PAMELA'S SURVIVOR STORY - REPRISE

My Journey Through OZ

Pamela Embury

As you know, we all have a story to tell, each one different yet the same. You see, we all share a common thread, something that was unwanted, and yet came anyway to invade our bodies, our lives and our souls. Bonds between breast cancer survivors are unique, it is that beautiful acceptance that is not materialistic, just pure.

My name is Pamela and at the age of 37 I knew I had breast cancer without even going to the doctors. You see, I had been fighting to get approval for mammograms and sonograms since I was 35 but because I had no family history, and was so young, they rejected my multiple requests. Finally, after two years, I was diagnosed through bilateral sonogram. I KNEW IT! To the day of my bilateral mastectomies in 2008,

my mammograms were all normal. I was that small percentage with dense breasts where mammograms would not help. I was diagnosed with left breast invasive ductal carcinoma in 2 of 3 masses with DCIS in the third. My nodes were negative. My ER/PR status were 99% each and my Her2neu was initially reported as negative, however, a year later the copy I received stated positive, and thus I missed out on an incredible drug herceptin, which might have prevented my recurrence.

ELLEN'S SURVIVOR STORY - REPRISE

A WOMAN'S INTUITION 

Ellen Gondola

I was in my early 20's when I felt a strange lump behind my nipple. It wasn't painful, but I knew it wasn't "right". I first went to my general MD, after all, who thinks breast cancer when you're barely 22?  I was told it was probably a case of mastitis, as I was a runner, and it was most likely due to irritation from my running bra's. Given antibiotics, I was on my way.

Two weeks later, a full course of antibiotics and the lump was still there. Something in my gut said to get it checked out. I went back to the doctor. I heard that it was, again, "probably nothing", but this time, those little hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I couldn't accept that. I needed to know for sure. I asked for an x-ray, or a mammogram, and was told I was too young to be concerned about cancer. "Too young"? The words rang in my ears as I left the doctors office. I spent that night thinking of all the children that get cancer.  I went to my Gyn's office the next morning with out calling first. I was suddenly terrified of this 'thing' growing inside me. I begged at the window to be seen by  the doctor, and was told I could wait. When I was finally fit in, the Dr. said the same thing "nothing to worry about, you're too young".

Again, I asked for an x-ray, or a mammogram. He smiled at me and said that he'd had enough experience to know when something like that was needed, and I should go home, and stop being dramatic.I tried, I did. I tried to ignore it. But I couldn't. So, I found another MD...and then, another...it took four months, and countless doctors before I found one that said "Yes, this does need looking into"!

One mammogram, one diagnosis. DCIS ( ductile carcinoma in situ) Oh, there were needle biopsies, and all the other needed tests, but without that mammogram, they never would have happened.

My surgery was scheduled quickly, and unfortunately without researching surgeons, I was left with a botched surgical site. My nipple sutured half inside, half out. The surgeon taking far more than just the ducts and glands that needed to be taken, as if he'd used an ice cream scoop, rather than a scalpel.

Days after surgery, my stitches became "untied", and calling his office, I was told to use 'band-aids' to cover the opening, a gaping wound that I can still visualize, 25 years later.

A trip to the local ER put me in contact with a wonderful plastic surgeon, who had to 'tape' the wound, but promised to make it "all better" once it healed. 18 months later, I'm proud to say, he did. With reconstruction, scar revision, and release of my nipple, he made me look almost 'normal'. It was during that 18 month period, that my live in boyfriend walked out, telling me he couldn't take my "freakish appearance" anymore. 

I'd fought for my health, fought for my life, hid my lop sided appearance the best I could, but would not fight stupidity. As he left, I felt something new through the pain of heartbreak, I felt the strength that I had grown without even realizing it. I had beaten cancer. So, I had some scars, soon, I'd beat those too. I'd found something inside myself I might have never known....

I'm a survivor, I live, I love and I know deep inside what really matters everyday.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Please read our first BCABBP Survivor's Story

From Darkness & Despair - Doris' Story

DRL's original post about the fabulous BCABBP

http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/born-from-darkness-and-despair.html

For more information please email Michael Colanero at BCABPP@uncommonstock.net

Find Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project (BCABPP) on Facebook

Visit Cafe Press to support BCABPP

Photos used with permission of Michael D.Colanero & UNCOMMON GALLERY.

