The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young women, health professionals, researchers, advocates and legislators about breast cancer in women under the age of 40. It was founded in 1998 by three young breast cancer survivors who found it difficult to deal with the disease because of a lack of any resources directed toward young women. The challenges faced by women under 40 are very different than in older women. Young women must face the very real possibility of infertility, job and income loss, early menopause, depression, self image issues and higher mortality rates.
Each year, YSC holds its annual conference for young women affected by breast cancer. This year, the conference will take place in Orlando and offers a wide array of topics on everything from diet and nutrition to end of life planning. The topics cover every area of breast cancer and offers support and education to those in need.
When I was first diagnosed in March, I thought "I need a conference like YSC now". I had so many immediate questions and needs. I reached out to women on the site and started to connect with others who traveled the same road I was on. I met a lot of different women through the bulletin board. Most of the women I connected with were diagnosed around the same time and went through chemo this past summer. We emailed frequently and kept each other updated on our progress and side effects.
One of the women I met on the boards is named Karen. She was an absolute angel to me when I was going through chemo. Diagnosed around the same time, she went through a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and an Oomph. Just recently she had her exchange surgery. So her year was even more difficult than mine. She also lost her job while going through treatment, while raising three children. Through out my ordeal, Karen sent me cards and gifts to cheer me up. She didn't have to do this - she didn't know me at all. On those days when I could barely lift my head off the pillow, I would get a card from Karen and it perked me right up. She also was a major sounding board for me - she felt exactly the way I did, mentally and physically. We both experienced depression, fatigue and disbelief in how life could change so quickly. No matter how badly I felt...Karen was there.
On Monday, I found out that I qualified for a travel grant to the YSC conference in Orlando. That means that I will have my conference registration fee paid for by YSC. Not only am I excited that the fee was waived, but it now makes it so much easier for me to 'get' there financially. But the best part of all is that I will finally get to meet Karen. I was afraid that she would drift off into post-cancer land and I would not ever get to meet her. But I will and that really makes me smile.
So in another month, I will meet all my YSC 'sisters' for the first time. I am looking forward to the education I will receive at the conference and hope to use the information as power in my recovery. But most of all, I am looking forward to connecting with other women just like me. It definitely what I need right now at this point in my recovery.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Parabens
As many of you know, when I was diagnosed last March, I went on a crusade to rid my body, house and life of anything toxic. I did quite a bit of reading and research on what environmental factors are known to cause breast cancer. There is so much conflicting information out there and it became difficult to know what was based upon valid research and what was conjured up from myth.
The jury is still out on a lot of things that may cause breast cancer. The money we donate to Susan G. Koman, Avon and the American Cancer Society is used, in part, to fund research to determine what causes healthy cells to mutate into cancer cells. One of those potential causes is Parabens. The wikipedia page on parabens describes them as "class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries". So basically, they are in everything - chapstick, shampoo, soaps, cosmetics, plastics, etc. Parabens are used so widely because they are cheap and preserve the formulas they are added to, like cosmetics and shampoos.
The use of parabens gained interest in the breast cancer community when researchers found that a small number of tumor samples (20 total) contained trace amounts of paraben. Additional research also found that paraben can mimic estrogen in the body. For my breast cancer experts reading this blog, you all know that estrogen is a major 'fuel' for some breast cancers. The finding of paraben in these tumors, along with the estrogen factor, caused many to conclude that parabens could cause, or contribute, to breast cancer. A pretty big scientific leap, huh? Although there could be a strong correlation between women who use underarm deodorant (which has paraben in it) with a rise in breast cancer in young women, there isn't enough research and scientific evidence to say that parabens may be a contributing factor to estrogen receptive breast cancer. More long term research is needed and more tumor samples need to be studied.
Although the research is still out on this, it doesn't mean we should completely ignore the small study that found parabens in those 20 tumors. If anything, that study should be fueling many more studies to determine what we are doing, environmentally, to cause an increase in certain types of cancers. Should we avoid parabens whenever possible? Probably. Is that easy to do? Not at all.
