All I want for Christmas is .............my left breast!?

Surgery on Thursday went well.  I was walking into the operating room at 9:00 and was getting in the car to go home at 11:00.  It was a very fast, in and out, surgery.  I was feeling good until 3:00 when I was feeling some pain so I decided to take one of the pain pills the gave me.  They were Oxycodone which I have never taken.  I didn't feel so good shortly after taking it.  Six hours later I was starting to feel better.  When I checked out the side effects I realized I had almost all of them (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tired).  I am not sure why people get hooked on that stuff, it was awful!!

But on a positive note I FINALLY have the implant on my left side.  Merry Christmas to me.
I hope all of you have a Safe and Merry Christmas!

Surgery again.....

I will be having surgery on December 6th to take out the expander on my left side and put in the implant.  This will be an out patient procedure so I get to go home the same day.  The last surgery went well.  Everything healed like it was suppose to.  I do find that with the expander, when I sleep on my back for extended periods of time, my left side (side with the expander) hurts.  When I wake up and realize that I have been sleeping on my back and my left side hurts, it is hard to turn to my side.  I am not sure why that is but the expander will be gone soon.  I still need to get my base scans done but not until 2-3 months after surgery.  I don't want any false positives.  I go in every three months now for a blood test to look for tumor markers.  So far so good.

My energy has returned and I find I can do most things that I used to do.  I do still seem to have a hard time running so I have been walking quickly on the treadmill and lifting weights. 

Things have been so busy that I feel like I am going through the motions of life. Waiting for an opportune time to acknowledge and grieve both for my Dad and having cancer.  Time heals..........?

Post Surgery.....again.......

Well.... I had surgery again. I had the Lasissumus flap done. After I woke up and was able to check out the incision I wasn't sure if that is was she did. It looks like a long football shaped skin was taken from my back and patched onto my breast but after talking to her today (I had her explain exactly what she did) I found out that that isn't entirely correct. She took the muscle and skin from under my left shoulder blade and moved it, still attached, under my skin until it reached my front where she had it surface and put in place on my left breast. It really is quite amazing what they can do. I thought I would have this ledge under my left arm to contend with but that is not the case. I have a little "fullness" under my left arm but nothing like I expected. I will need to go back in a couple of weeks to add to the expander. I will need to do this a couple of times before we put the implant back in. I am in no rush. I want this one to heal correctly. Now it is time to heal..... I have noticed some of the emotions are staring to creep in. Just as my GP told me they would. But it is not about me or the cancer, not yet. I still need to mourn for my Dad. I think the hard part is yet to come....

Is anybody out there...?

I think I show my age when I reference songs from my past..... I am not sure if anyone still reads this but I will continue to post anyway. I have gone through 2 infections on my left breast since my silicone implants were put in on May 3rd. I have been on antibiotics since June 10th. My Dr. wanted me to go in and have the implant taken out right away but I had two vacations planned and after discussing it with my Dr. we decided that as long as I continue to monitor the infection while on antibiotics it would be ok. If the infection was getting worse I would need to go in right away whether I was in Northern MN or in Washington DC. After noticing the second infection the day I arrived in Washington DC I thought for sure I was going to need to go into the hospital but the new antibiotics she prescribed (CVS was only 2 block from the hotel) did the trick. So far I am doing fine and anxiously awaiting surgery on Friday July 27th. Exactly one year from my double mastectomy. On Friday July 27th I will be having a Latissimus Flap done. This is when they take skin and tissue from my back and bring it around to my front while still attached, to cover the area that is not healing. The skin and tissue on my left breast that has been radiated will no longer stretch so I have a hole the size of a pencil eraser within the incision, that will not heal. My Dr. will do this along with putting in a tissue expander so I will have one breast until she can start filling the expander. Later on I will need to have surgery to replace the tissue expander with another implant. I have my last Herceptin (Chemo) infusion on Wednesday July 25th. That is exciting! I will have another part of treatment behind me! I will then need to go in every three months for a blood test to look for cancer markers. As of July 12th I am now a one year survivor of breast cancer. Thank you to all of you who have supported and prayed for me and my family through our journey. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for your generosity.

I Can Float!

