It's called Ovation Cell Treatment. Here's the website: http://ovationhair.com/
If you try it, come back and comment and tell us what you think. I'm excited to try it myself!!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
TUESDAY TIPS - Ovation Hair Therapy...
My husband heard this advertised on the radio and told me about it - they said it's great for people who have had chemo and lost hair. Susan G. Komen endorses it.
It's called Ovation Cell Treatment. Here's the website: http://ovationhair.com/
If you try it, come back and comment and tell us what you think. I'm excited to try it myself!!!
It's called Ovation Cell Treatment. Here's the website: http://ovationhair.com/
If you try it, come back and comment and tell us what you think. I'm excited to try it myself!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
MONDAY MEMOIRS - Cancer Words...
James Earl Jones said:
“One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.”
Get your writing journal out and list any "cancer" words you can think of. Then, pick a word and write about how that word has become part of your vocabulary. Let that word or words take you into your cancer story and let the memories wash over you. Write down an experience you had with that word.
I truly believe that writing about our cancer journey will help us to heal.
-Kara
“One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.”
Get your writing journal out and list any "cancer" words you can think of. Then, pick a word and write about how that word has become part of your vocabulary. Let that word or words take you into your cancer story and let the memories wash over you. Write down an experience you had with that word.
I truly believe that writing about our cancer journey will help us to heal.
-Kara
Friday, August 27, 2010
FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Breakfast Snack...
Guest Blogger, Shannon Stahura sent in the following...
You will love this! This super easy and fun recipe has provided a great way to incorporate more protein in our diet and simplify the morning rush. We have been making it for breakfast everyday the last couple of weeks. And the great thing about it is, you can pre-make it the night before.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal
1 cup vanilla yogurt (I prefer Dannon Lite)
1 cup of diced fruit (strawberries, raspberries or blueberries work great)
Directions:
Layer the ingredients starting with yogurt, then the Crunch, and top with fruit. I can usually get two layers in a 12 oz cup.
Hint:
It's fun to use a glass cup, or if you are making it to go use a clear plastic cup. If you do make them the night before just seal the cup with a lid or tin foil. This serving provides approximately 14 grams of protein and 250 calories (and low sugar), as well as a source of three major food groups. Also, it makes a great afternoon snack!
You will love this! This super easy and fun recipe has provided a great way to incorporate more protein in our diet and simplify the morning rush. We have been making it for breakfast everyday the last couple of weeks. And the great thing about it is, you can pre-make it the night before.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal
1 cup vanilla yogurt (I prefer Dannon Lite)
1 cup of diced fruit (strawberries, raspberries or blueberries work great)
Directions:
Layer the ingredients starting with yogurt, then the Crunch, and top with fruit. I can usually get two layers in a 12 oz cup.
Hint:
It's fun to use a glass cup, or if you are making it to go use a clear plastic cup. If you do make them the night before just seal the cup with a lid or tin foil. This serving provides approximately 14 grams of protein and 250 calories (and low sugar), as well as a source of three major food groups. Also, it makes a great afternoon snack!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Love and Compassion...
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being." - Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lamat
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Warriors in Pink
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2007
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2008
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2009
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2010
Visit the Ford, Warriors in Pink website
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2008
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2009
Warriors in Pink Scarf - 2010
Visit the Ford, Warriors in Pink website
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
TUESDAY TIDINGS - New Program at Huntsman for Senior Cancer Breast Cancer Survivors...
Deseret News, Sunday, July 18, 2010:
Attention Senior Breast Cancer Survivors: Wouldn't it feel great to feel great again?
Here is an easy opportunity to do something great for you with just a phone call.
The University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute are seeking female participants (age 60 and older who have experienced breast cancer) for a program that aims to increase your energy and mind/body health. If you qualify, you'll have the chance to experience - at no cost - 12 weeks of a relaxing, health enhancing form of Tai Chi called Tai Chi Chih ("tie chee chuh") or be involved in a stress reducing, health promoting education group.
With 19 movements and 1 pose, or informative and interesting educational sessions, you're on your way to feeling better.
Please call 801-587-4556 for more information. (Huntsman Cancer Institute)
Attention Senior Breast Cancer Survivors: Wouldn't it feel great to feel great again?
Here is an easy opportunity to do something great for you with just a phone call.
The University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute are seeking female participants (age 60 and older who have experienced breast cancer) for a program that aims to increase your energy and mind/body health. If you qualify, you'll have the chance to experience - at no cost - 12 weeks of a relaxing, health enhancing form of Tai Chi called Tai Chi Chih ("tie chee chuh") or be involved in a stress reducing, health promoting education group.
