Breast Cancer: Dorothy Hamill

The 1976 Olympic ice skating champion has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. Her rep says her prognosis is favorable, but she will have to take some time off from skating.

source: people.com

Breast Cancer Research Stamp

Since its introduction, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has raised more than $55 million for breast cancer research putting it among the most successful commemorative stamps of all time.

Congress has passed legislation extending the Breast Cancer Research Stamp four more years, through 2011. The House of Representatives passed the bill on Tuesday, and the Senate followed the next night. The bill now awaits signature by President Bush.

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Representative William Lacy Clay (D-MO) spearheaded the effort extend the life of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. Take a moment to say thank you to these CHAMPIONS!

Pregnancy & Cancer

A familiar story & the story of another.

It is amazing how far cancer treatments have come, but we cannot stop fighting until we beat this horrible disease!

Time for Your Mammogram?

Today is National Mammography Day! Is it time for you to schedule your mammogram? I made my appointment today for my November mammogram. Don't put it off...

Early detection saves lives!

Ford's Warriors In Pink

For 2007 Ford has added a little more excitement to their Warriors in Pink campaign. They have enlisted celebrities to join them in the fight against breast cancer by decorating and signing 1/18^th scale models of the 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package. These Warriors in Pink models will be listed on eBay.com beginning October 15, 2007. The auctions will run through October 25, 2007. All all proceeds raised benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Celebrities include:

David Arquette & Courteney Cox

Kelly Clarkson
Toby Keith
Richard Simmons
Cast of General Hospital
Cast of Young & The Restless

Cast of Grey's Anatomy

Cast of Desperate Housewives
Cast of Brothers and Sisters
Laurie Force (wife of Legendary NHRA John Force, mother of Ashley, Brittany and Courtney)
Ashley Force (driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang Funny Car)
Brittany Force (driver of the Brand Source Super Comp dragster)
Courtney Force (driver of the Brand Source Super Comp dragster)

This is Ford's 13^th year of support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. To date, Ford has dedicated more than $90 million to fighting breast cancer and saving lives.

The 2007 Warriors in Pink apparel & gear along with the limited edition 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package show Ford's dedication to making a difference.

For more information on the Warriors in Pink campaign, visit fordcares.com.

Nonni's Biscotti & Susan G. Komen

Press release from Nonni's Biscotti's PR agency: Nonni’s Biscotti Partners With Celebrities to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

More than 50 celebrities – comprised of movie and television personalities – autographed pink coffee mugs to support Komen for the Cure’s promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. During the first week of October, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the collector items will be listed in a charity auction on the eBay Giving Works site.

“Nonni’s Biscotti, as a brand, has always had a strong connection with women,” said Matt Duffy, marketing manager, Nonni’s Biscotti. “We formed a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure because of the impact breast cancer has on so many women across the United States. We are proud to help raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment that will hopefully eliminate this disease one day. We hope this charity auction will not only help raise funds, but also increase awareness about breast cancer.”

Nearly 50 coffee mugs were autographed by many of today’s hottest celebrities during the Haven House Gifting Suite including: Sasha Cohen, Neve Campbell, James Woods, Lil’ Kim, Josh Henderson and Tyler Hilton.* One hundred percent of the final sale price of each mug will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For a complete list of celebrities involved, go to www.nonnis.com.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure is on a mission to end breast cancer forever,” said Cindy Schneible, vice president of resource development. “Partnerships like the one with Nonni’s Biscotti are an integral part of that mission, helping us reach millions of consumers with life-saving breast health messages and raising funds that support breast cancer research and community outreach programs.”

In addition to the charity auction, Nonni’s will offer biscotti in specially packaged pink ribbon breast cancer awareness boxes through December 31, 2007. The pink boxes of biscotti will be available at local grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Consumers are invited to visit Nonni’s Web site and support breast cancer research by entering in individual UPC codes from their purchased pink boxes of Nonni’s Biscotti. Susan G. Komen for the Cure will receive 75 cents for every unique UPC code entered on www.nonnis.com, with a minimum donation of $25,000, and maximum of $50,000. UPC codes can be entered until March 1, 2008.

