Pink-Link hosted its Hot Hollywood Tea Party at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Breast cancer survivors and supporters alike attended the event. Close to $10,000 was raised, all of which will go towards the organization's outreach program focused on providing support to women with breast cancer worldwide.
We had a fabulous fundraiser with fabulous raffle prizes. We held a "selective" raffle which means that in front of each prize, there was a bowl and a description of the prize. If an attendee bought 5 tickets, she could put all 5 tickets in the bowl representing the prize she wanted most. Or she could spread them around. With this type of raffle, our winners received something they really wanted!
April 7, 2010 by Vicki Tashman, founder of Pink-Link
Fibers.com is an innovative website that gives site users the opportunity to design and order customized products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and a variety of other clothing items. Our powerful yet simple tools allow anyone to create a truly uni
que look in minutes for any occasion. All of our designs, including our Breast Cancer Awareness shirt designs, are completely customizable and give you the opportunity to promote awareness with your own personal touch. Show support on your next walk by personalizing your pink ribbon shirt with a loved one's name on it!
SWADS are a universal, absorbent, insulated wrap used to keep your hands comfortable on any type of beverage you choose. The elastic cord makes it adjustable to different sizes. The insulation ensures your hands will stay DRY and warm on cold drinks as well as keep them from burning on hot drinks.
Looking to solicit stories, anecdotes, and lessons learned from women who realized the power of friendship, laughter, and kindness when faced with the fight of their lives. We want ideas, suggestions, jokes, whatever you’ve got that might make the fight even a tiny bit easier for others.
My niece, Samantha (pictured here with my sister) will be having a Bat Mitzvah in June. In order to complete her obligations as a Bat Mitzvah, she must do a good deed, or "mitzvah." She's chosen to organize, plan and run a fundraiser for Pink-Link!
March 11, 2010 by Jacque Mills, licensed esthetician
Jacque Mills from Soft Touch Beauty in Westlake Village, CA has the ability to make you feel beautiful again. She helps breast cancer survivors get in touch with their feminine side by tattooing the areola and nipple after a mastectomy.
In "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life," French-born psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. David Servan-Schreiber discusses his fifteen-year battle with brain cancer. Although conventional treatments worked initially, the cancer recurred. Fortunately, he has been cancer-free for the past seven years, and he attributes his success to an anti-cancer regimen that, he asserts, boosts the body's natural defenses. Dr. Servan-Schreiber does NOT encourage cancer patients to reject their doctors' advice concerning surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. However, he does believe that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by making changes in one's diet, level of physical activity, psychological attitude, and environment.
Women of all ages are invited to grab their girlfriends, husbands, boyfriends, partners, and dance! All proceeds to benefit the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.
February 2, 2010 by Ellen Rudolph, Executive Director
It is with great pleasure that I announce the opening of our first Life Cycle Health CenterTM, an integrative, patient-centered medical practice in Sherman Oaks, CA. Our new Center serves cancer patients, their families, and caregivers, providing holistic therapies based on natural healing traditions - especially Chinese medicine. Life Cycle is open to anyone seeking quality holistic care. We have created a serene healing environment and built a team of some of the best-trained acupuncturists and healing arts professionals in their fields who treat a broad range of health conditions.
The National Breast Cancer Coalition is excited to bring you information about the Annual Advocacy Training Conference! Our national conference will be held May 22-25, 2010, in Washington DC, at the Renaissance Washington Hotel. The conference is being planned around the theme "Peeling Back the Pink," to emphasize what is really happening in breast cancer today, to look beyond the surface, and to understand where we still need to go. Our goal is to train and empower every advocate who attends to play a meaningful role in our mission to eradicate breast cancer.
The study I'm conducting is for my senior research thesis and is looking at the effect of yoga on the immune system of breast cancer patients. I am currently recruiting patients on a rolling basis for both the YOGA and NON-YOGA groups. I ask that patients in the yoga group participate in yoga at least two times a week. They can participate at home or at a yoga studio. If in the YOGA group, I will find FREE yoga near the patient's home. Patients in the NON-YOGA group will simply have to answer survey questions bi-weekly over the phone or via e-mail about their health and cold symptoms (approx. 5 minute survey.) Those in the yoga group will be asked the same questions. The study lasts a total of four months once the patient starts. Patients must have received chemotherapy within the last 2 years or are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Have you recently been diagnosed with early stage, hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer? Are you struggling to make treatment choices? Then you may be interested to know that each woman's tumor has its own unique biological make-up, and that not all women benefit equally from the same type of breast cancer treatment. If you are a woman with this type of cancer, the Oncotype DX® breast cancer test can help you and your physician decide whether or not chemotherapy may be beneficial in addition to your hormonal treatment.
We had a great response to our December contest, "What are some of your New Year's resolutions." Our winners won a 2010 calendar donated by Breast Impressions and a hand knit item donated by Care to Knit. You can read some of the resolutions.
For our November contest, we had 5 RangeMaster Shoulder Kits donated. We asked our members to tell us about their current exercise regimen and what they planned to add or change in the coming year. We had a number of responses, but here are the winning replies.
January 4, 2010 by Gail Pekelis, MA, PT, CLT and Jodi Winicour, PT, CMT, CLT-LANA
For decades, many doctors have warned that lifting weights or heavy groceries may cause the onset of arm swelling in women at risk for lymphedema, such as those recovering from breast cancer surgeries including lymph node removal. Common medical advice has included avoiding the use of the "at risk" arm to lift toddlers, garden, lift weights or scrub floors. Thousands of women have been afraid to get back to their usual activities following these surgeries because of this type of advice that lacks medical evidence. Individualized exercise programs have been an integral part of therapeutic rehabilitation for breast-cancer treatment recovery and lymphedema for years, but support of this clinical knowledge in the literature has been difficult to find. We are pleased to report on 2 recent studies that help to support the participation of supervised gradually progressive exercise programs.
Controversies in Chemotherapy as presented at the SABCS 2009
January 4, 2010 by Vicki Tashman
Many women diagnosed with Breast Cancer undergo adjuvant chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. With today's medical advancements however, a number of questions have arisen: do some of these women need chemotherapy at all? Do all women receive the same protective benefits from chemotherapy? And, once the decision to have chemotherapy has been made, what are the best and most highly effective regimens?
I went to my first San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December, 2009. What a fantastic experience it was. I renewed friendships with some other breast cancer advocates as well as met a lot of new and passionate people, dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.
Let me start by saying that I was 44 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer by a mammogram. My tumor was not palpable (you couldn't feel it) and it was aggressive. I was lucky. The cancer was caught very early and had not spread to the lymph nodes. I was stage 1.
The 2010 Breast Impressions Survivor Wall Calendar is now on sale at www.BreastImpressionsCalendar.com. This year's calendar features thirteen breast cancer survivors from
Oklahoma, including a daughter age 20 and her mother age 47 who are going through treatment at the same time. Seven of the survivors in this year's calendar were diagnosed under the age of 40. The stories of each woman are shared on the monthly calendar page, where a pink ribbon appears on the 20th of each month to remind you to do your self breast exam! The photos are in black and white with a special pink item that captures the calendar girl's attitude about life!
In our physical therapy practice we have observed patients experiencing Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS). These are women who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), who are experiencing post operative pain and limited range of motion associated with a palpable web of tissue extending from the affected axilla into the ipisilateral arm.
