THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Breast Cancer Sisterhood...

Sorry this post is so late today. I recently found something interesting that I wanted to share with you in the Costco magazine, and then I accidently threw it away! Just found it, so here goes...

In the Member Connection area of the magazine, Coscto introduces Brenda Coffee - a breast cancer survivor. In November 2009, she launched the Breast Cancer Sisterhood - which is a resource all about breast cancer. The article goes on to say that it was originally set up as a non-profit, but she decided to make it something more. She started the Survivorship Media Network, LLC, for families of patients. She has also co-authored two guide books, one that provides patient advice, and the other for husbands who are caregivers. The website is http://breastcancersisterhood.com - they get 15,000 visitors a month! Included on the website are around 100 videos, FAXs, experts, an award-winning blog, Retail Therapy, and links to other cancer-related sites. Take a minute and go to the website - I hope you'll find something useful there. Have a great day!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Beautiful Art...

TUESDAY TIDINGS - DCIS Treatments...

I was recently reading some articles on the website, MedicineNet.com, and thought I'd share one of them with you. It's about DCIS - one of the forms of breast cancer that I had - it starts with a question...

"I have a Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), a type of localized cancer. Why have I been advised to have a mastectomy when other women with invasive cancer have lumpectomies?"

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) sometimes presents a difficult dilemma. Most patients with DCIS can undergo successful breast-conservation therapy but not all. The diagnosis implies that this is an "early" form of cancer in the sense that the cells have not acquired the ability to penetrate normal tissue barriers or spread through the vascular or lymphatic channels to other sites of the body. It is important to realize that breast cancer is a wide spectrum of diseases and no comparisons should be made just on the basis that someone you know has "breast cancer" and shares a different treatment approach with you.

However, the millions of cells forming the DCIS have accumulated a series of errors in their DNA programs which allow them to grow out of control. There are varying degrees of disturbance, called "grades," of the normal cellular patterns. Low grades are more favorable, and high grades are less favorable.

The DCIS cells originate from the inside of the breast gland ducts (microscopic tubes). As they multiply, the cells fill and spread through the normal ducts of the breast glandular tissue. With many DNA errors already in place and millions of these cells exposed to the usual risks of additional DNA damage, a few cells will ultimately become invasive. This invasive change is the real risk of DCIS.

Treatment which does not physically remove all of the DCIS seems to leave a substantial risk of recurrence and, therefore, invasive disease. This risk of recurrence is particularly increased in the high-grade form of DCIS. In cases where the DCIS has spread extensively through the breast ducts, even though the disease is in a sense "early" because it is not yet invasive, it may still require a large surgical resection, at times even a mastectomy (removal of all or part of the breast).

This article helped me to better understand the treatment of my cancer, but I think the most important part of the article was the advice that was given... "It is important to realize that breast cancer is a wide spectrum of diseases and no comparisons should be made just on the basis that someone you know has "breast cancer" and shares a different treatment approach with you."

As it says here, I think it's important to make your decisions about your breast cancer, and not compare it to the breast cancer others have. I've often wondered why my chemo treatment was so different than others with the same cancer. But, every cancer is unique - just as every person is unique. Do your homework, and research, and then make your decisions about treatment based on your research, the opinions of your doctors and other caregivers, and what you feel best about doing.

MONDAY MEMOIRS - It's Time To Feel Better...

I was reading through some old posts on my breast cancer blog, and something I read reminded me of what I wanted to post today....

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I never thought that 10 months later I would feel this awful. I thought that when I finished with chemo, things would get better - that chemo was the worst of it. It's hard to get going again with my life when I'm still not feeling well. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however. Several people I talked to, who have had cancer and chemo, have told me that this will last for about a year and then things will get better. A year is a long time. It's difficult to get back to taking care of my family and back to work when things hurt. But at least it will get better at some point."

So, the questions for this week in your cancer journal - When you were first diagnosed, how long did you think your cancer journey would be? Did you expect to feel all better as soon as your treatments were done, or were you a bit more realistic than I was?