Breast cancer continues to affect millions of women and their friends and families every year. In the 25 years since its inception, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested nearly $1 billion in research, education and health services. With the continued support of companies like The Nonni’s Food Company, Komen for the Cure will be able to achieve its vision of a world without breast cancer.

About Nonni’s Food Company
Founded in 1988, Nonni’s Food Company is also home to other premium quality brands including Nonni’s Biscotti, New York Style and Old London. The Nonni’s Biscotti brand uses the original family recipe including real eggs, butter and gourmet bittersweet chocolate that gives the biscotti a light, crunchy texture that is delicately sweet. The New York Style snack line includes Bagel Crisps and Pita Chips; wholesome snacks that capture the tastes found in traditional New York City’s bakeries. Old London serves up great snacks and light lunches with its core Melba toast products. More information can be found at http://www.nonnisfoods.com.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-800 I’M AWARE.

*Celebrities featured are not paid spokespeople and are not directly endorsing Nonni's Biscotti.

The images in this entry are the coffee mugs signed by Matt Leinhert (top) and Andi McDowell. You can view the rest of the celebrity signed Nonni's Biscotti coffee mugs on the Nonni's website.

I Am a Triathlete

I was up just before 3:00 AM, and we were on the road by 4:20 AM. We had to catch a shuttle from Dairyland Greyhound Park to the race site. Parking and catching the shuttle were a piece of cake. (Erin was not so lucky! She left her house about an hour after we left ours. Arrived to near Dairyland at about 6:00 AM and waited in traffic for over an hour.)

Bob & Olivia were with me. I sat with them for a few minutes before I went to set up my transition area. Unfortunately, I made a rookie mistake when I racked my bike yesterday. I left too much space between my bike and the one on the end. My bike was "bumped" from the second to the third spot on the rack. Still easy to find.

I joined Bob & Olivia again for a little while. We were watching for Erin not knowing how she was stuck in the horrible traffic. The start of the race was actually delayed because of the traffic. They also allowed anyone who missed their swim wave to join one when they were ready.

At about 7AM I began walking over to the swim start area. A slow take in all the sights & sounds walk. As I walked along the run path, I wondered about the stories of these women. About half way along the path, I came across a woman who had just finished chemo treatments. Her complexion was beautiful & flawless. I will carry the image of her in my mind always. As I passed her, the emotion of the day began to hit me. A tear trickled down my cheek. As competitors continued to walk a man began to speak about Danskin Triathlon traditions and other things that would happen today. A beautiful instrumental played for a few minutes before the National Anthem. The woman who sang it had a beautiful voice. The emotion of the day hit me again at that point and a few more tears flowed.

It was now time for the triathlon to get underway. The first wave, The Elite, are brought down into the water. They have a few minutes with Sally Edwards, National Spokeswoman for the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series. The Danskin traditional countdown began. 10 9 8... and the first wave was off! The event I have worked so hard to prepare for is here.

The second wave, Survivors, is brought to the water. Just about 30 seconds until they are on their way. The following waves go every 4 minutes!

I finally spot Erin in the crowd. She didn't get to see the start of the event because of the traffic at the shuttle pick up site. While I missed her & am sad she missed the start of the event, I was (am) thankful I had that alone time to experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of the day.

Erin & I talked for a few minutes before I headed over to the swim start to join my fellow yellow capped, 35-39 year olds. We visited with one another. Talked about race numbers, triathlon training, our strengths/weaknesses, and triathlon experience. There was only one other woman near me who was a first timer. The veterans encouraged us! Suddenly, the crowd behind us and to the right began to roar. The first runner was coming by. She completed the .5 mile swim, the 12 mile bike, and part of the 3 mile run before we were even hitting the water. I would estimate she did that in less than 45 minutes.

As our group was "on deck" for the swim Disco Inferno by The Trammps played. We all sang and danced to keep loose and get pepped up. The 15th wave was off and that means we are next. Looking around I see a few women who look a little nervous about the swim. The group I was talking to all looked pretty confident. We are in the front line of the wave. I was front & center! :) One of the Danskin Angels, the swim volunteers, leads us in some cheering. Asks us a few questions about who we are going to pass first (pink caps -- wave 15), and who we aren't going to let pass (green caps -- wave 17). She then gave us a word to remember as we go through the day - FANTASTIC! We are to use that word to remind us we are fantastic swimmers, fantastic bikers, fantastic runners, and fantastic triathletes. The countdown begins 10 9 8... and we were off. It felt really great, but the sun glared made sighting something on shore very difficult. Twice I swam outside the buoys and had to swim back to the right. I still felt like I was making really good time. I could see myself passing pink caps and only saw one green cap pass me. Bob said in my wave there were only about six women out of the water before me.