Now that I am done with treatment and am moving into the 'new' normal, I am trying to find ways to make small changes that may decrease my risk of ever developing breast cancer again. Part of these changes are evaluating what's in my house. I did some looking around and a lot of googling of ingredients on packages. The results were shocking. I spent an hour the other night reading labels on everything in my shower. EVERY SINGLE ITEM CONTAINED PARABENS. My shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, soap, sugar scrub and face wash all have parabens in them. I have on organic item in my shower (Avalon Conditioner) which is paraben-free. Then I expanded to my bathroom. ALMOST EVERY ITEM I PUT ON MY SKIN, IN MY MOUTH AND IN MY EYES CONTAINS PARABENS. With the exception of the Burt Bees body scream and chapstick - those were the only two items that are paraben-free in my bathroom. I was completely shocked.
Now, for me to throw out all of these items and start over again with only organic products, would probably bankrupt the Craige household. I use a lot of creams, lotions, make-up, etc! I am all about smelling good and having soft skin! Since my diagnosis, I have rotated some older items out of my regime and replaced them with organics. But the majority of things I put on my skin are still loaded with Parabens.
After reading all of these labels, I jumped on the Internet and found the following website:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
This site ranks almost every type of cosmetic product on a scale of 0 - 10 regarding its level of safety to you and the environment. 0 is the best ranking, 10 is the worst. I was pretty shocked to see how a few of my every day products were ranked. The Bath and Body Works cream I use on a daily basis was ranked as a "7". When I read the ingredients, it showed that three of them caused cancer in animal studies: TRIETHANOLAMINE, PROPYLPARABEN and METHYLPARABEN. Does that mean that they cause cancer in humans? I don't know. Do I want to take my chances? Probably not.
Did I throw away this cream? Not yet. When I run out, I will probably not replace it with the same cream. I love how it smells, but I'm not sure I want to jeopardize my health to smell good.
A big help to me was a listing of paraben free product lines on the Young Survival Coalition Message Board. I've listed a few of the good ones I've invested in so far:
Crabtree & Evelyn Body Wash, Body Lotion and Hand Lotion
Burts Bees - this whole line is paraben-free
Tom's of Maine Deodorant - one caveat is it is not an anti-perspirant, so you will sweat using it
Origins - their creams and cosmetics have been re-engineered to be free of parabens, phthalates and other chemicals
Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss
Listerine Mouthwash
Avalon Organics Shampoo and Conditioner
Bare Essentials eye shadow, liner, foundation, mascara, and mineral veil
Aveda - their entire line of creams, shampoos and conditioners are paraben-free
Also, Sephora has a line of products that are all natural and paraben-free. If you visit their websites (www.sephora.com), the top toolbar has a drop down for "Natural" items.
After you read this entry, go and take a look at what's in your shower and medicine cabinet. Take an inventory of what you are willing to part with and what you absolutely cannot replace. Then make some informed decisions and change just a few items in your routine. I think you will be happy you did and your body will thank you.
The jury is still out on a lot of things that may cause breast cancer. The money we donate to Susan G. Koman, Avon and the American Cancer Society is used, in part, to fund research to determine what causes healthy cells to mutate into cancer cells. One of those potential causes is Parabens. The wikipedia page on parabens describes them as "class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries". So basically, they are in everything - chapstick, shampoo, soaps, cosmetics, plastics, etc. Parabens are used so widely because they are cheap and preserve the formulas they are added to, like cosmetics and shampoos.
The use of parabens gained interest in the breast cancer community when researchers found that a small number of tumor samples (20 total) contained trace amounts of paraben. Additional research also found that paraben can mimic estrogen in the body. For my breast cancer experts reading this blog, you all know that estrogen is a major 'fuel' for some breast cancers. The finding of paraben in these tumors, along with the estrogen factor, caused many to conclude that parabens could cause, or contribute, to breast cancer. A pretty big scientific leap, huh? Although there could be a strong correlation between women who use underarm deodorant (which has paraben in it) with a rise in breast cancer in young women, there isn't enough research and scientific evidence to say that parabens may be a contributing factor to estrogen receptive breast cancer. More long term research is needed and more tumor samples need to be studied.
Although the research is still out on this, it doesn't mean we should completely ignore the small study that found parabens in those 20 tumors. If anything, that study should be fueling many more studies to determine what we are doing, environmentally, to cause an increase in certain types of cancers. Should we avoid parabens whenever possible? Probably. Is that easy to do? Not at all.
