40

Any woman under 50 who had their breast cancer caught on a mammogram kind of wonders what all the fuss is about. Are we disposable? There are at least in NYC a decent size group of us.

So today's news that a major medical group believes mammograms starting at 40 is the way to go is a bit of a relief.


http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/20/docs-group-urges-mammograms-every-year-starting-at-40/

Still mammograms are not enough, they are especially imperfect in younger women with dense breasts.

But it's something.

Taiwan's Pet Scan Setup

I never knew Asian women had denser breasts! Interesting article.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2011/07/12/2003508032

Action, Action, We Want Action

A-C-T... clap clap clap.... I-O-N

Remember that cheer from the high school basketball sidelines?

Apparently Komen is changing breast cancer awareness month to breast cancer action month!

It's kind of a savvy move, and shows that Komen is picking up on some subtle changes in the breast cancer community.

Some might say they are simply co-opting the sharper message of other cancer groups.

A few weeks ago I saw "The Normal Heart" on Broadway.

The play is a fascinating look at the beginning of the AIDS crisis, and was especially poignant, because the performance I saw took place as the New York State Legislature was just days from legalizing same-sex marriage.

But I digress, what it really showed me was how intense and fractious the fight for any sort of AIDS awareness was in the 1980's.

So here is the thing. I don't think all breast cancer survivors and organizations have to be on the same page.

If some women feel a more political organization suits their attitudes, that's a good thing.

Stirring things up is probably to the benefit of all of us. But, I still think some of the traditional events and campaigns also have a place.

So what sort of action do you want to see?

The Pink Haze

This is a pretty darn interesting article, suggesting that the traditional feminine rose-colored breast cancer PSA's may actually make women turn the other way.

It's interesting because until now, the pink vs. no pink debate has been mostly theoretical.

While I get overwhelmed by all the crazy pink products, and for some reason the NFL pink really pushes my buttons, I also appreciate the simplicity of the symbolism.

I appreciate that at least there is awareness of our disease. Having something that is unknown really isn't easier.

Plenty of women I respect have stronger opinions, and wouldn't mind seeing every pink ribbon go away.

I suppose some tasteful moderation is too much to hope for?

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/07/07/should-breast-cancer-ads-play-up-the-pink/

How do you get away from it all?

This is the longest I've been without an update.

I have been busy with work and some summer fun.

It's funny, I was in the middle of a fun social  moment, and a discussion of cancer came up. My sweet hubby tried to change the topic, wanting a bit of a holiday from cancer chat.

Perfectly reasonable, and something I need to be aware of.

However for me, especially as I struggle through the "lymphedema summer" there is really never a break.

While I don't constantly obsess about recurrence, I am constantly watching my arm, protecting it from heat, bugs, scrapes, the works.

So cyber-friends does the cancer watch never stop, or have you discovered ways for your mind to escape?

Suzanne

image from sarajaned.com

iCarly actress Jenette McCurdy talks about mom's battle with mets

 I thought this was an interesting article choice by the WSJ.

 http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/06/11/off-camera-my-moms-fight-with-cancer/

Great Breast Cancer Retreat in Beautiful Wisconsin!

Breast Cancer Recovery announces an Infinite Boundaries® retreat

July 21-24, 2011

Madeline Island Music Camp, La Pointe, Wisconsin

Please share this with women who might be interested.

SPACE IS LIMITED!  REGISTER SOON!

FEE IS $400

Based on the belief that the journey to recovery and survivorship involves the total woman – mind and body – the retreat will help women find inner strength, gain courage and experience the hope needed to live each day beyond the boundaries of breast cancer.  Created by breast cancer survivors, the retreat offers a four-day program that features discussion on topics such as living with the fear of recurrence; creative arts designed to promote healing through self-expression; physical wellness through body movement and a kayak experience which has always been a highlight for the women who have attended over the years. This activity is designed to be accessible to everyone. We paddle on a pristine back water lagoon.

You will stay at the Madeline Island Music Camp Lodges. Each two-story lodge is constructed of rough hewn wood, with a cozy screen porch, small kitchenette, and seven private and air-conditioned bedrooms. Each lodge contains dormitory-style bathrooms, consisting of four sinks and four enclosed showers and toilets. Nestled among a lovely wooded area with birch and pine trees, you might see blue heron, crane and deer during your stay on the Island. You will enjoy delicious, nutritious meals prepared by Chef Jonathan Berthel.

Located on beautiful Lake Superior, the Music Camp is created to embrace nature:  aromatic pine air, sparkling clear water, and brilliant night skies. An escape for the mind and body, the setting is ideal for our Infinite Boundaries retreat concept of “healing in nature.”

The fee for the four-day, three-night retreat is $400 due to the many generous donors who help to underwrite a large portion of retreat expenses.  The retreat fee includes all meals, lodging, program materials and activities.  A non-refundable $100 deposit is required to reserve your spot in this retreat.  Breast Cancer Recovery offers scholarships which help to make Infinite Boundaries retreats affordable to more women.  Additional information about this and other Infinite Boundaries retreats can be found at www.bcrecovery.org, by calling 888-821-1140 or by sending an email to info@bcrecovery.org.


SPACE IS LIMITED --- REGISTER SOON!  FEE IS $400.  SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. 

Register by phone:           888-821-1140
Register online:                www.bcrecovery.org
Questions?                        info@bcrecovery.org

Please stand by

Sorry I have been so quiet this week. My laptop appears to have gone to the big server in the sky!