Swim Time 00:16:28
Rank 1065/3919

I ran to my bike. T1 went quickly and pretty well. I know I can shave more time off of it for next year.

T1 Time 00:03:11

The bike was tough. A lot tougher than I had anticipated due to the high winds, the heat, and the HILLS! I also need to look into getting a road bike for these events. The wide mountain bike tires are killers on a road in a race.

Bike Time 00:57:07
Rank 3051/3919 (UGH -- definitely needs work)

I hopped off the bike at the dismount point and my legs felt like Jell-O -- not the bricks I was expecting. Ah, a watering station. I wove my way between the racks to my area. I racked my bike and I was off.

T2 Time 00:02:04

Ah, another splash of water before I ran. My legs didn't feel too bad at all when I began the run. I think to myself I might be able to run the whole thing. I guess I though that too soon because shortly I felt my heart rate soar. I slowed to a slow jog. A lady points out that I had forgotten to take off my helmet after the bike. Oh, crap (excuse my french...lol)! I take it off and try to figure out what I am going to do with it. I thought about throwing it down in the grass, but eventually I looped the strap onto my tank top. Looking back, I should have thrown it down. Bob saw me running with the helmet and when I took it off. He was trying to run after me to get it. He said it was pretty sad he couldn't catch me even after I had just finished the swim & the bike when he had done nothing but walk...lol.

The heat during the first half of the run was brutal. I did a little running and walking. I wanted to be able to RUN across that finish line and wanted to conserve that energy so I could. The watering station at about half way was a welcome sight. As was the Jelly Belly Sports Beans station, but neither of those were as good as the hose the firefighters had to spray us. I drank the water, ate half a package of the sports beans, and enjoyed the water from the hose. The course continued on about a quarter mile before we got to turn around and enjoy those three stations again. At the half mile left mark we got the biggest boost any triathlete could hope for -- an open fire hydrant! More pressure than that hose and just what I needed to refresh me for the home stretch. I ran the entire last mile and it was so exciting to see the word FINISH up ahead. Sally Edwards was there cheering us on, and as we crossed the finish line our names were announced and we were given a medal!

Run Time 00:43:40
Rank 3076/3919

Total Time 02:02:33
Overall Rank 2636/3919
Class Rank (35-39) 460/578

I did it! I am a triathlete!

Fantastic Fundraising

As promised, here is an update on my fundraising. I have raised money through the ChipIn! in the right sidebar here, the official Danskin online link, a letter campaign, and pink paper ribbons at a local restaurant. My total as of this afternoon, is $582*.

I am THRILLED. The day I signed up I set $250 as my goal. I had never raised funds for an event such as this for myself and thought my original goal was almost out of reach. I kept the faith, kept working hard, and I did it!

I could not do it without you! I thank you for your support and generosity from the bottom of my heart!

*This total does not include any donations sent directly to the address on the donation form I included with the letter.

Women Skipping Mammograms

From themilwaukeechannel.com:

Mammogram Rate Falls 4 Percent

The rate of women getting mammograms to screen for breast cancer fell 4 percent from 2000 to 2005, according to a study at the National Cancer Institute.

In a news release, author Dr. Nancy Breen said that regular mammography is the best tool for early cancer detection for women over 40, and that it has reduced breast cancer mortality.

In studies from 1987 to 2000, the rate of women over 40 getting the exam went from 39 percent to 70 percent. Numbers from 2005 show the rate is now 66 percent.

The paper said that the small change is significant because it shows a shift in direction.

Breen reported that the drops were more sharp in women over age 50 and those with higher incomces -- groups that had previously shown higher rates of screening. The screening rate dropped 6.8 percent for women ages 50 to 64.

Rates went up, however, for American Indian women.

The authors said they are concerned that a drop in screening could mean fewer cases of cancer caught early.

The report was published in the journal CANCER.

I think this is a shame! We hear over & over again about early detection! We cannot ignore our health!

