Anecdotes, Antidotes, and Anodes

Breast Cancer Awareness The Last and Final Post Part 25

On the first day of October, I decided to try and post something every day about my experience with Breast Cancer to bring awareness to the importance of early detection, whether by having mammograms or self-exams.

Thanks to everyone who has either commented, e-mailed, texted, or called me. I loved hearing from you. 

I had cancer. 

Cancer did not have me.

Embracing uncertainty can be very liberating and accepting it allows you to live life every day.

No matter how difficult getting through that day might be.

Over a five-year period, I lost both my parents to suicide, went through a divorce, and battled cancer.

Life was not easy.

 I chose to squeeze every ounce of life out of every minute I had left and made the most of it ---I approach every single day that way now.

It takes a whole lot of humor, grit, determination, and love. 

I'm so thankful for the gift of life. 

 

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Memes Part 24

The day-to-day life of someone living with Breast Cancer can be stressful, scary and painful. There were many tough moments, and sometimes the last thing I felt like doing was laughing. I was fighting for my life — what’s funny about that ? ! But it’s also true that in difficult times, finding ways to laugh at the bizarre, frustrating, ridiculous situations you find yourself in can also help you feel just a little bit lighter, even if only for a minute. People who haven’t experienced cancer might not quite understand this type of so-called “gallows humor,” but that’s okay. 

We all know that Breast Cancer is no laughing matter. It can be difficult to cope with both the physical symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation along with the associated feelings of loss. But a wise woman once said, "I lost my boobs, not my sense of humor." Laughter is medicine. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (for those of you who missed it, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month), here are some Breast Cancer Memes.

What is a meme? A meme is a humorous image, video or text that is rapidly spread and shared on the Internet.

Disclaimer: If laughter isn't your medicine of choice, these memes may not be your cup of tea. We all cope in different ways with adversity; what is helpful to some may be the opposite to another.

Without further ado, here's a Baker's Dozen of Breast Cancer Memes:

 

 

 

 

And then, on a serious note, there's this: 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness - Just For the Fun of It - Part 23

 

This was one of my resource books that helped provide me with a cancer plan.

The following was taken from the 'memories, musings, and messages' section. 

These quotes were taken from actual medical records dictated by physicians.

They appeared in a column written by Richard Lederer Ph.D., for the Journal of Court Reporting. 

• By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart had stopped and he was feeling better. 
• Patient has chest pains if she lies on her side for over a year.
• On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it had completely disappeared.
• She has had no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
• The patient has been depressed ever since she started seeing me in 1983.
• Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
• The patient will need disposition, and therefore we will get Dr. Blank to dispose of him.
• Healthy-appearing decrepit 69 -year old man, mentally alert but forgetful.
• The patient refused an autopsy.
• The patient has no past history of suicides.
• The patient expired on the floor uneventfully.
• Patient had left his white blood cells at another hospital.
• Patient was becoming more demented with urinary frequency.
• The patient's past medical history has been uneventful except for a 40 pound weight gain in the last three days.
• She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate directions in early December.
• The patient left the hospital feeling much better except for her original complaints. 

Breast Cancer Awareness: Support Group Part 22

 

The above photos show both Leigh Anne and Brooke supporting their local cancer walks in my honor. 

My support group was comprised of many people . . . aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, students, their parents, friends, doctors, nurses, and even strangers who became friends. 

But, the two people who were my staunchest supporters were my two daughters.

Leigh Anne was a senior in high school, and Brooke was in middle school.

They each had their own support groups. 

My promise was to always tell them the truth no matter how scary the prognosis might be. I didn't want them to worry unnecessarily about things that their imaginations might conjure up. 

Their determination and spirit kept me going.

Both continued to do well in school. They were straight A students. 

Both were involved in sports . . . Leigh Anne with tennis . . . Brooke with softball. 

Leigh Anne had an after-school job.  Brooke made almost every trip to Tulsa with me for my 45 radiation treatments. 

They both helped with household chores and always offered to help with anything I couldn't do. 

When Leigh Anne would leave the house, she would let me know where she was going. Anytime those plans changed, she would call to let me know. I never worried about where she was or who she was with.

When Brooke would leave for a softball game, she always came into the bedroom, crawled onto the bed, and kissed my bald head for good luck.

We walked that walk together. 

They were the backbone of my support system. 

My girls were my rock.  

My girls are still my rock.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Walk For Life Part 21

Several years ago AnodeMan and I participated in Grand Junction's Walk for Life: 

The participants began by walking under this arch of balloons and bows. 
You can tell by those streamers, it was a breezy morning.

 

The walk was to raise money for women who can not afford to pay for mammograms.

 

Hundreds and hundreds of people showed up on this beautiful Colorado morning.
You know the kind of morning.  
The kind where the air is so fresh that it feels like ice cubes have lodged themselves in both nostrils when you inhale.  
The kind where the sun is just warm enough to counteract a chilly breeze. 
The kind that makes you thankful you're alive.

The walkers came in all shapes, sizes, ages, and pedigrees. 
Yes, there were many of the canine variety on the walk.

 

The walk winded its way along the Colorado River.

You know that old saying, "Take time to stop and smell the roses?"
Well, this was a day to take time and enjoy the view of the Colorado National Monument.

And then do a one-eighty to enjoy the view of  The Grand Mesa, Mt. Garfield, and The Bookcliffs in the opposite direction.

Isn't there some quote about "going the wrong way on a one-way,"  or "swimming upstream," or which way did they go?" . . . or something ?

 

The journey through Breast Cancer does not have to be a lonely one.

If you or someone you know is on this journey, there are many support systems out there to help. 

One of these is the American Cancer Society.

You can contact them anytime, day or night, for information and support.