Unfortunately many breast cancer patients don't have the opportunity to participate in physical therapy and consequently miss out on the many benefits of gentle exercise. But now these patients have access to a simple, affordable home exercise kit specifically designed to regain and maintain upper body conditioning. The RangeMaster Shoulder and Breast Kit from Therapeutic Dimensions includes therapist designed exercise
equipment and simple, easy-to-follow instructions to stretch, strengthen and restore range of motion to the breast and shoulder complex.
A Living Memory
BCCRF TREE PLANTING & DEDICATION
Saturday, October 17, 2009
9:00am—1:00pm
Memorial dedication by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Location:
Hansen Dam Recreation Park
11770 Foothill Boulevard
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
Please join us as we work together in a tree planting to celebrate the life of loved ones who are living with
breast cancer, are survivors, who have passed, or have been touched in some way by cancer. Many times
we want to honor or remember the special people in our lives. Trees benefit the community by providing a
healthy, clean environment and create a special place for family and friends to come together to visit and
reflect on the lives of their loved ones.
I would like to participate in the actual planting of the trees
(If you plan to participate in the actual planting of the trees please wear comfortable clothes that you don't
mind getting dirty, a hat and appropriate footwear).
I would like to come and celebrate the planting event as a spectator
(For comfort bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on)
I am unable to attend but would like to make a dedication to the tree planting
(If you do wish to participate in the planting, please let us know as soon as possible)
This project is spearheaded by Breast Cancer Care & Research Fund and supported by TreePeople
To be part of this long lasting and rewarding experience
Contact Citizen Forester paul@bccrf.org to sign-up and make your dedication(s)
Light breakfast and lunch sponsored
In Honor of __________________________________ In Memory of _________________________________________
$75 Suggested Donation
Make checks payable to:
Breast Cancer Care & Research Fund “Tree Planting”
6022 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Be a Survivor, Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment
September 10, 2009 by Vladimir Lange, M.D.
Reflecting the combined wisdom of more than twenty leading medical experts, this book includes clear explanations, color graphics, lists of questions to ask your healthcare professionals, and candid testimonials by patients who have "been there before."
September 10, 2009 by Dan Silverman, MD, Phd and Idelle Davidson
Chemotherapy saves lives, but new studies—including research led by coauthor Dr. Dan Silverman—reveal that the agents used to kill cancer cells may also impair normal brain function. Even years after treatment, patients report problems with memory, concentrating, multitasking,
and word retrieval. As one person put it, “I’ve lost my edge.”
You are invited to participate in Scrap'n Support 2009, to be held on October 10th at Remember When Scrapbooking Store in Valencia, CA. This is a Scrapbook Royalty Affiliate Event.
Lymphedema, as previously stated, is a swelling of a body part from the abnormal accumulation of protein rich edema fluid in the affected area. In post breast cancer, lymphedema can develop in the affected arm. If lymph nodes are removed, there is an increased risk of developing lymphedema.
This 2nd article on lymphedema will present current assessment and treatment options for lymphedema.
In a three part series of short articles, the following information about lymphedema will be examined.
This first article will define lymphedema, the risk factors and provide some helpful suggestions for self-education and care.
Article II will discuss assessment and treatment options for lymphedema.
Article III will discuss Axillary Web Syndrome and its presence with or without lymphedema. This condition may appear following axillary node dissection.
Kelly Henderson, mother of two and founder and owner of Iwearitwell.com, has been making lemonade from lemons for many years. In addition to surviving what the current economy has thrown her way, she has also survived cancer.
For so many women that go through breast cancer, they are both mentally and physically exhausted when they get through the course of treatment. The endless doctor's appointments, side effects from chemo and radiation, hormonal therapy and surgical recovery can leave even the most energetic individual wiped out. And now we add exercise!?
For many women this can be just one more thing that not only do they "hate" to do, it is simply exhausting. However, the benefits of exercise are proven for survivors as a way to reduce the chances of recurrence.
BOOBALOOZA'S 2ND ANNUAL CANCER AWARENESS BENEFIT is scheduled for:
SATURDAY, MAY 30TH 2009, 1-5P
at KITCHEN CONCEPTS
112 Mt. Tabor Rd 40517
(located in the Pieratt's Shopping Center behind Lee's Famous Recipe off Richmond Rd)
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45 years old, I was a wife, mother of two, ages 6 and 10, and a business owner. My kitchen was as traditional as Main Street USA.
An illness such as cancer can be one of the
most stressful events of a person’s life. The stress of cancer and its
treatment is increased by family, work, and financial concerns, in
addition to everyday stress that was present before the cancer
diagnosis.
Stress has not been shown to cause cancer; however, chronic stress
may weaken the immune system, causing other health problems and
decreasing feelings of well-being.
Thank you Amy, for sharing this photo of you and the hat and scarf you won in December from Care to Knit! I wanted to share it with all the Pink-Link members.
At last, an easy to use, comprehensive organizer to help women deal with the
immense challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. Packed full
of indispensable resources and worksheets including: helpful advice, questions
to ask your medical providers, an appointment calendar, journaling pages, a
glossary of terms, financial resources, and much more. The 3-ring binder has
pockets to store and organize information and fits in most purses, making it
easy to take to doctor your appointments. The author created the organizer based
on her first-hand experience as a cancer survivor and counselor to cancer
patients.
“The use of Internet Cancer Support Groups among Asian Americans Living with Cancer (CASAA)"
December 4, 2008 by Vicki Tashman
“The use of Internet Cancer Support Groups among Asian Americans Living with Cancer (CASAA)" research study is being conducted by the University of Texas at Austin.
Da Capo Lifelong books has generously donated 4 copies of the new book written by Gail Konop Baker entitled, "Cancer is a Bitch, or I'd Rather Be Having a Midlife Crisis." For your chance to win a copy of the book, email Vicki Tashman, Pink-Link Founder with the answer to the following question:
How many women living in the US have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer?
All correct entries will be put in a bowl and the winner drawn at the end of the month. Good luck!
In 2002, Nicole Johnson took
inspiration from courageous women in her life and wrote a piece, Stepping Into the Ring. Since that time, her one-woman drama
portraying the battle for hope over despair in the life of a womanfacing breast cancer, has been used to
encourage thousands of survivors and those who love and support them. She’s
performed the piece for over one million women, including an audience of 40,000
in
Times Square for the opening of the 2006
Revlon Run/Walk.
December 4, 2008 by Janice Baker, M.B.A., R.D., CDE, Registered Dietitian
Salad bars, whether as a
dining out option or a takeout choice at the supermarket can be a great option
for those watching their weight or a calorie laden minefield!Although a great deal of the offerings are
nutrient rich and low calorie fruits and vegetables, it doesn’t take much to
make an otherwise healthy salad contain the caloric and fat equivalent of a
cheeseburger and fries.Let’s review
some pointers to make sure your trips to the salad bar don’t sideline your weight
management progress.
Pink-Link member, Benaz Shidfar, founder of the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, works to empower cancer survivors to heal, and transform their fear and suffering to peace, freedom and joy of living.
For the past five years, through
our nonprofit organization we have continued to do what it takes, to reduce the
pain and suffering of those who have to deal with cancer. What we do is to
visit patients and health care facilities, empathize, give, talk, teach, and
mostly…listen.
I was
diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2005.I opted to have a mastectomyand a temporary implant. After surgery I had
two drain tubes.The drain tubes are
connected to a collection bulb.The
collection bulb comes with asafety pin
so you can pinto your clothing.I had an uncomfortable and awkward experience
with the drain tubes.I never knew what
to do with them.In the shower, I tried
an ace bandage and a terry cloth robe belt. So, I came up with a solution!