Plant for the Cure at Lowe's

This is the first spring we have a Lowe's nearby. I was so excited to be able to pick up this year's Plant for the Cure geranium! It is such a pretty shade of pink!

And it's planted! Woohoo...our growing season is so very near! (If there is the threat of frost, I can move the planter into the garage for protection.)

Brewer Batting Against Breast Cancer

From the Official Site of The Brewers:

While the final details of Bill Hall's first big contract were being ironed out, the 27-year-old Brewer considered starting his own charitable foundation. But the more he mulled, it made just as much sense to contribute to one already close to his heart.

Hall donated $25,000 on Monday to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Brewers announced a special Pink Bat Ticket Package for the new Club on the Club at Miller Park. Only 125 of the $222 packages are available, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Komen Foundation.

Hall was one of many Major Leaguers who used pink bats on Mother's Day last season as part of Major League Baseball's efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer. But Hall gained nationwide -- and worldwide, he says -- attention when he hit a game-winning, 10th-inning home run with the bat to beat the Mets. His mom, Vergie, was in the stands that day at Miller Park.

"If it wasn't the biggest moment in my career, it was one of them," Hall said.

At the time, he didn't realize the impact it had on others.

"I knew it was a big home run with my mom in the stands, but little did I know that it would mean a lot more for a whole lot of people," Hall said. "The notes and letters I received from hitting that home run, I knew I raised a lot of people's spirits.

"If I could do that just hitting a home run, I knew there was a lot more I could do."

Several weeks after his dramatic homer, Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio spent more than $25,000 to buy the pink bat at auction on MLB.com, and presented it as a gift to Vergie Hall. The money went to the Komen Foundation.

Read the rest of the article at milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com.

Triathlon Fundraising

My triathlon fundraising is off to a great start!

Anyone interested in donating or reading more about the triathlon may do so at penny.chipin.com/2007-triathlon. Later today I will be adding a link to my sidebar.

I would like to thank those who have already made generous donations. THANK YOU!!

Next week I will be kicking into training mode! I am using some triathlon training information I got online until I attend the training seminar on April 18.

(SIDEBAR: Does anyone else have a hard time typing triathlon? I want to add an extra "a" after the "th". That one is understandable, but I have no clue why my finger automatically goes to type a "g" at the end. Oh yeah, I am participating in a "triathalong"! DOH!!)

Triathlete? Me?

Not yet, but I am going to be. Today, my friend and I registered for the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series. We will participate in the Chicagoland triathlon on July 7-8, 2007! 100% of the funds I raise will be divided equally between the National Association of TEAM Survivor and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

If you would like to donate, contact me using the link in my profile and I will send you the information to do so!

I am really looking forward to this! :)

Elizabeth Edwards

Yesterday we learned that Elizabeth's breast cancer has returned in bone. The cancer is treatable, but not curable. In the press conference she said she expected to live next week as she lived last week. Her husband, Senator John Edwards, will continue to campaign for President. Those are great examples of their positive outlook. That is so important when facing a cancer diagnosis!

Carolynn's Crew 2007

Carolynn has announced this year's plans for Carolynn's Crew! You can read all about it in her journal at pinkribbonmiracle.com. Three cheers for "going home"!

Thursday Thirteen #4

Thirteen Myths About Breast Cancer*
1. Only women get breast cancer. (About 1% of those diagnosed with breast cancer are men.)

2. Only those with a family history of breast cancer are at risk. ( While a person with a family history of breast cancer is at a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer, over 80% of those diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors for the disease.)

3. All breast lumps are cancerous. (80% of breast lumps are caused by non-cancerous changes in the breast.)

4. Small breasted women cannot get breast cancer. (The amount of breast tissue does not affect the risk of developing breast cancer.)

5. If a lump is painful, it is not cancerous. (Up to 10% of breast cancers are associated with pain. Pain is very rarely the only evidence of a breast tumor.)

6. A breast cancer diagnosis means the breast will be lost. (A lumpectomy followed by radiation is commonly used to treat early stage breast cancers.)

7. Underwire bras cause breast cancer. (A book called Dressed to Kill suggested wearing an underwire bra could cause breast cancer. The authors attributed the high rate of breast cancer in North America to the face that most North American women wear bras. They failed to take into account any other genetic, environmental, or social factors that could contribute to the breast cancer risk.

