Help a good guy!

This is a fundraiser for my friend Josh! He successfully battled stomach cancer and is now cancer free. He is a hard working, determined man. However, he spent all of his savings on treatments and has no insurance or income since he couldn't work during treatment. If you can help, even a dollar or two, please consider giving this young man a hand up. If not financial help then prayers he finds a job asap! 

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/Josh-Hewitt-s-Medical-Expenses/44488

Thank you!
Larissa

Candy

Since I don't see the point in posting a name or bra color to raise awareness maybe something a little more educational? I know I'll get the usual "you spoiled it" or "you aren't fun", but really cancer of any form isn't fun. So wouldn't you rather give people the knowledge of how to prevent it or identify the signs you may have cancer? How many women actually do a self exam on a regular basis? Maybe reminding them how to preform a self exam will keep another woman from finding out too late.

HOW TO DO A BREAST SELF-EXAM

In the Shower

Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

Before a Mirror

Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do.

Lying Down

Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

For pictures : http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Breast-Self-Exam.aspx

BREAST CANCER MYTHS

The Myth

Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

The Truth

If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. However, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, and scheduling regular mammograms.

The Myth

Men do not get breast cancer.

The Truth

Quite the contrary. Each year it is estimated that approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also give themselves regular breast self-exams and note any changes to their physicians.

The Myth

A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

The Truth

A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

The Myth

Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it.

The Truth

While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.

The Myth

Breast cancer is contagious.

The Truth

You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body.However, you can protect yourself by being aware of the risk factors and following an early detection plan.

The Myth

Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can help you prevent breast cancer.

The Truth

While alterations in these genes in men and women can predispose an individual to an increased risk of breast cancer, only 5% to 10% of patients actually have this mutation. This is not an absolute correlation. Like your age or having a family history of breast cancer, it's a factor you just can't control. But you can let your physician know, perform regular breast self-exams, and focus on the fact your chances of not having this disease are greater than 90%.

The Myth

Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

The Truth

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo.

What do you say?

A very dear friend of mine has been fighting cancer. Until recently i was over the moon optimistic that everything would be ok. I was positive she would keep waking up every day, going to work, laughing and among many more things watch her daughter grow into a beautiful woman.

Then i heard the news no one wants to hear. "The cancer has spread and if this next round of chemo doesnt work you have 6-8 weeks to live." What do you say to that? How do you comfort a woman who has been fighting to survive not only for her self but more importantly her daughter. I try to stay positive for her and i hope she doesn't hear the pain in my voice or in my words when i write or speak to her. What else can i do? If i could magically take the cancer away i would in a heartbeat, but i can't.

Another friend of mine is collecting letters to put them in a book to give to her when she visits this month. I'm faced with a task of writing a letter to her. I say task because it's not something i really want to do. Not because i do not love her, but i'm at a loss as what i want to say. Do i write an encouraging letter that she will beat this no matter what or do i tell her that she has been and will always be a great friend where ever she will be. I don't want her to feel like I'm giving up on her because i am not. However reality is her body is giving up on her. Maybe i'll make my letter a collection of pictures that somehow express how i feel with out having to say the words: you are a wonderful loving woman, mom to many and you will be missed. le sigh