With 19 movements and 1 pose, or informative and interesting educational sessions, you're on your way to feeling better.
Please call 801-587-4556 for more information. (Huntsman Cancer Institute)
Monday, August 23, 2010
MONDAY MEMOIRS - My Doctors...
Each of us has had numerous doctors through our cancer journeys. Pick one of your doctors and write a paragraph about him/her. What was their personality like? In what ways did they help you? What did you like about that doctor? Dislike?
"The physician should look upon the patient as a besieged city and try to rescue him with every means that art and science place at his command." ~Alexander of Tralles
"The physician should look upon the patient as a besieged city and try to rescue him with every means that art and science place at his command." ~Alexander of Tralles
Friday, August 20, 2010
FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Farfalle with Tomatoes, Onions, and Spinach
I've been surfing the web today, looking for yummy healthy recipes that will use some of the things I've got in my fridge - feta cheese and tiny tomatoes. The following recipe is from the Cooking Light website. It's a Mediterranean pasta recipe - using one of my favorite pastas - Farfalle. Add chicken, if desired. ENJOY!
Farfalle with Tomatoes, Onions, and Spinach
Total: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture and 3 tablespoons feta)
Ingredients
* 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 8 ounces uncooked Farfalle pasta
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
* 1 cup vertically sliced yellow onion
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 5 garlic cloves, sliced (Whoa - that's a lot of garlic! Yum!!)
* 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
* 3 cups baby spinach
* 3 tablespoons shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Preparation
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions; drain.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and oregano; sauté 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and vinegar; sauté 3 minutes or until tomatoes begin to soften. Add pasta and spinach; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with feta.
FYI - Nutritional Information
Calories: 374, Fat: 13.3g (sat 5g,mono 6.2g,poly 0.9g), Protein: 13.7g,
Carbohydrate: 51.1g, Fiber: 3.8g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Iron: 2.6mg, Sodium: 632mg,
Calcium: 212mg.
Farfalle with Tomatoes, Onions, and Spinach
Total: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture and 3 tablespoons feta)
Ingredients
* 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 8 ounces uncooked Farfalle pasta
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
* 1 cup vertically sliced yellow onion
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 5 garlic cloves, sliced (Whoa - that's a lot of garlic! Yum!!)
* 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
* 3 cups baby spinach
* 3 tablespoons shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Preparation
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions; drain.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and oregano; sauté 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and vinegar; sauté 3 minutes or until tomatoes begin to soften. Add pasta and spinach; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with feta.
FYI - Nutritional Information
Calories: 374, Fat: 13.3g (sat 5g,mono 6.2g,poly 0.9g), Protein: 13.7g,
Carbohydrate: 51.1g, Fiber: 3.8g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Iron: 2.6mg, Sodium: 632mg,
Calcium: 212mg.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - I know SO many Incredible Women - Breast Cancer Survivors Among Them...
In the last two years, since my diagnosis, I've been blessed to meet and become acquainted with many wonderful women - women who have helped me, served me, taken care of me. I've also met many women who have been diagnosed with the same cancer I had, and I am grateful to know so many incredible women!
One year ago, I started a blog called Incredible Women - somewhere I could celebrate all of those women who have become such an important part of my life. It's a place I can share the women who mean so much to me, and where my readers can nominate other incredible women.
Take a few minutes to visit the blog - Incredible Women - and read about the past year of features. I'm starting a new year of celebration in September. I hope to share many more every-day women who make a difference this year.
To all of you breast cancer survivors that I've met - and admire SO much - I'm grateful to be able to add you to my growing list of Incredible Women. Thank you for making such an important impact on my life.
I love you all.
-Kara
Who are the Incredible Women in your life?
One year ago, I started a blog called Incredible Women - somewhere I could celebrate all of those women who have become such an important part of my life. It's a place I can share the women who mean so much to me, and where my readers can nominate other incredible women.
Take a few minutes to visit the blog - Incredible Women - and read about the past year of features. I'm starting a new year of celebration in September. I hope to share many more every-day women who make a difference this year.
To all of you breast cancer survivors that I've met - and admire SO much - I'm grateful to be able to add you to my growing list of Incredible Women. Thank you for making such an important impact on my life.
I love you all.
-Kara
Who are the Incredible Women in your life?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
TUESDAY TIDINGS -Finding Someone To Talk To...
