my Breast Cancer blog

2004, age 34 — this is my story

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What Breast Cancer Looks Like — Erica

I’m Erica, and my breast cancer looks like a 30-year-old wife and mother who could not have been more rocked than when I was diagnosed. It looks like a momma who now appreciates every single day with my kids and husband more than ever before. It looks like the desire to run marathons, and see that desire fulfilled with pride. My breast cancer looks like a restoring of my faith. And it looks like a strength I never knew I had.

Erica was the #2 survivor to cross the finish line in the 2010 Komen Race for The Cure 5K in St. Louis.

Erica is a blogger, too — check out her entire breast cancer story, and her thoughts on faith, family, and fitness. Then, show us what your breast cancer looks like. Please e-mail your shots to jackidonaldson@gmail.com. No blurry ones, and please include a little blurb, too.

The Pink Mitten Campaign

shop.pinkmitten.com

Buy a pair of these cuties, and you get to pick your campaign — The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Spend $10, and $1 goes to your choice.

It’s something, that $1, but the best part of this deal (for me, anyway) is that these mittens are chunky knit, made with thick high bulk acrylic yarn, fully lined with fleece for comfort, warmth, and moisture wicking.

You know what that means?

Toasty warm!

And since my whole body is so very cold these days, these are looking mighty tempting!

Santa, are you listening?

Pink Ribbon Blues: You Got ‘Em?

www.amazon.com

You might think all the pink products, all the donations, all the charitable giving that takes place during months like October means important life-saving work is being done on the breast cancer front.

You’d be wrong, according to sociologist Gayle A. Sulik, author of  ”Pink Ribbon Blues.”

In the time since the war on cancer began 40 years ago, things have gotten worse, not better, says Sulik.

In fact, a woman now has a 1-in-8 chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime. Used to be 1 in 11 — in 1975.

And the risk of dying from the disease, upon diagnosis, decreased only .05 percent from 1990 to 2005.

Pretty sobering stats, huh?

Sulik has more to say on the topic: She weighs in on Susan G. Komen for the Cure, she believes Breast Cancer Awareness Month is too heavy on the cured, not the terminal, and did you know drug companies make loads of money from breast cancer? Oh, and by the way, the month was established by the American Cancer Society with funding from the pharmaceutical powerhouse Zeneca.

Seem a little fishy?

Could be.

Pink Ribbon Blues. You got ‘em?

True Religion Jeans Show Passion for the Cure

True Religion brand jeans are one of the iconic premium denim brands on the market today, and now, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Reclaimed Becky in Indigo has pink crystal broaches on the pockets and fly. Proceeds from the sale of these jeans (totaling $25,000) will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Free shipping is all yours before November 6 when you “Like” True Religion’s Facebook page or with the use of this code: FBSHIP.

Eat Eggs to Boost Health

You say the egg has been demonized over the years? Explain.
The egg has been demonized because of two reasons: One, its cholesterol content, and two, its saturated fat content. Both are nothing to worry about. It’s now well known and established that DIETARY cholesterol has virtually no effect on serum (blood) cholesterol, and many health professionals (such as myself) doubt whether blood cholesterol is even as big a health issue as the mainstream health organizations believe it is. In any case, cholesterol in the egg does not raise your blood cholesterol. And most of the fat in egg yolk is monounsaturated — plus the saturated fat from whole foods (like eggs) is rarely, if ever, a problem anyway.
Eggs whites only — healthier or not necessary?
Completely not necessary — see above. In addition, there are wonderful nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin (for the eyes) and choline (for the brain) that are in the yolk!
Name a few good qualities of the egg?
One of the most bioavailable sources of protein on the planet. Cage-free eggs also contain omega-3 fats, and the yolks are the source of a number of very important nutrients (see above).
How often should we be eating eggs? Is there such thing as too many eggs in a diet?
There’s no “right” answer to this. Eggs should be in “heavy rotation” along with foods like berries, wild salmon, and nuts. Eat as often as you like.
Name a few simple ways to incorporate eggs into a diet.
Hard boiled, sliced over a spinach salad, hard boiled as a snack (with fruit or cheese), scrambled, omlettes, even raw in a protein drink a la Rocky!

www.egglandsbest.com

I received a comment on one of my posts the other day from a guy stating that he treats cancer naturally — no surgery, chemo, or radiation necessary. His focus is on food, and here’s one tip he offered: ”please stop eating eggs, even if they are from veg fed chicken.”