I am one day post OP. I have the implants in and just took the bandages off and took a shower. The implants are much more comfortable than the expanders. I really didn't realize how awkward those were until now. My Dr. made a bunch of lines on my chest with a purple marker yesterday pre surgery and it looks like it will take a couple of showers to get rid of the marker (it was kind of funny, she even initialed the markings). Surgery was at 7:30 and we were home by 10:30, not bad! The pain today is much better than yesterday and I think today will be the last day of the pain killers. I think tonight I will try tylenol. No digging in the garden or reaching up high for a couple of weeks then they want me to exercise my arms to get full motion. I had her work on my chin also (from my car accident last Sept) I still feel the bump so I hope it turns out ok. Getting closer to my new normal!!

This time in my life......

I am now done with radiation and am doing fine. The "burn" under my arm has healed well and healed quickly. After 6 weeks of going to the doctor every weekday I feel like I am forgeting to do something at 2:00 every day.

I am enjoying this nice weather and looking forward to working in the garden this weekend. I am anxious to get some gardening done before my surgery (switch tissue expanders for implants) on May 3rd. I am sure they won't want me digging in the dirt right after surgery :)

My hair is getting longer, it is about an inch long now. It does look similar to the same color, maybe a little more gray. I will leave it the color it comes in. I have never colored my hair and don't plan on starting now. I do hope I get the "chemo curl". It would be nice to have something other than stick straight hair.

I was recently told that someone else close to me has breat cancer and I was very sad to hear that news. After being someone who has had it, it made me really mad. the Susan G Komen slogan is fight for a cure. I guess I would like them to fignt to prevent it in the first place.

I am almost to the end of this part of the journey and have not really thought about having had cancer or being a survivor or whatever they say now. My Dr tells me this will hit me at some point and to be ready for it. I think the best advice is to live one day at a time and know that I will have sad days and happy days just like everyone else. Right now I am just happy that I am were I am, in my treatment and in my life.

Almost made it.....

I almost made it to the end of radiation treatment without any issues. As of Friday evening I had 6 radiaiont treatments left and Friday night I woke up in the middle of the night because a spot under my left arm hurt. Not having my contacts in and not wanting to turn on a bright light in the middle of the night I didn't look too close and didn't think it was too much so I went back to bed. In the morning I woke with that spot hurting more and my pajamas stuck to it. So needless to say when I tried to remove my jamies from my side I riped off skin. So I have an open, area approx 1 inch wide and 4 inches long under my arm pit where the expanders meet my chest wall. Now this is not skinless mind you but more like a burn and feels like one also. The Dr has given me some gunky lotion stuff with silver in it that is suppose to be really good on burns. That does make it feel better but I cannot wear any good shirts because it will ruin them.

Today (Tuesday) they started to narrow the radiation beem to focus on the spot were the cancer was. They will do this for the remaining 5 days. Prevoiusly they were radiating the entire breast into my left arm pit. This narrowing will help the "burn" area to heal without having to worry about having it radiated.

I still consider myself lucky to have so few issues with this process to date. And I guess it is lucky that I am a right side sleeper :)

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

I am done with 19 of 30 radiation treatments, yahoo!! The area has become red and splotchy and in the last couple days become itchy.
This is still a much easier process than the hard chemo. I am still going in every 3 weeks for the Herceptin infusion and on those days I get really tired. The weeks that I do not have the infusion I usually get tired by the end of the week and need a nap.

This past week has been difficult with all 4 of us getting sick with colds. We are just now getting to the end of it.

I look out my kitchen window and without snow it makes me itchy to go work in the garden. I can't wait until I can do that! I have so many ideas for it this year! I hope the weather is nice this spring so I can start early.

On Course

I had the verification scan on Monday. It was pretty easy. They just lined me up like I was getting the radiation and took pictures instead of zapping me.

I have had 4 radiation treatments now. I lay down face up on a table and they call out a few numbers to make sure I am in the correct position, then the radiation machine moves around me to get lined up and I get zapped. The do this in two different positions. Every other day they lay a wet towel on me at the radiation site. They told me this "tricks" the machine into targeting my skin. When they don't use the wet towel they radiate my chest wall. That way they are able to radiate the area above and below the cancer site to make sure it all gets zapped.

The whole appointment only takes 15 minutes. After the appointment I come home and put aloe on the area because sometimes it feels like it is sunburnt even though there is no redness yet.

My head keeps getting fuzzier and it looks blonde or maybe strawberry blonde.

Radiation........again

Plans are for the verification scan tomorrow and the radiation to start Tuesday. Hopefully nothing happens to postpone it again.

