I can't let October pass without a tribute to breast cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives due to breast cancer. In the year 2008, there were 2.5 million women who survived breast cancer. There is hope out there for women who are faced with breast cancer. Ninety percent of the cases of breast cancer are not linked to heredity. Researchers are not sure of why some women get breast cancer and some do not. But, they do know there are some factors that may increase your risk of getting breast cancer. Research indicates there is a link between external factors in the environment along with internal factors. There are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer; such as:
If you are overweight, lose the excess pounds.
Make informed choices about the medicine you take.
Be conscience of the food you eat & what you drink
Do self exams
Get mammograms
I would like to share with you this story of a breast cancer survivor. She is strong woman and may God always bless her with the strength to fight.
I can give hope to cancer patients. I have survived breast cancer 6 times. I am going through my 7th diagnosis right now. My cancer is stable at present. I have been on Gemzar for 6 treatments. I have one left in two weeks. My cancer is a stage IV. But I have survived it so many times before I can do it again. I could not have made it without God, my family and friends. Also lots of prayer and a positive attitude. I have had 7 kinds of chemo. They are: 5-FU, Cytoxan, Adriamycin, Taxol, Navelbine, Xeloda, and Gemzar. I have had radiation 5 times. I have taken tamoxifen, Femara, Megase, and Aromasin. It all started in 1982 when I was 37. After that time I was cancer-free for 13 years. Then I had it 5 times in 5 years. Then I was cancer free for almost 7 years. The Lord has blessed me with a good outlook on life. I accept whatever this cancer outcome might be. I do get fearful at times. But I know the Lord has a plan for me. Whether here to tell my story and encourage others or in heaven so other people can tell my story for me. Thank you for this opportunity to tell my story.
Susan, 62
Graham, WA
October 31, 2007
Below is a link to how you can help. (If your have trouble with the link, just copy & paste the link in your browser)
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/How-To-Help/
