HOLDING ON...

 I am getting my strength back, trying to eat right, work out, plus writing.  The plastic surgeon stated that it will be a few more weeks before they will address reconstruction.  That's what I am really looking forward to, to get back some of what was taken from me.

In the meantime, I recently started a new nutritional plan.  My goals are to lose weight and control my diabetes.  Its called Almased.  I have seen diagrams that show how fat sits on the liver and it has the capability to produce hormones.

"The hormone estrogen is created naturally in a woman’s body. Most estrogen is produced in the ovaries, but smaller amounts are produced in the liver, the adrenal glands, the breasts, and fat cells. Once a woman reaches menopause, the ovaries no longer manufacture estrogen.
Estrogen is essential to the development of the female reproductive system. It sustains the menstrual cycle and makes childbearing possible. But it has many non-reproductive functions as well. For example, it helps lower cholesterol, regulate mood, and keep your bones and heart strong. However, some studies suggest that a high lifetime exposure to estrogen may contribute to the growth of breast cancer." http://www.cancercompass.com/learn/cancer-information/breast-cancer/causes/estrogen-and-breast-cancer

Plus my body looks so disproportionate with my large midsection and no breasts.  I started taking this Almased drink a few days ago.  So far I have lost about 2-3 pounds.  But most amazing is that my blood glucose has dropped to almost half.  The doctor had just increased my diabetes medication now I will have to go back and have it adjusted again.

The website states:

The Almased^® Figure Plan is your roadmap for a slim body with nutritional advice and delicious healthy recipes. Losing 10 pounds in 14 days is possible with this plan for the dream figure you have always wanted. The plan guides you through the three weight loss stages with Almased^®, provides you with a meal plan for every day, and offers delicious, healthy recipes for weight maintenance in the fourth phase, “Life Phase”.

Also, for people with diabetes, they state:

The Almased^® Diabetes Figure Plan: 14 days to a healthier life for people with diabetes. Get tips and suggestions on how to support your blood sugar level while losing weight. Also included: Meal plan with healthy recipes.

So I'm holding on, working on my mind, body and spirit...

God will not give up on me, or let me give up on myself. I am hoping in the LORD

TESTS, SCANS AND BIOPSIES

I AM GRATEFUL.....

I have had numerous tests, scans and biopsies since I started this battle with breast cancer.  I was diagnosed in January 2011, and since then I have had ct scans, pt scans, bone scans, heart scans, utltra sounds and a brain scan.  Sometimes I think that if you put me in a dark room I would light up like a Christmas tree.  Just this year I have had a colonoscopy, pap smear, ctscan, and another bonescan.   Recently, I had a ultrasound assisted thyroid biopsy.  A few days ago, the oncologist, Dr. Tran, called me at home.  She was very apologetic when she informed me why the biopsy was deemed necessary.  The report was the same as the other test results - no cancer.
...............

I am grateful because I know I am healed, I knew I would be from the beginning.  It is just getting the doctors to accept this that is problematic.  I just want reconstruction surgery and be done.  What is at issue is that, I believe,  since African American women have a low survival rate, with breast cancer, most of my doctors want to make sure that I get the utmost in treatments.

.....

I am trusting that God is still in control, and that these tests, scans and biopsies will not kill me, and they will all be over soon.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS, AND I HAVE FOUND THEM TO BE INVALUABLE IN PROVIDING SUPPORT, ENCOURGEMENT AND EDUCATION.  MOST RECENTLY I HAVE CONTACTED THE SISTERS NETWORK.  I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A CHAPTER IN THE ATLANTA AREA.  THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN THAT I HAVE CONTACTED DO NOT BELONG TO ANY SUPPORT GROUP, THEY DO NOT SEE A NEED. 

 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION I FOUND ON THEIR SITE AS IT RELATES TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL.