BreastCancer.org offers some good advice to those diagnoses with Breast Cancer:
It’s important to find a trusted confidant with whom you can discuss your most intense fears and concerns as well as your hopes. You may find that your spouse, life partner, or other relative or friend can play this role. If they cannot, consider going outside your usual circle of family and friends to find someone you can talk to. This person might be:
* a member of the clergy
* social worker
* psychologist or other mental health professional
* doctor or nurse
* another person with breast cancer
* another cancer survivor
It does not matter who this support person is; what is important is that you have someone who allows you to speak openly.
Sister Survivors offers a mentoring program called Bosom Buddies. If you've been newly diagnosed and have questions, please contact us, and we'll match you with a survivor who is willing to spend time with you and answer those questions and fears you might have. If you are a survivor, and would like to help others, please consider joining this program. Contact Sister Survivors at sistersurvivors(at)gmail(dot)com.
It’s important to find a trusted confidant with whom you can discuss your most intense fears and concerns as well as your hopes. You may find that your spouse, life partner, or other relative or friend can play this role. If they cannot, consider going outside your usual circle of family and friends to find someone you can talk to. This person might be:
* a member of the clergy
* social worker
* psychologist or other mental health professional
* doctor or nurse
* another person with breast cancer
* another cancer survivor
It does not matter who this support person is; what is important is that you have someone who allows you to speak openly.
Sister Survivors offers a mentoring program called Bosom Buddies. If you've been newly diagnosed and have questions, please contact us, and we'll match you with a survivor who is willing to spend time with you and answer those questions and fears you might have. If you are a survivor, and would like to help others, please consider joining this program. Contact Sister Survivors at sistersurvivors(at)gmail(dot)com.
Monday, August 16, 2010
MONDAY MEMOIRS - Your Bucket List...
For those of you interested in the writing class, held 1/2 hour before our Sister Survivor support meeting last week, here is the assignment...
I received the following email from a friend this week. It really made me think about my life…
“A good friend of mine went home early from work last Tuesday and held his wife for the last time as she died of cancer. On Friday of last week, he watched his son get married. Today, Monday, he buries his wife. It's odd to hug a friend at a wedding reception for his child and a funeral viewing for his wife within a 24 hour period. But through it all, I have yet, in my life, to see such grace and dignity shown by a man. Cliché expressions, but the most appropriate words I can find to describe his conduct last week and over the last 4 years. He said to me yesterday, about he and his wife, "We did lots of things together. We didn't wait until retirement." It was true. He and his wife were always doing things. Hiking, repelling, cycling, camping, traveling. However, over the last 4 years, they were more and more limited in what they could do because of her weakness.....but they "didn't wait for retirement".
Money is great, but don't wait until retirement. Do it today. Whatever it is, do it today. Say it, fix it, change it......whatever it is. What dying man wishes he had spent more time at the office?”
I also read these words from a poem by Mary Oliver (The Summer Days)…
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
There is a touching film I once saw, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill cancer patients who embark on a road trip together to accomplish a wish list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket”. Their bucket list included a long list of wishes, including:
Witness something truly majestic
Help a complete stranger for the good
Laugh till I cry
Kiss the most beautiful girl in the world
Skydiving
Drive a motorcycle on the Great Wall of China
Sit on the Great Egyptian Pyramids
Find the Joy in your life
Writing assignment:
1. Think about your own bucket list – all the things you would like to do for the remainder of your “wild and precious” life. Write down everything!
2. Then write a short paragraph about the gift you’ve been given – your life, however long it may be.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” - Joe Lewis
“It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.” - Adlai Stevenson
I received the following email from a friend this week. It really made me think about my life…
“A good friend of mine went home early from work last Tuesday and held his wife for the last time as she died of cancer. On Friday of last week, he watched his son get married. Today, Monday, he buries his wife. It's odd to hug a friend at a wedding reception for his child and a funeral viewing for his wife within a 24 hour period. But through it all, I have yet, in my life, to see such grace and dignity shown by a man. Cliché expressions, but the most appropriate words I can find to describe his conduct last week and over the last 4 years. He said to me yesterday, about he and his wife, "We did lots of things together. We didn't wait until retirement." It was true. He and his wife were always doing things. Hiking, repelling, cycling, camping, traveling. However, over the last 4 years, they were more and more limited in what they could do because of her weakness.....but they "didn't wait for retirement".
Money is great, but don't wait until retirement. Do it today. Whatever it is, do it today. Say it, fix it, change it......whatever it is. What dying man wishes he had spent more time at the office?”
I also read these words from a poem by Mary Oliver (The Summer Days)…
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
There is a touching film I once saw, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill cancer patients who embark on a road trip together to accomplish a wish list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket”. Their bucket list included a long list of wishes, including:
Witness something truly majestic
Help a complete stranger for the good
Laugh till I cry
Kiss the most beautiful girl in the world
Skydiving
Drive a motorcycle on the Great Wall of China
Sit on the Great Egyptian Pyramids
Find the Joy in your life
Writing assignment:
1. Think about your own bucket list – all the things you would like to do for the remainder of your “wild and precious” life. Write down everything!