Imagine winning this experience of a life time, enjoying the
magnificence of the Caribbean, the Carnival Cruise lines, and meeting
other breast cancer survivors from across the country. The contest is for the Breast Cancer Survivors Cruise
to the Caribbean on April 16th to 20th, 2009.
Sponsored by Amoena and TheBreastCareSite.
What does a golfer need most
to win his/her game? New shoes? The best irons? A great swing? A brand named
golf course? All of the above?
To
execute a perfect swing a golfer must have oxygen-filled muscle groups. This
means lean, pliable, flexible muscle groups especially in the core (abdominal
muscles). This will power muscles for the duration of the game.
Tight muscle groups are as
detrimental to a golfer’s scores as playing with a broken arm.
Well I did it!!I
finished the Ford Ironman Wisconsin on September 7, 2008 with a time of 15
hours and 43 minutes 24 seconds.The day
was grueling but worth all the time, training, and suffering.Let me sum up the day for you.
Cancer survivors join us on Sat, Oct 18th at the Santa Monica Pier for a 2 hour lesson at the Trapeze School. We have spots for 10 survivors. To join us go to www.survivorcelebration.com
If you're in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 19th, you can learn about the BRCA gene mutation from Dr. Richard Frieder, an OB/GYN with offices in Malibu and Santa Monica. Jessica Queller, a Los Angeles-based screenwriter who opted for double mastectomy after finding out she had the gene, will be speaking as well. It will be held at University Synagogue in Brentwood at 10am.
My Name is Anne and my family has been hit hard by cancer. I've had 2
grandparents die of cancer and my father is currently fighting prostate
cancer. Two of my aunts are breast cancer survivors so I decided I want
to give back help find a cure.
I'm hoping to participate in the Susan G Komen 3 Day walk in San Diego,
CA in November. Registered walkers agree to raise a minimum of $2,200
for the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and
the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, in order to walk.
It's a lot to raise, in a short time, but I'm determined.
If I don't make enough for the November walk I will continue to raise
money and participate in the July 2009 walk in Boston.
Special BC Awareness Month pricing on ReForma prosthetic nipples!
September 17, 2008 by Marsha Adams
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, ReForma is
offering a special promotion to introduce the lifelike
ReForma Prosthetic Nipple. Effective September 15th through
October 31st, 2008, the ReForma Prosthetic Nipple, usually
offered at $95 per pair, is being made available at only
$59 per pair.
Hi! My name is Lesa and I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 22,
2007. I have undergone 2 biopsies, 1 mastectomy, several chemos, radiation and
am still doing Herceptin and have started the usual 5 year stint on Tamoxifen.
Breast reconstruction is on the calendar for 2009.
Exercise for Cancer Survivors: Getting Your Life, and Your Body, Back After Treatment
September 7, 2008 by Amanda MacMillan for Health.com
Pink-Link physical trainer, Sami Papacek-Reis, was interviewed by Amanda MacMillan for Health.com. Read the article to learn more about how and why breast cancer survivors need to exercise, before, during and after their treatment.
Carol, from CoolJamaz, contacted me about their fantastic new product to help women curb their night sweats. I bought one of their night shirts, thinking, "How can this help?" But, I was very pleasantly surprised! I have been sleeping through the night ever since! I asked Carol to write a short article about her pajamas for the Pink-Link members. If you'd like to buy one, you can enter a code at checkout and Carol will donate $1 to Pink-Link! Please click below to read what she wrote.
We are continually changing and updating our website. We'd like to get your feedback on how the site works for you and what you'd like to see on our site. Please complete our survey. We'd love to send you a gift for your time, so make sure to complete your mailing information. Thank you!
ReForma: A lifelike nipple prosthetic is finally available!
July 28, 2008 by Marsha Adams
Hi, I'm Marsha Adams, a breast cancer survivor. I've had a mastectomy with breast & nipple reconstruction ... and personally understand the need and desire for the ReForma nipple prosthesis. I wish this product had been available years ago. I wear them, and am thrilled to finally have something that looks and feels so natural and realistic. There is no other nipple on the market that can compare to ReForma!
I want to share this solution with my sister survivors, so I am representing the ReForma product line.
Please join me for the 12th annual Walk for Hope Los Angeles, benefiting the City of Hope. Click here to view the flyer and registration sheet. Be a part of the Pink-Link team and "Walk for Hope!"
The
great nutritional qualities of oats, beans and nuts are just one reason to take
the time to prepare and enjoy this recipe. Even chocolate, in small amounts, provides healthy nutrients –
especially dark chocolate. So here is a
cookie recipe that includes all of these. With a glass of milk (regular or soy), two of these cookies also make a
delicious and filling quick breakfast!
Summertime brings sun, heat, and outdoor activities, but it can present challenging health and lifestyle issues for people living with cancer. That's why it's important to consider the following precautions during the summer months.
When a man, woman or child is diagnosed with cancer, his or her whole family is thrown into turmoil. Suddenly, the patient, parent or guardian needs to make decisions about treatments, deal with insurance and other financial demands, travel in unfamiliar surroundings, and confront the emotional, mental and spiritual consequences of a life-changing diagnosis. And, all too often, they have to do it alone.
I had
always heard bad things came in threes, and the day I found out I had breast
cancer I was sure it was true. It had
certainly become the worst year of my life. After going through a rough divorce and a bad couple of years, I thought
my world had turned around when I met and married Steve. Life was finally going well, and we were planning
an open house at our new home to celebrate our few months old marriage when my
world caved in.
You are invited to share how you make a difference in the world or how
someone has made a difference for your healing quest. We each make a difference,
every single one of us, and each caring act is no less important than any other.
The more we acknowledge how we make a difference, the more we bring awareness
how we each help each other within our communities, within our environment, and
within our world. Awareness is a vital key to moving forward to build a world
without breast cancer. Please feel to submit your own experiences and invite others to submit
their experiences.
Too Tired? The Importance of Sleep for Weight Control and Health
June 4, 2008 by Janice Baker, M.B.A., R.D., CDE
In my nutrition
consultation and therapy practice, one of the first questions I ask all of my
clients is: “how is your sleep?” This
may sound like an odd question coming from a registered dietitian, but more and
more reasons to consider the effects of poor quality or lack of sleep are
popping up all the time!
Cancer certainly changes your life forever. And it also forces you to think
about what you're going to do with your life as a survivor.
My name is
Vanessa Echols. I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer on February 23,
2004. My treatment included six months of chemotherapy, a mastectomy and 30
radiation treatments. And it all played out in public. My career is in
television news. I anchor the morning and noon newscasts at WFTV Channel 9, the
ABC affiliate, and another morning newscast at WRDQ Channel 27, both in Orlando,
Florida.
I am a breast cancer survivor with a compelling story that I want to
share with women who undergo breast augmentation each year. It is my wish to fill the knowledge gap that
exists about breast augmentation and breast cancer diagnosis.