 

 

 

New Cases

 

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women. An estimated 26,840 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women in 2011. The overall incidence rate of breast cancer is 10% lower in African American women than in white women. Among younger women (under age 45), however, the incidence rate of breast cancer is higher in African Americans than in whites. Breast cancer incidence rates increased rapidly among African American women during the 1980s, largely due to increased detection as the use of mammography screening increased. Incidence rates stabilized among African American women aged 50 and older during 1995-2005, while rates decreased by 0.7% per year among women under age 50 from 1991-2005.

 

At this time, there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms are so important. A woman’s best overall preventive health strategy is to reduce her known risk factors as much as possible by avoiding weight gain and obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing alcohol intake.  Women should consider the increased risk of breast cancer associated with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use when evaluating treatment options for menopausal symptoms. More information about breast cancer is available in the American Cancer Society publication Breast Cancer Facts & Figures, available online at  www.cancer.org.

Survival

 

The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed in 1996-2004 among African American women was 78%, compared to 90% among whites. This difference can be attributed to both later stage at detection and poorer stage-specific survival among African American women. Only about half (51%) of breast cancers diagnosed among African American women are diagnosed at a local stage, compared to 62% among white women. Within each stage, 5-year survival is also lower among African American women.

 

Studies have documented unequal receipt of prompt, high-quality treatment for African American women compared to white women.6, 13-15 There is also evidence that aggressive tumor characteristics are more common in African American than white women.16-18 Other studies suggest factors associated with socioeconomic status may influence the biologic behavior of breast cancer.19-21 Thomson and colleagues, studying an all white Scottish population, suggest that poor women with breast cancers are more likely to be diagnosed with estrogen receptor-negative tumors.22 Poverty likely influences disease pathology and genetic markers of disease through lifelong dietary and reproductive habits.

 

*ACS African American 2010-2011 Cancer Facts

GOT MY CAR

Well, I also got my car, through no effort on my part.  It is a 2001, Saturn sedan, black and shiny.  I bought it from a car auction place in Forest Park, GA.  I bid $1600 for it, then the seller said for some reason, 'I want to sell it to her for $1700.  What's with that?  Auctioneer told him he couldn't do that.  What I've learned is that cars are there for various reasons - such as, repo, title, and cars that dealers couldn't sell.  I think that was the case with my car. 

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In addition to the $1600, I also ended up paying $500 in auction fees, etc.  I also bought tires, and had a problem fixed that was drawing power from my battery when it was turned off.  I now seem to have another problem with the battery.  It looks good, and when I get all the bugs out it should be a good deal.  Saturns are suppose to be good cars.  My oldest daughter has always had a Saturn, and she is satisfied.

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WHAT NEXT?

I've been trying to coordinate the writing and art workshops at Piedmont cancer care programs with my visits with Dr. Tran, my oncologist.  The workshops are very encouraging and thought provoking. I don't think that SE trans will provide transportation. I would like to get a car soon and/or move back to Atlanta.  Although I am trying to start a chapter of Sisters Network here, there is nothing going on in support of breast cancer survivors here in Greene county.  Plus it is very boring here.

I just got a treadmill, and I am trying to come up with a schedule on using it.  It took me a week to get it out of the box, another week to put it together, then two weeks to decide on a location.  My 2 year old grandson encouraged me to get on it, when he got on and I had to get on to keep him from hurting himself.

Dr Tran's office got me scheduled for the pt/lymphedema check, scheduled for 12/10, at the hospital.

Dr. Tran also gave me a recommendations for GI, and I am scheduled for a consult with Dr. Okoro on 12/13.

I'm still waiting on the appointment for the ultra sound.  I'm sort of uneven, lopsided, due to the radiation of only one side, and Dr. Tran said she could not really tell what was going on, what is scar tissue, expander or whatever. Also, for that reason, I would like to see a plastic surgeon when it is appropriate.

What should I do regarding Dr. Davidson, the surgeon?  Should I call his office, is a there a formal procedure I should go through for him to release me?  

