30 Day Giving Challenge

Today is my birthday!  And I have been reminded over and over how blessed I am.  I am blessed to be a wife and mom.  I am blessed to have many many friends that I cherish.  Most importantly is that I am blessed to have been introduced to my Savior by someone special many years ago.  The relationship I have with Jesus is the most important relationship I have.  He loves me more than anyone has or ever will.  I am blessed and I am loved well.

I decided a couple weeks ago that I would sign up and commit to a challenge during the month of November.  This is usually the time of year that I get in panic mode.  I LOVE to give gifts at Christmas.  I LOVE to make certain that everyone has a wonderful Christmas.  Because I LOVE to give those gifts I get rather stressed out for more than one reason.  First - the funding of every one's desires.  It gets costly to try to make certain everyone has a very nice Christmas. I always start out with a set budget and soon that is blown and I get defeated and then spend away.    Second - picking out and finding everything that everyone wants.  I put a lot of thought into the gifts that I give.  I really want them to be special and give with a purpose. 

This year I want to do things a little different.  I want to have a very frugal Christmas.  I want to bless everyone with gifts yet I want to do it with minimal cost.  So rather than stressing right now I am at peace.  I am not rushed to plan my list.  I am praying and pondering what I will spend and what I will give.  I want to honor God with my giving this year.

All of that to bring you to the place I am today.  Awaiting November.  The challenge that signed up for can be found here.  I want to spend all of November giving.  I have many things listed that I plan to do but none set in stone.  I want to be able to follow God's lead in giving.  You can go to the 30 Days of Giving Community by going here or clicking on the Blogfrog Community in my left bar.  The host and creator of this wonderful idea blogs at http://kingdomfirstmom.com/.  Her desire is to honor God with her finances and help others along the way.  She is an inspiration and does her job well. 

Recently I wrote this post about how to study scripture and God spoke this verse to me:  I John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him?  We have lots and lots of brothers and sisters in need.  The needs are all very different.  I believe that we can make a difference when we step up to the plate and do our part.  Our church once had a pledge drive for our building fund and it was entitled "Equal Sacrifice - Not Equal Gifts".  That is so fitting in all of our giving efforts whether it is about money or time.  So often, we assume that giving must be financial when in fact to some giving financially is far from a sacrifice.  For me - giving of more time is going to be a huge sacrifice.  I don't have free time often.  Quite the opposite.  My house is cluttered and dusty.  My car is dirty and cluttered.  My healthy meal planning is a zero.  We, as a family, are pretty stretched out.  One thing I know is that if we trust God to make a way - then He will make a way.  He is in the small stuff and He IS the big stuff.  He will provide financially what is needed to complete this challenge and He will open the doors to find the time that is needed. 

I pray today that some of my friends will take this challenge with me.  Make giving a priority this November.  After all - we spend lots of time being thankful during the Thanksgiving season - why not spend lots of time giving.  It's a two part word.  Let's do both.  When we give - we will make many people thankful and that will bless our hearts more than anything.  We already have so much to be thankful for - lets share the blessings with others. 

I have a few things that are near and dear to me right now and I would love to offer them to you for consideration.  You may feel led to help them out also or you may know of someone else that would feel passionate about giving to these worthy causes.  I am listing them in No order.  Only in order of what is easiest for me to link to and write about.  I thank you in advance for praying for all of them and for considering what you can do. 

To my local friends and family and to those that just feel led;  our church has a debt retirement (better known as need to pay off the building) that needs funds.  We need to get passionate about paying off that.  We enjoy it and serve along side one another in it - let's remember to be thankful for it this month.  Honor your friends or our staff with a gift to the building fund. 