We all know the benefits of exercise for the general population. But when if you are a breast cancer survivor, does it really change things? Absolutely! When you look at the reasons why breast cancer survivors should exercise, it is more difficult to find reasons NOT to. The challenging part is making the time and finding the energy. If the benefits are important enough for you, we can fit exercise into your schedule. It is also important to understand that moderation is the key. Exercising too intensely will cause additional fatigue and not intense enough will not give you the benefits that you are looking for
Breast Cancer Survey for occupational therapy graduate students
March 11, 2008 by Jodi Glover
Greetings fellow pink link members. My name is Jodi Glover, and I am a graduate student in the occupational therapy program at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA. Myself, along with 2 classmates and a faculty advisor have been hard at work since August reviewing literature and developing a survey that explores how womens' roles and daily activities change when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Each of the students in our research group has had an immediate relative who has survived breast cancer, and our faculty advisor is also a breast cancer survivor. It is a topic that is very close to our hearts, and one that is seen quite frequently by practicing occupational therapists.
Seven Pink-Linkers were chosen as winners in the Emerald Dream Ball National Search. They were flown to Las Vegas for a week of pampering and fun, culminating with the fabulous Emerald Dream Ball on New Year's eve. Reporting on their journeys are Pink-Linkers Melissa Ward, Dawn Bradley, Priscilla Diblasi, Georgia Stafford and Flora Melchionna.
Pink-Link is pleased to announce that it has
been chosen as a recipient of a Google Grants award. Tied into the Google
AdWords program, the Google grants award will provide Pink-Link with 3 months
of free AdWords advertising, up to $10,000 per month. "I am so proud of
this award," said Vicki Tashman, founder of Pink-Link. "The service
we provide to our members is online, so our marketing plan is heavy with online
advertising. This grant fits perfectly into our plan for 2008."
January 31, 2008 by Annet King, The International Dermal Institute
February seems like the icy heart
of winter, but here’s the good news: the Vernal Equinox (the official start of
spring) is really only a few weeks away. Now’s the time to prepare skin for
sunnier, warmer days ahead.
January 31, 2008 by Janice Baker, M.B.A., R.D., CDE, Registered Dietitian
Of all of the
gadgets, supplements, potions and secret weight loss formulas, research is
finding that one of the most effective
ways to manage and lose weight is to get a good night’s sleep.
Happy New Year!
As another year begins so do the many possibilities that come with life. For
many of you, the past months brought forward many unknowns. The unknowns of
breast cancer and the future of your health as well as other personal unknowns
that always exist somewhere on the horizon. For many of us this is the time of
the year that we make our New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions typically
consist of things that we are going to do to improve ourselves.
What happens when two renowned plastic surgeons recently
honored by the American Cancer Society as the 2007 Physicians of Distinction,
cross paths with Beth Silverman, a passionate young survivor that dreams of
making a difference in the fight against breast cancer? “Something magical,”
says Beth, the executive director for the newly launched web resource www.BreastReconstruction.org.
A group of women stand on a bare stage in northern New Hampshire, pink
handprints on their t-shirts marking a story where there once was a breast. They
are ordinary women, telling a story of courage and determination that would be
extraordinary, if it weren’t so heartbreakingly common.These women are here
because they had the courage to write about their journey through and beyond
cancer and then perform their words on stage for family and friends, the medical
community, and anyone else that chose to brave the snow and ice of a New
Hampshire winter to join us. I am privileged to be their guide in this process
It is estimated that about one third of the
deaths from cancer can be prevented, as they are related to lifestyle
factors such as diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity. In
addition, about 168,000 cancer deaths this year will be caused by
tobacco use. Stopping smoking is the most important thing a person can
do to lower his or her cancer risk. Although the risk of developing
cancer can be greatly reduced by avoiding risk factors, not all cancers
are preventable.
As a breast cancer survivor I know how this disease not only
changes us, but how it effects everyone close to us. In April 1997, I was
diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer. I was immediately scheduled for
a radical mastectomy followed by five months of chemotherapy. I thought cancer
would bring my husband and I closer together. I had no clue it would change our
relationship for the worse.
It is official, I’m in, Ironman 2008 here I come!! Registration closed in 20 minutes and I was
one of the last ones to get in whew! So
now I’m a little scared, what was I thinking?? What am I thinking? Okay I am
doing this for all of us survivors and I will represent us well. So now as I continue my road to the Ironman I
will update you on the latest in my journey.
As it turns out sugar is not such a “sweet” story after
all. In the United States the yearly sugar consumption, per individual, has
increased over the last two decades from 26 pounds to 135 pounds. Over this same
period cancer rates have also increased. Now one in three people will get cancer
in his or her lifetime. Before the turn of the century (1887-1890), the average
consumption of sugar was only 5 pounds per year and cardiovascular disease and
cancer were relatively unknown. Sugar consumption is not the only factor that is
responsible for such a sharp increase in the number of cancer related deaths,
which hit an astonishing 570,000 per year in 2005. But it does indeed have a
direct correlation to cancer growth and expression, a factor that cannot be
ignored.
I am a 2 year breast cancer survivor and the
chemotherapy left my body highly toxic even though it saved my life!! Four
months ago I started a Nutritional Cleansing program and to date I lost 35
pounds and 43 inches!! By cleansing and nourishing my body with the Isagenix Nutritional
Cleansing & Fat Burning System, I have a new-found energy and
enthusiasm, increased mental clarity and a body in better balance!
November 30, 2007 by Alicia Danforth, Study Coordinator and Recent Survivor
I coordinate a clinical trial for people who have metastatic cancer and anxiety. We are seeking one more volunteer who can participate in two treatment sessions in Los Angeles. This study is the first of it's kind since the 1970's to work with the novel medication, psilocybin, which is one of the ingredients in "magic" mushrooms. As a recent survivor, I have become fluent in "cancerese," so please contact me if you have questions. You can learn more about the inclusion/exclusion criteria by visiting www.canceranxietystudy.org (keyword: Grob)
The Marlborough School in Los
Angeles celebrates Denim Day every year. At the
all-girls school, Denim Day means a student can wear jeans to school by paying
$5. This year, Pink-Link was one of the beneficiaries chosen to receive some of
the funds raised. In response, Pink-Link and FHI Heat donated pink t-shirts to
the first 100 girls to pay their $5.
My name is David Jay. I'm a professional fashion/beauty photographer recently
moved to New
York from Sydney,
Australia. I wanted to share with you a project I've started recently. It
is called The SCAR Project, a series of large scale black and white portraits of
young women surviving beast cancer.
I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Caner
in August of 2005. It is a very rare
form of Breast Cancer. It is the most
aggressive of all Breast Cancers. However, I am happy to report that the prognosis for us has gone up
dramatically within the last few years
If you were like me after Breast Cancer, I was physically
and emotionally drained. I felt like I
had lost my youth. I had lost all my
hair and gained 25 pounds. I was
determined to get my health back and lose the weight I had gained. Here are 5
tips that not only helped get me back on my feet but also helped me change
my life.
October 13, 2007 by Janice Baker, M.B.A., R.D., CDE, Registered Dietitian
If you have decided on your nutrition goals and know what
you are supposed to reach them, congratulations! But how do you keep up with healthy eating
habits in the “real world”? With our
busy lives, here are some tips to help you keep on track.
October 13, 2007 by Catherine Stasio, Dylan Bird and Daniel Tinker
I have to admit; at first I was grateful when
the surgeon performing my double mastectomy put her hand on my shoulder in a
consoling gesture and said, “Don’t worry. I know it feels bad right now, but believe me, one day you’ll forget
about all this.” Truth be told, since hearing
my clinical diagnosis, there have been countless things that I wouldn’t mind
erasing completely from my memory banks.
