Why is Kristin Chenoweth wearing this sweatshirt? Who are the lights in her life, how does she get by in dark times and why does she call herself a nerd and a weirdo? The MOMS Denise Albert hosted a virtual event with Kristin for her new children’s book, What Will I Do With My Love Today? along with Glen Gracia and LEDVANCE, the makers of SYLVANIA General Lighting. Watch the video to hear it all!
BY DENISE ALBERT
Cancer changed my life, becoming my best teacher.
I never thought I would say that.
The best part about being a survivor is becoming part of a cancer community and learning about all the good so many others are doing for all of us. The cancer community is one of my biggest passions in life and I will never stop sharing or advocating in the hopes that it helps others. That’s why I’m so excited to be able to share another story of a cancer survivor in partnership with AstraZeneca.
For those of you who don’t know my story, I was a 41-year-old divorced mom with two boys under the age of 10 when I was diagnosed. I was scared, lonely, and unsure of what my outcome and future would be. I went through extensive treatment. In January of 2016, I had a lumpectomy, then six months of aggressive chemotherapy and then six weeks of daily radiation. For anyone diagnosed with such a medical condition, it is a nerve-wracking experience for them due to the extensive procedures and prolonged hospital stays. Nowadays, with the help of advanced medical facilities (such as hospital patient whiteboards, online patient platforms, etc.) and treatments, healthcare and patient-care have become the top-priority for the medical fraternity all over the world. This has made lives for both the patients and the hospital staff relatively easier. Circling back to our topic of conversation however, as we might already know, radiation therapy can be quite effective in treating cancer. Nowadays, with the help of advanced medical devices, doctors can maximize the radiation dose that can eliminate the cancel cells quickly while minimizing the radiation levels. That said, cancer patients can now get access to radiotherapy clinics easily just by searching for them. for instance, someone from Austria can just search for Radiotherapy Centre in Austria to locate an appropriate cancer care clinic near them where they can avail the radiation treatment. Coming back, following the radiation treatment, I had to take another full year of infusions of two immunotherapy medicines.
It was a lot. I had some complications, a lot of side effects, and it was certainly an emotional rollercoaster. I tried to be strong. I tried to be positive. I tried to live my life when I felt like I could. But some days I just cried. Some days I couldn’t move from the couch. Some days, all I could do for the entire day was walk my kids to school around the corner. Some days I couldn’t see how things would get better. In most cases, medicines and some natural supplements (like a few sourced from Clean Wellness) can help in the speedy recovery. Also, I had support and love from my family and friends but yearned for others going through it, too. I craved connection with others who understood, who knew what would help or suggested wisdom from experience.
I tried things others suggested. I changed my diet. I cut out sugar. I cut out dairy. I was already mostly a vegetarian and tried to eat mostly plant based. I hired a chef who could make the right meals for me. I tried acupuncture. I tried to stay active when I felt well enough and could go to a spin class. I began therapy. I started doing yoga for the first time. I tried reiki. I was open to anything and everything that made me feel better, I got sent recommendations from friends about health pages such as Rolling Paper and crystal therapy pages, everyone was so willing to help. It cost a fortune (not to mention all of the medical bills, wigs, creams, and other things I needed for my treatment).
I wish I knew about Sue Weldon.
When Sue was diagnosed, also around the same age as when I was, she also needed so much of what I wanted and had to piece together. Sue wanted yoga, acupuncture, resources on nutrition, massage therapy, and so many other things that cancer patients need. That’s how Unite for HER was born as a nonprofit in 2009 to bridge the gap for breast and ovarian cancer patients, focusing on wellness and care for emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. Because of Sue and the team at Unite for HER, every person with breast and ovarian cancer will feel the support of a loving community and have access to tools and services that enrich their health and well-being. Quite simply, they will be GIVEN a gift that they all deserve, especially while going through treatment. All they have to do is apply!
I recently spoke to Sue and I’m now grateful to know her and know about her thanks to the Cancer Community Awards (C2 Awards), a program made possible by the partnership of AstraZeneca’s YOUR Cancer program and Scientific American Custom Media. The C2 Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of cancer care, whose relentless drive to affect positive change has given new hope to those affected by this devastating disease.
Sue is the 2021 Catalyst for Care Award Winner. She is one of five changemakers being recognized by the C2 Awards for making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer and has improved the cancer care experience for patients and their loved ones. Winners were selected by a panel of leaders from across the cancer community.
Due in part to the pandemic, Unite for HER is now national and has expanded in ways previously unimaginable. They used to host in-person conferences, but now they have been able to put their conference in a box and patients are sent items you can use along with a “passport” that is worth $2,000 per patient for integrative care, whether that’s meditation and yoga, Sun Basket Meal Delivery, counseling, or a fitness membership! They help heal each person’s heart and soul. Each woman chooses the care that will help her while going through treatment. Unite for HER sends fresh organic vegetables, bath, and beauty products without toxins, and so much more. For Metastatic patients (stage 4), they receive the program via HER Carebox and “wellness passport” paying for and renewing their much-needed services every six months and as Sue says, “we never leave their side”.
