Our Inspiration
The inspiration for "Spot a Cure," pictured above with her two Dalmatians, Peet (on left) and Rudy (on right). Please read her important message below:
On Halloween, 2008, my mammogram showed no abnormalities. During a breast self exam in late April, I found a hard lump. Biopsies determined that there were two tumors of invasive ductal carcinoma, 3.5 and 1.2 cm in size. Thank goodness I detected the lump in April, rather than waiting for my next mammogram in Fall, 2009. I shudder to think of how large it could have grown by then, and rather than having no sign of cancer in my lymph nodes, it may have invaded lymph nodes and/or the chest wall by that time. My tumors required neither chemotherapy nor radiation; had I not done a breast self exam, the tumors would almost certainly have required both! My plea to you is to please do your self exams! It may very well have saved my life.
When I was asked to select recipients for the proceeds from the t-shirt sales, two organizations immediately came to mind: Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Both groups are invested in research, education, awareness, screening, treatment, support programs, and lobbying for insurance coverage for breast cancer and its complications. Susan G. Komen for the Cure supplied me with questions to ask each of my doctors/specialists as well as treatment decision considerations. PA Breast Cancer Coalition supplied me with valuable educational support as well as the Pink Ribbon Friends support group meetings. Both groups have been a God-send for my journey.
On Halloween, 2008, my mammogram showed no abnormalities. During a breast self exam in late April, I found a hard lump. Biopsies determined that there were two tumors of invasive ductal carcinoma, 3.5 and 1.2 cm in size. Thank goodness I detected the lump in April, rather than waiting for my next mammogram in Fall, 2009. I shudder to think of how large it could have grown by then, and rather than having no sign of cancer in my lymph nodes, it may have invaded lymph nodes and/or the chest wall by that time. My tumors required neither chemotherapy nor radiation; had I not done a breast self exam, the tumors would almost certainly have required both! My plea to you is to please do your self exams! It may very well have saved my life.
When I was asked to select recipients for the proceeds from the t-shirt sales, two organizations immediately came to mind: Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Both groups are invested in research, education, awareness, screening, treatment, support programs, and lobbying for insurance coverage for breast cancer and its complications. Susan G. Komen for the Cure supplied me with questions to ask each of my doctors/specialists as well as treatment decision considerations. PA Breast Cancer Coalition supplied me with valuable educational support as well as the Pink Ribbon Friends support group meetings. Both groups have been a God-send for my journey.