2. Then write a short paragraph about the gift you’ve been given – your life, however long it may be.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” - Joe Lewis
“It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.” - Adlai Stevenson
Friday, August 13, 2010
FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Spinach Salad
Guest blogger, Shannon Stahura:
Another fun summer salad full of vitamins and fresh leafy greens. This one has a familiar base, but its the dressing that really jazzes things up. Give it a try and I guarantee they will ask for seconds.
Salad:
Baby leaf spinach
1 head romain lettuce
1/4 cup cranberries
1/4 lb. feta cheese crumbled
Dressing:
2 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/3 med red onion
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil
Directions:
Combine in a blender until smooth. This makes more than you will need so just save it for the next salad.
Toss greens with cheese and cranberries. Pour salad dressing on sparingly and taste. Add more as necessary.
Another fun summer salad full of vitamins and fresh leafy greens. This one has a familiar base, but its the dressing that really jazzes things up. Give it a try and I guarantee they will ask for seconds.
Salad:
Baby leaf spinach
1 head romain lettuce
1/4 cup cranberries
1/4 lb. feta cheese crumbled
Dressing:
2 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/3 med red onion
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil
Directions:
Combine in a blender until smooth. This makes more than you will need so just save it for the next salad.
Toss greens with cheese and cranberries. Pour salad dressing on sparingly and taste. Add more as necessary.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - How Did I Have the Strength to...
Today, for Thursday Thoughts, I'd like to share part of a post I wrote on my cancer blog at my 1 year anniversary (from diagnosis)...
"It's been one year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. One year ago, today, I heard those words: You have two kinds of breast cancer. I've been watching this anniversary approach for a few days now, and have been thinking back to one year ago. Little did I know, when I heard those words, what they would mean. I have a need to write about this year - it's almost like being underwater and not being able to breath. There's a certain panicked feeling. I'm not sure why. But, maybe if I review what I've been through this last year, I will feel more in control again. I'm not sure that even makes sense.
Out of control - that's how I've felt for the last year. I've felt like every second since my diagnosis has gone flying by - there just hasn't been enough time to make the decisions that I made. You would think that when you've got to decide whether or not to have your chest cut off, the world would just stop and hold it's breath. But, no. It seems like the world speeds up. Everything comes too soon. You decide on something and it seems like that something happens the next second. You can't slow it down. It's funny how things speed up and then slow way down - hurry, hurry, hurry... bi-lateral mastectomy, chemo, reconstructive surgery. Then, you lose your hair and your nails and they take forever to grow back. Your health and strength is quickly drained away, and then takes forever to come back.
When you've gone through something so life-altering, you look back and think "No way - I did not just make it through that!" Seriously. I really don't know how I'm still here. Sane. Recovering.
How did I have the strength to...
Go through a random needle biopsy by myself?
How did I have the strength to...
Have a bi-lateral mastectomy?
How did I have the strength to...
Go through chemo?
How did I have the strength to...
Make it through each night after that first chemo treatment?
How did I have the strength to...
Shave my head?
How did I have the strength to...
Sit in the chair at the plastic surgeon's office and let him fill the expanders?
How does one find the strength to go through anything hard in this life? Where does that strength come from? Well, I believe that every person has an inner strength - something that we pull from deep down inside of us when we have to. But, I also believe in the strength that God gives us. I know he walked by me through this whole last year, and, at times (probably more often than not), He carried me. I've felt his love and concern for me. I've felt His encouragement when I didn't think I could get out of bed, or get through the recovery after a surgery. I'm so grateful for the spirit of the Lord in my life. I would never have been able to get through this last year without that spirit leading and guiding me.
I think I'm a stronger person today, than I was one year ago. I was able to make it through a year of hell, and I'm still around to continue fighting. It's ok, too. I'm fine, and I'll continue to heal and regain strength. I look forward to one year from now. My goals? To be healthier than I was last year when I was diagnosed. To make exercise part of my daily routine. To learn everything I can about nutrition, so that I can take care of my body. To smile more - and to be truly happy with myself and my body."
I hope this post has helped someone out there to think hard about what you went through during your cancer journey. Every one of you is a strong, amazing woman, and an inspiration to everyone who knows you.