Grace Bible Church in Virginia Beach, Va has this posted on their website:  "Live for something bigger than yourself.  Find life in giving yours away.  Serve the world."  Wow!  What if we all had that attitude?      They are going on mission trip to Nicaragua in November and could use some help with funding some of the missionaries they are taking.  My sweet cousin is one of those missionaries and I would be honored if you helped out in some way (large or small).  She loves the Lord and is getting out of her comfort zone by going on this trip. Whether or not you can give financially - Please Please pray for her and their team.  Give some extra prayers to them during this trip. If you feel led to give their address is:  2961 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Andrea Lambie- Nicaragua mission.

A local couple are raising funds for their adoption of a little girl from Peru.  She blogs about that journey here.  God is blessing them with their efforts but they have a long way to go financially.  They know that God will meet their needs.  I know lots of you guys have a heart for orphans and could help meet their  needs.  Please visit her blog and if you need some Christmas presents - she has an Etsy shop that is up to help fund their adoption.  You can check it out right here.   They will truly be blessed and grateful for your support.

If you want to have your soul truly stirred then go over and read about The Mercy House.  Kristen from here and her husband felt the call from God to open a Maternity Home in Kenya.  I can't do it justice in writing about it but she does and you need to head on over to her website and get familiar with The Mercy House.  There are many opportunities to be involved from donating to or buying from their Etsy shop to giving $3 on the 3rd of each month to being a monthly supporter of $25.00. 

I know that I could write a list for days about needs that need to be met.  But I will stop for now.  Please join me in committing to give this November.  Follow along with the other ladies as they share what God is leading them to give.  Let's have equal sacrifice and see what God does with our efforts.  I love and appreciate you guys. 
Diane

What can cancer really do?

The following poem was given to me when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer.  I see it posted in lots of places such as hospitals and Physician offices. 

What Cancer Cannot Do

Author: Unknown

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love.

It cannot shatter hope.

It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot eat away peace.

It cannot destroy confidence.

It cannot kill friendship.

It cannot shut out memories.

It cannot silence courage.

It cannot reduce eternal life.

It cannot quench the Spirit.

I read the poem and really had no thoughts on it at the time.  I was not convinced that it was completely accurate but didn't dwell on it.  I assumed it was my lack of faith that caused me to question the poem. The emotional roller coaster of having cancer is a rough one.  Some days you go on with life and don't give it a thought.  Other days - not so good.  I, for one, believe that having cancer can certainly rob you of many of the things listed above.  And I absolutely believe that when approaching a cancer diagnoses relying on one's own strength then it is certainly possible to have your faith shattered.  It can certainly shatter your hope and corrode your faith.  Your confidence is definitely shaken when you have no hair and people stare at you. I've witnessed first hand how it can rock a relationship when a couple had a weak marriage.  It made my marriage stronger because of the way my husband reacted.  Others are not that fortunate.  A woman living without her breasts can be a very difficult battle. Some days you just don't have the courage to go on.   These are the things that can also make you stronger when you are diagnosed. Fear can be crippling.   It is a choice to fight through these feelings and to rely fully on God and His strength.  2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 
God  is the reason we are able to endure and to not stop.  There are so many unknowns when diagnosed but there is one constant.  God.  He is constant.  He cradles you in His arms and carries you through.  When you are in the midst of the fire (cancer diagnosis and treatments) you often don't know how you managed to get through another day.  When you look back on things and reflect you know exactly how you got through.  It was God carrying you.  The poem about footsteps is far better suited for a journey through cancer because God most certainly carries you through those dark days. 
 
During treatments and more so after treatments stop - there are lots of what it's.  Lots of fear of the unknown.  Often times we worry about what may or may not happen.  I've seen the grave more times than I can count.  I've walked in the Oncologists office with highest of expectations to be shot down with lab work concern.  Other times I've gone in with no expectations and leave with the best possible report.  It is a constant battle - a struggle of the mind.  I sometimes think that God is sitting on His throne smiling at me - saying "I told you I would handle this!" and me thinking "yes God I know - but I just thought I would help you along."  As usual I get reminded that He does not need my help and that if I will allow Him the battle He will fight it for me. 
 