Whoopzie Daizie Cardz is a unique greeting card company that
is helping fight cancer—one card at a time. It was started by Amy Weaver in
2006 to help fight the disease that both her parents bravely fought. Each year,
Whoopzie Daizie Cardz “Makes Cardz Count” in the fight against cancer by
donating 20% of its annual net income to cancer-related charities and by
recognizing amazing individuals through its Discovering
Grace program.
Our contest in the September emailer was a great success! We received so many responses, but 5 members had the correct answers and were among the first to reply. Please congratulate Leslie Mutuku, Cathy Gaily, Michelle Harcha, Theresa Rasmussen and JC Gaitley. Each winner was sent a copy of the book, " The Pink T's Exercise Handbook," by Sami Papacek-Reis. The following were the questions we asked:
1.True or False-Muscles weighs more than fat.
2. What do you call the small computer that you can
wear to track the amount of steps you take every day?
3.What kind of exercise may help reduce your risk of
recurrence? (two parts)
4.What are some important things that you need to
exercise?
5.Can you still exercise if you have had axilary node
removal? What precautions should you take?
September 9, 2007 by Marilyn Van Houten, RN, MS, CDMS, CCM
My journey into the unknown started in May, 2005. After a long day at work as the owner and consultant of a small case management company in Miami, I attended my water aerobics class and swam some laps. I did this often, not only for the exercise, but to de-stress after a hectic day spent managing 30 case managers and tackling an assortment of duries. To further enhance the day's workout, my water aerobics instructor suggested I do some pull-ups using a started block in the pool. Right by my side, she urged me on despite my protesting body and futile attempts to quit. Needless to say, it was quite a workout.
A new online company was launched last week that combines shopping and
supporting your favorite charity at the same time. With its chic and fun
graphics, and variety of quality products from jewelry to clothing to house
wares, shoppers feel they are in an upscale boutique in the trendiest part of
town. With retailers such as Gap, The Body Shop, Philosophy, Karen Neuburger,
Chantal, Bed Head Pajamas (just to name a few), finding something for yourself
or unique gift for someone else has never been this much fun.
August 5, 2007 by Janice Baker, M.B.A., R.D., CDE, Registered Dietitian
As the weather
warms up, we tend to want to spend less time over a hot stove for our
meals. And many of us are also trying to
lighten up our meals to get in shape for the summer season. Salads are a great way to do both, as well as
fit in generous servings of nutrient packed produce. Here are some tips and a recipe to help get
you started!
Experts now recognize that the health benefits of exercise go far beyond breast cancer recovery. Sami Papacek-Reis recently self-published the Pink T's Exercise
Handbook, a collection of 90 exercises to help breast cancer survivors
create a home fitness recovery program.
Well it’s time for an update on my road to the Iron man and
what an interesting journey it is turning out to be. To begin with I did not know much about
training for one just enough to complete sprint distance triathlons like the
Danskin so I needed to educate myself. I
have read several books now on the how to and how not to train for this event
it’s quite overwhelming actually. There
is so much that goes into it way beyond the actual running, swimming, and
biking, it’s the whole nutrition aspect of it too. So I went online and purchased a training
program to help me along the way or at least get me started but first I needed
the proper equipment….
Six L’s of Caring and Coping- Keep Friends and Family in the Loop
June 30, 2007 by Dave Balch, Founder of The Patient/Partner Project
As caregiver, one of the most
difficult things for me was keeping everyone informed about my wife’s
progress. We would come home from a
grueling day of medical appointments or tests to sometimes find as many as 14
messages on our answering machine from well-meaning people that truly cared,
who wanted to know “How is she feeling?” or “What did the doctor say?” or
“What’s next?”
June 30, 2007 by Annet King, The International Dermal Institute
In spite of two
decades of aggressive public information campaigns about the dangers of
exposing the unprotected skin to the sun, skin cancer incidence continues to
rise in the USA.
Although skin cancers are not restricted to fair-skinned Northern European
types, reported cases continue to climb in the Anglo-Celtic derived populations
of Australia, and even my
native UK, where it rains a
lot (must be all of those holidays in sunny Sardinia and Greece that
Londoners love!).
Five Ways to Live a Love Filled Life after Cancer.
June 6, 2007 by Lianne Avila, MA, MFT
There are more than 10 million cancer survivors
in the
U.S.,
up from a mere 3 million in 1971. As many of you know we don't just live
happily ever after. Only recently has survivorship emerged. This is
the study of what happens when cancer patients live. Their lives are
forever altered physically and emotionally. The following is a list of
suggestions to guide you through your recovery.
Six L’s of Caring and Coping- Look Forward to Something
June 6, 2007 by Dave Balch, Founder of The Patient/Partner Project
During the darkest hours of my
wife’s chemotherapy we received a postcard from a friend who was on vacation in
Tahiti. It depicted a string of
bungalows stretching out across a beautiful blue-green lagoon, all framed by
palm trees. It was dreamy, to say the
least, and couldn’t have been any further from where we were at the moment we
received it, both physically and emotionally.
Planned Giving: Using e-Bay to Pink-Link's Advantage
June 2, 2007 by Vicki Tashman
If it sounds a bit far fetched to use the most popular Internet
auction site to benefit Pink-Link, you'll want to read
on to understand the true potential. Consider
this for starters: eBay has raised $95 million for non-profits
so far.
In November of 2005 I noticed the nipple of my breast was
pink. It appeared to have an open sore
on it and it oozed some light red discharge. I used some over the counter ointment and it turned into a crust. They happened over and over and each time I
used ointment. When I mentioned it to close
friends they told me it was just a rash or something and to “get over it”.
My name is Leslie Biernat and I am a SURVIVOR. In April of 2003 I was diagnosed with Stage
III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at age 33. My tumor was 6.5 cm and I had 1 of 3 lymph nodes positive. No family history, no medical problems, no
risk factors except the fact that I am a woman and 1 out of 7 women will be
diagnosed in their lifetime with this disease. My cancer journey started with 6
rounds of chemotherapy, followed by lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxifen,
mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, and top it off with complete
hysterectomy. I am currently taking Aromasin. Cancer has made me look death in the face and fight, but most
importantly it taught me to live! No one
is guaranteed tomorrow, whether you have cancer or not, we must all live in the
moment and enjoy each precious day that we are given; it is truly a gift from
God.
Skin Markers provide a simple and effective way to help
identify moles, scars and other features that might be confused with suspicious
lesions in mammography. Use of skin
markers in breast imaging aids the communication of these features between the
technologist, who performs your mammogram and the radiologist, who interprets
it. Facilities who have adopted this
system report a reduction in the instances where they need to perform extra
views on a patient or call a patient back for additional imaging.
Women play many important roles
throughout their lives—daughter, mother, and friend—but no relationship is as
unique as the one between two sisters. Sister Study researchers hope the
sisters of women with breast cancer
can play another important role by helping discover how our environment and
genes affect our chances of developing breast cancer.
Everybody wants to have a happy and successful
relationship. We must remember that good relationships don't just happen -
after all, we're not living in a fairy tale. We have to work at it.
Here are 10 important keys for a happy and successful relationship!