-Kara
"It's been one year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. One year ago, today, I heard those words: You have two kinds of breast cancer. I've been watching this anniversary approach for a few days now, and have been thinking back to one year ago. Little did I know, when I heard those words, what they would mean. I have a need to write about this year - it's almost like being underwater and not being able to breath. There's a certain panicked feeling. I'm not sure why. But, maybe if I review what I've been through this last year, I will feel more in control again. I'm not sure that even makes sense.
Out of control - that's how I've felt for the last year. I've felt like every second since my diagnosis has gone flying by - there just hasn't been enough time to make the decisions that I made. You would think that when you've got to decide whether or not to have your chest cut off, the world would just stop and hold it's breath. But, no. It seems like the world speeds up. Everything comes too soon. You decide on something and it seems like that something happens the next second. You can't slow it down. It's funny how things speed up and then slow way down - hurry, hurry, hurry... bi-lateral mastectomy, chemo, reconstructive surgery. Then, you lose your hair and your nails and they take forever to grow back. Your health and strength is quickly drained away, and then takes forever to come back.
When you've gone through something so life-altering, you look back and think "No way - I did not just make it through that!" Seriously. I really don't know how I'm still here. Sane. Recovering.
How did I have the strength to...
Go through a random needle biopsy by myself?
How did I have the strength to...
Have a bi-lateral mastectomy?
How did I have the strength to...
Go through chemo?
How did I have the strength to...
Make it through each night after that first chemo treatment?
How did I have the strength to...
Shave my head?
How did I have the strength to...
Sit in the chair at the plastic surgeon's office and let him fill the expanders?
How does one find the strength to go through anything hard in this life? Where does that strength come from? Well, I believe that every person has an inner strength - something that we pull from deep down inside of us when we have to. But, I also believe in the strength that God gives us. I know he walked by me through this whole last year, and, at times (probably more often than not), He carried me. I've felt his love and concern for me. I've felt His encouragement when I didn't think I could get out of bed, or get through the recovery after a surgery. I'm so grateful for the spirit of the Lord in my life. I would never have been able to get through this last year without that spirit leading and guiding me.
I think I'm a stronger person today, than I was one year ago. I was able to make it through a year of hell, and I'm still around to continue fighting. It's ok, too. I'm fine, and I'll continue to heal and regain strength. I look forward to one year from now. My goals? To be healthier than I was last year when I was diagnosed. To make exercise part of my daily routine. To learn everything I can about nutrition, so that I can take care of my body. To smile more - and to be truly happy with myself and my body."
I hope this post has helped someone out there to think hard about what you went through during your cancer journey. Every one of you is a strong, amazing woman, and an inspiration to everyone who knows you.
-Kara
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
TUESDAY TIDINGS - Support Group Meeting this week...
To all Sister Survivors:
We are having our monthly support group meeting this Thursday, August 12, at 7:00 pm.
Please let others know - help us spread the word. There are those out there who could use our help.
See you this Thursday to talk about Looking Your Best! Bring your favorite beauty products for Show and Share.
If you have questions, please call or email Kara at: (801) 360-4666 / nafari01(at)yahoo(dot)com.
We are having our monthly support group meeting this Thursday, August 12, at 7:00 pm.
Please let others know - help us spread the word. There are those out there who could use our help.
See you this Thursday to talk about Looking Your Best! Bring your favorite beauty products for Show and Share.
If you have questions, please call or email Kara at: (801) 360-4666 / nafari01(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Monday, August 9, 2010
MONDAY MEMOIRS - Choices
Open up your cancer journal and answer the following question...
What are some of the difficult choices you had to make during your cancer journey?
Just write those choices down. We'll go into more detail next week.
Writing is a way to light the darkness. -- Andre Aciman
What are some of the difficult choices you had to make during your cancer journey?
Just write those choices down. We'll go into more detail next week.
Writing is a way to light the darkness. -- Andre Aciman
Saturday, August 7, 2010
STRONG SATURDAY - Weight Lifting Benefits Breast Cancer Survivors
The following article appeared on CNNhealth.com, and I thought I'd share it...
Occupational therapist Cathy Kleinman-Barnett works with breast cancer patients, but she has never encouraged women with lymphedema, a breast cancer-related swelling of the arm, to lift weights. A new study contradicts recommendations that breast cancer survivors avoid weight lifting, because of swelling.
However, she may be changing her tune, thanks to a new study in the August 13 (2009) issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. It turns out that breast cancer survivors with lymphedema who engage in a progressive, supervised weight-lifting program fare better than their counterparts who do not lift weights.
Lymphedema occurs in as many as 70 percent of women who have breast cancer surgery. Sometimes lymph nodes in the armpit are removed for cancer testing, which can cause the clear fluid (lymph) that circulates in the body to build up in the affected limb. As a result, women must wear a compression sleeve and glove during waking hours.
