Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Sunday, February 2, 2014

It has been three years since the diagnosis of breast cancer.

From the beginning, God has been in control and I have trusted Him.

My oncologist, Dr. Tran, told me a few weeks ago, as she tried to determine what hormone inhibiter to prescribe, that the chemotherapy that I took before my mastectomy and after, had no effect on the tumor.

In effect I lost my hair for nothing. So I am here today not because of anything the doctors did, but it was all God.

God was there with me through it all. I don't remember any unusual pain or discomfort during any of the many treatments. I was stuck, radiated, cut up, and prodded, but I just saw it as something that I had to go through. "Through" is the operative word.

Deuteronomy 31:6

The Message (MSG)

⁶“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”

UPDATES -

THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES SINCE MY LAST POST.

PRIMARY CHANGE IS THAT I MOVED FROM GREENSBORO ("COUNTRY") TO THE JEWISH TOWERS IN ATLANTA ("THE CITY"). GREENSBORO WAS NOT A TOTALLY GOOD EXPERIENCE. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THE CITY.

THE JEWISH TOWERS IS COMPLETLY DIFFERENT. IT IS PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED, AND WELL MANAGED. THERE ARE SEVERAL ACTIVITIES THAT I AM INVOLVED IN HERE, SUCH AS, ART AND POTTERY CLASSES, AND A NEW WRITING CLASS.

I ALSO SEE MORE OF MY GRANDSON, SAMUEL -

PART OF MY FAMILY HERE IN ATLANTA METRO AREA - SAMUEL AND KATHRYN

IN ADDITION, I ALSO PARTICIPATED IN A B I ALSO PARTICIPATED IN A CANCER SURVIVAL SUPPORT GROUP, CONNECTED WITH A LOCAL HOSPITAL. DID NOT OFFER THE SUPPORT I NEEDED, STILL LOOKING.

BUT I DISCOVERE THE HIGH MUSEUM HERE IN ATLANTA OFFERS FREE ADMISSION ONCE A MONTH.

I AM ALSO WRITING AGAIN, CONCENTR RES I AM ALSO CONDUCTING REARCH ON AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN EDUCATORS. USING, PRIMARILY, THE AUBURN AVENUE RESEARCH LIBRARY

I AM WORKING ALSO ON THE CHILDREN'S BOOK

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

L                                                            LIFE IS GOOD,
                               GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD,
                              I TRUST AND LEAN ON HIM

#breast cancer survival #AfricanAmericanwomen #victory

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

SELF CONCEPT

By Dr. Wilma J. Johnson, MSW, Ed.D.

Knowing who you are in Christ...

     We will explore who you are in Christ and learn what it means to have your self concept based on who God says you are. Self concept can be loosely defined as a person's view of themselves. How they 'see' themselves. This will in turn determine how you act and behave and how you relate to others. It is not based on what you do (job, successes or defeats in life), and it is not in pleasing other people, or in other people's opinions of you. It is based on accepting who God says you are, and seeing yourself as God sees you. This begins by accepting His truths, and rejecting the lies of the devil.
     Many people may feel a sense of hopelessness about themselves, their relationships, and about life in general. Regardless of how they are loved and treated by others, regardless of how many Bible studies, church services, conferences, or counseling sessions they participate in, or how many times they go down to the altar in response to invitations from preachers; they may still have negative beliefs that will decide how they respond to love and truth. There are many reasons for this state, which could include family background or past experiences.
     God's light must penetrate down to our deepest beliefs about ourselves. This could possibly be a very painful experience when we admit that we do feel negatively about ourselves and we then allow God's light and truth shine on how we see ourselves. This will take time, it has taken possibly years to develop negative habits, but God's love, expressed through His people, His Spirit and His Word, can bring healing to our deepest hurts and give us an appropriate sense of self-worth.
     God created us, He knows how we are made, and He knows what we need. Trust Him.
Repeat the following affirmations daily, look up the accompanying scriptures, and pray for openness and honesty before God as you accept these truths of who God says you are.