Now that I am done with treatment and am moving into the 'new' normal, I am trying to find ways to make small changes that may decrease my risk of ever developing breast cancer again. Part of these changes are evaluating what's in my house. I did some looking around and a lot of googling of ingredients on packages. The results were shocking. I spent an hour the other night reading labels on everything in my shower. EVERY SINGLE ITEM CONTAINED PARABENS. My shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, soap, sugar scrub and face wash all have parabens in them. I have on organic item in my shower (Avalon Conditioner) which is paraben-free. Then I expanded to my bathroom. ALMOST EVERY ITEM I PUT ON MY SKIN, IN MY MOUTH AND IN MY EYES CONTAINS PARABENS. With the exception of the Burt Bees body scream and chapstick - those were the only two items that are paraben-free in my bathroom. I was completely shocked.
Now, for me to throw out all of these items and start over again with only organic products, would probably bankrupt the Craige household. I use a lot of creams, lotions, make-up, etc! I am all about smelling good and having soft skin! Since my diagnosis, I have rotated some older items out of my regime and replaced them with organics. But the majority of things I put on my skin are still loaded with Parabens.
After reading all of these labels, I jumped on the Internet and found the following website:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
This site ranks almost every type of cosmetic product on a scale of 0 - 10 regarding its level of safety to you and the environment. 0 is the best ranking, 10 is the worst. I was pretty shocked to see how a few of my every day products were ranked. The Bath and Body Works cream I use on a daily basis was ranked as a "7". When I read the ingredients, it showed that three of them caused cancer in animal studies: TRIETHANOLAMINE, PROPYLPARABEN and METHYLPARABEN. Does that mean that they cause cancer in humans? I don't know. Do I want to take my chances? Probably not.
Did I throw away this cream? Not yet. When I run out, I will probably not replace it with the same cream. I love how it smells, but I'm not sure I want to jeopardize my health to smell good.
A big help to me was a listing of paraben free product lines on the Young Survival Coalition Message Board. I've listed a few of the good ones I've invested in so far:
Crabtree & Evelyn Body Wash, Body Lotion and Hand Lotion
Burts Bees - this whole line is paraben-free
Tom's of Maine Deodorant - one caveat is it is not an anti-perspirant, so you will sweat using it
Origins - their creams and cosmetics have been re-engineered to be free of parabens, phthalates and other chemicals
Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss
Listerine Mouthwash
Avalon Organics Shampoo and Conditioner
Bare Essentials eye shadow, liner, foundation, mascara, and mineral veil
Aveda - their entire line of creams, shampoos and conditioners are paraben-free
Also, Sephora has a line of products that are all natural and paraben-free. If you visit their websites (www.sephora.com), the top toolbar has a drop down for "Natural" items.
After you read this entry, go and take a look at what's in your shower and medicine cabinet. Take an inventory of what you are willing to part with and what you absolutely cannot replace. Then make some informed decisions and change just a few items in your routine. I think you will be happy you did and your body will thank you.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Hello Tamox!
As many of you know (from reading my blog!), breast cancer can be hormone receptive. This means that some tumors feed on, or are caused by, certain hormones in the body. My cancer happened to be estrogen receptive. So my oncologist wants my body to produce (and my breasts to absorb) as little estrogen as possible. In order to protect me from growing anymore tumors, I will be taking Tamoxifen for five years.
From the Wikipedia page: Tamoxifen is a standard endocrine (anti-estrogen) therapy for hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in pre-menopausal women.
On January 6th, I took my first Tamoxifen pill. So far, so good.
For the next five years, I will be taking a pill everyday to try and stop anymore breast cancer cells (that are fueled by estrogen) from growing in my body. The side effects are pretty standard: Hot flashes, mood swings, endometrial cancer, etc. But, as all drugs say, the benefits supposedly outweigh the risks. So that is why I will be taking it for five years.
Luckily, my oncologist told me that I can take a break from Tamoxifen after two years to have another baby. As soon as that happens, I will need to go back on Tamoxifen for the remaining three years. Back in May, Jim and I went through fertility preservation treatment and we harvested several eggs for future use. One of the reasons we decided to do that is because of my hormone receptive status. The shorter the time I am off Tamoxifen, the better. So in all, I hope to only be off of it for one year (three months to get the drugs out of my body + a few months to get pregnant + nine months of pregnancy). The shorter time I am off Tamoxifen, the better for my long term survival.
