Enjoy a quick inspiring read while the summer is still here

These book suggestions come to you by way of Linda Oken, Jeanne Egan, and LBBC staff:

Are you lolling about having a relaxing summer vacation?  Isn’t this the time of long bright days when we get to do some extra reading?   Here are a few suggestions of books about inspiring people who, just like me and you, are living beyond cancer.  

Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer: A Survivor’s Guide for When Treatment Ends and the Rest of Your Life Begins by the doctor who founded LBBC, Marisa Weiss, and  Ellen Weiss.

Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, a classic comprehensive guide.

Just Get Me Through This!: The Practical Guide to Breast Cancer by Deborah A. Cohen and Robert M. Gelfand.  This read will make you feel like you’ve found someone who can relate to your journey with cancer.

It’s Always Something by Gilda Radner.  Funny, touching, heartbreaking autobiography.

Hamilton Jordan’s There is No Such Thing as a Bad Day — Jordan had cancer three times in twenty years and led a fascinating life.  His story helped me realize that I too could beat this disease, but there is no guarantee it will be forever. 

Linda Oken is a regular LBBC blogger and volunteer.

Lance Armstrong’s It‘s Not about the Bike and Kelly Corrigan’s “The Middle Place”  

“B.O.O.B.S.: A Bunch of Outrageous Breast cancer Survivors Tell Their Stories of Courage, Hope and Healing” — The book is a collection of stories from ten women diagnosed with breast cancer.  Each woman tells her own story in her own words from diagnosis to present.  A true comfort when you’re going through treatment.  You’ll feel less alone.

Jeanne Egan enjoys writing and taking care of her children while she shares her experiences with her breast cancer journey on her ‘Sisterhood and Survival’ blog.

A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey by Kim Regenhard — An organizer and handbook for the newly diagnosed is a beautifully-crafted manual to help the newly diagnosed understand, organize, plan, and record their journey from cancer diagnosis to recovery.

The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness and the Men Who Could Be Me by Bruce Feiler — a firsthand account about his personal way of coping with his 2008 diagnosis of bone cancer. The book explores how he prepared for the possibility that his children could grow up without him. At the 4th Annual Conference for Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Feiler encouraged women to embrace the idea of forming a “council of moms.”

The Good Fight and Through Rose Colored Glasses by Donna Deegan capture her journey with breast cancer. She is optimistic that breast cancer is a disease that cannot and will not take over your life.

Have you read any of these books? Tell LBBC how your perspective changed after exploring these inspiring novels. You can send a short blurb to stacia@lbbc.org or comment on our facebook page.

My mother calls me ‘Doll’ because I’m a fighter

This entry was written by Darlene Shorter, president for a breast cancer support group for African-American women, Sisters On A Mission:

Darlene Shorter is dedicated to her role at ‘Sisters On A Mission’ and being an inspiration to African-American women who are affected by breast cancer.

I celebrated the eve of my 39^th birthday in the hospital recovering from a double mastectomy.  During this time my mother was fighting for her life and lost her battle halfway through my treatments.  I knew that my life would never be the same without her, but what I didn’t know is that God had a plan for my life.

Last month, I was able to live out my dream of being a star for a day when I participated with 24 other unique breast cancer survivors in a photo shoot for White House | Black Market.  I never thought I could ever find that much joy and gratification after losing my beloved mother. I knew she was there with me at the photo shoot saying “That’s my Doll,” a childhood nickname only she could call me. 

As the president of Sisters On A Mission (SOAM), an African American breast cancer support group located in Newark, DE., my sisters of the organization are so supportive of each other. They were so proud that I represented them in the WH|BM breast cancer awareness month catalog.  My experience with a support group such as SOAM has enhanced my education and awareness of disparities in minorities in our area and all over the country. 

 According to the American Cancer Society:

 African-American women are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with non-aggressive breast cancer while white women face a 30% chance of being diagnosed with non-aggressive breast cancer. However, survival rate is only 77% in African-American women compared to a 90% survival rate for white women. 

 These statistics are the driving force to our mission. We want to provide a safe place for African-American women to receive and give support in the struggle to survive breast cancer and live a quality life.  Our goal is to remove the fear of recurrence from women, their families and their friends.  Our objectives are to provide support for African-American women with breast cancer and to become involved in a partnership with African-American communities through outreach and educational awareness programs.

We have had the opportunity to partner with LBBC in efforts to share needed information by assisting one another in events and educational forums.  Every experience with LBBC staff and members has been positive and filled with excitement and encouraging words.