You can have safer everyday products in your own home!!!! As a Cancer survivor of 16 years, these products have been a wonderful change in our use of toothpaste to laundry detergent and bathroom cleaner. Do you know what is in your products? check this out...I'm happy to share with you
www.wellyesmom.com
Regular and open communication with your
doctors is important in making informed decisions about your health
care. Consider asking the following questions of your doctors—breast
surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, plastic surgeon, and
fertility specialist—so that you can learn more about your diagnosis,
treatment plan, and possible side effects. These questions should be
viewed as a starting point in communicating with your doctors, rather
than a complete list. (Some questions appear in more than one section
because the order in which patients see specific doctors can differ.)
In 2002, Ellen McVicker, Aurora, Colorado resident
and teacher for over 20 years, wrote a story for her cousin, Nanci Hersh, a New
Jersey resident who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. The story was a gift from Ellen to help Nanci
explain her recently diagnosed cancer to her two young sons. Two years later, Nanci, an award-winning
artist, agreed to illustrate Ellen's words. On
October 1st, 2006, Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings – When someone you love has
cancer … a hopeful, helpful book for kids was released.
The
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
is on a mission: to eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women's
health through innovative research, education and advocacy. Through our research, we are working towards
an unprecedented understanding of where
breast cancer begins—in the breast ducts—and we now have the tools to get
there. The intraductal research holds the potential to expand our knowledge in
way that will truly allow us to end breast cancer. That is why it is the focus
of our research and that of the researchers we fund.
Scott Mactavish, a
filmmaker, author and thirteen-year Hollywood veteran, is pleased to
announce the launch of the Stomp Cancer fundraising campaign. Mactavish’s film SUMMER RUNNING: The Race to Cure Breast Cancer starring Sissy Spacek is now available on DVD exclusively at the Stomp Cancer website, with net proceeds going directly to cancer research.
I was
diagnosed in January, 2007 with a borderline low grade malignant phyllodes
tumor. The tumor measured 7.5 cm in its widest section. It was a
very fast growing, bulky, moveable mass in my left breast. The only
symptom was a rapid increase in breast size, where I went from an A cup in my
left breast, to a B cup. I put off seeing a doctor about it for 3
months, because I was hoping it would just go away, or that it was normal
breast growth. After 3 months however, it started becoming very
painful and very hard, similar to the feeling of a breast
implant gone wrong.
This may sound drastic but
recent studies have shown the rate of Depression has gone up drastically over
the past two decades. The use of
Antidepressant drugs has increased by 800 percent these past two decades and
yet the rate of depression is on the rise. This is a serious matter and if you or a loved one has suffered from Depression,
there is hope.
After a diagnosis of Breast Cancer,
many women have reported symptoms of Depression. For some this may pass but for others the
symptoms may stay and perhaps get worse. A recent scientific study showed a significant decrease in depression in
those that implemented these six simple elements into their lives’.
Protecting your
skin against excess sun exposure is the most important part of reducing your
risk of skin cancer. We also know that
other factors are important in risk reduction, such as avoiding tanning booths,
using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or greater –
reapplied frequently, avoiding smoking and annual skin cancer exams with a
dermatologist who can show you how to do monthly skin examinations at
home.
March 26, 2007 by Dave Balch, Founder of The Patient/Partner Project
Dealing
with cancer is not just about cancer; it’s about life with cancer. It’s about all of the stresses, joys, and
responsibilities you already had in your life in addition to the new
stresses and responsibilities that come with serious illness. It’s easy to get bogged down.
March 26, 2007 by Toni Muirhead, Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage done safely can relieve the physical side effects of
surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Massage, done by
a massage therapist trained in safe practices for patients in treatment
for cancer, can offer a gentle touch to quiet the mind, create a feeling
of calmness, and relieve the muscle tension due to illness and
inactivity.
I would like to introduce our website http://www.DreamsOfPink.com and more specifically, our signature line of “Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye” natural/vegan based lip balms developed in honor of my Grandmother who is a 20+ year survivor as well as in memory of my Mother-In-Law who was a 7 year fighter.
A portion of proceeds are donated to a cancer related chairty. Products are available at wholesale prices with optional custom labels to help you raise money for your own organization.
My
name is Jane Pichette. I live in
Maine,
in a log cabin on forty-five acres. I am almost fifty years
old, have a wonderful, gorgeous husband ten years younger than me, three
kids and five beautiful grandkids. I love yoga, motorcycles, tattoos, lying
on the beach in
Aruba, and gardening.
Here is my story.
I recently returned from the Young Survivor's Conference in
Washington, D.C. This conference is held annually by Living Beyond
Breast Cancer (LBBC) and the Young Survival Coalition. Anyone diagnosed
under the age of 45 and their caregivers were eligible to attend. What
a fantastic conference! The energy in the air was electrifying! Click
to read more about some of the fantastic exhibitors at this conference.
In spite of the
bad rap that potatoes get from some fad diets, potatoes are loaded with
healthful nutrients. Among the
U.S.
population, potatoes make up almost half of the vegetables consumed. Unfortunately, most of those potatoes are
eaten as French fries, which are high in fat, calories and sodium. However, with a few changes, your potato
dishes can contribute to a healthful, tasty and satisfying diet.
Sometimes you ignore your own
dreams because of self-doubt, fear, or external complications. You can think of
many different excuses to brush those dreams aside. But, your world will become
more exciting, and you will begin to live a more passionate and meaningful
life, if you go after your dreams.
March 2, 2007 by Jane Wurwand, Founder and CEO of Dermalogica
One of the most difficult aspects
of living with any illness, whether as a survivor or as someone who loves a
survivor, is the way which illness can divide us. Suddenly, there are those of
us who are ill and those of us who are not. Overnight, this line of distinction
can seem very sharply drawn. And in addition, if we become ill, we also feel
separated from the familiar, including the comfortingly familiar presence of
our own appearance. We look into the mirror and see a stranger.
SurvivorPosters.com creates colorful posters with names and bios
of famous breast cancer survivors, which you can then customize by
adding the name and bio of the breast cancer survivor you know.
Free subscription to the BreastCancerWellness Magazine
February 3, 2007 by Beverly Vote, publisher Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine
The Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine is the only FREE breast cancer
wellness magazine in the country. To receive your free copies,
send your complete mailing address to
freesubscription@breastcancerwellness.org
This journey with breast cancer
has steadily led me to trust myself because I have made conscious choices from
my heart, putting those choices to the test every day. This trust has proven itself in my health,
energy and vibrancy. I am cancer-free
and know I will remain so! These are four lessons that I learned from my breast cancer experience.
January 28, 2007 by Dave Balch, Founder of The Patient/Partner Project
One of
the most important things you can do to cope with the stress of serious illness
is to laugh. I’m not saying that cancer
is funny; it isn’t. You can, however,
find plenty of humor in some of the situations that you find yourself in
because of the cancer. Focus your
attention there, find something to laugh about, and laugh your head off. Here are some examples from our experience.
January 23, 2007 by Janice Baker, M.B.A., R.D., CDE, Registered Dietitian
Most of us look forward to dessert, me included! Desserts, being sweet, creamy, and delicious,
are some of our favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, desserts are usually high in calories and low in
nutrients. The trick is to save the rich
desserts for truly special occasions and to make other desserts a nutritious
part of your diet.
January 7, 2007 by Diane Rockerhousen , SofteeUSA.com
Femininity
is deeply embedded within the nature of all women. Our public persona is shaped by a multitude
of outside influences, absorbed, then processed through our feminine filter to
create who we are. Because women are complex they have the ability to express
how much or how little of their femininity they wish to display. Our femininity
can be challenged in many different ways, but one threat common to all women is
breast cancer.