To me, Sue is a strong force that every cancer patient needs supporting them. I asked her if she has a motto and she said, “‘If you pour a lot of love and support into someone or something, it is bound to flourish.’ That is our Unite for HER, flourishing from all the love and support that our community pours into us each and every day.” And her community keeps growing. After having been in Philadelphia since inception, they are now serving women and men in 38 states, and continuing to grow, which, thanks to the C2 Awards, they will hopefully now reach more people and continue to move their mission forward to help all patients with their mind, body, and spirit.
What I didn’t know at the time of my own diagnosis was there were so many other survivors who were making the cancer world a better place. Sue told me, “Cancer was my best teacher, though I don’t wish it on anyone, but it taught me so much and led me to this path.” So just like me, cancer changed her life, empowering her, and for those diagnosed after her.
I have received information from AstraZeneca. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. For more information on the Cancer Community Awards and the 2021 winners who are redefining cancer care for all patients, CLICK HERE.#AstraZeneca #ad
What moms told me about their migraines
By Melissa
One of the amazing things about sharing my migraine journey with all of you is that I learned that I am absolutely not alone. After I first shared, I heard back from so many moms who, like me, really suffered from migraines-missing out on work and fun, not being able to take care of things at home, and taking medication that didn’t give relief. I know that some of them would use a marijuana thc cartridge to ease their symptoms so they could even move around the house, but for me, I wanted to find another way.
Some women experience migraines just as their periods are about to begin. When your entire body, from head to toe, is in pain, this may be the worst feeling in the world. One of my pals mentioned pain relief tablets from brands Create Better Days like that could be utilized to alleviate the discomfort. It was not that I did not trust the opinions or reviews given by everyone, but I did have my own skepticism. I could not completely use the product without getting answers to the questions I had regarding them, for instance, ‘does weed help headaches?’ or if there are any side-effects to it. It would take me a while to understand it completely, so I decided to stick to my guns and go with what seemed relatively easier to me.
To make it a little more ‘scientific’ we polled our newsletter subscribers and posted about it on Instagram. 87 moms who identify as migraine sufferers responded and the results were fascinating! The results confirmed that migraines have a significant impact on respondents’ ability to function as both a mom and an employee.
We also learned that 75% of migraine sufferers who responded to our poll have experienced nausea or vomiting with migraines, and for some this interfered with their ability to take oral medication.
And listen to this-nearly 9 out of 10 (!) are not “very satisfied” with the treatment they are using, and just about 76% of respondents reported being ready to talk to their doctors about non-oral treatment options.
Like me, a lot of you have had to cancel plans because of migraine. How many? More than 85% have had to cancel plans with family and friends, and nearly 90% say migraine has prevented them from performing daily household activities. Nearly 60% have missed work due to migraine.
Now I shared that I used to take over-the-counter (OTC) medication when a migraine struck. Until I talked to my doctor, I didn’t know that I had choices, let alone a choice that wasn’t a pill! Our poll found that, once again, I wasn’t alone. While 86% of respondents take OTC medications or prescription medications to treat migraines, 78% of respondents were not aware of prescription nasal spray treatment options to treat migraines. Plus a lot of people didn’t even know you could get botox treatments from professionals like Dr. Sarah Groff to reduce chronic migraines as well as add smoother skin to their beauty regime.
Here’s what I did: like most of you, I wasn’t satisfied with how I was treating my migraines. It wasn’t sustainable for me to have to retreat to a dark room for hours when they struck. I finally talked to my doctor. Based on the results of our poll, I suspect many of you are also interested in talking to your healthcare provider about migraine medications that don’t require swallowing. If you don’t mind a little mom to mom advice, all I can say is make the time and do it, talk to your doctor. My visit was eye opening. I learned that all migraines are different and that I could build a toolkit to treat them. I learned that a nasal spray can be helpful on the days when a migraine with nausea/vomiting means you simply can’t take an oral medication.
Thanks to all of you who participated in this poll, we do better and learn more when we do it together.
This poll and post were sponsored by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC but the experiences shared are my own.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Tosymra can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop Tosymra and get emergency medical help if you have any signs of heart attack:
Tosymra is not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam is done and shows no problem.
Do not use Tosymra if you have:
Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.
Tosymra may cause serious side effects including:
The most common side effects of Tosymra include: tingling, dizziness, feeling warm or hot, burning feeling, feeling of heaviness, feeling of pressure, flushing, feeling of tightness, numbness, application site (nasal) reactions, abnormal taste, and throat irritation.
Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider.
This is the most important information to know about Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit www.upsher-smith.com or call 1-888-650-3789.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tosymra is a prescription medicine used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults.
