I'm off for a week in Kauai with my BFF Mary Lou - celebrating the end of this tumultuous year, just to get some R&R. Two weeks ago I had another followup with my oncologist and the coast is clear, no signs of cancer 8 months post-op!
I have another small procedure that needs to be addressed by Dr. Brown, the plastic surgeon, in a few weeks but it's just a minor outpatient surgery. Other than that, lookin' good and feeling even better!
Saturday evening I attended an event called "Pink Tie for the Cure" which was a fundraiser put on by Susan G. Komen Denver. More than 800 people turned out for the event, and I'm not sure how much money was raised in total, but it was substantial. I ran into my surgeon and radiologist there, and it was great for them to see me recovered!
Most importantly, I just scheduled my next mammogram for January 2011 - which was the eent that catapulted this whole turn of events almost a year ago. I asked them if I could get it half price because I only have one "real" breast but they just laughed at me.
Aloha for now . . .
Nancy
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
More Info on the Mammogram Debate
The debate continues on whether regular mammograms should be optional for women under 50 in the US. Here's an interview that ran on National Public Radio this morning. It's a good listen.
Bottom line: Mammograms DO save lives but people are freaking out about false positives. Of course my (strong) opinion is that mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier if a woman has a family history of breast cancer, are important. Check out the link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130437187&sc=17&f=1001
P.S. I'd like to know how many MEN were on the Federal Task Force that recommended optional mammograms under age 50!
Bottom line: Mammograms DO save lives but people are freaking out about false positives. Of course my (strong) opinion is that mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier if a woman has a family history of breast cancer, are important. Check out the link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130437187&sc=17&f=1001
P.S. I'd like to know how many MEN were on the Federal Task Force that recommended optional mammograms under age 50!
Friday, September 24, 2010
One Month Post-Walk
Below are some photos from the Susan G. Komen 3Day walk in Denver which took place a month ago -- how time flies! (My feet have FINALLY recovered.) Reflecting back, it was very humbling to be surrounded by so many survivors, family members and friends who are committed to eradicating this disease and who shared their stories about their journey with breast cancer with me along the way.
This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Hopefully some day in the future there won't be a need for fundraising, races, walks and events like this when a cure for breast cancer is found. In the meantime, I'm now up to 47 women who have gotten their overdue mammograms since I started keeping track back in February.
This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Hopefully some day in the future there won't be a need for fundraising, races, walks and events like this when a cure for breast cancer is found. In the meantime, I'm now up to 47 women who have gotten their overdue mammograms since I started keeping track back in February.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION!
DAY ONE: 6:00 a.m., prior to the Opening Ceremonies (I was one of the survivor flagbearers, carrying the flag "Optimism")
The Pink Divas (Right to left, Nan, Nancy, Kathy and Sandy) beginning our 60 mile journey
My teammate Kathy with one of the many colorful cheering staff along the route to keep us going - the "Cow Ladies"
The super hard working "Lunch Ladies" who served us our meals throughout the 3 days
Delivering my survivor speech to the group on Saturday evening
Getting ready to cross the finish line on Day 3 - energy flagging but still walking!
On stage with my fellow survivors at Closing Ceremonies in City Park
Reuniting with my son Will at the end of the walk - the best reward ever!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The walk is over - the quest for 100 has just begun
View a slideshow from the Denver Walk for the Cure
There are six slides. Nancy is #5. Her usual brillant smile, yet look closely and you will see the tears of joy as she hugs fellow survivors in the closing moments on the podium.
As the representative of Survivors in Denver, Nancy delivered a moving speech on Saturday night (well sundown was late on those days!). The speech and many other scenes were captured on our flips! We promise to post ASAP - probably Tuesday September 7. Here is a link to the Denver Post slideshow from an article about the walk posted August 31.
Now that the 3Day walk is over -- its time for the challenge to be made. In her speech, Nancy challenged everyone to do what she is doing - -
Ask 100 women if they are up to date on their mammogram. Beg those who are not current on their mammogram to schedule and go to a mammogram appointment. If insurance is the reason NOT TO -- that is not good enough, and if you have any cancer anywhere in your family - let them know you are in a high risk category according to insurance companies. And the insurance companies will pay for mammograms for any age person in a high risk category.
Here is a video to share video.about.com/breastcancer/Getting-a-Mammogram.htm
-- posted by Fellow Pink Diva Walker Kathy as Nancy is Diva Experiencing San Francisco and returns about Sept 10.
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There are six slides. Nancy is #5. Her usual brillant smile, yet look closely and you will see the tears of joy as she hugs fellow survivors in the closing moments on the podium.
As the representative of Survivors in Denver, Nancy delivered a moving speech on Saturday night (well sundown was late on those days!). The speech and many other scenes were captured on our flips! We promise to post ASAP - probably Tuesday September 7. Here is a link to the Denver Post slideshow from an article about the walk posted August 31.
Now that the 3Day walk is over -- its time for the challenge to be made. In her speech, Nancy challenged everyone to do what she is doing - -
Ask 100 women if they are up to date on their mammogram. Beg those who are not current on their mammogram to schedule and go to a mammogram appointment. If insurance is the reason NOT TO -- that is not good enough, and if you have any cancer anywhere in your family - let them know you are in a high risk category according to insurance companies. And the insurance companies will pay for mammograms for any age person in a high risk category.