-I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
-I am chosen by You, my Father (Ephesians 1:4)
-I am Your child according to the good pleasure of Your will. (Ephesians 1:5)
-I am an heir. (Ephesians 1:11 & Romans 8:17)
-I am saved by Your grace. (Ephesians 2:5)
-I am Your workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
-I am a citizen of heaven. (2:19)

YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING, A CITIZEN OF THE KINGDOM.

NEVER FORGET THAT!

GOD LOVED YOU SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON FOR YOU.

BELIEVE IT!

==============================================================
((Whether or not we feel it is true, we still need to believe it. Jesus is the truth, the Holy Spirit is truth,and the Word is truth, so we should speak the truth in love. The Bondage Breaker, by Neil Anderson))

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Wilma_J._Johnson,_MSW,_Ed.D.

Friday, August 9, 2013

MEDICAID V. MEDICARE

Well I'm walking through this by faith, everyone tells me something different about Medicare part A. Finally, this morning a guy calls me from ss and he states that I can't cancel part a. or I can but I will have to get out of disability and pay back everything ss has paid me in disability so far, about $5000. he could be lying, I don't know, but I still have part a. My special Medicaid, women with breast and/or cervical cancer, sent me a letter and state that I can't have any personal insurance, or medicare A B C D. VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD.

So I am going to think about this, pray about this, and maybe get part b back, it will go into effect October, and try to get C & D etc. I had a visit with a new plastic surgeon yesterday, and we made plans, so now I will have to wait and PRAY. I don't talk to many people about this, mostly I just need a listening ear, prayer and a pat on the back. This morning I felt disoriented, "I Prayed" about this, and now what do I do? The issues are that Part B comes with a premium of about $104, a deductible, and I will have to pay for my prescriptions. Part A, hospital coverage, only pays 80%.

I needed someone to talk to, and Kat called, and made me feel a little better, and I forgot about crying and feeling sorry about myself. Then I just happened to turn to Joyce Meyer, and she was talking about been pressed on every side, and just say "I believe God is working in my life".

So, then my computer was acting up, I called tech support, was with them for nearly a hour, and now my laptop is working better than ever.

"I BELIEVE GOD IS WORKING IN MY LIFE"

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.^[a] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
⁸We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. ⁹We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. ¹⁰Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICAID BENEFITS

I need help and direction in relation to Social Security disability benefits.

I have been on womens Medicaid for two years fighting breast cancer. I was recently awarded Social Security disability, and with that I got medicare. My Medicaid worker tells me that I can't get medicare and Medicaid. So I tried to cancel my medicare, because I have been doing good under Medicaid. I returned the cards and wrote a letter like they asked me to do. They turn around and send me another card, and did this three times.

Finally, they would just send me the part A card, because they said it didn't cost me anything. But I said I still do not want it. I can't afford medicare at this time. With medicare is a monthly premium and a large yearly deductible, plus prescription costs. I do not qualify for any assistance from Medicaid to help with medicare premiums, or for regular Medicaid. Medicaid is threatening to end my Medicaid August 31, 2013.

WHAT CAN I DO TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AFFORDABLE BREAST CANCER TREATMENT?

Thursday, June 6, 2013

BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

I just heard about this evaluation treatment. More African American women diagnosed with breast cancer should also know about this. In my case, the original chemo treatment had no effect on the tumor.

This is a good site, it asks if you are eligible for this test and questions to ask your doctor.

http://www.mybreastcancertreatment.org/

To see if you are eligible go to this page - http://www.oncotypedx.com/en-US/Breast/PatientsCaregiversDCIS/TestRightForMe/Eligible

Am I Eligible for the Test?

The Oncotype DX^® test for patients with DCIS is a diagnostic test performed after your original breast cancer surgery. Like other laboratory tests, it must be ordered by an authorized healthcare provider. You may use the checklist below to help determine if you are a potential candidate for the Oncotype DX test for patients with DCIS.
You may be a candidate for the Oncotype DX test if you have recently been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), your surgery was performed as a lumpectomy and not as a mastectomy and, you and your doctor are making treatment decisions regarding future treatment.*If you have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, specifically lymph node negative or lymph node positive, estrogen receptor positive, HER2 negative disease, please click here to visit our invasive breast cancer section of the website for more information.
The decision whether or not to order the Oncotype DX test is one that you and your doctor should make together. For more information about getting tested, including suggestions for talking with your doctor about the Oncotype DX test for DCIS patients, click here .