Tosymra is not used to treat other types of headaches such as hemiplegic or basilar migraines or cluster headaches.
Tosymra is not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if Tosymra is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
Tosymra is a registered trademark of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC.
By Melissa Gerstein
I started getting migraines after the birth of my third. I got the kind of headaches where I had to stop everything and go to a dark room. I lost whole days and missed important family moments and even some holiday activities because of them. But since I first shared my migraine journey when I partnered with Tosymra (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg, I have learned so much. And one important thing is that I am not alone. Migraine impacts nearly 40 million people in the US!
Now, we did a survey asking about your migraine journeys, and we’re going to be sharing the results soon. Check back, they are REALLY interesting. But I have also gotten a lot of questions since I first started sharing my story, so because June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, I thought I’d answer a few here. Just a reminder, I am not a healthcare provider, I am just sharing my experience.
Q: How do you “Mom” with a migraine?
At first I didn’t. I really just had to shut myself away until the episode passed. And I don’t have to tell you with three kids who all need something at all times, shutting yourself away isn’t a long term solution!
I wanted relief, but I didn’t know it was possible. When I finally talked to my healthcare provider, I learned that there are a lot of migraine treatments available and that I didn’t have to suffer through migraines. I could, and should, treat it. To begin with, a popular treatment was the rising pain relief solution that is CBD, and many use it for different types of illnesses. I considered it and had a little look online for the products that are available. I was able to buy CBD oil, gummies, creams, vape liquids, anything I needed or thought would be best for me. It opened my eyes, to be honest! The same can be said for THC, which is very similar, but CBD but has very mild psychoactive effects (essentially a slight uplifting effect on mood). There are delta 8 THC carts for vapes, as well as oils and gummies and so on as well. However, I decided the first time opting for treatment, I’d go for something a little closer to home and in my immediate area. Then I would be able to start off easy and work my way through the different treatments that worked best for me. So my pain relief journey began.
I’ve built myself a migraine treatment toolkit and I am ready.
Q: What have been some of your symptoms? Any nausea/vomiting?
I learned that no two migraines are the same. Sometimes I have a headache that feels like a tiny man with a pick is trying to dig his way out of my head. Other times it is centered in my eyes. And, yes, sometimes I experience nausea and vomiting.
Q: What have you tried? What works?
So bear in mind everyone has different things that work for them. Some may use a cbd beard oil private label option but massage it into the head instead, some may use various medications, the list goes on. Me? I’ve used OTC medications in the past, but one thing that meets my needs as a busy mom is Tosymra . It is a convenient nasal spray for acute migraine treatment in adults that may be able to help, especially if you need a non-oral treatment option – like for those migraines with nausea. I have experienced migraine pain relief in as little as 10 minutes! So helpful for those days where I have a lot to get done!
Again, this is what has worked for me, and all of us have different migraine experiences. Some of you might find getting CBD or delta 8 thc online to be quite helpful for its therapeutic qualities. Each person is different, so talk to your healthcare provider to see what would work right for you.
Q: I think I have migraine, what should I do?
Take care of yourself and go talk to your healthcare provider. I wish I had done that much earlier. I suffered for years and when I finally talked to my GP I learned that a person with migraine in 2021 has many treatment options, and it is important to build a treatment toolkit that meets your needs. I can’t say it enough, no two migraines are the same. If you are looking for more information about acute migraine treatment, there is a helpful discussion guide on Tosymra.com you can bring to your healthcare provider to start the conversation.
Tosymra (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg is a prescription medicine used to treat migraine attacks in adults. It’s not for migraine prevention. Tosymra is not for everyone. Do not use Tosymra if you have heart problems, narrowing of blood vessels or uncontrolled high blood pressure. These are not all the reasons not to take Tosymra. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if Tosymra is right for you.
The most common side effects of Tosymra include: tingling, dizziness, feeling warm or hot, and application site reactions in the nose. These are not all the possible side effects of Tosymra. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.
For full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information and Instructions for Use, click here: https://bit.ly/2GanBcG
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Tosymra but the experiences shared are my own.
BY DENISE ALBERT
I partnered with AstraZeneca to develop this blog post.
How many doctors do you have? How many of those have you seen in the past year? It’s hard to believe, but I have 10 different doctors who I see at least once or twice a year. My son said to me the other day, after looking at my reminder board, “You’re the healthiest, sick person.” I laughed before I said, “Well, except that I’m not technically sick anymore, and that’s because I’m the CEO of my health.” Regular doctors visits for me are essential and they have become a part of my daily routine. As a result, I personally don’t pray for healing as I hope the doctors can do that for me. But I know that multiple people in America do just that every day and donate to projects to help; others through illnesses.
