Maura Tierny will be back on the air after breast cancer treatment

Glad to hear it. She had to drop out of NBC's "Parenthood" for her treatment. I feel bad about that because it's a pretty good show, in my opinion. Onward and upward.
(Read more from US Magazine)

Breast cancer changed my approach to motherhood.

Beth Gainer has a great focus both in her writing and her life. Here is her take on how being a survivor influences her parenting style. Suzanne

I notice so many uptight parents nowadays. These individuals frantically wipe never-ending drool and take inventory of the stains on their precious babies' clothing. I've seen moms running after their children with a stain-removal stick, get deeply emotional when a bib flies off and chocolate flies on, and freak out whenever a baby drops crumbs on the floor.
 
Before breast cancer, I had a Type A personality, so I probably was destined to become such a parent. The worrier. The perfectionist. The dramatic.

Breast cancer has helped me leave the Type A arena, and this is reflected by my parenting style. When it comes to my daughter, I no longer sweat the small stuff. What do I care if there are stains? Babies get dirty constantly. She drools, and I do wipe her chin, but not obsessively. What's a little saliva? And as for crumbs on the floor, there's always time to sweep at the end of the day. There's always time to straighten up after my little whirlwind wreaks devastation to our home.

There's always time to deal with the unpleasant sides of motherhood. However, when it comes to life, I know all too well from my breast cancer experience that my time as a mother is limited and precious.

And that is why I choose to focus my time laughing with my baby; enjoying her antics; hugging, cuddling, and playing with her; and being grateful for her. I spend time well -- marvelling at all the positives of parenting. I refuse to get wrapped up in the all-too-common parent trap: comparing my child's motor and intellectual skills with other children.

I do have bad days and times when motherhood is taxing. But when I consider how hard it was to fight cancer, drool, stains, and crumbs are mere childsplay.







Beth L. Gainer has had numerous publications, including an essay in the anthology Voices of Breast Cancer. Her popular Calling the Shots blog at www.bethlgainer.blogspot.com. offers information and advice on how to navigate the medical system. She is a contributing member of Medpedia and Navigating Cancer.
Share your thoughts on motherhood in our comments section!

Super-walker preparing for 50th breast cancer fundraiser!

Talk about hardcore! Great little article about a Texas woman who has been on several Komen and Avon "long walks" and volunteered for dozens more.

http://palestineherald.com/local/x1612526728/Walking-to-fight-cancer

Phoning it in

It seems like there is a new little trend of teleconferencing to deliver breast cancer support services.

On Wed., May 19, LBBC will be hosting a free teleconference, "What If? Managing the Fear of Breast Cancer Recurrence." Our speaker Dr. Sage Bolte, will be able to address some of your questions during the call. Please let us know what's on your mind and help us craft this program to fulfill your needs. Submit your questions to Jenna@lbbc.org. To register and for more information, visit lbbc.org.

Also as I wrote earlier this week:
Rochelle Togo-Figa is organizing a series of telephone sessions from April 19-23, with the goal of offering women inspiration. Here is a link to the announcement.
http://yourlifeafterbreastcancer.com/blog/surviving-to-thriving-telesummit/

I don't know why these situations make me feel a bit shy. Perhaps they remind me of work.
Have you participated in teleconferences? Did you find it helpful? How?
Let us know in the comments section.

Suzanne

Image from speaking channel.tv

Are celebrity patients changing how we see cancer?

American society seems to better understand disease when it happens to someone famous. Lou Gehrig come to mind for ALS or even Rock Hudson and AIDS. Cancer has also become something that is in some cases identified with a celebrity. After Nancy Regan had a lumpectomy, the operation became more common.
What does the celebrity-cancer connection mean for the rest of us? This interesting article from the Dallas News takes a look.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving2/stories/DN-nh_cancercelebs_0406gd.ART.State.Edition1.1aaece9.html

This one's for the partners

Although I am married to a very good journalist, I have not yet been able to convince him to write about his experience as the "well spouse". I know it is a difficult situation, perhaps in some ways tougher than being ill. I like this little article by Todd Davis.

Suzanne

Few husbands consider what would happen if their wives had breast cancer. I certainly wasn't prepared in November when my wife, Laura, just 38 years old, learned that she had the disease.

(read more from the Dallas News)

Golf champ pays tribute to breast cancer oncologist on the green!

What a cool story! Phil Mickelson showed his gratitude to MD Anderson Radiation Oncologist Dr. Tom Buchholz, by having him caddie for three holes during the Houston Open. Buchholz has been treating Mickelson's wife and mom who were both diagnosed with breast cancer last summer.

http://culturemap.com/newsdetail/04-04-10-an-easter-thank-you-phil-mickelson-turns-to-houstons-swing-doctor/

Happy Easter!

Here in NYC it is a beautiful day...some years it is so cold.
If you didn't get to read it, here it a tribute to the season from a half-dozen of our writers!
http://joinourloop.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-forward.html