Thank you LBBC for caring and allowing us to join forces in this fight!  My life’s motto: IF I CAN HELP SOMEONE, THEN MY LIVING IS NOT IN VAIN. 

Reach out to LBBC for support – find your sister survivor

This entry was written by Lisa Marsella, one of the 25 finalists selected to participate in the photo shoot and ad-campaign for White House | Black Market:

I am metastatic stage IV and currently undergoing treatment. Unfortunately for some of us, we will have to battle the “pink beast” constantly.

Please do not feel like you are alone. Through LBBC you can find other women that share your personal experience. There is a bond between sister survivors and through LBBC you can find the support you need. You must remain strong and positive. Always keep in mind that you have survived. You may not be the same person after breast cancer than you were before breast cancer. I certainly am not; but in addition to the physical changes and side effects, I’ve also found a strength and appreciation for life that I didn’t have before. Live every day, love every day, accept yourself and be free.

Please reach out to LBBC and you truly will find the support you need. There are others out there who will communicate their personal experiences.

Be well and God bless.

Lisa’s daughter surprised her with a trip to the tattoo parlor for her birthday. They would both get pink ribbon tattoos in honor of Lisa’s journey with breast cancer.

Do you need support and guidence while going through your breast cancer journey? Feel free to visit LBBC’s website and comment on our message boards, request a call from helpline volunteers who support the toll-free Survivors’ Helpline, or find long-term social networking friends on our facebook page.

The victory is in trying

This entry was written by Dana Dukes of Philadelphia, PA who just celebrated her birthday earlier this month:

A few weeks ago I submitted a short essay and two pictures for  a White House | Black Market photo shoot. Even though I wasn’t picked as one of the finalists, the victory was in me just trying.  I really had a good time finding a picture and writing the essay. I didn’t know what to say at first, but I just worked it out. Although I was having image issues, I applied anyway. I’m glad I did because I still was able to reach and touch someone with just my entry.

Here is Dana’s entry: 

On December 30, 2008 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Advance Breast Cancer with metastasis to the liver and the lungs at the age of 36, with no family history at all. I would be the first one. Two years have gone by since, and there have been some ups and downs, but I’m yet still holding on and fighting.

Unfortunately, there’s now activity in my lungs and my brain but, I’m on chemotherapy again, and doing just fine. I am standing on my faith, and fighting for my life. I plan to be a shining light that there is hope in this fight against breast cancer.

I was told that I left those at White House | Black Market awed, moved, and inspired. That alone made my day! If I did that with just an entry then I have done one more thing in my fight against breast cancer. To be able to share my story in any way and to be able to reach others through a simple contest submission is a blessing. God be praised.

I am a Warrior Survivor and I want to encourage others on this fight in any way. There’s faith and hope with each new day that we face.

I will do it all over again just to touch one person and to tell my story of how God is healing me as I hold on to my faith and my hope. There’s an awareness to get out there. I plan to do my part and make light of the importance of breast cancer awareness.

Dana Dukes submitted this stunning picture for the White House / Black Market Photo Shoot in New York City that took place earlier this month

Donna Noce Colaco, president of White House | Black Market was featured on the CBS Early Show. Donna briefly discussed the brand and the importance of breast cancer awareness with meteorologist, Dave Price. “We are a clothing line for women. How can we not be behind breast cancer awareness? It takes away from our credibility and our genuineness,” she said.

Click here to read about the White House / Black Market photo shoot or view the behind-the-scence pictures from the Early Show and the photo shoot in our facebook album.

No! You’re not cheating on your doctor if you seek a second opinion. Here’s one reason why…

Many of you may remember reading Dr. Evelyn Rodriguez – Robles’ “Am I cheating on my doctor if I get a second opinion?” blog post a couple of days ago. Robles is an Advanced Oncology Practice Nurse and advises all patients to get a second opinion no matter what the diagnosis may or may not be.

According to the New York Times,  ”diagnosing the earliest stage of breast cancer can be surprisingly difficult.” Read the article here and learn why seeking a second medical opinion is a valid decision.

NBC 10′s Investigative Reporter Lu Ann Cahn Supports LBBC

This entry was written by LBBC’s Marketing and Communications Assistant, Stacia Weaver:

LBBC is grateful for the partnerships that we establish with dedicated members of society. These long-term connections help us provide you with education and support programs for little to no cost. Over the past year, we have hosted several fundraising events where we have had the phenomenal support from you, our sponsors, and also long-time supporter of LBBC, NBC 10’s Investigative Reporter Lu Ann Cahn.

