welcome

(photo of my sister's backyard fence...all photos are thru my lens)

This is just a way to express my thoughts as I walk this path and journey through as a breast canSURVIVOR.

Make cancer mad, just piss it off by misspelling it..... like "canzer"

In remission ~ December 2012

Invasive Moderately Differentiated Ductal Carcinoma T1cN0M0 Stage 1

Estrogen receptor-positive cancer - Here is how it began



Resources







Book Description
Series: Betty Crocker
Publication Date: September 20, 2011
An inspiring special edition published in partnership with Pink Together General Mills's Pink Together initiative is a supportive online community that links 500,000 cancer survivors and their supporters, letting them share photos, personal stories, and recipes. Now, in partnership with Pink Together,
this new edition of the Living with Cancer Cookbook has been updated and revised to include the inspirational stories of Pink Together community members.  Amazon link or check your local library.






Whether caring for one’s self at home or providing care for a loved one, this indispensable quick reference can improve quality of care and quality of life for those with cancer. Organized in a straight-forward alphabetical format, the book covers more than four dozen critical cancer caregiving topics, from anxiety to weight changes, and is filled with vital checklists, as well as time-saving—perhaps life-saving—“What-to-do-ifs," which are readily accessible.








This new series from Chicken Soup for the Soul - inspirational stories followed by positive, practical medical advice for caregivers and patients - is the perfect blend of emotional support and vital information on breast cancer including:
  • understanding your diagnosis
  • working with your doctor
  • talking with friends and family
  • treatment options
  • from baldness to breastforms
  • emotional healing
  • conquering side effects
  • alternative therapies
  • finding support groups
  • thriving with breast cancer
Chicken Soup for the Soul partners with top doctors to give you the information you need to survive-and the positive inspiration to thrive. Each book features beautifully written stories plus information on diet, lifestyle, diagnosis, procedures, caregiving, emotional issues and alternative therapies from some of the world's foremost experts.



From HealthMonitor Fall 2012 Issue:

Breast cancer is usually best treated by a team of healthcare professionals who work together, often at a hospital or other healthcare facility. Your team members may include:

Breast surgeon: This surgeon specializes in operations on the breast. Whenever possible seek out a breast surgical oncologist.

Primary care doctor: Physicians who tracks your overall health

Pathologist: Doctor who identifies and grades diseases by studying cells

Surgical oncologist: This is a surgeon who specializes in treating cancer. If your treatment plan involves mastectomy or lumpectomy, a surgical oncologist should perform the surgery. Many surgical oncologists specialize in breast cancer and have completed a fellowship training program to specialize in this disease.

Reconstructive plastic surgeon: This doctor rebuilds a breast after breast cancer surgery.

Medical oncologist: This doctor generally oversees the team once a diagnosis of breast cancer is established. He or she will coordinate with other members of the healthcare team and will likely manage chemotherapy treatments, if prescribed.

Nurse practitioner: An Advanced Practice Nurse who can provide high-quality care and treatment to patients. They can diagnose and treat a variety of health problems and inform patients about lifestyle changes that can improve their health.

Physicians assistant: Health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. They perform a comprehensive range of medical duties, from basic primary care to high-technology specialty procedures.

Mammographer: Physician or technologist who prepares and interprets mammograms

Radiation oncologist: This doctor will develop a treatment plan for radiation therapy if it is required.

Oncology nurse: This professional provides care and education to cancer patients.

Oncology social worker: Professional who addresses psychosocial and financial needs of cancer patients

Patient navigator: A patient navigator facilitates a cancer patient through the healthcare system, ensuring they receive care efficiently, get educated about their disease and its treatment, and work through the healthcare system to ensure that the patient receives multidisciplinary care. Some specific functions can be helping the patient deal with financial issues, insurance and all other issues so that the patient can focus on recovery and treatment. Most navigators today in cancer centers are registered nurses.

In addition to the above professionals, support groups are frequently available through your treatment center. Patients can also be linked up with a survivor volunteer by contacting the American Cancer Society, the Komen for the Cure organization, Network of Strength, or other community volunteer resources. Dietitians can help with healthy food choices. Pharmacists may become trusted allies as well, since medication may be needed to help manage treatment side effects.
Updated April 21, 2021
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