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Studies Show Cancer Survivors’ Physical and Emotional Problems Often Go Untreated

Studies Show Cancer Survivors’ Physical and Emotional Problems Often Go Untreated

www.cancer.org

Studies Show Cancer Survivors’ Physical and Emotional Problems Often Go Untreated

Article date: May 24, 2013

By Stacy Simon
Cancer survivors don’t have to suffer through many of the physical and emotional side effects that often linger after treatment ends, researchers say. A new review of scientific studies finds that physical therapy and other types of rehabilitation can improve survivors’ quality of life, and urges doctors to ask patients about long-term problems they may be having so they can be addressed.
The review, published early online May 17, 2013 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, finds that most cancer survivors are living with some kind of physical and/or emotional problem, which often goes undetected and, therefore, untreated. According to the review, such impairments can decrease survivors’ quality of life and may result in permanent disability. CA is an American Cancer Society journal.
According to recent data, 1 in 4 cancer survivors report poor physical health and 1 in 10 cancer survivors report poor mental health. In one study of 163 women with advanced breast cancer, 92% had one or more physical impairment, but fewer than 30% received rehabilitation care. Another study found that 63% of survivors of the 10 most common cancers reported the need for at least 1 rehabilitation service.
Lead author, Julie K. Silver, MD, said, “Health care professionals need to do a better job screening patients for physical and emotional help for problems they may be having. It is often up to the survivor to self-identify. We want to shift the burden away from patients and onto health care professionals.”

Rehabilitation improves quality of life

Impairments can result from cancer treatment or from the cancer itself. Common problems include pain, fatigue, nervous system dysfunction including peripheral neuropathy, bone lesions, and lymphedema (severe swelling). Patients and survivors with these problems can experience difficulty with a number of common daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, performing household chores, going to the grocery store, swallowing, and driving. If left untreated, these problems can lead to disability, inability to work, and dependence on others. The evidence shows that physical disability is likely the leading cause of emotional distress in cancer survivors.
Silver said it’s important that survivors know that care is available and is usually covered by health insurance.
She said, “Don’t accept the ‘new normal’ too soon. Make sure you are healed as well as possible – whether you’re in remission or living with a chronic condition. You want to function at the highest possible level. It’s important to advocate for yourself because there may be help you have access to.”
Studies show that rehabilitation improves pain, function, and quality of life in cancer survivors and can lessen physical and mental impairments at every stage of treatment. In one case cited in the review, a man with head and neck cancer stopped driving after he lost range of motion in his neck during treatment. With physical therapy, medication, and occupational therapy including larger mirrors and sensors that alerted when he backed up or changed lanes, he was able to resume driving.

Rehabilitation can occur before, during, and after treatment

The authors propose a model that includes screening for impairments – and treating them – beginning shortly after a cancer diagnosis and continuing even years after cancer treatment ends. The authors say survivors should be screened for both psychological and physical problems and then referred to trained rehabilitation health care professionals.
Care can be given before an upcoming cancer treatment in anticipation of a problem that is likely to occur. Examples of "prehabilitation" care include aerobic exercises, strength training, breathing exercises, nutritional counseling, and anxiety reduction therapy. The goal is to improve both physical and emotional health before cancer treatment so that people can tolerate it with fewer problems.
Silver said it’s important for doctors to ask survivors about any impairments or difficulties they may be having, because they often under-report symptoms.
She said, “Survivors tend to feel grateful to their oncology team and don’t want to be viewed as complaining too much. They may not realize there are things that can be done to help them.”
The studies show that cancer rehabilitation with a team of different kinds of rehabilitation professionals can improve pain control, physical function, and quality of life in cancer survivors. These teams typically include physiatrists (nerve, muscle, and bone experts), physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and rehabilitation nurses.
Citation: Impairment-Driven Cancer Rehabilitation: An Essential Component of Quality Care and Survivorship. Published early online May 17, 2013 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. First author: Julie K. Silver, MD, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Reviewed by: Members of the ACS Medical Content Staff

ACS News Center stories are provided as a source of cancer-related news and are not intended to be used as press releases. For reprint requests, please contact permissionrequest@cancer.org.