Murphy's Law

Well, I was getting kind of excited that March 5th would be my last day of radiation but then I received a call yesterday (Monday)morning from the radiologist. The computers are down and they don't expect them to be up again until at least Tuesday. Just as I was going to call today (Tuesday) to see if the computers were up and when my verification scan might be, they called to tell me that they weren't going to be able to do it today and maybe not tomorrow. They will call me in the morning to let me know. They are still trying to catch up with those that are already in the middle of there treatments. I certainly understand, if I was one of those already in the middle of my treatments I would hope they would do the same thing.
So I may have to push my last treatment out a couple of days to a week, oh well, that's the way the ball bounces or cookie crumbles or whatever.....

Radiation Time

At my doctor appt on January 5th I scheduled a Simulatiom Planning Scan for Jan 8th. At that appt they scanned my chest to put a plan together for radiation. I will have a verification scan on Monday Jan 16th to make sure that the plan they put together will work, then radiation will start on Tuesday. I am told that the side effects are minimal and are mostly skin related, kind of a sunburn in the area they radiate and dry skin. However, there is always risk with a laser being pointed at the side of your chest were your heart is. The plan is to have radiation for 35 days (7 weeks). Barring any snow storms or the machine breaking down I should be done with radiation March 5th! Hooray!

I think my hair is getting longer! At least, my head is getting fuzzier!!

Lately I have had people come up to me and ask what type of cancer I am being treated for. I guess the scarf is a dead giveaway! I have heard many stories of treatment, hair loss and survival of many different types of cancer and each one of those stories are inspirational!

A New Year

Here we are... A brand new year! I am really looking forward to the newness of a new year. A new start if you will. My family (my Mom and brothers and sisters, as well as my husband and children) have had a very emotionally difficult year.
It is time for new beginnings and looking forward to a brand new year!

I had my first Herceptin only infusion appointment on December 28th. That was a piece of cake compared to my fulll regimen that ended on December 7th. It only took an hour and no side effects with the Herceptin! YEA!! Getting back to feeling and eating well and starting to exercise. It feels so good! My hair is staring to grow again, my head is getting fuzzy, fuzzy wuzzy was a bear.......

I have an appointment with my Radiology Oncologist on January 5th to find out when I will be starting radiation. I am told they usually start right away. I know I will be having the radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks but the sooner I start the sooner I am done!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Hannuka and I hope you all have a great 2012!

Good News!!

I met with the genetic counselor yesterday for the results of the genetic testing and the results were just what I wanted to hear! My results were negative, which means my breast cancer is not hereditary, it is environmental. This is great news for my kids and all my blood relitives!!

I will be looking for healthier options for what goes in or on my body along with any thing I clean with and use on my yard and garden.

My side effects are pretty much the same as the last chemo treatment, puffy knees, food and water doesn't taste right, and I get tired pretty quickly. Thank goodness for a job where I can take nap in the afternoon! I only have about 10 days left of these side effects then onto eating better and exercising more! I can't wait to get back to it!

Writing from my last "Heavy Duty" chemo infusion.......

Well here I am today writing during my last heavy dose of chemo. I will still be getting the Herceptin infusion every 3 weeks until the end of July but that is a piece of cake compared to the full treatment. I will not have the bad taste, hair loss, puffiness, redness in my face or any other side effects I have mentioned, and it should only take about an hour instead of 4-5 hrs, yea!!!

I can't wait until I can start eating better and exercising more. With food not tasting well I tend to eat whatever appeals to me which has been ALOT of carbs.

I will be getting radiation also, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. I don't know exactly when that will be starting until I see the Dr. On January 5th.

I did get some of the Christmas shopping done but I have kids and a husband to help with that, then they can get my gift while they are out. I am also almost finished baking, two more treats left to bake, maybe it will be better to bake when it doesn't taste good less eating while baking (however they are mostly carbs). The decorating is done, I think I put out every decoration I have for Christmas. I must be making up for Halloween (I only put out 4 of 12 totes that I have) and Thanksgiving ( didn't decorate at all, unless you count the fall colored M&M's).

Today is going well. It seems to be going a little quicker than the last 5 treatments. Maybe my reward for finishing the treatments is getting done a little early.

I cannot believe how fast this seems to have gone. It doesn't seem like 5 months ago that I was diagnosed. I know I still have other treatments to go through but what I have heard from people that have gone through this process, both friends and strangers, I am just finishing the most intense part. I realize that each experience is different but it is nice to hear from those that have gone through it.

