Posts Tagged ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’
I had the pleasure and privilege to work with several wonderful women on this year’s KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference which was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Newark, DE.
The KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference was the brain child of Nicolle Surratte founder of NspiredD.com. Nicolle is also a five year cancer thriver who has been working tirelessly with many other cancer organizations in and out of the state of Delaware and she has even appeared on nationally televised commercials for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The purpose of the KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference was to Empower Survivors – Mind, Body and Spirit.
Raising funds for the Cancer Conference was a monumental task, we sold tickets, solicited donations from local businesses, held a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s and on Friday night hosted a “Cocktails and Comedy” Show. The show featured comediennes who are all cancer survivors and you can read more about this great show on my blog by clicking here.
Grateful to the many volunteers who came out early Saturday morning to assist us with the set-up, check-ins, vendors arrangements and moderators.
Everything including the presentations made this a very successful conference and for that we are all very thankful.
Workshop presenters included:
Liz Brown, PCC, CACP, CWC, owner of Be Well Life Coaching in Centreville, DE – www.bewelllifecoaching.com
Wendy Fulford, Certified Natural Health Professional – www.holisticeagleeye.com
Liz Abel, Licensed integrative functional nutritionist – www.freeandabel.com
Amy Marshall, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach – www.creatinghealthyroots.com
Anastacia Monguelluzzo, LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist in Delaware
Dr. Susan Silberstein, PhD – Founder and Educational Director or www.BeatCancer.org
Sue Palmer, LMT, Licensed Massage Therapist
The 2016 KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference began at 8:00 am with registration, vendor exhibits and light breakfast snacks. The welcoming greeting and schedule of the day was presented by Sherani then Nicolle welcomed everyone before the the first Empowerment Session which began promptly (not quite) at 9:50 am.
Empowerment Session 2 started at 11:00 am and with the layout of the rooms at the Embassy Suites everyone was able to get from one session to the other with ease.
There was a wonderful lunch buffet before the final Empowerment Session at 1:20 p.m. The last session ended at 2:20 and the closing included Raffle Drawings, Door Prizes and Giveaways which ranged from an Invicta and Apple Watch, to a 3-day 2 night stay at a resort in Virginia.
Each attendee received a very nice Tote Bag donated by Tanger Outlet and it contained a lot of informational sheets and other goodies. Among the many vendors on hand were Alternative Therapy, BeatCancer.org, BeautyCounter, Black Nurses Association of Northern Delaware, Delaware Chiropractic at Louviers, Health Care Solutions Delaware Valley, Life Changing Hands Massage, MedExpress and Pamper Perfect Mobile Spa, iasoTea, Fusions Taster’s Choice and authors Viviane Philmon and Dr. Nat’e Guyton.
It was a wonderful day and I am looking forward to working with Nicolle again next year on the 2017 KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference.
We have all been touched by cancer and together we are working for a cancer free world.
Will you be participating in any Cancer Awareness walks or activities this month?
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From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Them Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which also includes scheduling a colonoscopy.
I am so proud of hubby, as his chemo treatments are kicking colon cancer’s butt, so I need to make sure that my butt stays healthy as well.
After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.
Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!
I don’t care how old I am, how long I’ve been having these procedures done, nor the fact that they are uncomfortable. All three of these vital exams must be done annually…no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month however, if you haven’t scheduled an appointment this month, make it for next month, just make it!
We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.
CANCER DON’T CARE!
In loving memory of Debra Clarke, Hazel Woods and Rene McCrea
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Hello friends and welcome to this week’s feature of “Wellness Wednesday”.
October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which means I will also be scheduling my first colonoscopy. Hubby’s recent diagnosis and ultimate surgery for small intestinal cancer made it even more of a priority for me.
After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.
Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!
I don’t care how old I am how long I’ve been having these procedures done, I never look forward to either. However, it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are, these vital exams must be done, no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so if you haven’t made an appointment for your annual mammogram, please use this as a reminder to do so. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.
To get a FREE copy of the eBbook The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer, just click on this link
Have you ever taken part in a Breast Cancer Walk?
I did this one in memory of my cousin Debra and Aunt Hazel.
“Cancer Don’t Care!”
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I am not a medical professional and these posts are not designed to promote or give any medical advice. Please check with your personal physician if you have any questions regarding your own health.
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“Good morning, please take off everything from the top, then put on this gown with the opening in the front”
Yes, that’s the phrase I hear from the friendly technician when it’s time for my annual mammogram and on Monday at 7:30 am I had my 12th.