"For so long, we were taught no heavy lifting and no resistance for our patients, but this article is shouting out yes to resistance and weight," says Kleinman-Barnett, who is a lymphedema specialist at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida. "The benefits seem to outweigh the risks, and a weight-lifting program may help these women prevent injuries from everyday tasks by boosting strength in the affected limbs."
Oftentimes breast cancer survivors were told to steer clear of weight lifting -- or even carrying their children or heavy grocery bags, because doctors thought it could worsen the swelling. The new study, the largest to date, seems to contradict that recommendation.
In fact, the research team led by Kathryn Schmitz, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and a member of the university's Abramson Cancer Center, found that weight lifting increased muscle strength, decreased the number and severity of arm and hand symptoms, and reduced lymphedema exacerbations.
"Our study shows that participating in a safe, structured weight-lifting routine can help women with lymphedema take control of their symptoms and reap the many rewards that resistance training has on their overall health," says Schmitz. Resistance training helps build bone density and can improve health in general.
In the new study, 141 women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment were divided into two groups. Women in the weight-lifting group received a one-year membership to a local gym. For the first 13 weeks, they participated in twice weekly, 90-minute supervised exercise sessions that included stretching, a cardiovascular warm-up, and abdominal and back exercises. The weight-lifting exercises involved low weights, and one to three new exercises were added at each session.
The number of sets increased from two to three, with 10 reps in each set, during the first five weeks. If the women felt OK, more weight was added.
After 13 weeks, women in the weight-lifting group continued twice-weekly exercise sessions on their own for an additional 39 weeks. By contrast, the women in the other group continued their normal exercise routine throughout the study period. All women wore a custom-fitted compression garment on their affected arm during their workouts.
Overall, the women who lifted weights experienced fewer exacerbations of their lymphedema, and they showed a reduction in symptoms compared to the women in the control group. Nineteen women in the control group had lymphedema exacerbations, compared to nine in the treatment group, the researchers report. A similar proportion of women in both groups showed an increase of 5 percent or more in their limb swelling.
Kleinman-Barnett currently prescribes range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and massage to stimulate lymphatic flow in her patients. "I will now incorporate weight lifting using 2 to 3 pound weights, and slowly increase it, and teach them how to monitor themselves to be sure they are not increasing swelling," she said. Red flags that weight lifting may be making things worse include more swelling, heaviness, and pain in the arm, she said.
Dr. Marisa Weiss, the president and founder of the advocacy group Breastcancer.org, and the author of the forthcoming new edition of "Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer," said the new study is good news for two groups of women -- those who have lymphedema and those at risk of developing it.
"For women who already have lymphedema, this is good news because we have not known how to get them back to moving and grooving again," said Weiss, who is the director of breast radiation oncology and breast health outreach at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. "Our arms are essential to our ability to be physically active, and we haven't known how to advise these women in the past."
Lymphedema is more common after surgeries that remove most or all of the lymph nodes in the under arm area because there are few if any lymphatic drains left intact after such surgeries, she says. "If regular weight lifting with a sleeve in a supervised setting is OK for women with lymphedema, then it is reasonable for women with breast cancer treatment who are at risk of developing lymphedema to go back to some of the things they enjoyed in the past," she said.
Karen Strauss, a 50-year-old breast cancer survivor who developed lymphedema four months ago, is excited about the findings because she may be able to return to some of the exercises she did before developing breast cancer.
"I used to do a whole workout when I went to the gym, but I have gotten away from it because I am afraid I would make things worse," said Strauss, a clinical social worker in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "I have been afraid to do anything, but not anymore."
Strauss currently wears a compression sleeve and glove, gives herself light-touch massages, and does non-weight-bearing exercises to treat her lymphedema. But the new study results have convinced her to talk to her lymphedema specialist about adding light weights to the mix.
Copyright Health Magazine 2009
Occupational therapist Cathy Kleinman-Barnett works with breast cancer patients, but she has never encouraged women with lymphedema, a breast cancer-related swelling of the arm, to lift weights. A new study contradicts recommendations that breast cancer survivors avoid weight lifting, because of swelling.
However, she may be changing her tune, thanks to a new study in the August 13 (2009) issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. It turns out that breast cancer survivors with lymphedema who engage in a progressive, supervised weight-lifting program fare better than their counterparts who do not lift weights.
Lymphedema occurs in as many as 70 percent of women who have breast cancer surgery. Sometimes lymph nodes in the armpit are removed for cancer testing, which can cause the clear fluid (lymph) that circulates in the body to build up in the affected limb. As a result, women must wear a compression sleeve and glove during waking hours.