My point in this post is to remind you that those going through the cancer battle have many emotional swings.  Some days are good ones and some just simply are not.  When someone faces this diagnosis be considerate of them when offering unsolicited words of wisdom.  Offer to be a shoulder to cry on and ears to hear if they need it.  Offer scripture to encourage.  Wrap them in your arms and love them up! So many did this for me and I am forever grateful.  They loved me no matter what my mood was and they understood the emotional and physical battle.  I was so very blessed.  Cancer can give you many blessings if you look for them.  I was blessed beyond measure by my family, friends and church.  I was given a much stronger faith in God by having cancer.  It challenged my control and made me realize who was in charge and who was the Great Physician.  The last two lines are perfect truths - Cancer cannot reduce eternal life.  It cannot quench the Spirit.  God cannot be quenched.  We may walk away from Him - but He is Sovereign and He reigns.  He is the great I Am. 
 
It's not hard to find someone touched by breast cancer or another kind - so be a blessing to them.  Encourage them.  Share the love of Jesus with them.
 
Love you all,
Diane

Prayer

This week has been full of prayer requests.  I wrote down requests this week at our ladies monthly meeting and it took more than an hour.  Some heavy hearts that are burdened for the lost, the sick, the troubled and the weak.  I am reminded that in our weakness God's power is made perfect. 

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (New International Version)


7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I think we can all recognize a "thorn in our flesh".  I believe that the thorn is often a stronghold that we refuse to let go of - so God leaves it until we are ready to relinquish full control. If only we would let go and allow God to be made perfect in our time of weakness.  To rest - to just let him love on us and deliver us from these strongholds. We are reminded of a great truth in Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

God's grace is such a precious gift.  Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


What an awesome thought - receive mercy and find grace.  Thank you Jesus for such a blessing. 

Today I pray for an abundance of mercy and that you find grace.  An old hymn written by Julia Johnston  has the best lyrics for such a time as this:

Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!   Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see his face, will you this moment his grace receive?

Would love to pray for you today. 

Love you all,
Diane

Table make-over

Found this little table at a garage sale recently. Nothing fancy but in perfect shape. I've been wanting to paint some things off-white and this was the perfect thing to start on.

I simply sanded a little and went to town with my handy dandy spray paint.  It's the perfect way for a lazy person to paint. 

I think it turned out quite nice.  It makes the perfect little end table.  It seems bright white in this picture but it is actually an off white.  I happen to have another one identical to this and will be painting away soon.  Not sure where they will wind up but they turned out cute!

More off-white to come - stay tuned!

Linking up to some cool parties - check them out in the left bar.

Need a cute fix?

He's been watching football with his Uncle Mike since he was old enough to stay awake.  He is one cute little Saints fan!

We think he's just so darn stinkin cute! 

What a fabulous job Jami did with his pictures.  She put these on facebook for a preview so I borrowed them to show off her work and his cuteness.  If you have facebook - check her out.  She can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/jami-ainsworth-portraits/174202932011.   Also she blogs at http://www.japimages.blogspot.com/. 

Remembering Chemo and Chemo Care Packages

Reminiscing chemo is not one of my favorite things to do.  Quite frankly the thought makes me ill.  I firmly believe that God used chemo to boldly let me know who was and is in control.  My biggest fear starting chemo was the hair loss.  I did not want to lose my hair but knew it would happen.  I did not fear being sick.  I believed that the medications that were prescribed would take care of any neausea and I would breeze through like others I had talked to.  WRONG! 

My family joined me for my first chemo.  We went in with positive attitudes even though we were extremely nervous.  Chemo was just a pit stop of our day.  My husband and daughter had a softball game the night of my first chemo.  I sucked it up and got that treatment behind me and headed straight to her game.  Within two hours something was terribly wrong.  I was SICK.  I mean really really sick.  Crazy me - I remembered them telling me the third day was usually when you felt bad.  HA - I was thinking that I would die on day 3 because hour 3 was nearly unbearable.  Things did not improve.  Spent the night very ill - went to the ER for a shot.  Shot didn't work either.  First thing the next moring I was back at my Doctor's office getting IV fluids and meds.  It was a very bad experience and my world was suddenly shattered.  Did I mention that I HATE HATE HATE to throw up?  I did and still do.  I'll take pain any day just not vomit. 