We will still be posting through all of my treatments but it may be farther between each post, just because the treatments may get monotonous. I will be posting the results of my genetic testing once I contact my family to let them know what I find out.

Speaking of Viruses and Colds

Last week at work, there were two co-workers who didn't miss a day but both obviously had a cold. Their claim was that since they had been sick for a few days they were no longer contagious. The rest of us thought they shouldn't be there. I sneezed a few times last week. I'm hoping I don't wake up tomorrow morning with a cold. Grrr... As a result, this is one of my more uninspired posts so feel free to skip it if you are bored.

There are things in common between a cold and cancer. There isn't a cure for either. There are also risk factors for a cold as there are for cancer. We do try to minimize The family's risk factors. We eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, exercise, take vitamins. (That sounds like the same as for cancer.)

Colds don't necessarily do you in but they do make you feel like crap for a few days. And we have a lot going on with the holidays right around the corner and with Denise's condition we have to be diligent about catching anything.

I saw a news article recently about how to avoid getting sick - but now as I am ready to write about it I cant find it anywhere. They included things like avoiding sick people, washing your hands regularly, etc. I did just look up the difference between a cold and a virus/flu. Basically a cold is centered in your nose and a virus/flu makes you feel bad all over.

Hey, It's the holidays....let feel good about things. Denise's last major chemo trip tomorrow!

Wee Bit of Good News.

I find this very cool. A little research lab in Pennsylvania thought they had a broken incubator but may have stumbled on a significant breakthrough in a cure for cancer. As I am not technical and did not sleep well last night and have not had enough caffeine (not that I drink coffee any more and more only inhale the aroma) I will attempt my explanation:

There is a very simple virus that was being tested on cervical cancer cells which is believed to be caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Someone left the virus cells in an incubator with the cancer cells and then went back and the cancer cells were liquified. They thought the incubator was broken but then could repeat this phenomenon and with other kinds of cancer cells. Now is that cool or what? Making cancer cells liquify and go away. Sign me up baby! I'm there.

BUT... Of course there is a big fat BUT here (not a big fat BUTT which is an entirely different thing). It has to finish being tested and going through trials. Which can take a couple of billion (yes with a B) dollars and 10-12 years. The article gives a very good and clear summary of what it takes to get a breakthrough from a lab to an authorized treatment:


Steps to FDA approval

It’s a long, long road from the laboratory to the bedside, governed by the Food and Drug Administration. The vast majority of all drugs and therapies developed don’t make it. The American Cancer Society estimates it takes about 10 to 12 years to fully develop a drug or therapy from the laboratory to bedside use.

1. Preclinical (animal) testing. This is where Dr. Meyers team is in the process.
2. Phase 1 studies (typically involve 20 to 80 people).
3. Phase 2 studies (typically involve a few dozen to about 300 people).
4. Phase 3 studies (typically involve several hundred to about 3,000 people).
5. Submission of a new drug application is the formal step asking the FDA to consider a drug for marketing approval.
6. After an application is received, the FDA has to decide whether to file it so it can be reviewed.
7. Review of the application resulting in application approval or the issue of a response letter.
Source: Federal Food and Drug Administration"

So while this a very cool breakthrough and it looks very promising, we can expect to see it maybe in 2021 or so. However it has started my day off with a bit of cheery optimism in the middle of a week. In the meantime, I am cheering on this little virus.

Post Thanksgiving

Well, Thanksgiving dinner tasted wonderful, both of them, that is the benefit of going to my bother's on Thanksgiving and Randy's side the Saturday after.

I have one Chemo treatment left which is December 7th, my brother's birthday and Pearl Harbor Day. Also, I get the results of the genetic testing on December 8th. That will be interesting. I am hoping to get a negative result for a mutation, which would mean I do not have the gene.

Chritmas, hmmm... well, I have started shopping but not on black friday. I am not a midnight or 5 am kind of shopper. I already have the rest of my week and weekend planned to try to get as much "Christmas Stuff" done as possible. You know, the tree, decorations, cookies, shopping etc... I know I won't feel like doing any of it the weekend after chemo so I am planning ahead. I am not a December 24th kind of shopper either, that is why I want to get as much done as possible this week and weekend. Watch out mall people, here I come and I am on a mission!!

We are turning into a country of shopping malls

I am on a different bent today. Normally I find all things medical and health wise to blog about but today that is not what is aggravating me. It's a beautiful day day with temps expected to hit 50 in Mid-November.

