon Arias
Year diagnosed: 2003
Location: Mexico

Cancer Is Not a Synonym for Death

Rosa was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2003 in a unique manner. In March of 2003, she started taking paddle tennis classes, and was excited about starting a new work project and continuing her life in the bakery industry. She got up one morning and, to her surprise, discovered she had gone to bed with her breast one size and had awoken with it another size. Evidently, this was not the way it happened, but the way that it felt. Rosa did not know she should check herself monthly, and that morning she observed something strange in her breast. She thought it was due to the exercise she was doing in the paddle class.

Rosa's treatment was comprised of eight chemotherapy cycles, an immediate radical mastectomy, 25 radiotherapies and a bone marrow transplant. Rosa's oncologist was a guide and a blessing to her, as were her mother, brother, two nephews and her friends. One of the most difficult things for Rosa was telling her mother. It was like wanting to protect her mother more than herself.

Today, Rosa feels pride and satisfaction in being part of the staff of Fundacion Cima and for working next to two talented women such as Alejandra de Cima and Berta Aguilar, taking the message that cancer is not a synonym of death, when it is detected on time. At Fundacion Cima she has learned that together, we can modify the attitude of fear and rejection in women. Also, we can see the difference between life and death, as well as adopting a positive attitude that allows us to face breast cancer in a friendly and natural manner. You can get more information on Rosa's foundation at http://www.fundacioncima.org/.

Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:48:23 GMT

(written on 10/6)

Yesterday I attended the Global Breast Cancer Survivor's Day Press Luncheon at the New-York Historical Society. Soon I would meet and hear stories from 37 breast cancer survivors from around the world!

10: 30 am - My first impression of the room when I first arrived was -- It's pink! The tables were adorned with pink flowers, revolving centerpieces of last year's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, pink tablecloths, and last but not least, pink lemonade!

11:00 am: "The survivors have arrived!" This little phrase was heard echoing throughout the room. For many of these women, this trip to New York was their very first trip to America! It was an amazing experience to see all of their expressions as they entered the room and met with their fellow survivors.

The luncheon also featured 10 international scholars and cancer league survivors from around the world. This is a picture of Dr. Jorge Gomez of the National Cancer Institute.

11:30am - 2:00pm: It was amazing to see all these women from different corners of the world talking with each other and hearing each other's journies. I had a chance to speak with a few of the survivor's and take their pictures. I was moved by each woman's story of strength and courage. The fight against breast cancer is truly a worldwide battle.

The Survivor from Oman

The Survivor from Turkey

The Survivor from Poland

The Survivor from Taiwan

The Survivor from Russia

The Survivor from Ukraine

These women continue to fight for breast cancer awareness in each of their own countries. Whether it is starting their own organizations or running in 5k's, these women do everything in their power to get support to their country.

Stay tuned for more pics and articles on this amazing event!

Global Survivor Story: Greece

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:12:30 GMT

Name: Eleftheriou Fani
Birthday: February 1961

Year Diagnosed: 2000
Location: Pireaus, Greece

Use Inner Strength

Eleftheriou was diagnosed by a breast self-exam in 2000. Her breast cancer was in its first stage. She was fortunate to receive the best possible medical care by her personal doctor, an expert on breast cancer.

When she was first diagnosed, she kept it a secret. She revealed it only to her family just before her first operation. Of the family members who heard about her condition, their reaction was shock, depression, and they feared the worst to come. On the other hand, she acknowledged the reinforcement, the support and the courage received from them.

Eleftheriou's message for those who are fighting breast cancer is to be courageous and to have faith. Believe in yourself and use inner strength to the maximum. Precaution is without a doubt our fundamental weapon against the disease.

Meet the Global Survivors: Puerto Rico

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:31:03 GMT

Name: Gloria Mercado
Birthday: November 1948
Year Diagnosed: 2002
Location: Humacao, Puerto Rico

Your Life Is Not Over

Gloria was diagnosed with Stage II-III breast cancer in 2002 by a mammogram and a sonomammogram. She was able to receive good medical attention and treatment at the Medical Center of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Gloria's friends and family provided a great deal of support for her.

When Gloria was diagnosed with breast cancer, she kept her life as usual and never gave up. Even though she was under a treatment of 35 radiotherapies, she kept selling Avon products. Now, she's still under treatment with tamoxifen 20mg (one daily for five years) and she continues to visit her doctor for medical exams.

A message she has to share with others who are facing breast cancer is not to think that life is over. Be positive and have faith in God to fight with all your strength to keep going through the complete treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Raising Awareness in NYC!

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:37:44 GMT

(written on 10/4)

Hello everyone!

Let me introduce myself as the AOL Editor for this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Before I started this project, I admit I didn't know much about breast cancer or how I could help raise awareness for this important cause. I was fortunate enough to be invited to two Avon Foundation events this week in New York City, where I will be collecting interviews, writing blogs and taking photos of survivors, friends and families.

Tomorrow is Global Breast Cancer Survivors Day. I will be attending a luncheon with survivors from across the globe who will speak and tell their stories. I am really looking forward to meeting these strong women and asking them about their battles with breast cancer.

On Saturday, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer New York begins at 6:30AM. Forty-five hundred U.S. participants will tackle the first day of the weekend-Long, 39.3 mile journey. The survivors will camp out overnight in two-person tents with views of the city! I can only imagine all the many stories behind why these survivors are participating in this race.

There's much more to come, so keep your eyes on this blog as I update my experiences throughout the rest of the week and the weekend!

Learn more about the Avon Foundation.