I guess he’s been reading my egg-inspired posts and wanted to weigh in.

Well, is he right? Should I stop eating eggs? Should you stop eating eggs?

According to Jonny Bowden, renowned author and America’s top nutrition, anti-aging, and weight loss expert, the answer is a big, fat NO. Bowden believes there is a definite place for eggs in a healthy diet, and he told me all about it.

Me: You say the egg has been demonized over the years? Explain.

Jonny: The egg has been demonized because of two reasons: One, its cholesterol content, and two, its saturated fat content. Both are nothing to worry about. It’s now well known and established that DIETARY cholesterol has virtually no effect on serum (blood) cholesterol, and many health professionals (such as myself) doubt whether blood cholesterol is even as big a health issue as the mainstream health organizations believe it is. In any case, cholesterol in the egg does not raise your blood cholesterol. And most of the fat in egg yolk is monounsaturated — plus the saturated fat from whole foods (like eggs) is rarely, if ever, a problem anyway.

Me: Eggs whites only — healthier or not necessary?

Jonny: Completely not necessary — see above. In addition, there are wonderful nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin (for the eyes) and choline (for the brain) that are in the yolk!

Me: Name a few good qualities of the egg?

Jonny: One of the most bioavailable sources of protein on the planet. Cage-free eggs also contain omega-3 fats, and the yolks are the source of a number of very important nutrients (see above).

Me: How often should we be eating eggs? Is there such thing as too many eggs in a diet?

Jonny: There’s no “right” answer to this. Eggs should be in “heavy rotation” along with foods like berries, wild salmon, and nuts. Eat as often as you like.

Me: Name a few simple ways to incorporate eggs into a diet.

Jonny: Hard boiled sliced over a spinach salad, hard boiled as a snack (with fruit or cheese), scrambled, omelettes, even raw in a protein drink a la Rocky!

Thank you, Jonny!

OK, so if you’re an egg eater, or you’re thinking of becoming one, consider Eggland’s Best for your next purchase. They’ve always been tops when it comes to nutrition, but now, EB eggs are more nutritious than ever. Buy them this month, and you’ll be in on the pink partnership — EB is donating $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and each individual egg is stamped with the pink ribbon logo to prove it.

pink-dozen-logo-100jd092910

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Add a Name to the #56 NAPA Car

Now, this is pretty cool!

NAPA AUTO PARTS and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Martin Truex, Jr. are teaming up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to honor breast cancer patients, survivors, and supporters. What does that mean for you? Well, it means you can have the name of a loved one affected by breast cancer painted on the #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota for the November 7th NASCAR Sprint Cup Race at Texas Motor Speedway.

http://www.facebook.com/NAPAKNOWHOW

http://www.facebook.com/NAPAKNOWHOW

It takes a donation of just $5.60, and you can make it happen via the NAPA Know How Facebook page. NAPA is hoping to raise at least $250,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to recognize more than 56,000 individuals affected by breast cancer with this custom paint scheme.

This initiative is taking place right now, and through October 11 — so get busy submitting your names, and guess what? You can even select the area of the car where you would like your dedications to appear.

My Platform on Pink

Photo: geishaboy500, Flickr

Photo: geishaboy500, Flickr

Over the next 31 days, you will find all sorts of pink thrown around this place, and I want you to know where I stand on the whole matter of breast cancer and its prominent color, so that you can make sense of why I share what I share.

I’ve said it all here before, I weighed in over at AOL Health last year, and my mind has not really changed at all. Still, I’ll sum it up for you again, as we embark on a month that can be a little overwhelming.

  • I’m a fan of the color pink. I liked it long before breast cancer meant anything to me.
  • I’m grateful to anyone who donates funds to the cause, because the way I see it, every penny counts. So, I’m not mad at any company offering to charity just $5 per purchase of something that costs much more, because, hey, $5 is $5. And if someone caps their donation at oh, say, $20,000, that’s OK, too. It’s still a hefty donation, and more than I could ever give. Yea, when .10 cents is the magic number, I admit I do kinda judge.
  • Of course, I think donating 100% is ideal, and I’ll feature this month a rare gem or two generous enough to give everything they’ve got.
  • While I am thankful when anyone donates funds to help women like me survive a nasty disease, I will not personally back a product that is not healthy or has been shown to contribute to obesity, illness, or disease. Like alcohol, or fried chicken, or well, you know what I mean, right? Eggs, I can do, and my partnership with Eggland’s Best (EB) feels right. Eggs are nutritious, plus EB’s eggs are cage free, and the organic hen diet consists of healthy grains with no animal fat, no animal byproducts, and no recycled or processed food. No added hormones, antibiotics, or steroids either. Good news: EB is donating $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Which brings me to another point.
  • I like to know where the money is going. No generic claims of “will be donated to breast cancer research.” If it’s legit, a specific charity should be named.