Today I want to blog about corporate America - not in the Occupy movement sense but in how they treat their customers. First of all, retailers think they are doing customers a 'favor' by opening stores on Thanksgiving or as soon as they can after midnight.

I was talking to a friend the other day who for 23 years has gone shopping with her daughter on black Friday at 5am, enjoying the first rush, shopping for a few hours and then going out to breakfast. This year the fun has gone out of it. They are not going to get up to shop at 1am. Their annual 5am shopping trip will lose its luster. Its the end of an era for them. I am not sure they will shop on Friday as a result.

What about that Target employee who put up an online petition to 'Save Thanksgiving'? He has over 196,000 signagture so far. There is an unofficial poll on CNN.com this morning where 84% don't want stores open on Thanksgiving. Do I hear some dissent in the masses here? Holidays are for employees too. They deserve some time with their families. Yes you can say if you don't want to work the hours, find another job. But in this economy there are not a lot of options for many people. Retailers are desperate for every dollar they can get. I'm not going to any store this weekend instead I will do all of my shopping online which is refered to a Cyber Monday (even if I do it on Sat/Sun). Sales will be at my convenience, not theirs.


Corporate America is here to stay. However just because they try to tell us what we want and what we need, and when we should buy it, that doesn't mean we need to suck up to their whims. I won't shop in the middle of the night. I only shop when stores aren't crowded. I try to avoid the scams and to good to be true offers. I also try to buy local.

I think its time we vote with our feet. If we don't like poor customer service, tell them and stop shopping there. If we don't like the quality of their products, tell them, and stop shopping there. If they are the only store for miles around because they have forced out the competition (think Walmart and its evil practices on small town USA), and find another option. Maybe you can't go to a grocery store weekly but you can stock up monthly on the non-perishables further away and buy locally/non Walmart for the little stuff.

We also should remember money and goods aren't everything. Low prices don't mean good quality and good service. My last trip to the Supermarket resulted in rotten produce - it didn't matter if it was cheap in the first place if you have to throw it out and go shopping again.

My last words of advice is to stay home and give thanks for things you have.

Hodge Podge of Thoughts

Don't underestimate the heat your hair holds in! With it getting colder I have definitely found that when you are bald you get cold much faster. I was thinking of going to the mall this weekend in the buff, my head I mean.

My side affects seem to be occurring sooner after each treatment. I have been puffy the last couple of days, with my knee's swollen. They seem to be getting better today. I have found that if I put lemon in my water it tastes much better, I think the lemon cuts the metallic taste.
I talked to my oncologist about radiation so I will be starting that process after the holidays.

Up until November 13th we were busy with Cross Country with my daughter. Well, Nordic Skiing started on the 14th so now we are working on equipment and warm clothes, not just for her but for all of us spectators.

I will be celebrating my daughter's birthday this weekend. I am not getting any older so I don't know how my kids keep getting older.

Number 5 tomorrow.

Well, tomorrow is the 5th of 6 chemo treatments! It seems to be going quickly. I had another heart echo today, everything seems to be fine. I will be asking my oncologist about radiation tomorrow. Soon I will be onto the next phase of my treatment.

I wish I could get excited about Thanksgiving dinner, but I am pretty sure it isn't going to taste right. I was grocery shopping today and I would think, "Hey, that would be good to eat this weekend!" then I would put it back remembering that it won't taste anything like it should. That seems to be the hardest thing to get use to. When you're tired you take a nap but you can't make things taste better.

You know I really am lucky when the taste is the worst side effect I have from chemo. Going into this I thought I was going to experience nausea, diareah and vomiting, and have a thin sunken hollow look to my face. Medicine has come along way in a very short time!

Ouch! Smile! Ouch! Smile!

This sounds like a weird topic heading for the blog I know but that is how I have been feeling lately.

Things still are going well. I go when time permits for my expander fill ups. I usually go by myself in the mornings. I lie down on a table. They inject me with the saline. I have lost count now on how many times I have had a "fill up."I have had it pretty easy with the expanders and no complications thus far. The expanders don't move around at all and one is partially under my left arm. It doesn't hurt, just digs in when I use my left arm across my body. When Randy asked if I was comfortable with them, I just said they seem to get in the way. Please understand I'm not sharing all this to complain.