Thus began my journey with chemo.  I left the Doctor that day with an arcenal of anti-nausea meds.  I was taking something every two hours.  I had a little black book (planner) at the time and began keeping up with everything.  What to take when and what worked and what didn't.  Had reactions to some of the drugs and some just didn't work.  As with any chemo patient, there are lots of appointments and things to keep up with.  My little black book became my constant companion.  I wrote down everything.  I wrote down my labwork numbers and kept them charted.  I couldn't seem to function without it.  I also kept a journal.  Writing things down seemed to help me cope with all that was happening. 

During this time, some things became staples for me. Things such as lemon drops, hand sanitizer, lotion, water water and more water and kleenex for the tears.  I also received a cookbook entitled "Eating Well through Cancer" by Holly Clegg.  It gave suggestions on what to eat during certain times and basic healthy eating principles.  It was a great tool and an awesome gift from a dear friend and fellow survivor.

My extreme illness was and is not the norm for patients going through treatments.  Many locals taking the same treatments do perfectly fine.  I was jealous and almost mad about it.  I was young and healthy and couldn't understand.  Nothing we tried helped.  Treatment 5 of 6 proved different.  My mom was critically ill and I was avoiding my treatment for fear of the sickness.  When it was inevitable - I went in and had my treatment, but not before I sat in the parking lot of the Doctor office and cried out to God - not silently - I cried out that my mom needed me and I needed the treatment and I begged God for mercy.  It was the one and only treatment that I had ZERO sickness.  Seriously ZERO.  God knew my heart and knew I needed to be with my mom and He calmed the sea.  I still believe that He needed me to be weak in order for Him to be glorified and that is what happened.  I am hard headed and stubborn and like to be in control, but proved to me that I can be removed from my high horse of authority.  He was in control and still is.  He is in control and does NOT need my help. 

All of that story to bring you here.  A year after my chemo, my dear friend Connie started hers.  I filled  a bag with goodies and took them to her first chemo.  She was so appreciative and wanted to do the same for others.  We started a support group at our church and collected things to provide chemo care packages for others starting chemo. 

We included things like a journal, calendar, hand sanitizer and other things.  I prepared a bag to take and give to someone and you can see what all I included. 

The lemon drops are to help with the taste buds.  Chemo often leaves you with either no taste buds or a medicine taste. The disposable toothbrushes can do the same thing.

 Patients need to drink lots and lots of water during treatment.  It is important to flush those drugs through your system.

As with all chemo patients, immune systems are weak and you need to always keep your hands clean.  Lotion helps if they get dry - and who doesn't like a little lotion to paper yourself? 

The journal helps to keep up with your feelings and prayers and the calendar helps get you where you need to be. And a pink pin is a must for a breast cancer patient or survivor!

The snickers - well that's just a special treat.

So - if you want to do something special for someone beginning treatments - fix 'em up with a chemo care package and include a nice card letting them know you are praying for them.  They will appreciate you for it.  And if you can - prepare several and drop them off at a local Oncology office and let them give them out.  Some patients may not have the awesome support of family and friends that I did. 

Love you guys.

Diane

Scripture study made easy (or Not)

Recently I was blessed to join some ladies at a conference to hear Priscilla Shirer.  She is an awesome speaker and teacher.  She put things on my level of learning.  She writes some awesome material that is worth a read.  She referenced some things from her book Can We Talk at the conference and offered a way to put scripture into terms that we can use in our daily lives.  I have been amazed at how reading a scripture can be transformed into a much more personal  level by using this method. 

I hope you learn as much as I did.