"For so long, we were taught no heavy lifting and no resistance for our patients, but this article is shouting out yes to resistance and weight," says Kleinman-Barnett, who is a lymphedema specialist at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida. "The benefits seem to outweigh the risks, and a weight-lifting program may help these women prevent injuries from everyday tasks by boosting strength in the affected limbs."
Oftentimes breast cancer survivors were told to steer clear of weight lifting -- or even carrying their children or heavy grocery bags, because doctors thought it could worsen the swelling. The new study, the largest to date, seems to contradict that recommendation.
In fact, the research team led by Kathryn Schmitz, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and a member of the university's Abramson Cancer Center, found that weight lifting increased muscle strength, decreased the number and severity of arm and hand symptoms, and reduced lymphedema exacerbations.
"Our study shows that participating in a safe, structured weight-lifting routine can help women with lymphedema take control of their symptoms and reap the many rewards that resistance training has on their overall health," says Schmitz. Resistance training helps build bone density and can improve health in general.
In the new study, 141 women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment were divided into two groups. Women in the weight-lifting group received a one-year membership to a local gym. For the first 13 weeks, they participated in twice weekly, 90-minute supervised exercise sessions that included stretching, a cardiovascular warm-up, and abdominal and back exercises. The weight-lifting exercises involved low weights, and one to three new exercises were added at each session.
The number of sets increased from two to three, with 10 reps in each set, during the first five weeks. If the women felt OK, more weight was added.
After 13 weeks, women in the weight-lifting group continued twice-weekly exercise sessions on their own for an additional 39 weeks. By contrast, the women in the other group continued their normal exercise routine throughout the study period. All women wore a custom-fitted compression garment on their affected arm during their workouts.
Overall, the women who lifted weights experienced fewer exacerbations of their lymphedema, and they showed a reduction in symptoms compared to the women in the control group. Nineteen women in the control group had lymphedema exacerbations, compared to nine in the treatment group, the researchers report. A similar proportion of women in both groups showed an increase of 5 percent or more in their limb swelling.
Kleinman-Barnett currently prescribes range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and massage to stimulate lymphatic flow in her patients. "I will now incorporate weight lifting using 2 to 3 pound weights, and slowly increase it, and teach them how to monitor themselves to be sure they are not increasing swelling," she said. Red flags that weight lifting may be making things worse include more swelling, heaviness, and pain in the arm, she said.
Dr. Marisa Weiss, the president and founder of the advocacy group Breastcancer.org, and the author of the forthcoming new edition of "Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer," said the new study is good news for two groups of women -- those who have lymphedema and those at risk of developing it.
"For women who already have lymphedema, this is good news because we have not known how to get them back to moving and grooving again," said Weiss, who is the director of breast radiation oncology and breast health outreach at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. "Our arms are essential to our ability to be physically active, and we haven't known how to advise these women in the past."
Lymphedema is more common after surgeries that remove most or all of the lymph nodes in the under arm area because there are few if any lymphatic drains left intact after such surgeries, she says. "If regular weight lifting with a sleeve in a supervised setting is OK for women with lymphedema, then it is reasonable for women with breast cancer treatment who are at risk of developing lymphedema to go back to some of the things they enjoyed in the past," she said.
Karen Strauss, a 50-year-old breast cancer survivor who developed lymphedema four months ago, is excited about the findings because she may be able to return to some of the exercises she did before developing breast cancer.
"I used to do a whole workout when I went to the gym, but I have gotten away from it because I am afraid I would make things worse," said Strauss, a clinical social worker in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "I have been afraid to do anything, but not anymore."
Strauss currently wears a compression sleeve and glove, gives herself light-touch massages, and does non-weight-bearing exercises to treat her lymphedema. But the new study results have convinced her to talk to her lymphedema specialist about adding light weights to the mix.
Copyright Health Magazine 2009
Friday, August 6, 2010
FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Fettuccine Spinach Salad
Guest blogger, Shannon Stahura...
This week's recipe is definitely a keeper. Fettuccine Spinach Salad was served for years at the old Peery Hotel in downtown Salt Lake. One evening the chef shared the recipe with us. I love it because it is unique and its another great way to work in those veggie servings. Enjoy!
Dressing:
2 Tb olive oil
1 Tb cider vinegar
1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic minced
1 part cream to 1 part vinaigrette
Salad:
Baby spinach
2 green onions chopped
1 pkg feta cheese, crumbled
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 can sliced black olives
Ham, julienne sliced
1/2 box fettuccine (cooked)
Directions:
Mix all of salad ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk all of dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss and serve.