By-the-way, the paragraph above was written in June of 2009. So, it's been about 15 months since then. I'm still not at 100%, but I'm feeling much better than I was at that time. Since then, I've heard different things from other cancer survivors - some say 1 year, some say 3 years. But, they all assure me that I WILL eventually feel so much better. I look forward to that day!

-KARA

FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Tortellini Dish...

Guest blogger - Shanna Stahura - sent this recipe in to share with you...

This recipe has it all...its healthy, has amazing flavor and its fast... you can make it in under 15 minutes. This recipe is a hit! Every time I make it everyone wants the recipe.

Ingredients

1 bunch or bag of fresh spinach
1 package of cheesy tortellini (from refrigerator section)
1 large can whole tomatoes
1 large carton of chicken broth
fresh basil (can substitute dried)
salt
pepper
fresh shredded Parmesan

Directions

1. Cook tortellini according to packages directions.
2. Place tomatoes in a large pot and blend with hand blender ( you can also cut or mash tomatoes)
3. Add chicken broth and bring to boil then simmer.
4. Add cooked tortellini to broth mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, turn off heat and then stir in spinach and sprinkle with basil.
6. Sprinkle each serving with fresh Parmesan

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Mourn with those who mourn...

I wanted to share something from my other blog, 'Incredible Women'. I'm interviewing a woman this week - Kathi Thompson - who has gone through some very difficult trials in her life, including losing her son right before his High School graduation. When I asked her what lessons she's learned from her trials, her answer included the follow...

"I have become passionate about using the things I have learned through these experiences to help others. I realize that it is important for us to become like the Savior in this life and to mourn with those who mourn and to help others carry their heavy burdens."

What wise words. I hope I can learn to be more Christlike, as I strive to help others with their own burdens.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Pink Bling...

You can find this beautiful necklace, along with other pretty pink jewelry at Emitations Blog. They donate a portion of each sale to Susan G. Komen.

TUESDAY TIDINGS: Mad Dash For Cancer...

American Fork Hospital is hosting their annual "Mad Dash" 5K to beat cancer on Saturday, Sept. 25th. Dr. Tittensor's husband, Zach, will be starting his last ride to complete the project (Mountains for Mammograms) of 250,000 vertical feet that same event by leading out the race on his bike. For those who want to enter, visit cancerdash.org, or for those who just want to come cheer others on, that would be great!!!

MONDAY MEMOIRS - What Made You Happy?

The Cancer Journey is often a journey fraught with pain, sickness, unhappiness, uncertainty, fear, etc. Today, let's focus on something different...

In your cancer journey - what made you happy? Nature, Compassion, Exercise, Rest, Family... what?

FRIDAY FARE - Zucchini Bread Lightened Up...

Guest Blogger, Shannon Stahura, sent this yummy recipe in. Try it and let us know what you think!

Ingredients

3/4 cup of sugar
1/3 cup applesauce
1/3 cup liquid egg whites
2 Tb extra light olive oil
1/2 tsp vanilla

Blend the above ingredients together. Then in a separate bowl mix the following...

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions

Gradually stir the dried ingredients with the egg white mixture. Then stir in 1 cup grated zucchini. Pour into bread loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Stress

"Give your stress wings and let it fly away."
-Terri Guillemets

15th of the Month Reminder

Today is SELF CHECK day!

On the 15th of each month, remember to do your breast self-exam.

Go to Cancer.org to find a self-check guide.

TUESDAY TIDINGS: SEPT 17th - A FITTING CELEBRATION

Friday, September 17, 2010, A FITTING CELEBRATION at NORDSTROMS

Grab your girlfriend, daughters, grandmothers or mother and join us as we partner with participating lingerie brands to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the global leader in the fight to end breast cancer.

Get a complimentary bra fitting from one of Nordstroms certified fit experts. They've been specially trained to identify the perfect bras for a variety of sizes and figure types. You'll love the way you look and feel in a properly fitted bra! Specialty fit services are also available for Breast Cancer Survivors.

For every bra purchased, $2 will be donated by Nordstrom and participating lingerie brands to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in your area.