1. Position yourself to hear from God.  I need peace and quiet to study.  I have a hard time trying to study when things are going on around me.  I am not a morning person though - so I have to take time during lunch or late at night to find the peaceful time I need. 
2. Pore over the passage and paraphrase the major points.  This is when you take the scripture and see what it means to you.  How do you really read it?  God may speak to each of us in a much different way when we read a particular scripture.  I think that we respond by what's going on in our lives and that if we allow God the freedom to speak - we will hear what He wants us to hear from the scripture.  But don't merely read it - write it down.  Put pen to paper and see what God is saying in the scripture.
3. Pull out the spiritual principles.  This is the personal part that can break down the barriers.  We can see what God inspired to write and where it applies to our lives today.  What lesson is He teaching through a particular scripture?
4. Pose the questions. What lesson does He want me to get from that scripture?  Write down the questions and see where God is leading you.
5. Plan obedience and Pin down the date.  Often times God shows us areas that He wants us to change or to react.  This is where we can be obedient to His teaching. 

My example goes as follows:

I John 3:17  But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him?

Do I truly love God if I have enough to meet the needs of my family and see a "brother" in need and close my heart to him?

God commands us to love one another just as Christ loves us - so how do I show His love?  Am I willing to share what God has given me?  Do I not have more than enough?  Am I a good steward of His money? 

What is God wanting me to do?  Is there something or someone particular He is speaking to me about?  I don't know yet.  I know that He is wanting me to give more.  I know that He wants me let go of financial strongholds. 

I need to seek out what His plans are and make plans to be ready to do what He calls me to do.  I need to make plans to be prepared to be obedient. 

I need to be honest right here - that is not the verse I wanted to use.  I had several verses in mind that I wanted to use for an example and was "poring" through I John and this one jumped off the page at me and really the only part that I wanted to use was about showing others the Love of God through our actions.  That is not what God spoke to me when reading through it.  I read it with a different perspective once I put it down on paper.  He loves to stretch and mold when I least expect it. 

I hope you get the chance to study some of the writings of Priscilla but more importantly I pray that you get to study more of God's Word and that you listen to what He has to say.


Diane

Sweet talented blogger and a Breast Cancer Survivors giveaway

I love to blog hop.  More particularly I love oohing and aahing over the talents of the women that write the blogs I read.  I have learned much in the short time I've been blogging.  Recently one of the bloggers wrote a post about giving away something to Breast Cancer Survivors.  I was reluctant at first to respond because I'm weird like that.  But I did and am glad that I did.  Jan over  here wants to bless those that are Survivors.  She sent me a very sweet note after I responded and it really made my day.  You never know when your kind words are needed by someone. 

She gave me permission to let my readers know about the giveaway so that she could gift them also.  You can go over to her blog here and see her lovely handiwork (in the right column) and then send her an email so that she can bless you with a pin. 

Thanks Jan for being a blessing to others.  I love looking at your handiwork on your blog and am honored to have you as a follower.

Don't let all of the pink in the month of October be in vain.  Get those mammies grammied!

Love you all,
Diane

Breast Cancer Study and lab work that never will be.

Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer I wanted answers.  I wanted the why?  Why did I get breast cancer?  What did I do that could have caused it or what could I have done differently?  These questions are meant physically what did I do or not do?  Whatever I could find out would help with peace of mind where my daughters were concerned.  I wanted to know if there was something they could do differently.  I went through genetic testing.  I tested negative.  That was a huge relief in that my daughters were not pre-disposed to a gene.  I wanted to join a study.  I wanted to do my part to help others.  I want to be a part of the cure. 

Several months ago a study that I was suited for came through on Army of Women.  I was finally going to be a part of a study.  I filled out all of my paper work and sent it in.  A large package came in the mail for me to use in having my blood drawn and returned to the study group.  They provide everything you could possibly need.  You simply take it with you when you have labwork and ask them to draw the extra viles.  They don't have to use any of their supplies.  They simply stick in the extra three viles and hand them back to you.  The viles were then replaced in the tube they provide and put in the federal express envelope and returned the same day.  Easy peasie!  I did my part and returned the package. 