“Have you noticed any changes to your breasts?”
“No”
“Have you felt any lumps or experienced soreness in your breasts?”
“No”
“Do you have on any deodorant?”
“No”
“Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes”
“let’s start with the right side first….left arm down…grip here…move up a little closer…you’ll feel a little pressure…okay hold it…now relax.”
Next it’s from a different angle, then repeated on the left side.
This is the only conversation we have while having my breasts moved, lifted, adjusted then flattened between two plates to be imaged.
For all my years of having mammograms, I can honestly say, it’s never really hurt, uncomfortable, yes, but not overly painful. I have always scheduled my exam during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a big reminder to have it done – no excuses or memory lapses.
Sadly, far too many women refuse to have a mammogram because of the preconceived notion that there will be unbearable pain involved, trust me, the pain of not going can be far worse.
I have lost an aunt and cousin to Breast Cancer and have several other cousins who are Breast Cancer survivors, so I know it’s better to be checked and uncomfortable for 15 minutes than not at all.
Have I ever been called back after a mammogram?
Yes, and it was nerve-wracking to say the least, but nothing was found. It was just the density of the breast, the angle of the image or noticeable calcification on the x-ray, which is why you are asked not to wear deodorant before the exam. Most deodorants/antiperspirants contain aluminum which is very similar to microcalcifiactions, which is an early indication of breast cancer.
I had my first Mammogram at the age of 40, however, it is now suggested that women, especially African American women begin at the age of 35. If you have any questions or need additional information, please check out www.cancer.org.
Early detection is key, however, when women are not vigilant in doing monthly self breast exams or having an annual mammogram the survival rates decrease. Triple Negative Breast Cancer is now the most dangerous form of breast cancer and is prevalent among African American women. Treatment for it can kill or even cause another form of cancer to appear, Robin Roberts is a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Do Breast Self Exams Monthly – The Best Protection is Early Detection!
P&G has a new Downloadable Phone app that aids in early cancer detection, so try it out today.
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As wives, mothers and caregivers we often take care of other’s needs before taking care of our own. I missed my annual GYN appointment by 6 months, but I didn’t forget to make an orthodontist, dental and vision appointment for my sons. I received a letter to schedule my annual mammogram in May, but didn’t make the appointment until this month.
It’s hard to forget to schedule a mammogram in October because of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pink reminders are everywhere. In my family there are 6 cousins and an aunt who had Breast Cancer and unfortunately, one cousin and the aunt succumbed to the disease – RIP Aunt Hazel and Debra! At my job there are several Breast Cancer survivors as well as a woman currently undergoing treatment after being in remission for 10 years. She like so many other brave women remains positive, and upbeat as well as looking good in their scarves and wigs.
My 11th mammogram was this morning, I started going to Papastavros Imaging in Glasgow at the age of 40. I do not like doctor’s appointments and get nervous but I manage the stress by talking. I talk constantly, stopping only to hold my breath for the x-ray, and because of this I can honestly say that I have never felt any pain.
After entering the dressing room, and given a top gown which I never know how to tie, waiting to be called in is nerve racking and waiting for the results is even worse. There are two types of regular screenings, a “CC”, which is a straight down view and the “MLO”, a side view. If you are called back for a follow up, a Spot Paddle is used and it targets a specific area on the breast. The Spot Paddle is more painful because it pinches that targeted area. A few years ago I was called back and immediately went into a panic mode. Amy, my technician explained that a call back does not mean cancer. It can be a vein, an artery, or dense tissue seen on the x-ray, a change in your breast due to your menstrual cycle or even the technician or the machine. So don’t panic and if you have a low tolerance of pain try talking through it, you’ll be surprised how quickly it goes and the sooner you can get to your deodorant.
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A great article from Sunday’s USA Weekend Magazine, by The Doctors
You feel a lump in your breast and immediately panic. It’s understandable: Breast cancer accounts for nearly one in three cancers diagnosed in women. But most lumps, as well as the majority of other breast changes, actually are caused by benign conditions. Three examples:
Breast lumps. They could be cysts. Most often found in women in their 40s, these round- or oval-shaped fluid-filled sacs are not cancerous, nor do they raise your risk. No one knows exactly what causes breast cysts to form, but some science suggests excess estrogen may play a role. Cysts sometimes can get bigger and become painful just before menstruation.
Any new lump needs to be checked. To confirm the mass is a cyst, your doctor will need an ultrasound or a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. If the cyst is large and painful, it can be drained via the FNA.