Friday, May 17, 2013

GETTING RID OF THAT STOMACH FAT

Body fat increases and produces estrogents. The hormones produced in the adrenals travel through the bloodstream and into body fat. That’s where the fat cells convert these hormones into estrogens. Estrogens, as you know, fuel breast cancer growth. Both men and women who have more body fat have less of a protein compound called SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) in their blood. SHBG binds estrogen and testosterone, while keeping these hormones inactive and therefore unable to produce cancer. If this issues persists that means these hormones will continue to freely go where they will, increasing the risk of reoccurring and spreading to other parts of the body. http://urbanveganchic.com/2013/03/03/belly-fat-estrogen-and-cancer/

Animal protein is high in fat, including all dairy products, oils, processed foods, fried foods, fast foods, etc.

What flushes it out and help normalize these hormones? Fruits, vegetables, beans and grains!

Processed foods, chemicals and pesticides, hormone-laden animal products and plastic derivatives from packaged foods and bottled water can all promote fat storage. On the other hand, certain plant compounds called flavonoids and indoles serve to modulate estrogen production and fat storage. Onions, garlic and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are high in estrogen-inhibiting compounds. So are red wine, green tea, dark chocolate, bee products, citrus fruits and omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and salmon.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/277341-estrogen-fat-metabolism/#ixzz2TZaoToRt

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Apr 12, 2011 | By Maura Banar

Maura Banar has been a professional writer since 2001. She was first published as an undergraduate student and lab assistant in "Imagination, Cognition and Personality" and in "Dreaming: The Journal of the International Association for the Study of Dreams." She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Buffalo State College and her Master of Arts in mental health counseling from Medaille College.

Breast Cancer Survival Diet — Photo Credit Cutting the salmon image by Bartlomiej Nowak from Fotolia.com

According to Cornell University, 86 percent of women treated for breast cancer will survive at least five years. Research regarding the role diet plays in the survival of breast cancer is still in its infancy. However, it appears that a healthier plan of eating may be helpful. Consuming a healthy diet can also help to decrease your risk of other serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and adult-onset diabetes. Additionally, healthier eating can help you attain and maintain a healthy weight. Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.

Lean Proteins

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, women, particularly of menopausal age, should avoid obesity. Similarly, if you are a breast cancer survivor, staying at or near your ideal weight can decrease your risks. In addition, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that breast cancer survivors can reap many health benefits from healthier food choices. White meat skinless poultry, low fat dairy products, lean pork and egg whites all provide amino acids that help your tissues heal, and they have less fat than other animal protein sources. If you are receiving chemotherapy treatment, be sure any animal foods you consume are well cooked to prevent food poisoning while your immune system is compromised.

Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are necessary for functioning of the cardiovascular and immune systems. According to a study published in the 1997 "Journal of Clinical Oncology," Volume 15, found that breast cancer survivors who had higher levels of EFAs in their fat stores had a lower incidence of positive lymph node test results. Although this finding alone isn't indicative of cancer, it is an indication of stimulation of your body's immune response. In some cases, with biopsy testing, positive lymph node status may be an indicator of cancer. Eating foods that are rich in EFAs, such as salmon, mackerel, flax seeds and walnuts, can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and may help decrease the recurrence of cancer.

Adequate Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber is important for proper digestion, weight control and decreased risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that the typical adult should consume between 25 g and 25 g of fiber every day. Dr. John P. Pierce, PhD., of The University of California - Davis, adds that a diet that is rich in dietary fiber appears to reduce estrogen that circulates in the body. For women who are survivors of breast cancer, an estrogen-driven type of cancer, less estrogen may mean less risk of recurrence.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are high in dietary fiber, can help you manage your weight and provide nutrients that can improve your immunity, mood and ability to heal. According to Cornell University, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower can stop the proliferation of cancer cells and the development of cancer in laboratory animals. Fruits, particularly of the citrus variety, are rich in vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant that can improve your immunity. Both fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat, so you can manage your weight while feeling full from the fiber.