All Rights Reserved

DORIS' SURVIVOR STORY - REPRISE

GETTING IT BACK

Doris Jelinek

Ever feel like you are in a dream....everything is wonderful and suddenly you look up and there is a mac truck in your face? That is how I felt when I woke up from my breast biopsy back in Sept 2000.  My life was wonderful. I had three adorable kids who were the light of my life Tim 6, Matt 4 and Holly 2, and a great husband, Keith. The biggest thing I worried about was what kind of pancakes the kids and I were going to make that day, or what park we were going to head out to. Over a series of months I had noticed a chain of small lumps in my right breast develop  and thought for sure they were cysts. It was the breast surgeon that I finally saw that saved my life, Dr David Kaufman. Because my breast were dense at  32 years old, the lumps did not show up on the mammo and he insisted that I have them biopsied. I fought this idea. I was so busy with my kids and did not want to take the time to be in the hospital for a day. I also somehow thought that because I had such small breasts there was no way it would be cancer. Almost annoyed with having to do this procedure I dragged myself there. When I awoke from the anesthesia all I could see was the worried face of Dr Kaufman and the words I could not comprehend "Doris it is cancer, you have to come back tomorrow for a mastectomy"........Cancer? I didn't know anyone who had cancer. I did not have any of the risk factors. Had all three kids under thirty, breast fed them all, never on the pill, no family history, 32 years old. Are you kidding me????. "Fine"....I said to myself. I came home I looked my breast in the mirror, thanked it for nursing my three kids and serving me well....and said "goodbye".

BORN FROM DARKNESS AND DESPAIR - ENCORE POSTING

Barbara Ward-Finneran & Dawn Boyle

What better way to give others hope then to see such amazing beauty be born out of what was formerly the darkness and despair of cancer.

Photographer, Michael D. Colanero’s, passion as an artist lead him to create visions that helps reconcile the desparities of cancer with empowering visions of hope.  This  journey to support Breast Cancer Awareness through the visual arts led him to create the Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project: A Fine Art & Photography Essay of Survivors. These works of art came into being through the combined efforts of Michael and very talented body painting artist, Keegan Hitchcock.  Michael provides the photography and digital artistry and Keegan uses the bodies of survivors as canvases to literally bring the images to life. The artists work together to develop a concept and design so that work of art gives visual voice to the specific survivor and their story.  As Michael has stated, “So far 23 brave and incredible women have selflessly stepped forward and been painted for the project. I may be the creator but these SURVIVORS are the project. Everything is a true collaboration of the women the body painter(s) and my work as well. All of it then shared and appreciated by the people it touches. Every link in the chain is important.”  The imagery is first painted onto the breast cancer survivor’s bare torso. Then it is photographed and digitally remastered creating stunning images that are thought provoking while raising awareness by embedding the survivors backstory visually within the works of art. A combination that creates a masterpiece with not just aesthetic value but art for and with a purpose.  The positive impact of this project has limitless potential. With over 200,000 breast cancer diagnoses each year in the US, it is Michael’s aim to "reach in all the directions it needs to, to make the biggest difference to those who need it most - financially, emotionally and spiritually."  If that is the “body” of the project, then the heart and soul is to inspire hope and foster and breed encouragement for those still on the journey of fighting this disease.  There is amazing hope fostered when the women (and men) can see positive and beautiful images of those who have walked the journey and won the battle.  

It is hope of DRL to give the “write” voice to this amazing project! The giving spirit and selflessness of these collaborative work and the backstories will continue to be shared here at the lounge in the coming weeks.

We invite you to join us on this journey, seen through the eyes of the artists’ and hearts of the brave women and men who allowed their inhibitions to fade and  in doing so, gave us, and will give the world, the opportunity to be touched by this amazing and awe inspiring art. 

For more information please email Michael Colanero at BCABPP@uncommonstock.net

Find Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project (BCABPP) on Facebook

Visit Cafe Press to support BCABPP

Photos used with permission of Michael D.Colanero & UNCOMMON GALLERY.

All Rights Reserved

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH; FROM DARKNESS AND DESPAIR - Doris' Story

Cancer is a wicked, wicked disease... Kudos to all those involved in this project and the others like them that spread faith, courage and hope to so many. Survivors are a special kind of HERO. In honor of all those HEROS that all of us know and love, Delayed Reaction Lounge proudly re-posts Doris' story from last Spring.  Ladies... Don't put it off - schedule you mammogram today.  