Their number is:  1.800.ACS.2345

Their website is:  www.cancer.org  HERE'S  THE LINK

 

Think Pink . . . Early Detection Saves Lives . . . I'm living proof !

 

This photo was taken in 2011 . . . the year that marked my TWENTIETH year to be cancer-free. 

I was 39 years old when I was diagnosed.

BCA: Aunt Jan Currently Kicking Cancer's Behind Part 20

Who wears that bald head best ? Aunt Jan or Rick?

My vote goes to Aunt Jan. She's pictured here with her son-in-law, Rick, who did the honors of shaving her head. 

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, that person's entire family receives the same diagnosis.  It's a group effort to push and pull that loved one through this detour in life. The road is bumpy and difficult. There are many potholes along the way. 

Several weeks ago my Aunt Jan was diagnosed with Stage 1 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She has already completed two rounds of chemotherapy. As you can tell by the smile on her face, she is fighting this battle with a positive attitude. 

I just have to brag on her and share a little bit of her story . . . It is written to inspire on several different levels. 

Twenty-three years ago, at the age of fifty-eight, she graduated with honors from Oklahoma University with a degree in Liberal Studies and a Teaching Certificate in  Social Studies.  She was awarded several scholarships. Her grade point average was 4.0 !  

She worked at Hugo Public School Adult Education and Fayetteville Public School Adult Education. She has taught HUNDREDS of people to read !  HUNDREDS of adults. During her teaching career, she had more than 1,200 of her students get their high school diploma !

Have you ever taught someone to read? It's not that easy. But, she spent years making sure that every adult who crossed her path in those classes left with the ability to read. She taught young ones to read, too. 

Just for fun, the two photos above are of her as a young girl. 

L-R: Grandmama Wheeler and her four girls in order oldest to youngest...
Bertha Lee (my mom)
Lou Jean
Barbara
Jan

L-R: Grandmama, Lou Jean, Barbara, Jan, Bertha Lee

 

OKAY. This is by far my favorite. Please notice the hair and vote !

Who has the tallest beehive?

L-R: Bertha Lee, Barbara, Jan, Lou Jean

(This blog posted with Aunt Jan's permission.)

 

BCA: Laughter the Best Medicine-Mammogram Exercises Part 19

 

Mammograms are nothing to fear. . . There is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week, preceding the exam and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test, and best of all, you can do these simple exercises right at home.

 

Keep in mind that laughing was one of the things that helped me through my ordeal. Hopefully, you'll not be offended by this, but instead see the humor. So, if you're easily offended, stop reading right now. 

 

EXERCISE 1: Open your refrigerator door, and insert one breast between the door and the inside of the refrigerator. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut as hard as possible and lean on the door with lots of pressure for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds. Repeat in case the first time wasn't effective. Insert the other breast and repeat these instructions.

 

EXERCISE 2: Visit your garage at 3:00 a.m. when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off all your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor sideways with one breast positioned under the garage door. Press the the garage door opener allowing the door to sufficiently flatten and chill your breast. Repeat for the other breast. 

 

EXERCISE 3: Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Have the stranger press the bookends against either side of one of your breasts and smash the bookends together as hard as she can. Repeat for the other breast. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year to do it again.

 

You are now properly prepared !

 

Seriously, if it's time for a mammogram, run, don't walk, to your phone to schedule an appointment. It may be the most important phone call you have ever made. I am living proof.

 

REMEMBER: Mammograms do NOT hurt. They may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but that's it,

 

Below are links with all kinds of information that might be helpful:

Breast Cancer Health Guide

Breast Cancer.org

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast360

 If one person's life is saved because of the information read here, this has been worth every single minute of writing these posts. 

P.S. Men can be victims of breast cancer, too. Our daughter-in-law's father was a breast cancer survivor. It is important for everyone to do self-exams. If you notice a "bump," "lump," or any change in your breast, please see your doctor.

I know this was a greeting card, and if I knew what company printed it, I would give them credit. But, someone copied it and send it to me, so if copyright laws have been violated, I'll give you the name of the person who sent me this picture. Go after that person. I know nothing. 

Having a sense of humor was not easy during my breast cancer days. But, laughing was the only way to survive.

For those of us who have had mammograms, we know it doesn't hurt. It might be a little uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it is not painful.

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness: Laughter the Best Medicine Part 18

. . . 

What you see above depends on your perception. 

Eustress for one person is distress for another person. 

Science is beginning to understand how the brain and emotions can play an important role in preventing and fighting disease. Laughter may be one of the best defenses. One of the biggest emotional issues of a cancer patient is the loss of control. Seeing humor in events by changing one's perception can give a sense of controlling a situation. Laughter is a 'medicine' that can actually lower stress hormones and strengthen the immune system. 

Increased levels of stress hormones are produced by the body in response to stress. These hormones are corticotropin, cortisol, catecholamines, beta-endorphin, growth hormone, and prolactin. The increased levels of these hormones is associated with distress, a release of stress hormones into the bloodstream. Stress hormones can suppress the immune system. The immunes system can be enhanced with laughter. 

 

Just take the next three minutes and laugh . . . well, at least maybe smile while you watch the video below:

So, when you read the words on the first image, what did you see:

Opportunity is no where OR Opportunity is now here ?

BCA: Man-o-gram Part 17

A  little levity for today . . . 

 

One of the many things I learned during my surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation was that laughter is necessary.

This may offend some of you.  Sorry.  Just close your eyes.

But, others may see the humor it in.

As for me, I'm giggling.

**************

But, on a serious note, Breast Cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer and can spread to other areas.

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. 

Here is more information about BREAST CANCER in MEN. 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness: What Cancer Cannot Do Part 16

What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited . . .
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy Peace
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

Author Unknown
(If you know who wrote this, please let me know.)