References

LYMPHEDEMA CONCERNS

Although I had a bilateral mastectomy and also had several lymph nodes removed, no one mentioned lymphedema issues. I asked several nurses about my torso swelling, I look about nine months pregnant, none mentioned lymphedema. Again this is what I have discovered on a lymphedema site - http://lymphnet.org. I plan to follow up with diagnosis and treatment at a cancer treatment facility which specializes in lymphedema issues.

<>< <>< <><

On April 19, 2011, the Avon Foundation for Women, in partnership with the Lymphatic
Research Foundation and the National Lymphedema Network, assembled a group of
leading scientists and clinicians expert in breast cancer-related lymphedema to discuss
the advances being made in the early-detection and early-intervention of upper extremity
lymphedema, how such advances are improving management of the impairment and the
need for clinical standardization of care.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic, debilitating disorder that is
frequently misdiagnosed, treated too late or not treated at all.i Lymphedema (LE) is an
abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium, which leads to limb
swelling, chronic inflammation and reactive fibrosis of the affected tissues resulting from
damage to lymphatic circulation following surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation
therapy. Failure of lymph fluid to circulate normally promotes stagnation of extracellular
fluid and subsequent inflammatory response and injury to the surrounding tissues. This
process can occur quite early in the course of breast cancer treatment and has devastating
physical and emotional consequences to breast cancer survivors. Adverse effects
commonly seen include the risk of infection, loss of strength and functional limitation
of movement, as well profound psychosocial consequences including loss of body
image and self-esteem, vocational issues, onset of affective disorders and anxiety.
Recently published evidence and expert clinical opinion favor early detection and
timely intervention of LE as holding the greatest promise of reducing the incidence of
late-stage lymphedema.ii
Primary and Secondary Lymphedema
Although the literature often categorizes LE as being either primary or secondary, the
division may be somewhat artificial. There is an increasing awareness that genetic and
anatomic variances suggest predisposition of certain individuals to the development of
LE, although the exact etiology is unknown. LE risk also appears to increase with obesity
and higher body mass index.iii Consequently, optimal LE treatment has been noted to be
more effective when combined with weight loss strategies.iv

The disorder is common among the 2.3 million U.S. survivors of breast cancerv, affecting
approximately between 19-33% of survivors following axillary lymph node dissection
(ALND) and radiation therapy (RT)vi,vii and between 3.5-22% of survivors following
sentinel node (SLN) biopsy and RT.vi,vii,viii The wide variation in incidence and
prevalence is often due to differences in measurement techniques and definitions
employed in the identification or diagnosis of LE and/or when it is reported after
treatment.i While refinements in surgical and RT interventions have led to reduction in
overall incidence of LE in certain subgroups of patients, even the most conservative
4
strategies have not resulted in a complete elimination of the disorder.ix Essentially anyone
with a BC diagnosis that undergoes surgery, chemotherapy and/or RT is at relative risk
for LE.
Onset

FINANCIAL & HOUSING CONCERNS...

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Some of the first places to contact are the American Cancer Society, Social Workers, and American Cancer Society Navigators, who can help you move through the different organizations. It helps to know who and want to ask for. This is just a short list, based on my current needs.

Patient Advocacy Foundation - 1800-532-5274 - http://www.patientadvocate.org/. Provides assistance to patients in making and defending insurance claims, and assistance with medical costs.

Cancer Care 1800-813-4673 - http://www.cancercare.org/ - provides financial and other types of support - check out their website. They will also provide a grant of $100, in a twelve month period, to cancer patients. Fill out the application and you can usually get a check within 2-3 weeks.

Life Beyond Cancer Foundation - obtain application from a Social Worker, physician, or other health care professional. The average grant is around $500. The grant can be used to pay car notes, rent or mortgage payments and utilities.

Salvation Army - local office - help with utilities, rent, etc. They also have a homeless prevention program.

HOUSING - in 'today's economy' or anytime, housing can be an issue when you are fighting cancer, work is limited, and resources are few. My house was foreclosed two years ago, and although I have not been on the streets, I have lived with friends and relatives, but I have not had my own home. I have looked at various ways to find a home.