Lu Ann has a personal connection with the women we serve. A proud 19-year breast cancer survivor, she supports LBBC and the work that we do for women affected by breast cancer. Her vibrant personality, free-spirited demeanor, and personal story with breast cancer helps LBBC ensure women that you can live life beautifully after you’re diagnosed with breast cancer.

There is no doubt that Lu Ann comes to all of LBBC’s events dressed for the occasion. Just last Wednesday, she awed over 80-plus VIP guests when she walked into Twenty Manning Grill to accompany LBBC and the attendees of the preview party for The 2010 Butterfly Ball. Dressed in a classy black dress, stunning 3-inch heels, and a silver-beaded necklace to die for, you’d never guess that she’d just been on-set and cruising 100-plus miles in a racecar! “I had to take my helmet off and get to this event,” she said when she caught up with LBBC staff.

Lu Ann Cahn joins LBBC for the preview party to The 2010 Butterfly Ball

The next day, Lu Ann served as “celebrity scooper” at Rita’s Water Ice (Perkasie location). Decked out in a Rita’s Water Ice uniform, Lu Ann embodied all the guidelines that the staff at Rita’s Water Ice follow and amazingly enough had no problem serving delicious, cold treats so well! The event helped raised $500 for LBBC’s education and support programs and served as a genuine way for Lu Ann to reach out to the community and help spread awareness about LBBC and our programs.

Lu Ann Cahn serves cold, delicious treats at Rita’s Water Ice

Most people may be familiar with Lu Ann’s appearance at one of our biggest fundraising events, Yoga Unites for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Lu Ann served as chair for the event, which raised over $200,000 for LBBC’s education and support programs. She sported a LuLu Lemon work-out suit and comfortable running sneakers for the occasion. Just before breaking out into a yoga pose with over 1,000 participants of the event, she took the stage and talked about her fight against breast cancer and urged anyone affected by the disease to live and love greatly.

Lu Ann Cahn served as honorary chair for LBBC’s annual yoga event in Philadelphia

The steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum won’t be the biggest LBBC fundraising event that Lu Ann would participate in this year. This year, she is serving as celebrity announcer for LBBC’s 2010 Butterfly Ball. She’ll announce the fabulous live and silent auction items at our annual fundraising gala, which last year raised over $500,000 for LBBC’s education and support programs. I’m sure Lu Ann will make an arrival wearing an elegant and classy gown as she helps LBBC honor and recognize those who have made a difference in the breast cancer community.

Lu Ann will be announcing a mouthful when she announces this year’s live and silent auction prizes which include a one-on-one encounter with your favorite exotic animals at this all-inclusive 5-day African Safari vacation; a eye-catching pair of diamond drop earrings for that special occasion; a private tour for zealous wine lovers at Kosta Browne Winery, a non-public winery that sells their wine only twice a year; a vacation worth $10,000 when you spend one week at a private villa in St. Barts, and much more!

There are many ways in which you can get involved in this year’s Butterfly Ball. Contact Lauren Ainsworth at 610-645-4567 x113 or Lauren@lbbc.org.

Cancer, my reason to write

This entry was written by Jeanne Egan:

It seems like I have always been writing.  I started a journal when I was about eight and I have been writing in one ever since.  Good times and bad times, I documented them all.  Then, one day in a fit of insecurity, I threw every word I had written away.  “These are worthless,” I thought. 

Three years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the first thing I did was buy a journal.  I started writing immediately.  At first, my writing style was jagged and lacked good grammar; I hadn’t written much since I had my children.  Even so, I continued to write because I needed a place to put my memories, fears, and anger.  My life was spinning out of control.   

Each night, when I began treatment, I would wake up at two o’clock in the morning unable to sleep and anxious.  “The nights are going to be long,” I thought to myself after the first round of chemo.  “I need to find something to do between two and five, when I will finally feel drowsy enough to go back to sleep.”  

I pulled out my computer and began to tell my story, starting with my grandmother’s death from breast cancer and the subsequent shadow of fear that engulfed our family because of this disease.   Each night as I wrote, I would try to link the past, present and future together and make some sense of what had happened and what was happening to me.   

What I ended up with was a fifty five thousand word manuscript that is still a work in progress.  There are stories about my childhood and stories about my grandmother.  There is the story of my daughter finding my wigs and dancing around the house like Hannah Montana.  And there are stories about the women who embraced me in my hour of need.  In the end, I realized that all of these events have been interconnected.  They make the circle of my life.  