I’ve learned over the past few years to keep notes like this where I can see them. It’s easy to get confused by different portals and logins but keeping track of doctors and appointments can make all the difference. For instance, if you want a VCI Botox, the first thing that you would be doing is finding the right dermatologist. This could be after countless searches online and recommendations from your close circle. However, it is even more important these days, as we have all become so accustomed to staying safe at home. But staying away from checkups and routine visits, especially if you have delayed a recommended cancer screening appointment, can be risky.
I typically schedule my mammograms and annual cancer and breast exams for every February and March. Fortunately, I recently read the news that said women should schedule their mammography either before their Covid-19 vaccination or four to six weeks after. Because I have been so on top of my health, delaying my visit slightly shouldn’t have any effect for me, but of course, everyone is different. As vaccination appointments open up, make sure to remember your recommended cancer screenings and ask your doctor what course of action is best for you! If you have a proper internet connection (such as Xfinity internet and other service providers) at home, you can consult them at the comfort of your own home! However, during this time you have got to make sure that you are following the proper protocols and getting what you need. If your health insurance is coming up for renewal and you want to go for something better, you’ll need to do this thoroughly to pick one that you can seamlessly move to. It would be best to search key phrases such as ‘health insurance jacksonville services’, for example, so you can find the best plans in your area.
I’ve thought a lot this year about how cancer prepared me for Covid-19 and Quarantine. I continued to stay safe and even wore masks long before they were glamorous and shiny. I rocked robes and gloves and washed and sanitized.
I recently met Dr. Kirstamarie through my partnership with AstraZeneca’s New Normal, Same Cancer program, a public health initiative to raise awareness about recommended cancer screens during the pandemic, and shared a few questions that I believe will be helpful to you.
Denise:
If a patient is concerned about going to a Dr appointment, how would you ease their anxiety about the protocols you are taking to keep everyone safe?
Dr Kristamarie:
In light of all of the changes over the past year, our health and the health of our loved ones are what matters. As we have learned more details during this pandemic, I have been able to implement a few protocols to help protect patients so they can continue to receive care. Our practice has been following safety guidelines set by the CDC and the city’s department of health. Additionally, we transitioned a large majority of visits to provide virtual visits for people to still receive the care they need, but from the safety of their homes. For any home or work consultations, we make sure the appropriate precautions are taken (using appropriate screening questions) and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Denise:
We have heard from recent expert opinion that vaccination side effects can include enlarged lymph nodes and mirror signs of breast cancer. Besides trying to schedule screenings before the first vaccination dose or 4-6 weeks after your second dose, if possible. What else should cancer patients know about staying safe during these times?
Dr Kristamarie:
It’s important that patients don’t put off recommended health care and treatments. Skipping appointments or delaying them may lead to other issues down the road. I would encourage patients to reach out to their providers to see what precautions their hospitals and offices are taking to ensure their safety. It may also be helpful to ask friends or family for help with certain errands (such as grocery shopping) to decrease time spent around large crowds depending on what part of the country you live in. Patients should continue to wear face coverings when out in public, maintaining distance when appropriate, and discuss whether vaccination is an appropriate option for their specific case. If there are concerns about any new or unusual symptoms, please don’t hesitate to get tested or to discuss with your providers.
Denise:
Should cancer patients take extra steps to continue to stay safe?
Dr Kristamarie:
It’s essential to continue making healthy lifestyle choices that will support immune health while keeping the body strong. Getting adequate sleep, incorporating a healthy diet full of vegetables and fruits, and reducing stress are some ways to help maintain health. Staying up to date with recommendations from providers and reputable organizations such as the CDC can also help ensure that you are staying safe.
Dr Kristamarie:
What special actions or precautions have you taken to ensure that you are staying safe during the Pandemic?
Denise:
I’m continuing to monitor public health guidance as different areas start to reopen, and only doing so with caution. I have stayed masked and kept to my “pod.” I don’t eat indoors with anyone other than my immediate family who I live with and my pandemic-blended family, which includes my ex-husband, his wife, her ex-husband and their kids. That’s our “family” because the kids go back and forth so it’s as if we all live together.
We all wash our hands constantly, get tested if we think we may have been around someone who tested positive and quarantine if any of us were exposed. I’ve started to double mask if I go into a market or store and wear gloves as often as possible and keep up to date with the latest public health guidance on how the virus is affecting my own community.
Dr Kristamarie:
How have you been staying up to date with your own healthcare needs and screening tests during this time?
Denise:
I keep a list of all of my different doctors as shown above. I have many annual or biannual appointments because of my cancer journey and my side effects. My oncologist, my surgeon, my radiation oncologist, my rheumatologist, my ophthalmologist, my dermatologist, my gynecologist, my endocrinologist, my gastroenterologist and my dentist. I keep notes on when to follow up. The portals do a really good job of reminders but I have a few different portals! So, this list keeps me organized.
Dr Kristamarie:
Have you had to visit your healthcare provider in person during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and if yes, how was your experience? Did you feel as though your healthcare team prioritized your health and safety and if so, could you share how they did this?