HUD.gov - rent, buy homes - there are many programs and options with this government agency. On this website I have also found some very reasonable houses for purchase in my area. One house was as little as $16.000. HUD also has a program with Lighthouses for sale, some are even free. They come with certain stipulations, but if you like to live near the water in a historic building, it sounds great.

Mercyhousing.org - Affordable housing listings of homes in various price ranges for those in need. Developes and finances housing for families, seniors and those with special needs.

Hope Lodge - These are usually located in large cities. If you are in regular treatment and live more than an hour away, it may be possible to stay at a Hope Lodge. They are very nice, from what I hear, they have suites, kitchens and may provide transportation to and from the treatment site. They require that you come with a care giver, unless the doctor states you can stay on your own. Whereas, you have to be ambulatory, and able to take care of your self, and without any communicable diseases.

Senior housing - there are homes for various situations from affordable, HUD, independant living, assisted care, insurance, etc.

BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Treatment
www.thebreastcaresite.com

Find treatment options& resources for early-stage breast cancer
www.breastcancerADVISORS.org

Designed to enhance your touch sensation during a self-breast exam
www.livkit.com

Investigational med provided to women with late stage cancer
www.horizontal.com

This test can help predict the risk that breast cancer will come back
www.GenomicHealth.com

Get survival and side effect info for specific Cancer therapies
www.cancermonthly.com

Chemotherapy information
www.chemocare.com

Resource that covers information on symptoms, who is at risk, screening and treatment of this disease.
www.healthmba.com/breast-cancer-treatment.html

Information about the causes and prevention of cancer
http://cancermba.com/content/Types/breast-cancer.html

Oncolink
www.oncolink.com

Or call: 215.349.5445 Treatment options, clinical trial information, resources

BREAST CANCER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Breast Cancer Nonprofit Organizations

Breastcancer.org
Information on the disease, treatment, and pictures
www.breastcancer.org

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org

Cancer.com
Non-specific information site for patients and others affected by cancer
www.cancer.com

Center for Disease Control
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program, cancer screening for
low-income women.
www.cdc.org

National Cancer Institute
Government institute for cancer, student referral for basic information on cancer; offers patient PDQ information on specific types of cancer.
www.nci.hih.gov

WinABC
Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer
www.winabc.org

911 Cancer.com
Lists numerous cancer service resources
www.911cancer.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

SUPPORT GROUPS -Breast Cancer Support Groups

Sisters... By Choice Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast Cancer Support Groups
www.cancernews.com/bcs.htm

Gillette's Cancer Connection
www.gillettecancerconnect.org

Lymphedema Network
Support for types of lymphedema.
www.lymphnet.org

Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer
Support services provided by this organization are designed to help mothers who have daughters battling breast cancer.
www.mothersdaughters.org

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Strengthens survivors in quality of life issues
www.canceradvocacy.org

National Lymphedema Network
General education, referrals, and guidance for lymphedema patients.
www.lymphnet.org

National Association of Breast Cancer Organizations
Breast cancer information, education, advocacy, current research, and referrals, online support listing
www.nabco.org

National Breast Cancer Coalition
Promotes Eradication breast cancer trough action and advocacy.
www.natlbcc.org

Sisters Network, Inc.
First national African American breast cancer survivorship
www.sistersnetworkinc.org

Susan G. Komen Foundation
"Helpline" with trained volunteers, funds research and other cancer related programs (AVON Walk, Race for the Cure).
www.komen.org

Susan Love, MD Organization
Tremendous volume of links to breast cancer resources
www.susanlovemd.org

Y ME
National support organization providing information in Spanish and English
www.y-me.org

