Breast Cancer

Lesson 8: Life Goes On

Don't Just Stand There - Do Something!

Whether you're a breast cancer survivor, current patient or interested relative or friend, you can make a difference! Get involved. Now before you try to come up with a dozen different excuses why you can't do something, let me assure you that you can help! If you are a patient, you might not feel so great at the moment, but you can join a support group where you will learn from other women and your presence might be inspirational to another woman. You can chat online with other women going through the cancer wars at the same time as you. You can educate yourself to be the most informed consumer you can be. You can wear a pink ribbon pin and don't be afraid to discuss the relevance of your pin when questioned. Remind others that it is important to do self-exams, get a clinical exam and have a mammo annually after age 40. In the process of helping others, you will feel better yourself. I promise. If you are a survivor, congratulations! If you've recently joined the legions of survivors, you probably want to put the whole experience behind you. Unfortunately, breast cancer has changed you for life (hopefully for the better). Every time you have to have a mammogram, or visit your oncologist, you will get a knot in your stomach. It gets easier as the years go on, but the fleeting thought of recurrence always hovers in the back of your mind. Don't let it get you down! Do something positive. Most local breast centers, or hospitals have volunteer groups, support groups and fund-raising events. If you want a real challenge, check out the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at http://www.komen.org or the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day at http://www.breastcancer3day.org Not up to running or walking 60 miles? There are breast cancer events that involve sewing, biking, dog-walking, dinners...the list is endless. I'd be happy to find something that is the perfect fit for you. Just email me and let me know what you are interested in. The American Cancer Society has Reach for Recovery - survivors visit newly diagnosed women to offer encouragement and a bag full of goodies and some practical advice. http://www.cancer.org They also offer "Look Good, Feel Better" which is a one night class in make-up, skin care and wig needs for women going through chemotherapy. If you are a cosmetician or beautician, they need your help.

For friends and relatives, you can join in any of the fund-raising events, hand out leaflets at a community outreach educational program, and wear a pink ribbon proudly to support the women in your lives. Everyone should advocate breast self-exam, clinical exams and mammograms when appropriate.

Not into fundraising or community appearances? You can donate money, get involved with the research aspect of breast cancer by becoming involved as an advocate reviewer. The National Breast Cancer Coalition sponsors PROJECT LEAD, which can turn someone who hates science (me in school) into someone who reads the medical journals and understands a lot of what I read now! The commitment to participate in Project LEAD is not to be taken lightly. Check out the info at:

Again, do something. It will make you feel better and will help the cause. Fund raise, advocate, donate, be a buddy to a newly diagnosed woman. Find a friend to mentor online. Enjoy your status as a survivor and help others to accomplish their goals. Take it one day at a time. You do matter. You can make a difference.

Breast cancer - there still is no cure and 90% of the cancers found are not genetic. If we all do our part, we can make a difference.

I am proud to be a breast cancer survivor.

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