 

GETTING IT BACK

Doris Jelinek

Ever feel like you are in a dream....everything is wonderful and suddenly you look up and there is a mac truck in your face? That is how I felt when I woke up from my breast biopsy back in Sept 2000.  My life was wonderful. I had three adorable kids who were the light of my life Tim 6, Matt 4 and Holly 2, and a great husband, Keith. The biggest thing I worried about was what kind of pancakes the kids and I were going to make that day, or what park we were going to head out to. Over a series of months I had noticed a chain of small lumps in my right breast develop  and thought for sure they were cysts. It was the breast surgeon that I finally saw that saved my life, Dr David Kaufman. Because my breast were dense at  32 years old, the lumps did not show up on the mammo and he insisted that I have them biopsied. I fought this idea. I was so busy with my kids and did not want to take the time to be in the hospital for a day. I also somehow thought that because I had such small breasts there was no way it would be cancer. Almost annoyed with having to do this procedure I dragged myself there. When I awoke from the anesthesia all I could see was the worried face of Dr Kaufman and the words I could not comprehend "Doris it is cancer, you have to come back tomorrow for a mastectomy"........Cancer? I didn't know anyone who had cancer. I did not have any of the risk factors. Had all three kids under thirty, breast fed them all, never on the pill, no family history, 32 years old. Are you kidding me????. "Fine"....I said to myself. I came home I looked my breast in the mirror, thanked it for nursing my three kids and serving me well....and said "goodbye".

PREPARING FOR A MAMMOGRAM

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It's time for me to go for my annual Mammogram again. It's really an easy thing to do so I don't know why I used to put it off all the time. I remembered this advice I found a few years ago that made me feel so much better and at ease about it.

Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there's no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam, and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared. And you can do this right in your own home!

Yes, I did have my mammogram today, why do you ask?

Exercise 1: 

Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds (while you hold your breath). Repeat again, in case the first time wasn't effective enough. 

BREAST CANCER MYTHS

Myth:  “It won't happen to me.”
Reality: According to the American Cancer Society, 230,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women this year, and an estimated 39,520 breast cancer deaths are expected. The chance of a woman having breast cancer some time during her life is about one in eight. The vast majority of these women will have “no special risk” other than the fact that they are female and are getting older! Breast cancer can strike at any age, and women of every age should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer.

Myth: “I’m better off not knowing if I have a problem with my breasts.”
Reality: While doing nothing may give some women a false sense of security, advances in early detection and improved treatment of breast cancer now make it a nearly curable condition! The key is in finding it early.

Myth:  “I'll be all set as long as I get my mammogram on schedule.”
Reality: While screening mammography is especially valuable as an early detection tool, it is not 100 percent effective, nor is it recommended as a technique to be used by itself. The best protection is a three-step approach that includes:
 Monthly breast self-examination, beginning at age 20
 Annual clinical breast exams by a health care professional, beginning at age 40. Women ages 20 to 39 should have clinical breast exams by a health care professional at least every three years.
 Annual mammograms, beginning at age 40.

Myth:  “I don’t have time to do breast self examination (BSE), and I wouldn't be able to find anything even if I did.”
Reality: BSE is simple to learn and takes only 10 minutes per month to do! Women who practice BSE become so familiar with the normal look, feel and shape of their breasts that they often are able to discover problems as soon as they occur. The list of “what to look for” includes: skin irritation or dimpling; scaling or ulcerations; puckering or discoloration; inversion of the nipple; and a lump, thickening, swelling or distortion of the size or shape of the breast. The basic rule of thumb is: check for anything that may be different from last month, and seek medical attention if you find something “abnormal.” Most breast lumps and other changes are non-cancerous. In fact, 80 percent biopsies’ results reveal the condition as not cancer.

Myth:  “I can't afford to get a doctor's exam of the breast or a mammogram.”
Reality: There are programs that pay for these services in cases where women have little or no private health insurance and meet other eligibility guidelines.


For more information about Breast Cancer, please check out the site below

http://www.nbcam.org/

DRAGONBOAT RACING: COLORFUL AND COOL!

 Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival

Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Downtown Disney®, Orlando Florida

Last year'sBreast Cancer Survivor Team

Event takes place in Downtown Disney

Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 4th annual event in Orlando, FL. The world's fastest growing water sport is also the most exciting. Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength with teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates in ancient China. It's all About Teamwork with a maximum of 20 paddlers, with a steer person and a drummer. The drummer in the front determines the pace at which the paddlers row. You can hear the beating of the drums echoing across the lake. As they move closer to the finish, the pace quickens and the spectators are filled with anticipation. It’s a great way to spend the day! The colorful costumes, the decorated boats and the exciting atmosphere all make this an event that should not be missed!

