Pink Crusader: Getting Better at being Better

Dear Blogger Family & Friends,

The Pink Crusader extends pleasant greetings and warm cyber-hugs to all of our visitors. This is the place where everybody is somebody's friend! So come on in, join your "friends," and read on...

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
~Benjamin Franklin

Well, we are about half way through the first month of the new year.....how's everything going so far? Fulfilled any of those resolutions yet? What about the commitments to self-improvement and change for the better? Still working on it? Don't worry....there's plenty of time to get from here to there if you don't give up too soon.

Remember: A better year and a better you takes time and practice. We didn't learn bad habits overnight...and we won't get rid of them in 24 hours. Be patient. Keep a positive attitude, take a sensible approach and be better aware of the people and world around you. Become a thoughtful listener and stay well informed. Recognize the good in others as well as yourself. And, most of all, be grateful for the life that is yours and the blessing that is you!

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SURVIVOR UPDATES:

Susan B. Hill

It is with much sadness that the Pink Crusader reports the recent passing of Susan Hill on January 12, 2008. Susan, a certified oncology nurse, was also an avid runner and participant in many local charitable events. Services celebrating her life will be held on Monday, January 14th at 1:00 pm at the Chapelwood United Methodist Chruch, 1140 Greenbay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan's name to "Golfers Against Cancer," at http://www.golfersagainstcancer.org/

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Angie Elliott
January 6, 2008

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

I bet you were wondering when you were going to hear from me. First let me say how honored and humbled I am at the messages we've received. I am so thankful for all of the thoughts, prayers, well wishes and positive energy that's being sent our way. I wanted you to know that Colin and I are praying for you all as well, that God would bless you for your faithfulness in praying for us.

On Wednesday, we went to the hospital. Between doing labs (blood work), visiting with the doctor and then getting intravenous chemotherapy, it took nine hours (yes 9). I was ready to jump out of my skin by the time we finally left. Our visit with the doctor was very encouraging. My circulating tumor cells (CTC) count was 1. CTC is a blood test, and my counts have continually decreased over the past several weeks, which is a very good thing.

As Colin may have alluded to in previous posts, there are a lot of things I don't remember. Things that happened before I was in the hospital, as well as, things that happened in the hospital. One of those things was finding out that the cancer had spread to my liver and bones. So for the past few days, I've been very depressed about that. But meeting with the doctor on Wednesday was very encouraging. I asked him if it was possible for me to be in remission again, and he said, "Yes it's possible." Huge sigh of relief for me. I was filled with a little bit of hope again. I can be healed; what a wonderful thought!

I have to give props to my husband. Colin has been amazing. I can't believe the load he's been bearing for the last month, taking care of so many things and never complaining. I don't know what I'd do without him. Somehow he makes everything okay during those times when I freak out.

Speaking of freaking out, I believe in a few short weeks I will become "follicularly" challenged. Every time I take a shower, there ends up being a pile of hair covering the whole drain when I'm finished. It's very distressing for me. The eyebrows and eyelashes are also barely holding on. Oh how I love having eyelashes. You don't really appreciate them as much until you've lost them all and then grown them back.

The thought of being bald again is very hard for me. When you have hair, you don't feel like you're sick. But when you lose your hair and everyone starts staring, you start to feel like you're sick. It becomes a much harder mental battle when you look in the mirror and all your hair is gone. So I don't know if it will be hats or wigs or the Kojak look. I guess we'll see. Anyway, that challenge is "around the corner". I have to remember to take things one day at a time.

I want to thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers; we need that support so much. The great thing is that when something good happens for us, it's not just our victory but your victory, too.

Until next time.

Much love, Angie
http://www.carepage.com/ The page name is AngieElliottsCarePage

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Patty Jennings

Dear Josie,

I am sorry to be so late answering, but I have been quite sick. I am under control now, but my cancer went wild for about 6 weeks and I almost didn’t make it through Christmas. Fortunately, the chemo they put me on began working just days before I was probably going to have to go on a ventilator. I had a chest drain tube put in yesterday so I am really sore today. I can breathe better now though! So I have had a bit of a set back but I am getting better.....Thank you, Patty

Personal Note: Many of you remember Patty Jennings as the keynote speaker at the Launch Party for The Faces behind Breast Cancer. Patty remains a tireless advocate for healthcare reform, in addition to raising millions of dollars with husband, Senator Tim Jennings (NM) for IBC research. Please keep Patty and her family in your prayers during this challenging time. Well-wishes can be sent to:

Patty Jennings, Executive Director
New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool
PO Box 1594
Roswell, NM 88202-1594

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Mary Shellington

Our condolences to Mary on the recent loss of her mother, Rena Curry. Please keep Mary and her family in your thoughts and prayers. The viewing and funeral service are going to be held this Sunday (1/13/08) at Bayshore Baptist Church in LaPorte, TX. Care Notes can be e-mailed to: mariforjcg@yahoo.com

Viewing: 1 to 2 pm

Service: 2 to 3 pm

Bayshore Baptist Church
11315 Spencer Hwy.
La Porte, Texas 77571
281-471-0332
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FYI:

From Y-Me Advocacy:

Y-ME Advocacy reminds you that the United States Presidential primary elections are right around the corner. Have you registered to vote yet? If not, register now! https://ssl.capwiz.com/y-me/e4/nvra/

Sincerely, Y-ME Advocacy

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From M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Public Education Office:

National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and a critical strategy in cancer control efforts is the education of Americans about steps they can take to prevent cancer, detect it early when treatment is most likely to be effective, and choose the best treatment plan.