January 6, 2007 by Dave Balch, Founder of The Patient/Partner Project
When the
breast cancer diagnosis first came down, we both went into shock. The first thing we were sure of was that we
weren’t sure of anything, and that we had no idea what was coming. How serious was it? Will she have to go through
chemotherapy? Will she lose her
breast? How long will all of this take? What’s next?
Is she going to die? In
retrospect, the “not knowing” was the most frightening thing of all, so my
advice as a caregiver is to take charge and learn as much as you can about your
situation; and do it immediately.
5 Tips for Making and Keeping Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
January 6, 2007 by Lianne Avila, MFT
If you are the type of person that has a difficult time
keeping New Year’s resolutions, then this is the article for you! These suggestions can help you make healthy
and attainable New Year’s resolutions this year.
Breast Cancer is
a National problem. More and more women are being diagnosed with Breast
Cancer or know someone that has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It has been over five years since I was
diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I have learned to enjoy the finer things in
life. Here are some helpful tips to get
you through the Holiday Season.
You are not alone … We will
survive Breast Cancer!
My name is Anna, I am a breast
cancer survivor! What I write is straight up and personal and from deep within.
I want to share my experience in the hope that I may make it easier on others
who can relate and that they are not alone!
If you were like me after
Breast Cancer, I was physically and emotionally drained. I felt like I had lost my youth. I had lost all my hair and gained 25
pounds. I was determined to get my
health back and lose the weight I had gained. Here are 5 tips that not only
helped get me back on my feet but also helped me change my life.
Pink-Link Implements Breast Cancer Awareness Program for Teens and their Mothers
March 19, 2006 by Vicki Tashman
On January 20, 2006, Pink-Link implemented their
newest program for High School aged teenagers and their mothers. “Take Control of your Health” is a
breast cancer awareness event aimed at educating teen girls and their mothers
about the various risk factors of breast cancer as well as overall health. The
women and girls were also taught how to do a breast self-exam.
The Pink-Link story as published in the Delta Gamma Sorority e-newsletter October 2005
December 8, 2005 by Vicki Channing Tashman
When I pledged Delta Gamma (Phi chapter) in 1977, I never thought that at age 44, I would get breast cancer! I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in February 2004, had my lumpectomy that March, stomached my chemotherapy, tackled my radiation and was cancer free by the beginning of December.
Pink-Link hosted its Hot Hollywood Tea Party at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Breast cancer survivors and supporters alike attended the event. Close to $10,000 was raised, all of which will go towards the organization's outreach program focused on providing support to women with breast cancer worldwide. 
We had a fabulous fundraiser with fabulous raffle prizes. We held a "selective" raffle which means that in front of each prize, there was a bowl and a description of the prize. If an attendee bought 5 tickets, she could put all 5 tickets in the bowl representing the prize she wanted most. Or she could spread them around. With this type of raffle, our winners received something they really wanted! 
Fibers.com is an innovative website that gives site users the opportunity to design and order customized products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and a variety of other clothing items. Our powerful yet simple tools allow anyone to create a truly uni
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My niece, Samantha (pictured here with my sister) will be having a Bat Mitzvah in June. In order to complete her obligations as a Bat Mitzvah, she must do a good deed, or "mitzvah." She's chosen to organize, plan and run a fundraiser for Pink-Link! 
In "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life," French-born psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. David Servan-Schreiber discusses his fifteen-year battle with brain cancer. Although conventional treatments worked initially, the cancer recurred. Fortunately, he has been cancer-free for the past seven years, and he attributes his success to an anti-cancer regimen that, he asserts, boosts the body's natural defenses. Dr. Servan-Schreiber does NOT encourage cancer patients to reject their doctors' advice concerning surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. However, he does believe that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by making changes in one's diet, level of physical activity, psychological attitude, and environment. 
The study I'm conducting is for my senior research thesis and is looking at the effect of yoga on the immune system of breast cancer patients. I am currently recruiting patients on a rolling basis for both the YOGA and NON-YOGA groups. I ask that patients in the yoga group participate in yoga at least two times a week. They can participate at home or at a yoga studio. If in the YOGA group, I will find FREE yoga near the patient's home. Patients in the NON-YOGA group will simply have to answer survey questions bi-weekly over the phone or via e-mail about their health and cold symptoms (approx. 5 minute survey.) Those in the yoga group will be asked the same questions. The study lasts a total of four months once the patient starts. Patients must have received chemotherapy within the last 2 years or are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Have you recently been diagnosed with early stage, hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer? Are you struggling to make treatment choices? Then you may be interested to know that each woman's tumor has its own unique biological make-up, and that not all women benefit equally from the same type of breast cancer treatment. If you are a woman with this type of cancer, the Oncotype 
For decades, many doctors have warned that lifting weights or heavy groceries may cause the onset of arm swelling in women at risk for lymphedema, such as those recovering from breast cancer surgeries including lymph node removal. Common medical advice has included avoiding the use of the "at risk" arm to lift toddlers, garden, lift weights or scrub floors. Thousands of women have been afraid to get back to their usual activities following these surgeries because of this type of advice that lacks medical evidence. Individualized exercise programs have been an integral part of therapeutic rehabilitation for breast-cancer treatment recovery and lymphedema for years, but support of this clinical knowledge in the literature has been difficult to find. We are pleased to report on 2 recent studies that help to support the participation of supervised gradually progressive exercise programs. 
Many women diagnosed with Breast Cancer undergo adjuvant chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. With today's medical advancements however, a number of questions have arisen: do some of these women need chemotherapy at all? Do all women receive the same protective benefits from chemotherapy? And, once the decision to have chemotherapy has been made, what are the best and most highly effective regimens? 
I went to my first San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December, 2009. What a fantastic experience it was. I renewed friendships with some other breast cancer advocates as well as met a lot of new and passionate people, dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. 
Let me start by saying that I was 44 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer by a mammogram. My tumor was not palpable (you couldn't feel it) and it was aggressive. I was lucky. The cancer was caught very early and had not spread to the lymph nodes. I was stage 1.
The 2010 Breast Impressions Survivor Wall Calendar is now on sale at 
In our physical therapy practice we have observed patients experiencing Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS). These are women who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), who are experiencing post operative pain and limited range of motion associated with a palpable web of tissue extending from the affected axilla into the ipisilateral arm.
Unfortunately many breast cancer patients don't have the opportunity to participate in physical therapy and consequently miss out on the many benefits of gentle exercise. But now these patients have access to a simple, affordable home exercise kit specifically designed to regain and maintain upper body conditioning. The RangeMaster Shoulder and Breast Kit from Therapeutic Dimensions includes therapist designed exercise
A Living Memory
Kathy McEvoy is the founder of Celebrate in Pink, LLC
You are invited to participate in Scrap'n Support 2009, to be held on October 10th at Remember When Scrapbooking Store in Valencia, CA. This is a Scrapbook Royalty Affiliate Event. 
Kelly Henderson, mother of two and founder and owner of 
An illness such as cancer can be one of the
most stressful events of a person’s life. The stress of cancer and its
treatment is increased by family, work, and financial concerns, in
addition to everyday stress that was present before the cancer
diagnosis.
Thank you Amy, for sharing this photo of you and the hat and scarf you won in December from Care to Knit! I wanted to share it with all the Pink-Link members. 