Please contact info@gwndragonboat.com   or call (416) 962-8899 for any event questions or details.

THE TIES THAT "BOND"

Dawn Boyle

A little under a month ago I read an article that moved me. I really can't explain the feeling I had and have had since reading about a young couple from Brooklyn, Nathan and Elisa Bond. It starts with a wedding video....you know what - just go get the tissues now.

Nathan has Stage 3 colorectal cancer. He has been given a 60% chance of surviving five years or more. Elisa has Stage 4 breast cancer and has a 16% chance of surviving five years. Nathan is 38 and his beautiful bride is only 36, they found out they had cancer within 9 days of each other. They are the parents of a beautiful 18 month old little girl named Sadie.

There is now a blog that Elisa does here on blogger. Friends have set up a site to donate, which I will link at the bottom of this post.

Please take the time to read their story. Say a prayer, send a note if you can, please donate. This truly is one AMAZING family. You never know the cards you are dealt or how you will deal with them once you have looked at the hand. Take a moment to appreciate those people that share this life with you, you never know what tomorrow brings.

May GOD BLESS the BOND FAMILY.

BLOG & DONATE

http://friendsofnathanandelisa.blogspot.com/

BORN FROM DARKNESS... Pamela's Story

My Journey Through OZ

Pamela Embury

As you know, we all have a story to tell, each one different yet the same. You see, we all share a common thread, something that was unwanted, and yet came anyway to invade our bodies, our lives and our souls. Bonds between breast cancer survivors are unique, it is that beautiful acceptance that is not materialistic, just pure.

My name is Pamela and at the age of 37 I knew I had breast cancer without even going to the doctors. You see, I had been fighting to get approval for mammograms and sonograms since I was 35 but because I had no family history, and was so young, they rejected my multiple requests. Finally, after two years, I was diagnosed through bilateral sonogram. I KNEW IT! To the day of my bilateral mastectomies in 2008,
my mammograms were all normal. I was that small percentage with dense breasts where mammograms would not help. I was diagnosed with left breast invasive ductal carcinoma in 2 of 3 masses with DCIS in the third. My nodes were negative. My ER/PR status were 99% each and my Her2neu was initially reported as negative, however, a year later the copy I received stated positive, and thus I missed out on an incredible drug herceptin, which might have prevented my recurrence.

LEARNING TO BE USEFUL AGAIN

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I started my first job at the age of 14. I worked the “Fishing Boat”shift at the local Dunkin Donuts. At 5 am, the ships filled with tired, hungry men who had been out on the water all night, pulled in and they all came to have coffee and a donut (more like several donuts!). We ran non stop from 4am, stacking shelves, filling sugar jars and making coffee, through the 2 or 3 hours of hungry fishermen drinking gallons of coffee and consuming dozens of donuts. By the time they were done, the shop reeked of fish and sweat, my ankles were swollen like balloons, and my once white stockings were splattered with hot coffee stains. Then the regular working crowd started. By the time I got off at 11am, I could barely walk the half mile home. This was to be the pattern of my life, working hard, long hours, going to school, and loving the feeling of being useful. After being a “Donut Girl”, I worked in the library, in a luncheonette, at a five and dime, and as a guitar teacher. Finally, in my senior year of college I taught music in an elementary school. I was immediately hired upon graduation and have been teaching ever since, even during the 6 years I was an Assistant Principal. I couldn’t imagine my life doing anything else but the job I loved so much.

FROM DARKNESS AND DESPAIR - Ellen's Story

A WOMAN'S INTUITION 

Ellen Gondola

I was in my early 20's when I felt a strange lump behind my nipple. It wasn't painful, but I knew it wasn't "right". I first went to my general MD, after all, who thinks breast cancer when you're barely 22?  I was told it was probably a case of mastitis, as I was a runner, and it was most likely due to irritation from my running bra's. Given antibiotics, I was on my way.