Nipple discharge (that’s not milk). It could be non-cancerous tumors. Called intraductal papillomas, these benign growths develop within breast ducts. Causes and risk factors are unknown, but single tumors in the large milk ducts near the nipple result in clear or bloody discharge. In most cases, they do not raise breast cancer risk.
Tell your doctor about discharge, especially if it’s bloody, which sometimes does indicate breast cancer. If a papilloma is diagnosed, your doctor will likely remove it and a part of the duct the tumor was found in.
Pain. It could be your period. Some women feel a dull ache in their breasts a week before menstruation, often accompanied by swelling, but symptoms subside once your period starts. Women who have fibrocystic breasts, a prominence of scar-like tissue and cysts, may feel pain around their cycles.
Breast pain often resolves on its own, but over-the-counter pain relievers or a supportive bra can help. Trimming dietary fat to less than 20% of total calories also can decrease pain from fibrocystic breasts.
The Doctors is an award-winning daytime TV show.
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A great article from Sunday’s USA Weekend Magazine, by The Doctors
You feel a lump in your breast and immediately panic. It’s understandable: Breast cancer accounts for nearly one in three cancers diagnosed in women. But most lumps, as well as the majority of other breast changes, actually are caused by benign conditions. Three examples:
Breast lumps. They could be cysts. Most often found in women in their 40s, these round- or oval-shaped fluid-filled sacs are not cancerous, nor do they raise your risk. No one knows exactly what causes breast cysts to form, but some science suggests excess estrogen may play a role. Cysts sometimes can get bigger and become painful just before menstruation.
Any new lump needs to be checked. To confirm the mass is a cyst, your doctor will need an ultrasound or a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. If the cyst is large and painful, it can be drained via the FNA.
Nipple discharge (that’s not milk). It could be non-cancerous tumors. Called intraductal papillomas, these benign growths develop within breast ducts. Causes and risk factors are unknown, but single tumors in the large milk ducts near the nipple result in clear or bloody discharge. In most cases, they do not raise breast cancer risk.
Tell your doctor about discharge, especially if it’s bloody, which sometimes does indicate breast cancer. If a papilloma is diagnosed, your doctor will likely remove it and a part of the duct the tumor was found in.
Pain. It could be your period. Some women feel a dull ache in their breasts a week before menstruation, often accompanied by swelling, but symptoms subside once your period starts. Women who have fibrocystic breasts, a prominence of scar-like tissue and cysts, may feel pain around their cycles.
Breast pain often resolves on its own, but over-the-counter pain relievers or a supportive bra can help. Trimming dietary fat to less than 20% of total calories also can decrease pain from fibrocystic breasts.
The Doctors is an award-winning daytime TV show.
1 Comment
Hello friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday. Like the sun that will be popping through the clouds this afternoon, I am popping a little pink with black. Black Boots or Pink Pumps was the dilemma this morning and I am not going to reveal which one I chose. Tell me which one you like better?
Sweater – Rainbow Shops// Top – Ross// Skirt – Goodwill // Boots – closet staple // Pumps – Mossimo via Target // Necklace and Earring Set – Jewelrymax.net// Ring – Beauty Max Beauty Supply Store
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Dollar Tree is now accepting manufacturer’s coupons which makes a lot of items FREE! I had a $1.00 off coupon for the Pepperidge Farms Jingos and they are awesome. I also have coupons for Campbell soup but around the holidays it’s cheaper at the grocery stores.
Cotton balls, 100 count
High heel insoles and cushions
e.l.f. lIp liner brush
L.A. Colors 2-color eyeliner with sharpener
Nail stickers and L.A. Colors Nail polish – I needed another pink for #31daysofpink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Hello friends and Happy Tuesday. Today’s outfit is a dress that was previously worn in August, also on a Tuesday (here). Transitioning it from summer to autumn by adding a faux leather jacket and peep toe shoes replaced with leather pumps. The jacket was thrifted from Goodwill and the pumps are Carlos Santana, which I didn’t realize when I found them at The Salvation Army. These pumps are classic, timeless and very comfortable.
If you follow me on Instagram (ablake48) you know that I’m participating in #pinkfor31days, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are wearing pink nail polish for the month of October and I started with Revlon’s Fuchsia Fever. I’ve lost 2 cousins and an aunt to this deadly disease and have 5 cousins who are breast cancer survivors. A co-worker is now fighting her second bout after being in remission for over 10 years! If you are over 40 and haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram yet, please do so today, I’m scheduled for next week.
Have a fantabulous day and don’t forget to schedule your mammogram appointment – Smooches!
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