I am praying and trying to stay on track, and not get depressed - 

********************************************************************************

 I try to develop a routine. I call in to a prayer conference call every morning to 

get going (6a- 530-881-1000 code 254793), then if I get up brush my teeth, 

wash or shower, eat breakfast, take my meds, I feel as if I've accomplished 

something for the day. Sometimes I end up lying around watching tv, but I feel 

better if I work on a couple of projects like quilting or writing. It's not easy, 

because I live alone and I know that no one but God will know if I spend all day 

in bed, plus I will know. I want to get better, and this is all part of the 'fight'

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/5-non-food-ways-to-boost-your-mood/http://www.rd.com/slideshows/5-non-food-ways-to-boost-your-mood/

I HAD TO TAKE MY FOCUS FROM ISSUES AROUND ME - DEATH IN THE FAMILY AND CANCER TREATMENTS - AND "...LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS...", BY TAKING AN AMTRAK TRAIN TRIP. I WAS THEN ABLE TO PUT EVERYTHING IN PERSPECTIVE. GOD IS IN CONTROL. GOD IS MY HELP...

I had a nice night on the double decker train last night. The train from Atlanta was a single 'story' train, and I felt so confined and found it hard to sleep sitting up. But this train had two levels, with observation, snack and dining car. I slept in the observation car where I could stretch out. I also met some interesting people while sitting in the lounge. One was a writer. A journalist and playwright who also writes for children. We had an interesting conversation, plus she gave me some good tips on how to progress in my writing. ***** I am now in Chicago. It is freezing here. As I got off the train I was hit with a blast of arctic air. It is only October! This Union Station is a little different from the one In Washington, D.C. For one thing there is more construction, although it seems large, just not well laid out. ***** I also learned something about 'Union Stations' - A union station (also union terminal or joint station) is the term used for a train station where tracks and facilities are shared by two or more railway companies, allowing passengers to connect conveniently between them. The term 'union station' is used in North America and 'joint station' in Europe. Historically, a union station was used by all passenger trains serving the city. Today, this is not necessarily true. In Chicago, Illinois, for example, commuter trains use Union Station and three other terminals, while the city's Union Station handles all intercity traffic. **** Union Stations in North America Indianapolis, 1850 New London Union Station, 1887 Portland, Oregon, 1890 St. Louis, Missouri, 1894 Alexandria, Virginia, 1905 Washington, D.C., 1908 Salt Lake City, Utah, 1909 Worcester Union Station, 1911 Winnipeg, 1911 Kansas City, Missouri, 1914 Denver, Colorado, 1914 New Haven, Connecticut, 1920 Ogden, Utah, 1924 Chicago, 1925 Toronto, 1927 Cincinnati Union Terminal, 1933 Los Angeles, 1939

Well, I am on the first leg of my trip - Atlanta to Washington, D.C. Union station is amazing, lots of shops and people and amenities, really high end. I just wish I had more money so I could buy something at each stop. I'll do this again, its a great way to travel, I spent the night on the train and will again tonight on my way to Chicago. So, the clothes changing and washing is the only issue so far. I get to Sacramento in about three days and meet my sister, a hot bath sounds heavenly, and it's only been one night. ;-)

VACATION!

HALLELUJAH! I GET MY VACATION, IT HAPPENED IN THE MOST AMAZING WAY. WHEN I STARTED THIS JOURNEY OVER A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, I LOOKED FORWARD TO A VACATION ONE DAY WHEN ALL THE TREATMENTS WOULD BE OVER, I WANTED A TRAIN RIDE AROUND THE COUNTRY, DIDN'T KNOW HOW, AND DID NOT HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE YEAR WOULD BE LIKE. BUT GOD KNEW - HE KNEW WHAT THE TREATMENTS WOULD ENTAIL, HE KNEW HOW I WOULD BE TREATED BY THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY, FRIENDS AND FAMILY, FOR GOOD OR EVIL. Isa 52:12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward.

SISTERS BLOGGING AGAINST BREAST CANCER: I NEED A VACATION PROJECT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIV...

SISTERS BLOGGING AGAINST BREAST CANCER: I NEED A VACATION PROJECT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIV...: I NEED A VACATION PROJECT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS THIS CAMPAIGN IS DESIGNED TO RAISE MONEY FOR RESPITE/TRAVEL FOR WOMEN BREAST CANCER...