Denise:
Yes. At the beginning, I didn’t and luckily my mammography and my oncology appointments are typically in March, so I had just seen them when everything got bad in 2020. I was slightly late on some of the others due to the pandemic but luckily, I see so many year-round who take many blood tests and check levels that I felt like I was still in the realm of “on time”. I’m just about all caught up now and it feels great! We all have enough to worry about health-wise these days and catching anything early can save your life. I know, because I did.
AstraZeneca sponsored this blog post.
My 98-year-old Grandma is in assisted living and hadn’t had a hug in over a year! Wait until you hear some of the conversations and special moments we all shared with my Grandma! It’s truly incredible and we are so grateful for the science that made this all happen! We hadn’t been inside with my mom without masks in over a year. Our recent trip to Ohio in this incredible Outdoorsy RV Van brought so much love and joy along with the most amazing conversations.
This time together allowed us to reminisce about days gone by and I can’t even begin to tell you how magical it was to see her face light up when we were talking about all these memories. While not the most ideal of scenarios, assisted living for the elderly tend to be a practical housing option for those in their golden years. Senior housing developers who make such properties available to senior citizens on lease (AAOA has some useful info on various types of leasing prerequisites) include a multitude of add-on services like lifestyle concierges, car services, and even gourmet dining. However, the above-mentioned services are not all that is included in an assisted living situation. While housing, meals, and assistance with medicines are what would come under personal care, assisted living would include additional skilled healthcare services that can typically allow someone to age in peace in one place (learn more about assisted living vs. personal care online). Although, despite the facilities, sometimes it might be hard for people to leave their loved ones in a senior care home. And yet, it is funny how you forget about how much you cherish this time together as a family until it is taken away from you. I don’t know about anyone else, but this is something I will remember forever. Of course, we spoke about stories that we had heard 100 times before, but there were several new ones that we were able to speak about.
My Grandma spoke a lot about her family, some of whom I had never even heard of before, and that is when I realised that I don’t know much about my ancestors, and how I would like to do some further research into them. Many people I know have pointed me in the direction of a site like Genealogy Bank (check out here for more information) that will allow me to search the names of these family members in the hopes that it will provide me with all the information I need to learn more about where I came from and what my roots are. I think anyone should do it personally, especially if they don’t have a bond with some of the older members of their family.
I’m just so glad we were able to have this amazing visit with my Grandma, and I’m hoping and praying that we can do it again very soon because these times are precious.
#brighterdaysahead. CLICK HERE TO WATCH.
You can always call her Punky! That’s what Soleil Moon Frye told all the moms on The MOMS Virtual Mamarazzi event for her new Hulu documentary kid 90. Guess what she was wearing, she’s more like you than you think! Plus, watch to hear who has to approve pictures she posts on her social, who used to pick her up at school and how she talks to her kids about social media. Don’t miss the Minute With The MOMS at the end where Soleil talks about the most fun she’s had during the Pandemic, her favorite show, what she can’t wait to do when the world opens and her favorite quote!
Kid 90 streams on Hulu beginning March 12th!
Are you counting down the days until New Year’s Eve? 2020 has been a difficult year for so many of us. I often feel reflective in December. I use this time to reflect on the past year and plan for the new one. For me, this year, it’s my most important year since I was diagnosed. For me, this year will be crucial. This year is my 5 year mark from diagnosis. There’s so much that comes with that but especially the questions surrounding one of the medicines I’m on. I’m on an aromatase inhibitor, which is like insurance. It’s supposed to help make sure my cancer doesn’t come back. Traditionally, doctors prescribed this medicine, for my kind of cancer and treatment for 10 years. But as is always the case with science and medicine, there are always advancements. When you rely on medication to get you through your illness can be pretty daunting, as you are afraid to miss out on any doses or accidentally run out, we are lucky that nowadays there are things like an Online pharmacy that we can use, medication delivery by your physician, etc. but when you have been on them so long, you want to see the other side of it and evaluate what it means.
This time, it’s Breast Cancer Index™. Breast Cancer Index is a simple test that will let me know if there’s any benefit to me staying on this medication for 5 more years. I’ve learned about Breast Cancer Index in the past 6 months and am serving as an ambassador for this test. I’ve always only agreed to partner with companies that are meaningful to me and that I believe in. After learning and writing and sharing for the past few months, it’s time for me to decide what to do. I’ve spoken to my doctor about it and she was aware of it. She said we will talk about it at the 5 year mark but her inclination is to keep me on the medicine since I don’t have side effects. But it’s a good topic to discuss. How do you know when you want to listen to science, try something new and perhaps take fewer drugs? I’m almost at the time to make a decision and I think I will take the test. It would be good to have more information. I don’t know yet what I will do with the results, but I’m thankful for advancements, for science and for Breast Cancer Index.