For more details and to RSVP, go to nordstrom.com/nordstromfitsamerica, or call Lingerie at your nearest Nordstrom. For those in Utah County, the specialist to contact at Nordstroms in the University Mall is Sylvia Pratt. Her number is: 801-426-2800 ext 1240. Her email address is: sylvia.f.pratt@nordstom.com.

Pictures from our Sister Survivor Booth at the Women's Expo

Thought you might enjoy seeing pictures of the booth Sister Survivors shared with Dr. Tittensor's Mountains for Mammograms, at the Women's Expo this past weekend...

ANNOUNCEMENT...

Today, at UVU, the Women's Expo started. It runs through tomorrow. Sister Survivors has a booth there that we are sharing with Mountains for Mammograms. We'd love to have you stop by and visit us. There's some fun FREE stuff - including Saltair Salt Water Taffy (colored pink of course), breast cancer support stickers in pink, and a pink flier with our 6-month calendar and information about Sister Survivors. While there, make sure to support our group by buying a pink Sister Survivors bracelet for just $1. With the purchase of each bracelet, you'll get a pink ticket to enter into the drawing we are having. The prize is a beautiful Scensy Candle Warmer (bet you can't guess what color it is!) and 3 Scensy candle scents.

While you're at the booth, please take a minute to talk to us about Mountains for Mammograms - brought to you by Dr. Jennifer Tittensor and her husband, Zach. Here is a little bit of information about this wonderful fundraiser, which will provide FREE mammograms for women who can't afford them:

"When found early, breast cancer is a curable disease. Our goal is to provide free mammograms to those women in greatest need.We know many women who have breast cancer. Some will be cured, but some will not. Getting regular mammograms is the best screening tool we have to find cancer when it is curable. Rather than just donating money, Zach felt it would mean much more to ride to “earn” the tests.

American Fork Hospital and the Utah County Health Department have agreed to sponsor a free mammogram for each 5,000 vertical feet Zach climbs on his bike. Utah Valley Radiologists have agreed to read the mammograms for free as well. The goal is for 50 mammograms--thats a quarter of a million vertical feet!! The project has pushed Zach to ride harder and longer than ever. So far he has climbed 125,000 since the beginning of July!! After his ride in The Tour of Utah, he will be at 150,000 feet. This act of hard training (and pain) makes the project much more personal, as our lives have been touched by so many with this devastating disease."

You'll be able to read some survivors stories from a few of our own Sister Survivors on the Mountains for Mammograms website in the very near future.

Thanks for your support, and we hope you have a great time this weekend at the Women's Expo!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - How Busy is TOO Busy?

I'm combining yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post with this one today, because I was just too darn busy to post anything yesterday. In fact, that's the subject of today's Thursday Thoughts...

Three years ago, I was a person who went about 150 miles an hour - I never rested, I said "yes" to everything, I was constantly busy. So much so, that my family and friends had started to bug me about slowing down. And then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer has a way of throwing up "Caution" signs, and "Stop" signs. And I did... STOP! I stopped working, cleaning, cooking, etc. And I started to focus on taking care of myself. Oh, it wasn't easy, believe me. Before cancer, Kara (me) too a backseat to EVERYTHING else. I felt kind of guilty, but I had to cut the stress completely out of my life so that I could focus on fighting the cancer, and healing. My husband and cute boys took over - they kept everything clean, they cooked, they took care of me. That went on for 1 1/2 years. When I started feeling better, I started doing a few things for other people. The better I felt, the more I did. And now, I find myself back in the same position I was 3 years ago. I'm so busy, I can hardly breath sometimes. Take the last 3 weeks, for instance: THIS IS ME RIGHT NOW...



Yep, this is the pink Wordless Wednesday - my hot pink cast. That's right, I had another surgery. But, did that stop me?! NO!!!! While hobbling around on this cast I've spent every spare moment helping my sister get ready for a children's charity sale - we've gone through and tagged over 2500 items! We have a non-profit charity foundation that we both run, and we just happen to be SUPER busy at the beginning of Fall and Spring. Today is the sale, and I'm stressing just a little bit because I can't help. Why? Well, today is also the day of our Sister Survivor's meeting and I'm supposed to hand out tickets to all of the wonderful women in our group tonight at the concert. Plus, I have to run around getting things ready for the Women's Expo this weekend. On top of that, I've got a sick child at home, who gets to have the wonderful experience of having a scope shoved down his throat today at the hospital! Not to mention, I work 3 days a week, and it's been mind-blowingly busy lately.