8. Mastectomy insures breast cancer will be eliminated forever. (A mastectomy does not guarantee that breast cancer will not recur. Some will experience recurrence at the site of the scar. There is also the possibility the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes of other parts of the body.)

9. Older patients diagnosed with breast cancer do not need "full" treatment. (The mortality rate among older women with breast cancer is increasing because many older women do not receive full breast cancer treatment at the time of diagnosis. Though breast cancer generally has a slow rate of growth, it can also be an aggressive, fast-moving disease that can metastasize (spread) quickly to other parts of the body.)

10. A mammogram prevents breast cancer. (A mammogram cannot prevent breast cancer; however mammography is an excellent tool to screen for and detect the disease at an early stage.)

11. A mammogram causes breast cancer. (A mammogram is a safe procedure that uses extremely low levels of radiation to create detailed images of the breast.)

12. Mammography always finds breast cancer when it is curable. (Mammography is the most accurate screening tool for breast cancer. While annual screening mammograms will detect the vast majority of breast cancers, some cancers are extremely aggressive and can metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body before they are detected by mammogram.)

13. Mammography is 100% accurate in early breast cancer detection. (It is estimated that mammography detects 85% to 90% of all breast cancers. While the vast majority of abnormalities are detected by mammography, some are simply not detectable. For example, sometimes an irregularity goes undetected because surrounding breast tissue is the same density as the irregular tissue. If a patient has a lump or other change and the mammogram is "negative" (interpreted as not suspicious or cancerous), the patient should still pursue that finding with her physician.)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! amy rose caylynn raggedy my 2 cents Leave your link in comments, I'll add you here.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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*If you would like to read more about breast cancer myths/facts, you can find more here. If you want to read a the story of a survivor who inspires, read Carolynn's story of breast cancer during pregnancy at pinkribbonmiracle.com.

Elizabeth Edwards' Oprah Appearance

I knew a little about this family prior to today. Most of it from the 2004 election campaign. Politics had nothing to do with why I was interested in seeing Elizabeth on Oprah today. I like stories about how people deal with tough times in their lives and use what they have been through to help others deal with the same or similar tough times.

Listening to this woman speak about the unexpected death of her son tore my heart out. I cannot imagine the pain of having to bury a child. She also spoke a little bit about breast cancer. About when she found the lump, the importance of mammograms, and her diagnosis and treatment. I thought the whole show should have been about the Edwards, but unfortunately it was not. Guess the appearance on Oprah did its job...lol. I am going out to pick up Saving Graces tomorrow.

The Office Returns Tonight

In honor of the return of Bob's favorite show...

The Office Denim Day PSA

Steve Carell's character, Michael Scott, is nuts. Sometimes the things he says are just so wrong it makes them funny. Here's one of my favorites: "This is our receptionist, Pam. . . . If you think she's cute now, you should have seen her a couple years ago.

My Thoughts on the Sheryl Crow GMA Interview

Yesterday's segment was mostly about the break-up with Lance. That wasn't the part I was looking forward to seeing.

Today's segment was about her diagnosis and treatment. She had a lumpectomy followed by seven weeks of radiation. Her skin on her breast was burned, her breast became hard and painful. The toughest part for her, however, was the fatigue. She surrouded herself with friends.

I was a bit disappointed with the things she stressed in the interview. She did mention the importance of knowing family medical history. The only mention of yearly mammograms was when she said if you know you have breast cancer in your family to have a baseline mammo and follow-up yearly. I think she should have stressed yearly mammograms period. Many, many, many women are diagnosed daily with NO family history of breast cancer. Monthly self exams were never even mentioned.

I know she may have mentioned all those things, but it could have been cut out for whatever reason. If that is the case, I say shame on the editors of the piece.

Knowing how Sheryl Crow takes issues and makes them her battle, I was wondering what she would do with breast cancer. I have to say I was disappointed.

Sheryl Crow Interview on GMA

I forgot to mention: I am looking forward to the Sheryl Crow interview on Good Morning America tomorrow and Friday. I will TiVo it because I just can't bring myself to sit and watch two mornings of GMA. Many of those people on there drive me nuts...lol!