Breast Cancer Awareness month has come and gone, but for us survivors, breast cancer awareness is always around. We are constantly looking at our bodies and checking our breasts for the dreaded "new lump." I don't know about you, but I still think about breast cancer every day, and it's been 5 years since I was diagnosed! But, overall, breast cancer awareness is a good thing for every woman. I still meet so many women who don't do a self breast exam every month and if they do feel something, might not mention a suspicious lump to their doctor at their yearly checkup. These same women are also postponing their yearly mammogram! So, let's continue our crusade, even though it's not October, and hopefully save some women from hearing those dreaded words, "you have cancer."
Pink-Link had a booth at the recent Governor and First Lady's Woman's Conference in Southern California. It was the first time we exhibited at a general conference, not specific to breast cancer. It was a great success and we're looking forward to participating again next year. Check out the
article in the local newspaper about the conference and read my "bathroom" quote! I told the reporter that I was just joking, but he used it anyway! We raised money by selling our Self Breast Exam kit and cute mini pink boxing gloves from Fresh Brewed Life. You can read an article about me on their
website. I met a variety of people that I thought might interest you.
You can read my post by clicking here.
We had a very successful fundraiser at the beginning of October. It was our 2nd Scrap'n Support and was held at the beautiful
Remember When Scrapbooking store. We had 30 women scrapbooking and learning all about breast health and the self breast exam from our friend and registered nurse Pattie. And, I'm very pleased to say that we raised about $5,000. These funds go directly to our outreach program which ensures that every survivor knows about Pink-Link and our supportive services.
You can also see pictures from the event!
If you didn't get a chance to watch WGN's
"Stories of Hope" with Dean Richards and Dina Bair, you can watch it by clicking
here. The show is about 1 hour in length, but if you'd like to see my interview in particular, click on "part 4." The interview is towards the middle of this part of the show.
I was also interviewed by Darren Neuberger on
BlogRadio.com. Darren interviews various cancer survivors on his weekly internet radio show. He also has just published a book entitled,
"Let's Talk About It: Inspiring Stories from Young Adult Cancer Survivors." You can pre-order a copy of the book by visiting his
site.
Congratulations go out to Pink-Link nutritionist, Janice Baker, for passing a very challenging exam to get her Board Certification in Nutrition Support! Click here if you'd like to visit
Janice's forum.
My friend and fellow cancer survivor, Lynn Lane (founder of
Voices of Survivors) reminds me that this month is also known as "Movember" to bring awareness to male cancers. Have a wonderful Movember and a family filled Thanksgiving holiday!
Our Lymphedema expert, Gail Pekelis, explains Axillary Web Syndrome or AWS, which can happen with axillary lymph node dissection. She also gives us some suggestions on how to alleviate the tightness and pain caused by AWS.
