Wordless Wednesday

Well, OK, a few words.  This was last Sunday when my cousins joined my sister in a Race for the Cure on Mother's Day.

Look at that smile on my little sweetie!!

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Cancer sucks.

This kind of thing hits me harder these days.  You might want a tissue.  I did.




My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.  She had surgery, radiation and chemo and it went away.

Last November, she found out it came back.  It had metastasized to her liver and abdominal lymph nodes.  Folks who know about cancer know what that means.  I think even if you don't, "metastasized" doesn't sound good.  Stage 4 cancer fighters aren't the ones in the forefront of the press, but there are many of them.  And many of them live a long time.

She got the genetic testing to find out if she has the breast cancer gene.  She did that so that I will know.  We find out Friday and I frankly hope that the results and negative (that she doesn't have any genes).

My sis is super-strong.  She's gone through another course of chemo and is now doing a round of hormone treatments.  She's got this little pumpkin to make life fun:

And she's got a great support system with her family, friends and her work.

But it's still hard for her.  And hard for us.  We all hope for many more years of good days.  And we'll take each day as it comes and enjoy each and every one that we get.

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Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer

I've been doing a lot of research on breast cancer since my sister was diagnosed a few months ago. The Mr and I are gearing up to do the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure in November (more on that later). I'd like to share some of the information I have found, and hope that it will help someone out there. Knowledge is power my friends!

A few quick facts about breast cancer risk:

• All women are at risk for breast cancer
• Risk increases with age
• About 1 out of every 7 women will get breast cancer over a 90-year life span
• There are ways to reduce your risk!

Some risks cannot be controlled:

• Gender
• Age
• Family history or personal history of breast cancer
• Race
• Radiation therapy to the chest
• Breast cellular changes
• Exposure to estrogen
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• DES exposure

OK, so you can't change your gender (well, maybe you can, but I'm not sure what that does to your breast cancer risks, and I suspect other risks are increased, so I think we'll leave that alone). And you can't get younger (risk increases as we get older) or be a different race.

But many risk factors can be controlled!

• Weight - Being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer
• Diet - generally a low fat diet is recommended (see these tips)
• Exercise - Evidence is growing that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in 45-60 minutes of physical exercise 5 or more days a week
• Alcohol consumption - Studies have shown that breast cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol a woman drinks.
• Smoking - Smoking is associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk

Know your risks. Perform a self-exam monthly. Have an annual mammogram if you are over 40 or are at high risk. Early detection can save your life. Early detection can save your life!

For more information, see my source, http://www.breastcancer.org/.


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Looking for Positive Thoughts

We're back from our fabulous vacation (I'm putting together a recap post on that now) but before we get into that, can I ask for your positive thoughts and prayers for my sister? She starts her first round of chemo today and I know she would appreciate the support.

Thanks!!

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A Big "Thank You" to My Blogfriends!!

Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers yesterday.  You all are the very best!

My sister came through her surgery very well and all indications show that the cancer has not spread!    We are all so thankful and relieved!

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Good Thoughts Needed....

Please keep my sister in your thoughts and prayers today as she undergoes surgery for breast cancer.

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