This week's recipe is definitely a keeper. Fettuccine Spinach Salad was served for years at the old Peery Hotel in downtown Salt Lake. One evening the chef shared the recipe with us. I love it because it is unique and its another great way to work in those veggie servings. Enjoy!
Dressing:
2 Tb olive oil
1 Tb cider vinegar
1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic minced
1 part cream to 1 part vinaigrette
Salad:
Baby spinach
2 green onions chopped
1 pkg feta cheese, crumbled
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 can sliced black olives
Ham, julienne sliced
1/2 box fettuccine (cooked)
Directions:
Mix all of salad ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk all of dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss and serve.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Lance Armstrong...
I read the book, It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong while I was going through cancer. It was an amazing book. What a fighter. I can't even imagine being able to physically do what he did while fighting cancer. He is an example of courage, devotion, and pure determination. Here is a quote from Lance that I love:
"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell." ~Lance Armstrong
"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell." ~Lance Armstrong
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
TUESDAY TIDINGS - Risk Factors for Breast Cancer...
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer that you CAN control:
Many factors might affect your risk for breast cancer and other diseases. You may be able to control and modify some of these, including:
* what you eat
* how much you weigh and maintaining a healthy weight
* how much you exercise
* whether you smoke
* whether you drink alcohol and if so, how much and how frequently
* the types of chemicals in your environment
* whether you took hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms for 5 years or longer
Rick factors for breast cancer that you CAN'T control...
* Age
* Personal history of breast cancer
* Family history
* Certain breast changes
* Genetic alterations
* Menstrual history
* Race
* Radiation therapy to the chest before you were 30 years old
* Breast density
* Exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol):
* Late pregnancy or no pregnancy
If you weigh uncontrollable factors against those that CAN be changed, you'll see that you can do a lot to lower your risk of breast cancer. And while it's very hard to pin down specific foods or chemicals that are firmly linked to a higher or lower risk of breast cancer, researchers are working hard to find out whatever they can about specific lifestyle and environmental factors that may be within your control.
This information comes from Breastcancer.org - if you'd like to read the full article, go to their website, click on Lower Your Risk → Lowering Risk For Everyone → Risk Factors You Can't Control or Risk Factors You Can Control.
Many factors might affect your risk for breast cancer and other diseases. You may be able to control and modify some of these, including:
* what you eat
* how much you weigh and maintaining a healthy weight
* how much you exercise
* whether you smoke
* whether you drink alcohol and if so, how much and how frequently
* the types of chemicals in your environment
* whether you took hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms for 5 years or longer
Rick factors for breast cancer that you CAN'T control...
* Age
* Personal history of breast cancer
* Family history
* Certain breast changes
* Genetic alterations
* Menstrual history
* Race
* Radiation therapy to the chest before you were 30 years old
* Breast density
* Exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol):
* Late pregnancy or no pregnancy
If you weigh uncontrollable factors against those that CAN be changed, you'll see that you can do a lot to lower your risk of breast cancer. And while it's very hard to pin down specific foods or chemicals that are firmly linked to a higher or lower risk of breast cancer, researchers are working hard to find out whatever they can about specific lifestyle and environmental factors that may be within your control.
This information comes from Breastcancer.org - if you'd like to read the full article, go to their website, click on Lower Your Risk → Lowering Risk For Everyone → Risk Factors You Can't Control or Risk Factors You Can Control.
Monday, August 2, 2010
MONDAY MEMOIRS - Medications
Today, take a few minutes to write done what you remember about the medications you had to take during your cancer journey. Include the names, and maybe even the side affects.
This will be good for not only your cancer story (journal), but also your medical records. It's always good to have a list of medications you've taken, and how you reacted to those medications. How did they make you feel? Did they help, or hurt, you?
You might have to get your medical bills out to help you with this part. I remember writing a post on my cancer blog about the cost of the medications I had to take. Each time I had chemo, it would cost over $25,000! One shot cost about $4500 each time I had it! I remember feeling so blessed to have health insurance, and feeling so bad for people who don't.
This will be good for not only your cancer story (journal), but also your medical records. It's always good to have a list of medications you've taken, and how you reacted to those medications. How did they make you feel? Did they help, or hurt, you?
You might have to get your medical bills out to help you with this part. I remember writing a post on my cancer blog about the cost of the medications I had to take. Each time I had chemo, it would cost over $25,000! One shot cost about $4500 each time I had it! I remember feeling so blessed to have health insurance, and feeling so bad for people who don't.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)