This post is sponsored by Biotheranostics, Inc. (Breast Cancer Index™). Thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m not asking for money. I promise.
I know I’ve been asking a lot lately in regards to my Breast Cancer Journey and on-going support of philanthropy.
This time, I’m writing about Breast Cancer Index, a test and company I’ve learned about in the past few months due to my partnership with them.
While I may be working with them to raise awareness, I’m also asking questions, and speaking to my doctors to see if I should and will continue a medicine I am currently on.
I’ve written about it before,
PLEASE HELP NON-WHITE’S SURVIVE BREAST CANCER
WHAT WOULD YOU DO? …IF YOU WERE ON MEDICINE YOU MAY NOT NEED TO BE ON FOR AS LONG AS PLANNED?
DEAR ME (AND ALL OF YOU!), NOT. ANOTHER. MINUTE.
I’M STILL LEARNING NEW QUESTIONS TO ASK YEARS AFTER CANCER TREATMENT…
but this time, I also wanted to share the experience of someone who made the very decision I will soon be faced with.
Kathleen, a breast cancer survivor, shared her experience using the Breast Cancer Index test.
WHAT MADE YOU INTERESTED IN THE BREAST CANCER INDEX TEST?
WHAT OPPORTUNITY DID YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR SEE WITH BREAST CANCER INDEX?
HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER GETTING YOUR BREAST CANCER INDEX RESULTS?
WHAT INFORMATION DID YOUR BREAST CANCER INDEX RESULTS PROVIDE?
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO NOW THAT YOU ARE ARMED WITH YOUR BREAST CANCER INDEX RESULTS?
You may ask WHY I’m still wearing a wig. You may ask why I would donate my newly grown post-chemo hair to Wigs & Wishes By Martino Cartier? Here are all the answers on The Doctors. Please watch, share and consider how you can also perhaps help others, if not this way, in other ways! I FEEL GREAT. I’M SO HAPPY I DID THIS! I’ve thought about it for years and now know It was 100% the right decision for me! I’m so grateful to the show and to Martino Cartier for agreeing to do this with me! PLEASE CONSIDERING DONATING YOURS ALSO!
SEGMENT 1 – Why I’m still wearing Wigs!
SEGMENT 2 – The Chop and Donation to help others!
We are teaming up with Poise who is awarding microgrants totaling $50,000! Poise has already awarded $450,000 in grants in an effort to help women-owned small businesses bounce back from financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we’re working with Poise to bring female entrepreneurs educational workshops and microgrants.
Click on the links below to register for one of our virtual panel discussions in August and you could be eligible to receive a $2,500 microgrant thanks to Poise. Each session will feature a robust mix of speakers and topics designed to help female entrepreneurs adapt and grow their businesses during these fast-changing, unprecedented times.
The MOMS Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein hosted Brooke Shields for an online #Mamarazzi to celebrate her to celebrate her new “At Home Workout” series. Brooke shared all her body type, what she did to celebrate turning 55 in quarantine, how she instilled a” fear factor” into her daughters and how she loves food.
Hi, Call me Gilly and I am the Founder of Gilly’s Organics. I created a line of 9 luxurious, healing, hydrating products that are AMAZING for your skin and hair. I began this line because I wanted to develop high-quality, clean products that are effective AND affordable. I did it!
I believe deeply that a woman must absolutely put her self-care needs at the top of the list and especially now if she can. My brand and my mission are all about self-care, education, empowerment, having FUN and giving back. I hope when you buy my products that you feel the love that was put into them. Our brand is currently giving proceeds to our local hospital (Englewood Health) until this Covid crisis is over. We also give funds to girls who otherwise can’t receive a secondary education across the globe. I can’t wait to hear from you once you try my products! XO, G
What does Joan Lunden see when she looks in the mirror? Who is the best person she ever interviewed? Watch The Minute With The MOMS with Joan Lunden! PLUS, Do you want to win a free trip to Beaches Resorts? Go to TheMOMSNetwork on Instagram and Facebook to more from our Mamarazzi event and to find out how you can enter. We are celebrating Skip Gen Travel. That’s where Grandparents take the Grandkids away and give moms a break or a vacation too!
Event produced by Geanine Cilenti
Mom Beats Breast Cancer and Then Books Dream Trip, Thank You Flash Pack for the Croatia portion of the trip!
I took off work completely for the first time in over 10 years. I turned on my out of office, got my business partner on board to run our company, TheMOMS.com without me, and took off to Europe for three and a half weeks with a one-way ticket and very few plans or reservations. In the past seven years, I’ve gotten divorced, started a new business, moved three times, was diagnosed with breast cancer and treated aggressively for two and a half years, spent four and a half years in and out of a horrific (for lack of other words) on and off relationship, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and became the subject of a viral video for being mistreated with the TSA — all while parenting two boys.