As I've said time and time again, I have been so fortunate. I guess I just feel it's important to share what it is like, this getting back to "normal" and the way I once was. So that's the "ouch part." It's all part of the journey. And the getting back to normal is the "smile" part. It's knowing the end of it all is in sight. I spoke to my doctor about the process of radiation therapy as I have to decide if that is the next thing to completion. She said we may need to deflate one side for awhile but that would be standard procedure.

Today I get my new permanent tooth.

We Don't Get A "Do-Over" In Life.

When we are little we want to grow up and be a policeman/fireman/doctor/teacher/nurse/president/astronaut/professional athlete. Then as we get older we want to go live in the woods and become vegetarians/paint or live on the beach in Tahiti/save the world and have all sorts of idealistic rose colored glasses filled dreams. Maybe next you want to get rich so you can live the easy life in a nice house with nice cars, etc.

At some point you go to college, get a job, date, marry, children, etc. But then life starts to interfere. Maybe you don't get married until later. Or you never get rich. Or you don't get recruited out of college for the team of your dreams. Or you have children and are struggling as a single parent. Or find your college major will not help you get the job of your dreams. Or your health interferes.

At some point you realize your dreams are not all going to come true. You are not living on a beach in Tahiti and you aren't a millionaire. Are you filled with regrets? You shouldn't be or you need to learn not to be.

If I had a preference I would not have gotten cancer, maybe I would be richer, maybe I would be a size 4, 5'7" physically fit person who never has to work out and could eat chocolate and ice cream three times a day. Yeah, right.

Life is about learning to adapt. We all have a bit of Darwin in us as we learn to roll with the punches.

We do not get a 'do over' for life. We are stuck with how our cards are dealt. We need to learn to roll with the punches to thrive and survive. And still eat chocolate every day. But, Family and Friends sure help.

Water, Water Everywhere

We take water for granted. It is always here and we use/drink it when we want to. I hate it when water doesn't taste good. On a normal day I drink 8-10 glasses of water (I don't want to deal with constipation) but when your water tastes like your drinking it with metal in your mouth it is really hard to swallow, literally! When I have that taste, about 2-12 days after Chemo,I find it hard to get enough liquids in me and I tend to get puffy, my hands and feet swell, and I notice it in my face. But, when that taste goes away and water tastes good again, I am like a thirsty man in the desert, like drinking the best thing you have ever had for the first time. I really miss good tasting water during those days. It makes me appreciate water that much more.

Breast Cancer Fighting Foods

Here's another topic on cancer fighting foods.....when things are going good, it's tough to come up with interesting subject matter on a daily basis :)

You can lower your risk for breast cancer by reaching for the right foods, according to five new studies. A woman can cut her chance of cancer by as much as two-thirds with good nutrition and weight management. Even a woman who carries the BRCA 1 or 2 gene can reduce her risk. Denise always tells me to fill my diet with lean protein and plentiful produce—to help keep my weight in check and provide cancer-fighting compounds, more for the weight but any cancer fight stuff is frosting on the cake.

Broccoli

Sulforaphane—a compound in broccoli—reduced the number of breast cancer stem cells (which cause cancer spread and recurrence) in mice, according to research from the University of Michigan. Eating broccoli may not deliver enough sulforaphane to achieve the same effect, but to get the most you can, eat your broccoli raw or briefly steam or stir-fry the green florets. (Boiling destroys some of the sulforaphane.)

Salmon

Taking fish-oil supplements for at least 10 years can shrink your risk of ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, according to a study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. It’s thought that the omega-3 fats in fish oil reduce inflammation, which may contribute to breast cancer. But you can skip the supplement aisle, say the study’s researchers, and eat about 8 ounces of oily fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) a week. Alway's a favorite of our family.

Olive Oil

Another reason to reach for extra-­virgin olive oil: when researchers in Barcelona gave rats with breast cancer a diet in which fat came predominantly from extra-virgin olive oil (versus corn oil), they found that the olive oil’s antioxidants and oleic acid (a mono-­unsaturated fat) quelled growth of malignant cells.

Parsley

Research scientists found that this herb can actually inhibit cancer-cell growth. Animals that were given apigenin, a compound abundant in parsley (and in celery), boosted their resistance to developing cancerous tumors. Experts recommend adding a couple pinches of minced fresh parsley to your dishes daily.

Coffee

Drinking about two 12-ounce coffees a day may lower your risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer, says a recent study in Breast Cancer Research. One possibility is that coffee’s antioxidants protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer,more research is needed, so don’t up your intake based on these findings just yet. You can contact us for one of those fancy Keurig Coffee Makers though.....