Telling my story was therapeutic.  I had many self revelations and it has helped me heal.  In addition, it has also given me a new purpose.  I had always wanted to write but it took cancer to help me realize this is what I want to do with my life.  Now, I blogonce a week and continue to refine my memoir.  When people comment on my writing and say that it is inspirational, I feel content.  I might make a difference.

Writing has provided solace for me in this life of uncertainty after cancer.  It is helping me to live beyond my diagnosis and treatment and to become the person I would like to be.  I would recommend journaling or blogging as an outlet for all of the unanswered questions a newly diagnosed patient may have.  By reaching out and opening up, you may find a new part of yourself that has yet to be discovered. 

 

 

Do you find comfort in writing? Share your thoughts on our facebook page or find out how you can share your writing on our blog by emailing stacia@lbbc.org.

LBBC kicks off preview party: A look forward to The 2010 Butterfly Ball

Over 80 people were on the RSVP list for this year’s preview party to LBBC’s annual fundraising gala, The 2010 Butterfly Ball. All attendees were remarkably inspired as the four honorees and four co-chairs embraced each other, meeting for the first time together since they agreed to take their positions. The upscale black-tie event brought out the elegance in all of the attendees who all made a fashion statement as they entered, many for the first time since its re-opening, Twenty Manning Grill.

Leslie Taichman (L) is one of the four honorees for this year’s gala. Audrey Claire Taichman (R), owner of Twenty Manning Grill is a co-chair of the gala this year.

Entering the restaurant, you were greeted by dimmed lights, your choice of red wine, white wine, or a pink colored bellini cocktail, and wooed by the first-time reveal of the grand prize drawing items and the silent and live auction prizes. All of the items were donated to LBBC on behalf of various sponsors of the annual gala, which last year brought in over $500,000 for LBBC’s education and support programs. The LBBC staff was delighted to sell ‘chances’ for the items, which include a 14-karat diamond bracelet from Govberg Jewelers’, an all-inclusive trip to an African Safari, a pair of diamond earrings valued at over $20,000, and much more!

Pink Bellini Cocktails were served to all of the guests.

From Govberg Jewelers’ Signature Collection, this 14K white-gold bracelet is one of the Grand Prize Drawings valued at over $17,000.

It didn’t take much for the honorees and co-chairs to recognize each other. White House | Black Market, one of the chain stores under Chico’s Fas, Inc. offered to dress the honorees and co-chairs for the event. As they all embraced each other, they threw in some “ooooos and ahhhhs” as they idolized each other’s elegant dress from White House | Black Market, None of them, however, was wearing the same dress! What were the odds? They were amazed! A long-time corporate sponsor of LBBC, Chico’s FAS, Inc.will be presented with the 2010 Corporate Leadership Award at the gala this year.

Honorees (left to right) Lisa Black, Sue Weldon, Leslie Taichman, Jo Ann Cottman

The gala’s title reflects the most modest insect, a butterfly. LBBC dedicated a breathtaking evening to the breast cancer survivors and supporters who have stared breast cancer in the eye, fought the battle, and like a butterfly, flew effortlessly through the trials that the disease brings. The honorees and co-chairs, have accounted their experiences with breast cancer to their drive and commitment to do more for those who aren’t having the best journey with the disease.

LBBC staff with NBC 10′s Investigative Reporter, Lu Ann Cahn (second from left), celebrity announcer of this year’s Butterfly Ball.

There are many ways in which you can get involved in this year’s Butterfly Ball. For more information, contact Lauren Ainsworth at 610-645-4567 x113 or Lauren@lbbc.org.

Am I cheating on my doctor if I get a second opinion?

This Entry was written by Evelyn Robles – Rodriguez, speaker at tonight’s networking meeting: Coping with Treatment: One Side Effect at a Time:

As a nurse and patient advocate, I strongly recommend that patients obtain second opinions; whether about their diagnosis or their plan of treatment.  Cost is often not an issue as most insurance companies will cover second opinions.   Like my old self, however, patients may hesitate to do this. It is not that they don’t want the second opinion, but that they don’t want their doctor to get upset or angry, or they don’t want to be separated from their care. 

Some years ago I had a dilemma.  My  daughter was diagnosed with an illness that required specialized medical care.  Because of the urgency of the situation, I took the advice of her pediatrician and saw the specialist that she recommended.  My husband and I liked the specialist; she seemed very bright and knowledgeable, and she had a wonderful bedside manner.  My daughter also liked her.  Most importantly, she was highly recommended, a Top Doc in her field.