I later received a phone call asking if my sister and mother would participate.  I asked and they agreed.  Fast forward to the week of July 30.  On July 28 my mom had an appointment with her Renal specialist.  It was a three month routine where they draw blood two hours prior to her visit with the doctor.  Seemed the perfect time to have her study labs drawn.  She wanted to participate as much as I did.  She was a very very hard "stick" has the techs often called her.  On this particular July day a new lab technician was there.  He was unfamiliar to me and to my mom.  I pulled out the package and asked him to draw the additional viles to send in for the study.  He looked extremely puzzled by the request.  I attempted to show him the letter and the lab request.  He walked to the reception desk asked a question and came back to say he was not allowed to do it.  Yep - I was extremely frustrated but didn't want to upset my mom and simply put it all away.  He made his multiple attempts to draw her blood until he finally got a vain.  It was always torture for her.  I always held my breath until they got a vain. 

Being the loud mouth that I am, I was glad to tell her Doctor that the new lab guy was not cooperative and explained.  Dr. H was always a "hoot" - his response was "you should have yelled for me - oh man I can't believe he didn't draw the blood."  Hmmm yep - I couldn't believe it either.  He said that if we wanted he would have them come draw it but I would not hear of it.  Mom despised having her blood drawn.   She was willing to go through that painful process again but I didn't want her to do that.  We left, albeit frustrated, with plans to get it drawn at a later date.  Sadly, next time won't come. Two days later mom went home to Jesus.  There was no indication on Wednesday that Friday would be her appointed time to leave this earth.  The opportunity to have her blood included in this study was brushed off by someone who didn't have an interest in a breast cancer study.  He was new and inexperienced.  It may seem trivial but to someone who longs for a cure and has lived it  - it was not trivial.  There are no "do-overs".    Moral  - once again - is to push.  Don't accept answers that you know are not right.  I should have insisted he call the doctor and get the permission.  I learned recently that "nice" is not necessarily the right response.  Kind is the better response.  I should have kindly but firmly insisted.  I'm sad that the lab work will never be. 

Breast cancer affects everyone in your life.  Though I was, at the time of my diagnosis, her caregiver, she found strength that no doctor could believe in order to be there for me.   She told me once that no mom should have to watch their child go through cancer.  She hated what the treatments did to me physically.  She hurt for me.  She walked the journey with me until her final day.  She wanted to be a part of the study - just as I did and do. 

I would love for this October to the be month that a cure is found.  Maybe you fit the requirements for a study.  Log onto armyofwomen.org and see if you qualify.  It may be you who holds an answer. 

If, nothing else, get your mammies grammied this month.  Don't put it off. 

Love you guys,

Diane

Out Live Your Life

Out Live Your Life

Max Lucado

Max Lucado does not disappoint when he writes a book. He is the real deal and gives you reason to look at your life and how you live it. The title alone to this book makes you stop and think. He doesn’t just give you advice – he backs it up with the scripture and gives you examples of how those early followers of Christ did it. When we ponder the thought – those early followers’ lives continue to be lived out in our lives. Often we strive to serve others as Paul did. His life lives on.

The book encourages us to embrace that giving/serving spirit. What will I be remembered for when I am gone? Will I outlive my life? Will others want to carry on things that I started? A quote worth re-quoting: “None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus.”

This is a great book for gift-giving. If a book impacts your life it should be shared. This is a book worth sharing.



Diane












I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

IT'S OCTOBER

October rolls around each year and ordinary people put out fall stuff and think about pumpkins and Halloween.  Me - I think PINK!  Yes people say that the pink ribbon floods the market - well guess what?  October awareness and that pink ribbon are a big part of why I was diagnosed.  That constant in my face awareness made me think about the mammogram that I needed.  It reminded me constantly that I was needing to see the Doctor.  So, I am going to make an attempt to put up some good information this month as well as some personal experiences.