Young Survivor Coalition
Young breast cancer survivors
www.youngsurvival.org

THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY

Breast Cancer diagnosis - I didn't know it at the time, but I was being prepared for this. I had become closer to God than I ever dreamed possible. Donnie McClurken sings a song - 'Never knew I'd get to know Him like this'. I had recently worked in Thailand in a Burmese labor camp. I was there for 8 months and was preparing to sign a year's contract to continue to work with early child centers as an Educational Consultant. But I knew something was happening with my body that needed to be checked out. So I was directed home to Atlanta and began the search to find a way that would help. My first step in this process was a visit to the Womens Health Clinic (265 Boulevard, N.E., Atlanta). After a short sign in and eligibility determination, I was directed to a nurse for an initial screening. She immediately scheduled me for a mammogram with the center connected with Atlanta Medical Center. After the mammogran and sonogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Women's Health Clinic then referred me to a Surgeon and signed me up with Medicaid - for women with breast and/or cerivical cancer. What was so surprising was the existence of this program. One of the reasons that I had not gone to see a doctor or sought a mammogram was because I did not have health insurance or any money. I have heard other women say the same thing. Also, African American women are not ordinarily diagnosed with breast cancer at the rate of other ethnic groups, but their mortality rate is higher. Why? It is thought that one reason is that the type of breast cancer that they have is usually more aggresive. I also believe that it is because they do not go in to be tested in the early stages, for many reasons. Another important source that I learned about is the American Cancer Society. When I signed up for Medicaid for women with breast and/or cervical cancer, I also signed up with ACS. They had a list of services where I could request additional information, and I signed up for everything. I learned about several programs they had which would give me a free wig, also a workshop which showed me how to apply makeup after I started chemo, along with the makeup. I also talked to a dietician who was really helpful in preparing me for chemo. It also helped that I knew a patient Advocate with ACS, Dr. Curtis, who also gave me additional information and resources, not always directly related to my cancer. She is a blessing. For my treatment, I eventually decided on Dr. Phillips at her office in Emory Midtown. (Information on Dr. Phillips is in the sidebar) She had her office schedule me with a Radiology Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, and even a primary physician. She then scheduled me for a PET/CT, MRI, Bone scan, and heart scan. When all of these showed that the cancer had not spread and my heart was strong, she scheduled me to put in the port, which will be used for the chemo. So it begins. Dr. Phillips is remarkable. But what is even more remarkable is that a program exists for the treatment of breast cancer, even for women without insurance. I have included information and contact information on the Fulton Health Department. But this is a federal program, so it should be available in all counties across the country. About Women's Health Services Welcome to the Women's Health Services of the Fulton County Health Department. Our neighborhood clinics provide confidential contraceptive and women's health care services to residents of Fulton County regardless of age, income, race, religion, disability, ethnic background, country of birth, gender preference or marital status. Fees are based on income and family size, but no one will be denied services because of inability to pay. Medicaid and private health insurance are accepted for services. You will be served by a team of professionals: Nurse practitioners, public health nurses and physicians. The Women's Health Clinic provides the following services: Blood Pressure and Weight Evaluation Breast and Pelvic Exam, Pap Smear Screening and Referral (if needed) Breast Self Exam Instruction and Counseling Screening, diagnosis, treatment and/or referral for vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV Routine laboratory testing Mammogram referral through BreasTest & More Pregnancy Testing Referral for Perinatal and other Case Management Services The Center for Health & Rehabilitation 265 Boulevard, N.E., 4th floorAtlanta, Georgia 30315Tel: (404) 730-5835 (404) 730-5835Fax (404) 893-6743

SISTERS BLOGGING AGAINST BREAST CANCER

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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

JUST SMILE

Sunday, February 2, 2014

ALMOST OVER

Deuteronomy 31:6

UPDATES -

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

SELF CONCEPT

Friday, August 9, 2013

MEDICAID V. MEDICARE

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICAID BENEFITS

Thursday, June 6, 2013

BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Am I Eligible for the Test?

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Studies Show Cancer Survivors’ Physical and Emotional Problems Often Go Untreated

Studies Show Cancer Survivors’ Physical and Emotional Problems Often Go Untreated

Rehabilitation improves quality of life

Rehabilitation can occur before, during, and after treatment

Friday, May 17, 2013

GETTING RID OF THAT STOMACH FAT

Animal protein is high in fat, including all dairy products, oils, processed foods, fried foods, fast foods, etc.

What flushes it out and help normalize these hormones? Fruits, vegetables, beans and grains!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Breast Cancer Survival Diet

Lean Proteins

Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Adequate Dietary Fiber

Fruits and Vegetables

References

THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY

BREAST CANCER PROGNOSIS

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