Two weeks later, a full course of antibiotics and the lump was still there. Something in my gut said to get it checked out. I went back to the doctor. I heard that it was, again, "probably nothing", but this time, those little hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I couldn't accept that. I needed to know for sure. I asked for an x-ray, or a mammogram, and was told I was too young to be concerned about cancer. "Too young"? The words rang in my ears as I left the doctors office. I spent that night thinking of all the children that get cancer.  I went to my Gyn's office the next morning with out calling first. I was suddenly terrified of this 'thing' growing inside me. I begged at the window to be seen by  the doctor, and was told I could wait. When I was finally fit in, the Dr. said the same thing "nothing to worry about, you're too young".

Again, I asked for an x-ray, or a mammogram. He smiled at me and said that he'd had enough experience to know when something like that was needed, and I should go home, and stop being dramatic.I tried, I did. I tried to ignore it. But I couldn't. So, I found another MD...and then, another...it took four months, and countless doctors before I found one that said "Yes, this does need looking into"!

One mammogram, one diagnosis. DCIS ( ductile carcinoma in situ) Oh, there were needle biopsies, and all the other needed tests, but without that mammogram, they never would have happened.

My surgery was scheduled quickly, and unfortunately without researching surgeons, I was left with a botched surgical site. My nipple sutured half inside, half out. The surgeon taking far more than just the ducts and glands that needed to be taken, as if he'd used an ice cream scoop, rather than a scalpel.

Days after surgery, my stitches became "untied", and calling his office, I was told to use 'band-aids' to cover the opening, a gaping wound that I can still visualize, 25 years later.

A trip to the local ER put me in contact with a wonderful plastic surgeon, who had to 'tape' the wound, but promised to make it "all better" once it healed. 18 months later, I'm proud to say, he did. With reconstruction, scar revision, and release of my nipple, he made me look almost 'normal'. It was during that 18 month period, that my live in boyfriend walked out, telling me he couldn't take my "freakish appearance" anymore. 

I'd fought for my health, fought for my life, hid my lop sided appearance the best I could, but would not fight stupidity. As he left, I felt something new through the pain of heartbreak, I felt the strength that I had grown without even realizing it. I had beaten cancer. So, I had some scars, soon, I'd beat those too. I'd found something inside myself I might have never known....

I'm a survivor, I live, I love and I know deep inside what really matters everyday.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Please read our first BCABBP Survivor's Story
From Darkness & Despair - Doris' Story

DRL's original post about the fabulous BCABBP

http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/born-from-darkness-and-despair.html

For more information please email Michael Colanero at BCABPP@uncommonstock.net

Find Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project (BCABPP) on Facebook

Visit Cafe Press to support BCABPP

Photos used with permission of Michael D.Colanero & UNCOMMON GALLERY.

All Rights Reserved

LUNCH TIME POLL

After Doris sharing her incredible story with us in Pink Reaction today's Lunch Time Poll is

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST MAMMOGRAM?

It's important to have yearly breast examinations and once you are 40 a mammography. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!!!

Guys are you getting your yearly physical??? DO IT!

To read Doris' story click the link below

http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/from-darkness-and-despair-doris-story.html

FROM DARKNESS AND DESPAIR - Doris' Story

GETTING IT BACK

Doris Jelinek

Ever feel like you are in a dream....everything is wonderful and suddenly you look up and there is a mac truck in your face? That is how I felt when I woke up from my breast biopsy back in Sept 2000.  My life was wonderful. I had three adorable kids who were the light of my life Tim 6, Matt 4 and Holly 2, and a great husband, Keith. The biggest thing I worried about was what kind of pancakes the kids and I were going to make that day, or what park we were going to head out to. Over a series of months I had noticed a chain of small lumps in my right breast develop  and thought for sure they were cysts. It was the breast surgeon that I finally saw that saved my life, Dr David Kaufman. Because my breast were dense at  32 years old, the lumps did not show up on the mammo and he insisted that I have them biopsied. I fought this idea. I was so busy with my kids and did not want to take the time to be in the hospital for a day. I also somehow thought that because I had such small breasts there was no way it would be cancer. Almost annoyed with having to do this procedure I dragged myself there. When I awoke from the anesthesia all I could see was the worried face of Dr Kaufman and the words I could not comprehend "Doris it is cancer, you have to come back tomorrow for a mastectomy"........Cancer? I didn't know anyone who had cancer. I did not have any of the risk factors. Had all three kids under thirty, breast fed them all, never on the pill, no family history, 32 years old. Are you kidding me????. "Fine"....I said to myself. I came home I looked my breast in the mirror, thanked it for nursing my three kids and serving me well....and said "goodbye".