Most women mitigate the side effects with a host of home remedies, dietary changes and exercise. Some women also eventually need anti-depressant to keep the mood changes in check. I am hoping I need none of the above. I have talked to many women who never experienced any side effects. Fingers crossed I am one of the lucky few.
From the Wikipedia page: Tamoxifen is a standard endocrine (anti-estrogen) therapy for hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in pre-menopausal women.
On January 6th, I took my first Tamoxifen pill. So far, so good.
For the next five years, I will be taking a pill everyday to try and stop anymore breast cancer cells (that are fueled by estrogen) from growing in my body. The side effects are pretty standard: Hot flashes, mood swings, endometrial cancer, etc. But, as all drugs say, the benefits supposedly outweigh the risks. So that is why I will be taking it for five years.
Luckily, my oncologist told me that I can take a break from Tamoxifen after two years to have another baby. As soon as that happens, I will need to go back on Tamoxifen for the remaining three years. Back in May, Jim and I went through fertility preservation treatment and we harvested several eggs for future use. One of the reasons we decided to do that is because of my hormone receptive status. The shorter the time I am off Tamoxifen, the better. So in all, I hope to only be off of it for one year (three months to get the drugs out of my body + a few months to get pregnant + nine months of pregnancy). The shorter time I am off Tamoxifen, the better for my long term survival.
Most women mitigate the side effects with a host of home remedies, dietary changes and exercise. Some women also eventually need anti-depressant to keep the mood changes in check. I am hoping I need none of the above. I have talked to many women who never experienced any side effects. Fingers crossed I am one of the lucky few.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year!
2010 was an awful year. On the eve of a new year, I thought about how my life was changed over the course of twelve months. We started 2010 with such excitement and joy over Liam's birth. We had just spent our first Christmas with him and we were excited for a year of changes and growth. In February, we experienced "Snowmagedon"; two back to back blizzards that crippled the Washington, DC area for a week. Both Jim and I were home for a week with Liam because work was closed. During that week, we began working on tearless nap times and an easier bedtime routine. He also started sitting up on his own and stopped waking up at night for a feeding. By the time we dug out from Snowmagedon on February 15th, life was moving along smoothly.
And just as life couldn't get any better....it took an abrupt turn and went from wonderful to horrible with three words: "You have cancer". March 30, 2010 began the year of the cancer for the Craige family.
And so the next nine month went....and at the end of those nine months, I didn't have a beautiful baby. No, I had a scarred and scorched body. I had a bald head, short term memory loss, an extra 15 pounds on my body and some depression issues. But with all that, I fought and beat breast cancer. I endured what many people will hopefully never face in their lifetime and I came out on the other side a healthier and happier person.
But with all of those negatives, I turned to the positives of 2010. I found mental and emotional strength I never knew I had before. I watched my beautiful little boy grow into a precocious toddler. I learned to not sweat the small stuff. And I also realized how strong my husband is and how I could not have gotten through this ordeal without him. On those days when I wanted to give up and say "not another chemo session! I just can't do it", I did it because I love Jim and Liam. Life is too short to be afraid and give up. Yes, cancer hurts the mind, body and soul. But when you come out on the other side of it all, you realize you are changed for the better. I will never take health and happiness for granted again.
Happy New Year everyone! 2011 is going to be the best year yet!
And just as life couldn't get any better....it took an abrupt turn and went from wonderful to horrible with three words: "You have cancer". March 30, 2010 began the year of the cancer for the Craige family.
And so the next nine month went....and at the end of those nine months, I didn't have a beautiful baby. No, I had a scarred and scorched body. I had a bald head, short term memory loss, an extra 15 pounds on my body and some depression issues. But with all that, I fought and beat breast cancer. I endured what many people will hopefully never face in their lifetime and I came out on the other side a healthier and happier person.
But with all of those negatives, I turned to the positives of 2010. I found mental and emotional strength I never knew I had before. I watched my beautiful little boy grow into a precocious toddler. I learned to not sweat the small stuff. And I also realized how strong my husband is and how I could not have gotten through this ordeal without him. On those days when I wanted to give up and say "not another chemo session! I just can't do it", I did it because I love Jim and Liam. Life is too short to be afraid and give up. Yes, cancer hurts the mind, body and soul. But when you come out on the other side of it all, you realize you are changed for the better. I will never take health and happiness for granted again.
Happy New Year everyone! 2011 is going to be the best year yet!
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