For nearly 30 years, the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service has been providing the latest and most accurate cancer information to patients, their families, health professionals, and the public. Through its network of regional offices and partnerships with nonprofit, private, and other government agencies, the CIS reaches people who do not traditionally seek health information. For those who do seek information, the CIS offers a toll-free telephone number (1-800-4-CANCER) and an instant messaging service (LiveHelp) on the NCI's Web site (http://www.cancer.gov/ ). You can learn more about CIS at www.cancer.gov/cis or by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.

M. D. Anderson is under contract with the National Cancer Institute (Contract #HHSN261200511010C) to administer the Cancer Information Service’s Partnership Program and Research Coordination Program. The Partnership Program serves Texas and Oklahoma, and the Research Coordination Program serves Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

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From Denise Hazen:

Dear Friends, As most of you know our son, Nicholas, is diagnosed with autism. Please watch the following video that not only educates about the alarming rise of the rate of autism, but it also explains some of the obstacles families with autism face. Together we can all make a difference. - Denise

Many thanks to those of you who watch the music video. The artists, the band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks for *each time* the video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.
Click here: Five for Fighting http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

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From Cheryl Donlin:

Dear Josie!

Don't know if you know about this book, but a good friend of mine recommended it to me. I have e-mailed back and forth with the author, Kelly Corrigan, and she is a delight. I think I gave you her website info previously : http://www.circusofcancer.org/ .

Anyway, her book is called The Middle Place. It's about facing a breast-cancer diagnosis while raising two young kids and having her father diagnosed with cancer at the same time. Kelly has appeared on the Today show with her father, discussing the 'adventure' and she is an avid blogger and journalist. So, I'm passing it on to you and your readers. I have already ordered my copy from Amazon. It's also available through Barnes and Noble.

Work. Create. Grow. Give. - Cheryl

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From Donna Fong:

Some of you had requested photos of previous receptions, meetings, that we have attended and I am happy to enclose some of them. Other photos of our outings are on another memory card which can only be forwarded from a notebook computer, and when I am able to get the time and the notebook, I will forward them to you for your printing for your personal files.

These photos can be viewed in the scrapbook of the Rosebuds which I have just about finished with the exception of the Holiday Party in December. When those photos are e-mailed to me, I will also enclose them in the next e-mail to all of The Rosebuds. I will bring the scrapbook with me to our Annual Birthday Party next month at Janet's house. Hope you enjoy these photos!!! We had fun!! -Donna

Also

New Saliva Test May Help Dentists Test For Breast Cancer
Science Daily
Retrieved January 13, 2008

Many women’s lives could be saved if this cancer was diagnosed earlier, and early diagnosis could be achieved if there were more and easier opportunities to do so.

The researchers found that the protein levels in saliva have great potential to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of breast cancer. And general dentists are perfect candidates to assist with this diagnosis samples because they can easily remove saliva samples from a patient’s mouth during routine visits. As the AGD’s Vice-President Paula Jones, DDS, FAGD says, “Since a patient visits the dentist more frequently than their physician, it makes sense that this diagnostic tool could be very effective in the hands of the general dentist.”

Salivary testing has some advantages over blood testing. The authors of the study argue that saliva is a clear, colorless liquid, while blood undergoes changes in color, which might affect test results. The authors also say that saliva collection is safe (no needle punctures), non-invasive, and can be collected without causing a patient any pain.

This method of early diagnosis is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If it does receive approval, dentists and physicians could use it to collaboratively diagnose breast cancer.

But Dr. Jones also warns that this is not the only means for diagnosis. “It would not eliminate the need for regular mammogram screening or blood analysis; it would just be a first line of defense for women,” she says. “For example, if the salivary screening did show a positive result, a mammogram or other imaging test would be necessary to determine in which breast the cancer was located.”

Advantages of salivary testing:

Salivary testing is safe (no needle punctures) and can be collected without causing the patient any pain.

Salivary testing does not require any special training or equipment.

Patients who may not have access to or money for preventive care could easily be tested through saliva.

Reference: Sebastian Z. Paige and Charles F. Streckfus, DDS, MA, the authors of the study, “Salivary analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,” published in the March/April 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, researched a new method of diagnosis.

Adapted from materials provided by Academy of General Dentistry.