Beyond blueberries: 8 unexpected antioxidants

We had another lazy weekend. Denise underwent her 4th Chemo treatment last Wednesday so we know the weekend would be spent dealing with side effects. So far fatigue seems to be the only thing we are dealing with. She also decided to take a major step and shave what was left of her hair, so she is now bald as a cue ball. Looks good, but she says it’s a little chilly on her morning walks. While undergoing Chemotherapy we were advised not to delve into too many antioxidants, but I recently found another list I thought I would share.

When scientists first discovered the power of antioxidants to destroy cell-damaging free radicals, the hunt was on. They knew these preventers of cancer and heart disease were in colorful fruits and vegetables and nuts, but recently researchers have uncovered them in new, unexpected places. And that’s a good thing, because upping your antioxidant intake from as many sources as possible is more beneficial than getting them from just a few highly publicized foods. Don’t just eat blueberries every day and think you’re covered, when you eat a diverse diet, you get the entire spectrum of benefits they deliver.

1. Whole Grain Pasta

Whole grain versions of pasta (whole wheat should be listed as the first ingredient) have 3 times more antioxidants than enriched or refined varieties. Many epidemiological studies show that the consumption of whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease. We used to think this was because of the fiber sweeping out the cholesterol, but it’s looking more like it’s the polyphenols’ positive effect on blood pressure and other markers of heart health that deserve the credit. The concentrations of antioxidants in whole grain flour used to make wheat pasta are comparable to those found in fruits and veggies.

2. Popcorn

Popcorn has 4 times more polyphenols—powerful cancer-fighting plant compounds—than the average amount found in fruits. When air-popped at home, it’s a 100 percent whole grain food, so it’s not a complete surprise that it’s packed with polyphenols.

3. Eggs

Eggs aren’t commonly considered a rich source of the antioxidant lutein (which protects your eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts) because they have low concentrations of it, relative to top sources such as spinach. However, the lutein in egg yolks is absorbed more effectively than that in spinach, possibly because the yolks’ fat helps our bodies process the antioxidant much better. So even though one egg has only about 5 percent of the lutein found in just 1/4 cup of spinach, we absorb it 3 times more effectively. Spinach and other leafy greens are still the best sources, but whole eggs are another easy way to get more lutein.

4. Canned Beans

A 2004 study conducted by the USDA found that certain varieties of dried beans contain high levels of antioxidants. Recent findings found that while all canned beans contain antioxidants, small red beans have the highest levels, followed closely by dark red kidney and black beans. In fact, darker canned beans have as much as 3 times more phytochemicals—plant compounds that wipe out free radicals to protect your cells and repair DNA damage—than white kidney and great Northern beans.

5. Yogurt

Love yogurt? You’ll love this stat: Just 1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt provides at least 25% of the daily value for riboflavin—the same that’s in 1 cup of boiled spinach. While not an antioxidant itself, riboflavin (a B vitamin) is critical in promoting antioxidant activity. Without it, the antioxidant glutathione—which is already in our cells—cannot destroy free radicals, which may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Because riboflavin is water soluble, it remains in the body only a few hours and must be replenished daily. Yogurt does the trick.

6. Canola Oil

Heart-healthy canola oil (which is less expensive and milder tasting than olive oil) is rich in the antioxidant alphatocopherol (did I spell that right?) Just 1 tablespoon contains 16 percent of the DV. Alphatocopherol is one of eight antioxidants in vitamin E, which scientists have found keeps the fats in “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming free radicals, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions. Turns out, though, we aren’t getting enough of this potent antioxidant. Close to one-third of women have low concentrations of alpha-tocopherol Easy fix: Use canola oil when baking or anytime you need a neutral-tasting oil for sautéing.

7. Organic Milk

Switch from regular milk to organic and you’ll be rewarded with a stronger dose of antioxidants, including vitamin E and the carotenoids beta-carotene and lutein. Antioxidants in milk from cows raised on organic or grass-fed diets are about 40 to 50 percent more concentrated than the milk from conventionally raised cows. These cows eat more grass, and the pasture itself provides more antioxidants than grain feeding even if the feed is augmented with supplements. If you’re not a frequent milk drinker, look for cheese and butter from grass-fed cows; they also offer more antioxidants than conventional varieties.