Read the Full Story at Yahoo.com
I just turned 45. It’s a milestone I wasn’t sure I would see. Three and a half years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t have family, close friends or anyone in my inner circle with cancer. Today, I have an entire cancer community and it is what got me through the worst time of my life.
Community is the basis of everything I do. It is the very essence of our company, The MOMS.
Now that I am a survivor, I often think about how to share my experience in a meaningful way that can help others, no matter what type of cancer they may be facing. I keep coming back to the thought that the community I was able to engage with on social media helped me during some of my toughest moments and I am grateful. On that note, I would also like to be thankful to the Instagram follower bot and akin for helping me connect with others who were going through similar experiences. It was recently, that I realized my cancer journey is similar to that of an athlete, which is why I’m so proud to be collaborating with a seven-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics, a mom and ovarian cancer survivor, Shannon Miller. Shannon is on a mission to educate women facing ovarian cancer through her work with Our Way Forward.
Shannon has partnered with TESARO and Our Way Forward, which is a call to action that encourages women with ovarian cancer to rethink how they talk about it. The program strives to foster a community for those impacted by this disease, who can work together to navigate the physical and emotional challenges that the disease brings.
Shannon is encouraging women, care partners, loved ones and physicians to join the Our Way Forward team. Have you ever played a sport? Or been on a team? Or coached one of your kid’s teams? Every member of a sports team needs the support of teammates cheering you on.
Our Way Forward is your stadium filled with fans. It is your gold medal performance. It is a place to learn, read and share. It is a place where everyone is rooting for you.
When I was diagnosed with cancer I decided to share my story publicly. With The MOMS, I have shared my life, whether it was on television talking about parenting, on my SiriusSM radio show, or online writing on the Huffington Post about my divorce that I obtained by hiring family solicitors from somewhere like Eatons.
I told my story because I know how difficult it can be to handle everything on your own, especially with children who have been through so much at such a young age. I wanted to share parenting advice after my divorce so that people could see how I got out of a bad situation. That’s because I’ve seen cases where the conditions after divorces became so bad that the children of the marriage were destroyed by the depression, anxiety, drug addiction, and self-mutilation that so often accompanies divorced children. Other issues can be dealt with by going through therapists, but drug and alcohol addiction is a different story. It was seen that in later stages, the children had to be admitted to rehab centers such as Arista Recovery – https://www.aristarecovery.com/ – to assist them in overcoming their addiction problem. This is why I wanted to share my journey. Overall, I was just trying to convey a message about how I dealt with all of the pressure and stress, as well as how I dealt with my children after the divorce.
After all that, how could I not also share this? We all need someone in our corner. At every level!
Thousands of people shared my story and then many went on to share theirs, after I wrote my first story for People.com. The response was unbelievable!
It was like being in a stadium filled with fans rooting for me. Fans cheering me on and wanting people living with cancer to win. I had my own team, my own coaches, my managers, my kids, extended family and friends-the support generated felt like I had an entire stadium full of fans!
I named my team, #FutureCancerSurvivor. I printed bracelets that I still wear today. There hasn’t been a day I have been without it. It’s my logo, my team uniform. I shared it all. Everything from my lumpectomy to shaving my head right before an event I was hosting with Jennifer Garner to my wigs to 6 months of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation daily. A year of immunotherapy injections. I had unique side effects. I kept sharing. Each time I shared, I gained more fans. I learned more. I started speaking to others across the country. Rooting for others. It was fans all around a cancer community…really a mini-league of its own. I always had plans to get my work done in the hours sitting during chemo. I brought my computer. What happened was shocking. I would arrive, post a picture, think about what I wanted to write and then take the next few hours while everything was dripping through my body to then respond to every single person. Every comment, every message, every text or email. Social media passed my time, cheered me up, connected me to thousands around the country. Social media saved my life during treatment. Social media can be a great outlet for those who want to connect with people all over, without the limitations of location. It has become so popular that people will buy Twitter followers, use Instagram managers, and even get help with reaching audiences on TikTok. We are a different world now, we are a more connected world and that can be a positive thing if used correctly.
Once you go through cancer, it never leaves. Cancer-free for me is like being retired. Still in the game but in another way. We are here to spread messages. To help others. This is the real Pros.
What makes someone like Shannon an athlete? Obviously the practice. The drive. The determination. The passion. The coaching. The team.
What makes someone a cancer survivor? A lot of the same things. But mostly the team and the fans.
So if you see someone sharing their story. If you think to yourself, ‘Why are they doing this?’ Not every day is a win or medal round. Sometimes you’re tackled, or you strike out or are knocked out.
Sometimes you just feel awful. Think about it this way. They need you cheering them on. They need you rooting for them. They need that base hit or home run or gold medal. They need your help to win whatever game they are playing.
To learn more about Our Way Forward, visit www.ourwayforward.com or the Facebook page. To learn more about Shannon Miller, visit www.shannonmiller.com.