Academy of General Dentistry (2007, March 21). New Saliva Test May Help Dentists Test For Breast Cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 13, 2008,
from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070320191035.htm

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From American Cancer Society-Houston Metro Office

2008 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
We are looking for dedicated and energetic volunteers to serve on this year's committee. Please join us for our first meeting of the year to learn more about MSABC and how you can help! Monday, January 21, 2008
6:00 pm
American Cancer Society - Houston Metro Office
6301 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77057
Contact Ashley White, Community Manager-Distinguised Events at 714-706-5645 Ashley.white@cancer.org

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From Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Advocacy Alliance - I Vote for the Cure

Great news! With the primaries just getting under way, thousands of people have already taken a stand and told the 2008 presidential candidates: I Vote for the Cure. It's all part of Komen's new campaign to put breast cancer at the center of the national debate this election season. From coast to coast, we're raising the cry: I Vote for the Cure. Are you with us? It couldn't be easier to tell America's next president that you want breast cancer to be a national priority. This is one of the biggest, boldest campaigns we have ever launched, and we're off to a great start. But it would be even better if you were on board!

Komen's I Vote for the Cure campaign challenges the candidates to tell us how they'll address three common-sense objectives:

More funding for research. How will our next leader ensure that we don't lose momentum - and that critical advances in the laboratory reach patients?

Screening for all. Will our next leader provide every low-income, uninsured, and underinsured woman in America access to early detection?

Access to quality treatment. Which candidates will promise to make sure that all women diagnosed with breast cancer - regardless of income or skin color - have access to high quality treatment?

Sign the petition now! Help us hit our goal of 100,000 signatures!

Ready? Sign the I Vote for the Cure petition today and let our next president know where you stand. http://komenpolicy.org/campaign/ivftc/8kgxk8n21757dnnw?

Thank you for all that you do in the fight against breast cancer.

Sincerely, Diane Balma
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance

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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271

DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/

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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!

KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, January 14th, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675.

ROSEBUDS MEETING
January 15th, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet
Future Meetings: FEBRUARY 5 & 19**, MARCH 4 & 18
** The Rosebuds 17th Birthday Party

THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston
Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview) at 7:00pm. Due to numerous factors the January 2008 meeting is being cancelled. We are sorry for this disappointing news but hope you will join us on March 18, 2008 at 7 pm
Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.

Y-ME SHARE RING NETWORK TELECONFERENCE
"Update on Breast Cancer Research"
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
7 p.m. CST (8 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. MST, 5 p.m. PST)
Speaker: Larissa Korde, M.D., M.P.H.Staff Clinician
Clinical Genetics Branch Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
National Cancer Institute
Register Now: Please note the new phone number and password below.
Phone number: 1-800-593-9038
Password: YME21340

About the speaker: Larissa Korde, M.D., M.P.H., is a clinical researcher in theClinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, at theNational Cancer Institute (NCI). Dr. Korde completed her residency in internal medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center, and completed her medical oncology fellowship and a cancer prevention fellowship at the NCI. Her research interests include lifestyle factors and their effect on breast cancer risk, the identification of warning signs for cancer prevention, and designing intervention trials for populations at increased risk.

Her current projects include a pilot study of physical activity in a breast cancer population, an analysis of soy intake and measures of acculturation and their effect on breast cancer risk in Asian-American women and a study of gene expression profiles to predict response to chemotherapy in women with locally advanced breast cancer. She is also involved in a number of studies that relate to women at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer based on a genetics or family history.

M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER - PUBLIC EDUCATION
A Journey to Wellness - Mindful Eating: Know Your Hunger

Speaker: Jean Kristeller, Ph.D, professor of psychology and the director of the Center for the Study of Health, Religion and Spirituality at Indiana State University, teaches people how to feel their hunger, trust their taste buds and become deeply satisfied with the quality rather than quantity of food they eat.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
5:00 p.m. - Check In
5:30 p.m. - Program

D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lowry and Peggy Mays Clinic
1220 Holcombe Boulevard

Free admission and parking
Registration deadline: January 14
To register, email publiced@mdanderson.org or call 713-745-0549

Parking: Parking is free underneath Mays Clinic. From Holcombe Boulevard, turn south on Bertner and enter the parking garage through Entrance 5, located on the right immediately before the first stop sign (see “P” for parking and make right turn into garage). Take the parking garage elevator to the 1st floor and follow the signs to Room 1.2325.

ROSEBUDS II MEETING
January 24th, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
For those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis,
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Future Meetings: FEBRUARY 14 & 28, MARCH 13 & 27

PINK RIBBONS PROJECT FUND RAISER
St. Thomas High School vs. Westside High School, 6 P.M., Saturday, February 2, 2008
St. Thomas High School - Hotze Field (in Granger Stadium), 4500 Memorial Drive $5.00
Proceeds from the day will benefit Pink Ribbons Project, in motion against breast cancer, and St. Thomas High School Rugby.

ROSEBUDS 17th BIRTHDAY PARTY
6:00 p.m - Tuesday, February 19, 2008
At our annual birthday party we recognize those who have attained a 5 year,10 year, 15 year, etc. anniversary of diagnosis/treatment during the past year. If you are one of these people, please advise Donna Fong. 713-681-7716 or donnafong5948@yahoo.com Refreshments will be provided.
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"SHARING is CARING"As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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