8. Natural Sweeteners

The average American consumes 130 g of added refined sugars each day. If you cut excess sugar and use natural sweeteners like molasses, honey, brown sugar, and maple syrup instead of refined whenever possible, you can add the equivalent of antioxidants from an extra serving of nuts or berries to your daily diet. Antioxidant content of several natural sweeteners found that molasses (particularly dark and blackstrap varieties) had the highest amounts. Honey, brown sugar, and maple syrup also contained significant levels of antioxidants. Studies have measured antioxidants in a variety of honeys and found that darker types tend to have significantly higher polyphenol counts. For example, buckwheat has an antioxidant level 8 times higher than clover, which is also outranked by sunflower and tupelo honeys.

So, there you have it. Once this Chemo thing is done, we’ll be trying more of these foods to stay on the straight and narrow.

Only 2 Chemo Treatments Left!!!

Well, I have 4 chemo treatments behind me and only two left. I am feeling fine today although it does take me a little longer to accomplish things already. This usually starts on Saturday after treatment so I think it is hitting me a little earlier with each treatment.

The kids decided it was time to get rid of what is left of my hair so I had it all cut off today. The stylist said I have a nice shaped head, who knew! I also went to the dentist and had my temporary crown put on my front tooth. I should have the permanent one in about two weeks.

Food doesn't taste good and I don't know when I am hungry. Not much different than the last 3 treatments. I am ready to take it easy this weekend. Maybe a movie and of course the Viking game on Sunday. It really is nice to PLAN to take it easy. I realize I don't do that enough!!

Over The Top

Okay, I lied. I'm sorry. I'm writing about pinkification again so if it is really driving you crazy feel free to skip my blog today and read it again tomorrow. I was surfing this morning and came across a list of weird things that have been pinked. If you must buy pinked things, you might as well get something really weird... but check the fine print first.

Penguin Group Romance Novels- They have a Read Pink program and will donate $25,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. But I couldn't find how much of each purchase is part of the $25,000.... Maybe they are just making the donation and not taking a specific amount for each book. I can see the connection - romance novels are read by women... Not that bad an item.

Pink Ribbon Pasta from the Pasta Shoppe. 10% of each purchase goes to Komen... But I didn't see a maximum being donated. But pink pasta with red sauce might look yucky on your plate.

Pink Boxing gloves - 'A portion of each item goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation' - so what portion? Is there a maximum? Can I have a pair to take out my frustrations with my health and not hurt my hands if I get the desire to punch something?

Delta Sky Miles & Minute Maid Pink Lemonade - 10% of your membership fee goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They also give you an opportunity to donate directly. And 100% of all sales of Minute Maid Pink Lemonade in October are going to the BCRF as well. What ever happened to free inflight beverages?

A car - I am not kidding on this one. You can get a Fiat 500 with a breast cancer ribbon decal. $1000 of each car purchase goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Again I did not see a maximum being donated.

Carry-on bag from Tumi - 20% of the $445 price (or $89) of a special multi color pink bag goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation during October.

Pink Ribbon Cable lock - It vaguely states that the manufacturer donates a portion of the purchase to the National Breast Cancer Foundation... I would skip this one. How much is being donated? Don't waste your $14.95 plus shipping.

9mm Hand Gun - Just because Smith & Wesson now makes a pink gun, does not turn me into a card carrying member of the NRA. They don't tell you how much is being donated... And its out of stock.

Magnetic hammer - I am not a tool person and am not sure why a hammer needs to be magnetic but a pink one? No thanks. I already have a pink tool set that has a pink hammer - that was given to me as a joke. (My husband refuses to use any of the tools in it.) This company has its own Pink for a Purpose fund which gives money to Avon's Breast Cancer Awareness and Anti-Domestic Violence funds as well as a pet care fund. But how much?


Swiffer Duster kit - but its out of stock....

Beer Pong Table - I didn't know they made beer pong tables never mind pinked ones. Since I am long since out of my party days..., I don't need one. I can see these in fraternity houses across the country. And its the official size of the World Series of Beer Pong and the Atlantic City Beer Pong Championship...$10 of each $139.95 price (on sale from $169.95) goes to breast cancer research... but what organization?


Skis from K2.... But they don't tell you how much or who it is etc.

Okay. Most of these are over the top. But if you must buy any of them, be sure you know how much of your money is going to what organization and if there is a maximum. Often companies set up these products and give a portion of your purchase to a non-profit up to a certain amount. After reaching the maximum, the portion becomes part of their profit. I promise to stop blogging about pinkification. I am so happy October is almost over.