At last, an easy to use, comprehensive organizer to help women deal with the
immense challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. Packed full
of indispensable resources and worksheets including: helpful advice, questions
to ask your medical providers, an appointment calendar, journaling pages, a
glossary of terms, financial resources, and much more. The 3-ring binder has
pockets to store and organize information and fits in most purses, making it
easy to take to doctor your appointments. The author created the organizer based
on her first-hand experience as a cancer survivor and counselor to cancer
patients.
In 2002, Nicole Johnson took
inspiration from courageous women in her life and wrote a piece, Stepping Into the Ring. Since that time, her one-woman drama
portraying the battle for hope over despair in the life of a woman facing breast cancer, has been used to
encourage thousands of survivors and those who love and support them. She’s
performed the piece for over one million women, including an audience of 40,000
in
Salad bars, whether as a
dining out option or a takeout choice at the supermarket can be a great option
for those watching their weight or a calorie laden minefield!
Pink-Link member, Benaz Shidfar, founder of the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, works to empower cancer survivors to heal, and transform their fear and suffering to peace, freedom and joy of living. 
I was
diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2005.
Imagine winning this experience of a life time, enjoying the
magnificence of the Caribbean, the Carnival Cruise lines, and meeting
other breast cancer survivors from across the country. The contest is for the Breast Cancer Survivors Cruise
to the Caribbean on April 16th to 20th, 2009.
Sponsored by Amoena and TheBreastCareSite. 
What does a golfer need most
to win his/her game? New shoes? The best irons? A great swing? A brand named
golf course? All of the above?
Well I did it!!
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Apollo!
If you're in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 19th, you can learn about the BRCA gene mutation from Dr. Richard Frieder, an OB/GYN with offices in Malibu and Santa Monica. Jessica Queller, a Los Angeles-based screenwriter who opted for double mastectomy after finding out she had the gene, will be speaking as well. It will be held at University Synagogue in Brentwood at 10am.
Hi! My name is Lesa and I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 22,
2007. I have undergone 2 biopsies, 1 mastectomy, several chemos, radiation and
am still doing Herceptin and have started the usual 5 year stint on Tamoxifen.
Breast reconstruction is on the calendar for 2009. 
Pink-Link physical trainer, Sami Papacek-Reis, was interviewed by Amanda MacMillan for Health.com. Read the article to learn more about how and why breast cancer survivors need to exercise, before, during and after their treatment.
Carol, from CoolJamaz, contacted me about their fantastic new product to help women curb their night sweats. I bought one of their night shirts, thinking, "How can this help?" But, I was very pleasantly surprised! I have been sleeping through the night ever since! I asked Carol to write a short article about her pajamas for the Pink-Link members. If you'd like to buy one, you can enter a code at checkout and Carol will donate $1 to Pink-Link! Please click below to read what she wrote.
When a man, woman or child is diagnosed with cancer, his or her whole family is thrown into turmoil. Suddenly, the patient, parent or guardian needs to make decisions about treatments, deal with insurance and other financial demands, travel in unfamiliar surroundings, and confront the emotional, mental and spiritual consequences of a life-changing diagnosis. And, all too often, they have to do it alone.
You are invited to share how you make a difference in the world or how
someone has made a difference for your healing quest. We each make a difference,
every single one of us, and each caring act is no less important than any other.
The more we acknowledge how we make a difference, the more we bring awareness
how we each help each other within our communities, within our environment, and
within our world. Awareness is a vital key to moving forward to build a world
without breast cancer. Please feel to submit your own experiences and invite others to submit
their experiences. 
In my nutrition
consultation and therapy practice, one of the first questions I ask all of my
clients is: “how is your sleep?” This
may sound like an odd question coming from a registered dietitian, but more and
more reasons to consider the effects of poor quality or lack of sleep are
popping up all the time!
Cancer certainly changes your life forever. And it also forces you to think
about what you're going to do with your life as a survivor.
I am a breast cancer survivor with a compelling story that I want to
share with women who undergo breast augmentation each year. It is my wish to fill the knowledge gap that
exists about breast augmentation and breast cancer diagnosis.
Seven Pink-Linkers were chosen as winners in the Emerald Dream Ball National Search. They were flown to Las Vegas for a week of pampering and fun, culminating with the fabulous Emerald Dream Ball on New Year's eve. Reporting on their journeys are Pink-Linkers Melissa Ward, Dawn Bradley, Priscilla Diblasi, Georgia Stafford and Flora Melchionna.
Of all of the
gadgets, supplements, potions and secret weight loss formulas, research is
finding that one of the most effective
ways to manage and lose weight is to get a good night’s sleep. 
As a breast cancer survivor I know how this disease not only
changes us, but how it effects everyone close to us. In April 1997, I was
diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer. I was immediately scheduled for
a radical mastectomy followed by five months of chemotherapy. I thought cancer
would bring my husband and I closer together. I had no clue it would change our
relationship for the worse. 
As it turns out sugar is not such a “sweet” story after
all. In the United States the yearly sugar consumption, per individual, has
increased over the last two decades from 26 pounds to 135 pounds. Over this same
period cancer rates have also increased. Now one in three people will get cancer
in his or her lifetime. Before the turn of the century (1887-1890), the average
consumption of sugar was only 5 pounds per year and cardiovascular disease and
cancer were relatively unknown. Sugar consumption is not the only factor that is
responsible for such a sharp increase in the number of cancer related deaths,
which hit an astonishing 570,000 per year in 2005. But it does indeed have a
direct correlation to cancer growth and expression, a factor that cannot be
ignored.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working on a study to learn
more about how women talk about cancer with their spouses/partners. 
The Marlborough School in Los
Angeles celebrates Denim Day every year. At the
all-girls school, Denim Day means a student can wear jeans to school by paying
$5. This year, Pink-Link was one of the beneficiaries chosen to receive some of
the funds raised. In response, Pink-Link and FHI Heat donated pink t-shirts to
the first 100 girls to pay their $5. 
I have to admit; at first I was grateful when
the surgeon performing my double mastectomy put her hand on my shoulder in a
consoling gesture and said, “Don’t worry. I know it feels bad right now, but believe me, one day you’ll forget
about all this.” Truth be told, since hearing
my clinical diagnosis, there have been countless things that I wouldn’t mind
erasing completely from my memory banks. 
Our contest in the September emailer was a great success! We received so many responses, but 5 members had the correct answers and were among the first to reply. Please congratulate Leslie Mutuku, Cathy Gaily, Michelle Harcha, Theresa Rasmussen and JC Gaitley. Each winner was sent a copy of the book, " The Pink T's Exercise Handbook," by Sami Papacek-Reis. The following were the questions we asked:
As caregiver, one of the most
difficult things for me was keeping everyone informed about my wife’s
progress. We would come home from a
grueling day of medical appointments or tests to sometimes find as many as 14
messages on our answering machine from well-meaning people that truly cared,
who wanted to know “How is she feeling?” or “What did the doctor say?” or
“What’s next?”
In spite of two
decades of aggressive public information campaigns about the dangers of
exposing the unprotected skin to the sun, skin cancer incidence continues to
rise in the USA.
Although skin cancers are not restricted to fair-skinned Northern European
types, reported cases continue to climb in the Anglo-Celtic derived populations
of Australia, and even my
native UK, where it rains a
lot (must be all of those holidays in sunny Sardinia and Greece that
Londoners love!). 
If it sounds a bit far fetched to use the most popular Internet
auction site to benefit Pink-Link, you'll want to read
on to understand the true potential. Consider
this for starters: eBay has raised $95 million for non-profits
so far.