Began today reading the news. Ouch. Bad idea. Can it really be that bad out there? Seems that way. Hope Obama can make as much of a difference as Sheryl Crow.
Sheryl Crow Sheryl Crow. Besides looking cool in print Sheryl is a hero to many women and most don't even know it.
So many woman who begin this journey thru surgery, chemo, radiation wonder how they will make it. It can be a long journey - a year or more- and may feel like three. But like most journeys it will end.
And here is where Sheryl (and Lance-but this ain't about Lance) shines on like a crazy diamond. Sheryl used the experience to focus on herself when need be, to get better, and then focused on everyone else. She became and remains the perfect role model for breast cancer patients.
Sheryl allowed herself to become the image of strength and hope and courage for woman. She went thru treatment without a public wimper and then went about her business. But now her business is helping in the fight. And she helps in so many different ways. Google her.
If you do google her you will find a ton of stuff about her helping and helping. City of Hope? She's with em. Changed her music after her experience. She basically let it shape her and she used it for the good - for herself and others.
I usually don't expound like this on this blog. Usually I offer advice. The only advice I can offer here is to think of Sheryl if you have breast cancer and I think it will help you get thru it and help you think of others at the same time.
Oh, and if I have to offer advice today it would be to go see "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "Slumdog Millionaire".
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Don't delay
Delay is usually not good. We all do it however. I"m a renown procrastinator. But some things we ought not delay.
Breast cancer treatment is one of those things we ought not delay. We kinda know that --I mean it makes common sense. And we have evidence in some other cancers that delay does make a difference. We know delay makes a difference in cervical cancer and head/neck cancer.
Well, a new study shows that delay or incomplete radiation treatment makes a difference to woman in terms of how they will ultimately do.
An analysis of the National Cancer Institute's cancer registry has found that delaying radiation therapy for women with breast cancer can lead to increased recurrence of the cancer.
Delaying treatment by eight weeks or more significantly increased the odds for recurrence.
Patients whose radiotherapy was delayed by 12 weeks or longer were four times more likely to have a recurrence
Women who had incomplete radiation treatment - those who underwent fewer than three weeks of the typical five-to-seven-week regimen - had a higher rate of overall mortality.
As Ben Franklin used to say, "God heals and the doctor takes the fee". Wait a minute, wrong quote.
Ben also used to say, "You may delay, but time will not."
To be sure I know that some people have delays that are beyond control.
But if at all possible let us make a promise to eliminate all the kinda urgent but not really, I have a trip planned, but we bought plane tickets, I've never seen Mongolia, it's cold out there kind of excuses.
Breast cancer treatment is one of those things we ought not delay. We kinda know that --I mean it makes common sense. And we have evidence in some other cancers that delay does make a difference. We know delay makes a difference in cervical cancer and head/neck cancer.
Well, a new study shows that delay or incomplete radiation treatment makes a difference to woman in terms of how they will ultimately do.
An analysis of the National Cancer Institute's cancer registry has found that delaying radiation therapy for women with breast cancer can lead to increased recurrence of the cancer.
The findings revealed that as many as one in five older women experience delayed or incomplete radiation treatment following breast-conserving surgery, and that this suboptimal care can lead to worse outcomes.
Delaying treatment by eight weeks or more significantly increased the odds for recurrence.
Patients whose radiotherapy was delayed by 12 weeks or longer were four times more likely to have a recurrence
Women who had incomplete radiation treatment - those who underwent fewer than three weeks of the typical five-to-seven-week regimen - had a higher rate of overall mortality.
As Ben Franklin used to say, "God heals and the doctor takes the fee". Wait a minute, wrong quote.
Ben also used to say, "You may delay, but time will not."
To be sure I know that some people have delays that are beyond control.
But if at all possible let us make a promise to eliminate all the kinda urgent but not really, I have a trip planned, but we bought plane tickets, I've never seen Mongolia, it's cold out there kind of excuses.
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