Here is a video to share video.about.com/breastcancer/Getting-a-Mammogram.htm
-- posted by Fellow Pink Diva Walker Kathy as Nancy is Diva Experiencing San Francisco and returns about Sept 10.
">
Thursday, August 26, 2010
I am Optimism
Tomorrow morning I will be a flagbearer at the Susan G. Komen 3Day for the Cure 60 mile walk during the opening ceremonies. Alongside 7 other breast cancer survivors, I will be bearing a flag with the word OPTIMISM on it. I'm honored to have been selected for this particular banner.
My teammates on the Pink Divas will be taking video and photos of the opening ceremonies, after which we will be walking for 22 miles to our first night's camping in pink tents! My heart is full of optimism tonight, for myself and for all the other people out there who have been touched by breast cancer.
On Saturay I'll be giving a speech and sharing my my personal story with all of the other participants, volunteers, and staff - hope to get that recorded on video too!
Look for updates over the weekend, as they promise to have computers set up for blogging, etc. at the event.
My teammates on the Pink Divas will be taking video and photos of the opening ceremonies, after which we will be walking for 22 miles to our first night's camping in pink tents! My heart is full of optimism tonight, for myself and for all the other people out there who have been touched by breast cancer.
On Saturay I'll be giving a speech and sharing my my personal story with all of the other participants, volunteers, and staff - hope to get that recorded on video too!
Look for updates over the weekend, as they promise to have computers set up for blogging, etc. at the event.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Two Days and Counting
It's hard to believe that a little over 48 hours from now I'll be putting on my Nikes and my "Pink Diva" gear to start the 60 Mile walk. I'm a little apprehensive, not so much about the walk but about getting up in front of 1,000 people to give a speech about my personal experience with breast cancer. I've written my speech and have rehearsed it numerous times and I've yet to get through it without crying.
But I guess if I do cry (which I probably will), no one will be surprised. I'm always amazed to see how stoic people can be when speaking to a large group in public. All I can do is be myself, tell my story, and whatever happens, happens. Of course, it will all be recorded for posterity on my trusty Flip video!
My teammates arrive tomorrow from Chicago and Aspen, and we'll do our last check of packing items, etc. So tonight I'll enjoy my mattress because later on this week I'll be sleeping in a tent! If only it were a Westin Heavenly Bed . . .
But I guess if I do cry (which I probably will), no one will be surprised. I'm always amazed to see how stoic people can be when speaking to a large group in public. All I can do is be myself, tell my story, and whatever happens, happens. Of course, it will all be recorded for posterity on my trusty Flip video!
My teammates arrive tomorrow from Chicago and Aspen, and we'll do our last check of packing items, etc. So tonight I'll enjoy my mattress because later on this week I'll be sleeping in a tent! If only it were a Westin Heavenly Bed . . .
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
One Week to Go . . . Camping Dry Run!
I'm now 10 days out from the 60 mile walk and am continuing to step up my training. Last weekend I did a 4 mile uphill bike ride on Beartooth Pass, which is in Montana just outside of Yellowstone (suffice to say it was a BEAR, no pun intended).
I've been asked to give a speech at the 3 Day walk on Saturday evening about my experience with breast cancer and the journey I've been on. Of course I accepted the invitation so now I have to come up with my speech! I'll be blogging more over the next week as we get closer to the event, and also during the walk in the evenings as there is internet access for participants. The opening ceremonies are on Thursday evening, August 26 and the walk starts bright and early on Friday morning.
More later but I wanted to post this brief update! Here's a photo of me on top of Beartooth Pass getting ready to do the climb, 4 miles uphill at 10,000 feet. If I made that, the 60 mile walk will be a piece of cake (NOT). Also including some pics of the wildlife at Yellowstone and photos of camping - a FIRST for me. Maybe they won't be able to call me the Starwood Queen anymore!
I've been asked to give a speech at the 3 Day walk on Saturday evening about my experience with breast cancer and the journey I've been on. Of course I accepted the invitation so now I have to come up with my speech! I'll be blogging more over the next week as we get closer to the event, and also during the walk in the evenings as there is internet access for participants. The opening ceremonies are on Thursday evening, August 26 and the walk starts bright and early on Friday morning.
More later but I wanted to post this brief update! Here's a photo of me on top of Beartooth Pass getting ready to do the climb, 4 miles uphill at 10,000 feet. If I made that, the 60 mile walk will be a piece of cake (NOT). Also including some pics of the wildlife at Yellowstone and photos of camping - a FIRST for me. Maybe they won't be able to call me the Starwood Queen anymore!
Elk resting in the shade along the roadside at Yellowstone
Buffalo grazing in the meadow at Yellowstone
Dennis setting up camp for the Diva - a far cry from the Westin!
Setting up camp for the night in "Bear Country"
Gathering firewood - no Duraflame logs allowed!
Waking up from a not-so rested night's sleep but still all in one piece
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