The very first organization that I turned to was The Young Survival Coalition.  I was 37 years old and trying to figure out all of the facts and statistics.  I didn't do this immediately.  God carried me through several months before I was ready to be educated.  I didn't only want to treat the now I wanted to take care of those future cells that would dare invade my body.  I wanted to live and live free of cancer. I kept replaying in my mind that the first Doctor that I pointed out my lump to brushed me off and told me I was young and it was probably an enlarged duct gland.  Well HELLO - you won't catch me falling for something like that again in this lifetime.  I cringe like mad when I hear someone say their doctor is going to "watch" something.  Oh - my word - my word - my word - for crying out loud what do you have to lose to cut it out.  Watch it grow in a JAR if you want to watch it grow.  I want to be educated - I want to know when to push and when to accept the answer as it is given.  We know that mistakes are made - we make them as do Doctors and other professionals.  The best way I know how to handle things is Education - Education - Education. 

So - get out your pink - wear that ribbon proudly.  Get your mammies grammied ladies.  (and remember men do get breast cancer)  October is a wonderful time of the year to get a mammogram - lots and lots of places offer reduced prices during this month.  It is a WIN WIN. 

Today's Spotlight:

Young Women and Breast Cancer


Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. While breast cancer in young women accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of this disease is widespread: There are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under1, and approximately 10,000 young women will be diagnosed in the next year2. But, despite the fact that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 543:

◦Many young women and their doctors are unaware that they are at risk for breast cancer.


◦There is no effective breast cancer screening tool for women 40 and under.


◦Young women are often diagnosed at a later stage than their older counterparts.


◦There is very little research focused on issues unique to this younger population, such as fertility, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, the impact of hormonal status on the effectiveness of treatment, psycho-social and long-term survivorship issues and higher mortality rates for young women, particularly for African-Americans and Latinas.


◦Young women diagnosed with breast cancer often feel isolated and have little contact with peers who can relate to what they are experiencing.


◦As the incidence of young women with breast cancer is much lower than in older women, young women are underrepresented in many research studies.


For all these reasons YSC encourages young women to become advocates for their own health and become educated about breast cancer.


On the pages of this website, you will find information and resources for and about young women affected by breast cancer. Click on the navigation bar on the left to:
◦Access the bulletin boards and chat rooms to join a community of other young women living with the disease.
◦Learn about breast cancer in young women and find informational and support resources, local, national and international, for these women and their families.
◦Gain insight into the lives of young women living with the disease through our survivor stories.
◦See our real-time profile of young women who register on the site highlighting the demographic and disease characteristics of our survivor constituency.


These pages bring to you a community of young women affected by breast cancer. We hope you will return time and time again for more information, to ask more questions and to find the peer support for which you have been looking.
1 Figure based on the 2000 U.S. Census data.
2 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2008.
3 National Cancer Institute 2005 Fact Book.




All of this information and much much more can be found here at the Young Survivor Coalition. 


Most recently I joined the Army of Women.  I want to be included in any research that my help find a cure for the beast.  I would love to know "why" and be able to keep other women and men from being affected by this disease. 
Today is Blog for Your Breasts Day. I took the pledge on armyofwomen.org.  Go check it out and and join millions of women joining together for a cure.  Get involved.  Your involvement may save lives in the future. 

What is the Army of Women?


The Love/Avon Army of Women (AOW) is a unique program of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit breast cancer research organization. The program is funded through a grant from the Avon Foundation for Women. The AOW provides an opportunity for men and women to take part in breast cancer research studies aimed at determining the causes of breast cancer – and how to prevent it. The AOW is a groundbreaking initiative that connects breast cancer researchers via the internet with women who are willing to participate in a wide variety of research studies. The goal of the Army of Women is to recruit ONE MILLION MEN AND WOMEN of all ages and ethnicities, including breast cancer survivors and those who have never had breast cancer.


I love you guys and want you to be aware!  Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer.  Get involved!  Join me in my army!

Diane