I have a few other thoughts on the matter — for example, If I’m going to buy a product anyway, and one brand gives to the cause and the other doesn’t, and both items cost the same, I’ll probably buy the pink one.

But I think that’s enough.

On with October!

Eggland’s Best Helps Promote Health, Prevent Breast Cancer

pink-dozen-logo-200jd092910The pink ribbon has been popping up all over the place in anticipation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month — you know it starts tomorrow, right? Everything from hair dryers to toilet paper to Sharpie pens are turning shades of pink.

So are eggs!

Yes, eggs.

Eggland’s Best eggs to be exact.

See for yourself the next time you’re strolling the aisles of your local grocery store.

For the first time in the brand’s history, Eggland’s Best, Inc. (EB) will display the Susan G. Komen for the Cure running ribbon logo on their egg cartons during the autumn of 2010.

How cool is that?

Just about as neat-o as a pink version of the iconic “EB” stamp appearing on individual eggs.

Egglands-best-400jd092910

Kinda makes you not want to crack open that pretty little shell, doesn’t it? Well, you should, because what you’ll find inside is a powerhouse of nutrition. More to come on the nutrition front (I’ll be back with nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden, who will weigh in on the incredible, edible egg), and stay tuned over the next month or so, because I’ll be spouting out all sorts of other eggs-travagant information.

For now though, I just want to say Thank You to EB for the $50,000 they’ll be donating to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (the world’s largest breast cancer advocacy organization), and for the opportunity to help spread the word about the health benefits of the good ‘ol egg. (Honored, I am, to have been chosen as one of the Eggland’s Best Pink Dozen bloggers.)

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Mammogram Bus Rolling Through Puerto Rico

ruta pink mammogram bus

Ruta Pink mammogram bus

With early detection often leading to a 98-percent survival rate, mammograms are essential for women over 35. Unfortunately, millions of American women are uninsured, and don’t have the means to afford an annual mammogram test. But in Puerto Rico, uninsured women are turning to a new program for help.

Last year, Doral Bank in Puerto Rico partnered with Susan G Komen for the Cure and launched “Ruta Pink” (Pink Route). Ruta Pink is a pink mobile mammogram clinic that stops through various towns in Puerto Rico, offering women (and even men!) free mammograms, but also biopsies and referrals. These healthcare services are offered free of charge, for both sexes, whether they insured or uninsured.

In addition to providing direct health care services, Ruta Pink is also running free educational seminars about breast cancer prevention. The sessions also address self-esteem and healthy living tips for breast cancer survivors.

Since launching in June of 2008, Ruta Pink’s medical team has performed over 2,000 mammograms. And Doral is also committed to helping the Susan G Komen foundation by offering contributions every time a woman opens a “Pink” account with the bank.

With breast cancer awareness month (October) just around the corner, Doral Bank in Puerto Rico is leading the way for breast cancer prevention and education with its innovative, award-winning Ruta Pink initiative.

For more information about the program, you can contact the program’s exclusive hotline at (787) 625-5830 or visit their website at www.RutaPink.com. You can also watch their videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/rutapink

Social Responsibility – Don’t Duck Out of the Game

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Are you responsible? Like, socially responsible? Blogger Laurie is, and she’s making it her mission to help find a cure for breast cancer by participating this June in the 2009 Race for the Cure that benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Laurie wants to help others, you see, and so she’s got a team and a big event she’s planning — On April 16, she will be hosting a dinner and raffle at On the Border in order to raise funds — and there is no doubt in my mind that she will made a big difference in the lives of others. It only takes one person, you know, to start a movement, and boy will Laurie be moving as she tackles those 60 miles in two months.

To read more about Laurie and her adventures in breast cancer, take a peek at her blog, La Vie de Laurie. And check out her breast cancer awareness page too. Then let this girl inspire you to become socially responsible. Take your own few steps for breast cancer, help a friend in need, deliver a meal to a neighbor in distress, share a few dollars with Laurie — you make the call. Just. Make. The. Call.

Photo courtesy of kimberlyfaye on flickr