My boys received complimentary Invisalign® treatment in exchange, we are sharing our real treatment experience with you.
Have you had that moment when you felt like your kids were all grown up? Even though they are still kids, have you had a moment when you felt like they were responsible? Have you had that moment when you realized they understood the value of something and did their best to appreciate and take care of it without having to tell them?
I am living that moment right now. I can’t even believe it. I can’t be the only one who feels like I’m always repeating myself to my kids. “Pick up your clothes.” “Put your dishes away.” “Please go shower.” “Time to brush your teeth.”
But recently something happened. I no longer have to tell them to brush their teeth. Now they tell me! Multiple times a day. The moment occurred precisely nine weeks ago. I remember because that’s when they began their Invisalign® treatment. Just a quick note – there are other options on the market that may be better options for you. For example, if you’re from Thailand then you might want to look at จัดฟันแบบใส Aline. It’s up to you though, make sure you do your research and assess your options!
If you’re interested in Invisalign then check out the resources available online for more information. It’s never too late to get it! The boys have been so excited that each time they eat, they take their aligners out, place them in their case and then miraculously after they finish eating, immediately go to the bathroom to brush and put them back in. The process of getting Invisalign is a lot easier than getting braces, which is why many people go for this option instead. If this is the treatment that you feel is best for your child to undergo (and your child agrees), it could be as simple as visiting a Dentist in McAllen (or your local dental clinic) to get started! You can speak to them about the whole process if it’ll make it easier for you to understand. Plus, they aren’t there for no reason! They have your best interests at heart when it comes to your teeth.
You’ll find that many clinics such as Dentist Lancaster offer this treatment. If you or your child is considering getting Invisalign, doing some research into it or speaking to a professional dentist could help you get a better understanding of what this all includes.
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Before bedtime. It’s as if they are under a spell. I thought it would get old fast. I thought after the first week; they would go back to old habits. NOPE! Nine weeks in and it’s still the same excitement, the same sense of responsibility.
This miracle has even stayed on track when they are in school. They each keep their case in their lunch box. They do not ever take it out. They also keep a case right by the sink at home. There’s never an opportunity to miss or lose it because we established this routine right from the start.
We also decided that every Wednesday is the day they change their aligners and move on to the next week’s set. As a busy mom, I often forget, and I still haven’t remembered to set an alert on my phone. But I don’t even need one. My 9 and 13-year-old boys are my human alerts! They wake up each Wednesday morning and say, “It’s new Invisalign® aligner day!”
Invisalign® clear aligners are custom made for an individual’s teeth and the boys can see how much straighter their teeth are each week.
At our last visit to the orthodontist, we took a look at the 3D plan on the computer and it was fascinating to see the planned movements each week and how their teeth are precisely where the computer said they would be.
Each set of Invisalign® clear aligners shifts their teeth slightly and the boys are enjoying seeing the results from their hard work and responsibility.
My boys are smiling bigger and with more confidence. Take a look on https://garycashdds.com/cosmetic-dentistry/invisalign/ to find out more!
Or you can find an Invisalign® provider near you here!
Thank you ABC7NY Bill Ritter for this story about turning my horrific TSA experience into something positive. For more from me and the TSA check it out here. (This was in the works with the TSA without the man who is NOT my President).
Twitter Party Alert Vegas Style!
We are back from CES where Las Vegas was both a workplace and a party. Now we are having another party… a Twitter Party this Thursday night with Amy from Resourceful Mom joining us as well!
It’s time to start 2013 off with something big, cool, and new. And with the help of Whirlpool and their innovative home appliances we will be giving away a beautiful chic fridge to one lucky winner in our Twitter Party as well.
If you feel your fridge is getting along in years or you often find yourself calling repair services like https:www.adamrepairs.com to keep it up and running then it’s time to chuck that old thing out and get a brand new one. Join in on the Twitter Party for your chance to save some cash and get a brand new fridge from Whirpool! You can then make sure that it is covered under your home warranty, which you can find out more about over at homewarranty.firstam.com, so that no matter what you get to keep it in working order for as long as possible, no more broken down fridges for you! Additionally, you may get something like a coffee machine to complement the new fridge. However, if you don’t want to spend much on it, you can look into hiring a machine. Looking for service providers or websites that can offer appliances on rent might be helpful in this matter.
Coming back, Whirlpool is all about bringing fun to function, helping families enjoy the time they spend in the family hub – the kitchen! One new little accessory they’ve introduced really excels in their endeavor. Introducing the Whirlpool ® CoolVox™ kitchen sound system. It’s another amazing piece of new technology for the future! Featuring a Bluetooth audio device that links up with your smartphone or tablet to make cooking or eating in the kitchen an experience like never before! Click the link above to find out more about the CoolVox™ from Whirlpool themselves.
Make sure to follow @themoms and join us in the party for the chance to win!