Still, I wanted a second opinion.  How would I tell this wonderful specialist I wanted to hear someone else’s opinion?  Would she be offended?  Would she not want to continue to care for my daughter?  Would she treat us differently?

What I have learned is that doctors who are sure of their expertise and care are not afraid of second opinions.  In fact, they encourage them.  As good physicians have come to realize, patients who go for a second opinion are not necessarily looking for another doctor, they are simply obtaining reassurance that the information or recommendation that has been given to them is correct or the best choice for them. 

Eventually, I explained to the specialist that we had an appointment for a second opinion.  She smiled and told me that the person we would be seeing was an old colleague.  She told us how wonderful he was and asked that we’d send him her best.  We returned to her care after seeing the second specialist with the reassurance that the care she recommended was the right care for our daughter.

It is important that you voice your interest in a second opinion to your doctor.  You don’t need to sneak around.  Most good doctors will help guide you to renown specialists you can see for a second opinion.  They can also let you know how much time you have to obtain these opinions and to safely decide on a treatment option.  If your doctor is upset about your request for a second opinion, he or she may not be the right doctor for you.

In life, we get second , third, and fourth opinions regarding important things in our lives as well as more mundane things.  What college choice is best for me?  Should we pierce our baby’s ear?  What clothes should I wear to that special event?  Where is the best town to live?  Do these shoes make my legs look fat? 

If these additional opinions are so important to us in our daily living, imagine their importance when facing a life-threatening disease.  Empower yourself with a second opinion if that is important to you.  It can help erase doubts and lift your confidence in your treatment team and plan of care.  And no, you will not be cheating on your doctor.  You will instead probably forge a lasting relationship.

It’s not too late to register for tonight’s FREE networking meeting: Coping with Treatment: One Side Effect at a Time.

In doubt about your medical rights? Look to the Cancer Legal Resource Center

This entry was written by two-time, nineteen year survivor Shirley Mertz:

If you look closely at my picture, you will see that I am riding a Merry-Go-Round. 

Shirley Mertz attended the Cancer Rights Conference. All cancer patients must and should be aware of their rights.

I think a Merry-Go-Round is a good metaphor for what many breast cancer patients experience while fighting the disease—ups and downs and highs and lows that often go beyond finding the right doctor or right treatment.  Even when we try really hard to concentrate on getting through and beyond treatment, there are often obstacles that stand in our path and that can be difficult to deal with—how to navigate our health insurance when the carrier denies us a claim or service; how to access health care when we don’t have adequate insurance; how to get our employer to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace when we are suffering from side effects of our treatments; or learning about government benefits that we could qualify for if we are no longer able to work. 

 I attended a one-day “Cancer Rights Conference” hosted by the CANCER LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER at the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago.  LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER, an organization that I greatly respect and value, partnered with other cancer organizations to host this free conference.      

The mission of the CANCER LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER (CLRC), a national, joint program of the Disability Rights Legal Center and Loyola Law School, is to provide information and resources on cancer-related legal issues to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and others coping with cancer.  While it should not take legal resources to access health care, understand insurance options, or preserve one’s job, it frequently does.  When information and help is readily and easily accessible, the likelihood of quality outcomes for patient survivorship improves.    

There are six major areas that the experts will answer questions and provide legal guidance for.

• INSURANCE:  navigating managed care and HMOs, COBRA plans, Major Risk and High Risk Insurance, and Medicaid and Medicare. 
• HEALTHCARE:  access to healthcare, genetic discrimination, and advance healthcare directives. 
• EMPLOYMENT:  Americans with Disabilities Act, Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace when you need time to get treatment or recover, State Fair Employment laws, and the Family & Medical Leave Act.
• FAMILY:  estate planning, life insurance, custody, and guardianship.
• FINANCES:  disability insurance, credit counseling, and bankruptcy. 
• GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

Spending the day at this conference convinced me that CLRC wants to alleviate the stress of those challenging cancer related “legal lows.”  We, then, can devote our energy to getting through our cancer treatment and living beyond our breast cancer diagnosis! 

 The Cancer Legal Resource Center was founded to provide FREE information and resources to the cancer community anywhere in the United States!  Call toll free number: 866 – THE – CLRC (866.843.2572). Experts and lawyers who are dedicated to helping cancer patients and their caregivers in a confidential way will address your inquiry.  CLRC also has an informative website at www.CancerLegalResourceCenter.org