The Brunette Lucy

Pink Ribbons = Profit For Charities Too

Lucy looks at charities and awareness campaigns - from a survivor's view.

As I said in last week's column, the pink ribbon stands for breast cancer; but for many businesses, it represents huge, huge profits. Sadly, some of the charities that purport to want a cure have lost their way and they, too, are making money hand over fist in the name of breast cancer. For example, I truly believe that the Susan G. Komen Foundation started out with the best of intentions. It’s also mine (and many other breast cancer patients/survivors) opinion, that they’ve lost their way. When the organization began, “for the cure” was its battle cry. To this day, they covet that phrase and spend lots of money suing smaller, grass roots efforts that dare use “for the cure” in their name. Feel free to fact check me by Googling “Susan G. …

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Breast Cancer: Stuff They Never Tell You

Survivors are part of a sisterhood, whether they choose to be or not. And sharing stories – funny, sad, ironic – is what sisters do best.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Hearing the words, "I'm sorry, but it's cancer," comes as a shock to anyone and I never thought I would hear them that day. I was in my mid-40s, a marathon runner, healthy eater, non-smoker, no family history. The only real risk factor I had was giving birth to my first child after age 30. I cried (hysterically), I went for a long run the next morning, I got a second opinion, I told only a handful of people and I went about my busy life trying not to think about it. I made a list of other women I knew who had fought – or were fighting – this awful disease. In a few moments, I came up with more than 15 names of women in my community, most of whom were right around my age. Clearly, I was not alone…

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You Can Support Breast Cancer Research in Pa.

Pennsylvania taxpayers can donate all or part of their tax refund to cancer research in the Keystone State through a program called Refunds for Research

  The PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) has an annual program that allows Pennsylvania taxpayers to help support cancer research in the Keystone State. The program is called Refunds for Research. By checking YES on line 35 of the PA 40 tax form, any taxpayer can donate all or part of their state income tax refund to breast and cervical cancer research. Every penny contributed goes directly to PA breast and cervical cancer researchers as they work for a cure. By donating, the taxpayer will join the thousands of Pennsylvania tax filers who have contributed over $2.8 million for Pennsylvania-based cancer research. Recent recipients include doctors at the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University and Penn State. “Pennsylvania …

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Where to Get a Breast Exam Near Newtown

Early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.

Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram. Here is a list of local places where you can go for mammograms and breast exams near Newtown. Going for an exam can be nerve-wracking. To better understand the importance of exams, here's helpful information that explains the process, when you should go and why: Breast self-exams There has been a lot of heated debate in the research and medical communities about the usefulness of breast self-exams in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. One cancer research organization has even said it’s a myth. The American Cancer Society’s guidelines state…

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Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors in Newtown

"Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors" shares the wisdom of breast cancer survivors with the newly diagnosed. What's your story?

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the greatest challenges for those who have been newly diagnosed is finding sources of support. Patients are eager for information on everything from enduring surgery and chemotherapy to how to deal with hair loss. While there are local resources and support groups available around Newtown, women can also find comfort in a sisterhood of survivors who have already been in their shoes. Best selling author and breast cancer survivor Barbara Delinsky has gathered the wisdom of hundreds of breast cancer survivors who are eager to inspire those who are new to the “breast cancer sisterhood.” She shares all of the stories and tidbits she found in her book "Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood…

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The Brunette Lucy

My Battle with Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy Sucks

Lucy continues her story about her battle with breast cancer.

This is part three in Lucy’s story about her battle with breast cancer. You can read the first part here, and the second part, the mastectomy, here. I had finally beaten the MRSA, and it was time for chemotherapy. The doctors were nervous, though, because there’s a window of time following surgery that is considered “safe” to wait prior to beginning treatment. My window was quickly closing; they were anxious to get me started. I should backtrack a bit, however, and share that I had a port put in. Chemo is administered through an IV, and since it’s really just controlled poisoning, it can damage your veins. A port is surgically implanted, either on your chest or your arm, which allows them to insert medicine directly into a vein, with only …

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Breast Cancer Support Groups in Newtown

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's a list of local breast cancer support groups.

One in eight American women and one in 1,000 American men will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that more than two million people are diagnosed with breast cancer and fight for their lives each year. Breast cancer is difficult to face alone—for both patients and their loved ones. To help in the battle, there are a number of local resources and support groups. In the Newtown area, there a few local resources: “Support groups are really beneficial,” says Debra Somerrs Copit, MD, Director of Breast Imaging at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and a member of the medical advisory board for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “When patients are told they’re sick, it can be an out of body experience and they aren’t …

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The Brunette Lucy

My Battle with Breast Cancer: The Mastectomy

Lucy continues her personal story about her fight with breast cancer.

This is the second part of Lucy’s story about her battle with breast cancer. You can read the first part, her diagnosis, here. It’s funny how our perception of time changes according to the events we’re expecting; or dreading. The weeks prior to my mastectomy were filled with a battery of pre-op testing, but they went quickly. Even though time flew, silence became my enemy. If there was no noise, the silence would envelop me like a steel cloak, weighing heavily on my heart and mind. Even though I tried to be upbeat, those moments of solitude allowed the fear to creep into my mind. Cancer was a well-trained, aggressive opponent, with fear as its general and death as its ally. I was one person. I had no control over what was going to happen…

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Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Events Near Newtown

From galas to walks to shopping, here's how you can participate, pledge support and donate to the cause in Philadelphia area.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there are tons of different ways to support the cause. Check out the list below of opportunities to go pink in the Philadelphia area. And if you know of a local event, please add it to our calendar. Big sMall Walk Rock the Ribbon Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Rena Rowan 5K Ribbon Run/Walk The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is being held Oct. 5-7. Registration is now closed for the 2012 event, but you can already register to walk in next year's Philadelphia 3-Day, which will take place Oct. 4-6, 2013. There are even more ways to spread breast cancer awareness this month by supporting national organizations that are fighting for a cure…

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