I'm not telling you this to show just how much I can do - because I know that probably most of you are exactly like me. Busy, busy, busy. My questions to you are: When do you say no? When is enough, enough? Why can't I learn to leave a little bit of time to take care of myself?!

One of our sweet Sister Survivors called and talked to me for a minute this morning, and before she hung up, she said "Thank you for everything you do. What you are doing is important". And, there's my answer right there... I do everything I'm doing because it's important. I promised myself that if and when I got better, I would spend some time helping others. It's important. Especially to me.

Yesterday, when I didn't make it home for dinner yet another night, my husband called me. In the course of our conversation, he asked me: "Why are you doing all of this?" It really made me stop and think. My first response was "It has to be done!" "If I don't do it, who will?!" When I finally shut my mouth enough to listen, he asked me again... "Why are you doing this?" And that's when it came to me - I don't do everything I do to get thanks, or feel important. I do it because it makes me happy, and I WANT to do it. I just need to carve out a little bit of time to take care of myself, and learn to budget the remaining time I have a little better.

Bottom line - I'm happy to be alive, and I'm going to make the most of it!

P.S. I get my cast off TODAY - HAPPY DAY!
-Kara

TUESDAY TIDINGS: A Celebration of Life Concert This Thursday...

This Thursday, we will be meeting at the Scera Shell, in Orem, to attend "A Celebration of Life", hosted by Central Utah Cancer Center. The show will feature Jason Hewlett - The Entertainer.

If you are or were a patient of CUCC, you can get two FREE tickets to this performance. If you haven't already R.S.V.P.'d to Kara about coming to the concert, but DO want to come, AND if you are/were a patient of CUCC, you can still get your free tickets - they can be picked up in the Radiation Oncology Dept.

If you want to come, but haven't R.S.V.P.'s to Kara, and you AREN'T a patient of CUCC, you can still attend - you'll have to buy tickets at the door - for $5 each.

An email will be going out to the group on Wednesday of this week as a reminder - the email will include the meeting place, and information on what to bring.

See you there!

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Recipe - Chicken Sausage Kabobs

WAIT!! Before you put that grill away this month, try these yummy, healthy kabobs, courtesy of the foodnetwork.com:

Chicken Sausage and Pepper Kabobs



Ingredients:

1 cup couscous
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into chunks
1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausage (preferably garlic-flavored), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large red onion, cut into chunks
1 cup cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
4 scallions, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Directions

Soak eight 8-inch skewers in water, at least 15 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Prepare the couscous as the label directs.

Meanwhile, toss the bell peppers, sausage, onion and tomatoes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Thread onto the skewers, alternating the sausage and vegetables. Grill, turning, until the vegetables are slightly softened and the sausage begins to brown, 6 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, puree the parsley, cilantro and scallions in a blender with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the vinegar and 2 tablespoons water. Season with salt and pepper. Brush the skewers with some of the pesto and continue to cook, turning, until the tomatoes are tender and the sausage is charred, 6 to 7 more minutes.

Toss the couscous with half of the remaining pesto and season with salt and pepper. Serve with the skewers and the remaining pesto, for dipping.

Per serving: Calories 396; Fat 13 g (Saturated 2 g); Cholesterol 56 mg; Sodium 356 mg; Carbohydrate 45 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 24 g

SEPTEMBER'S SURVIVOR SPOTLIGHT...

We've got a NEW SURVIVOR SPOTLIGHT for September. We interviewed JUDY ANN BEHUNIN about her cancer journey. Judy is a shining light in our Sister Survivors Group. We just love her! To read the interview with Judy, go to the right side bar and click on SPOTLIGHT.

If you didn't get a chance to read about our August spotlight, Bethanie Newby, go to the Spotlight page, and find her name under "Past Spotlights".

“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” - Francis Bacon, Sr.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Sweet Music...