Breast Cancer Awareness and other stuffs….

I just found out, today, a classmate of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, thankfully it was the most common kind and is easily cured.  She still has to go through chemo and all that.

And just as soon as I found out, I checked out her website.  Signed up.  Signed her guest book entry, wishing her all the best.

Hours later, I got a call from that organization which sponsors these free webpages for cancer victims, which happens to be a local breast cancer foundation that assists people with the financial portion of their care.  As they explained, they are continuing their efforts to raise money for women who do not have health insurance, thus, they not only run this campaign during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness, but also all year long.

Turns out that the majority of woman do not get their mammograms because they do not have health insurance.  Apparently the percentage of women who was not aware they had breast cancer, is pretty high, over 40% and by the time their condition got worst, it was too late to treat them and many have died.  I was asked if I was willing to make a one time contribution and the money would assists these woman who do NOT have health insurance. The thought that many do not have it and being fortunate to have one myself, I said sure.  In spite of the fact that I won’t be able to take advantage of itemizing my donation,  it gave me a good feeling knowing that I helped someone.  Having no health insurance sucks.

Getting that call was also a reminder to myself to get my mammogram done. I was supposed to have it done 9 months ago, but I kept procrastinating to make an appointment.  No one likes getting a mammogram, but, one should not forgo it.   A few minute of uncomfortable pressure may be well worth your time.  Catching breast cancer in its early stage means getting treated early and beating cancer.

While breast cancer does not run in my family, it can still happen.

This post is a reminder to all of you to get your mammograms done.

If you do not have health insurance, there are resources out there that ensures that EVERY woman has a mammogram.

Please check them out and spread the news.

• Begin by contacting the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). They have information about how to get free mammograms, Pap smears, and treatment. (deaf/hoh people should use relay call, either via  tty, online or video phone and ask them to call the number above.)
• Call your local Social Services Department. You may be eligible for Medicaid or other programs for low-income women.
• Call your local Public Health Department to find out about local health care programs.
• Many hospitals run free clinics where they provide medical care at no or low cost.
• Contact the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

You can also contact the organizations above to find out how to help, if you wish to.

Last year a co-worker had breast cancer, had her lymph nodes removed, underwent chemo and radiation therapy. Since she was menopausal, she took estrogen.  And, since estrogen can increase the risk of breast cancer, she had to stop taking it and took something else.  She ended up with severe pain in her shoulders and required more medical treatment.  Chemo and radiation can just create more problems than you started out with.  As I was talking with her, I kind of suggested she look into natural healing route.  Because, from my experience based on family and friends conversation, most medicine creates more side effects, thus, more medical problems than you ever started out with.

If a doctor prescribes medicine for me, my first step would be to do a lot of research on the meds before I even get them filled.  And, if I did not like the side effects that a particular med might produce, I would normally call the doctor and tell him that I can’t take that medicine.  I have had my doctor getting a bit irritated when I question them.  Eventually after expressing my views that science is not exact and that many articles encourage patients to ask questions and expect detailed explanation of any medicines or procedures being done, It was at that moment that the doctor and I have a clear understanding.  You will be surprised to find some doctors expecting their patients to not ask questions and to take their word as if God has spoken.  Some doctors feel insulted when patients questons their decisions. It is your body and you have every right to deny a procedure or ask for a second opinion.

I have gone to an organic store that sells all kinds of natural remedies such as herbs and supplements, and have bought a few for preventive measures.   I am NOT saying that you should not see your doctor or should not take medicine that your doctor prescribes for you.  I’m just cautioning you not to take your doctor’s word as if he/she is a God.  Science is not always absolute.  Even a previous doctor I had, once told me so.  So, I do check out some herbs and supplements and take them even if I don’t have any health issues.  Most organic stores have labels on the  bottles that will tell you what it is for, such as better lung function, high blood pressure, etc.  You’ll find many many of the food we eat now days are not as nutritious as it used to be.  We’re lacking some things and taking vitamins and supplements helps replace what you lack.  Herbs also provides healing power for certain ills.

And, with everyone taking antibiotics too often, it is over prescribed to a point where it is not helping many people the way it was intended to in the first place.   This is pretty scary.  This site here, tells you when you should be taking them and when you should not.  Also, what you can do to help your situation without taking antibiotics.

I have a friend who lives in Hawaii and swears by Wheat Grass juices.  He even mailed out some seeds for me to grow!  I would have to get a juicer to do that. I have not planted it yet!   But, the more older we all get, sometimes we have to deal with things we do not want to.  Too often I have seen people getting worst when they are prescribed too many medicines.  And, it has happened to those close to me.

Most organic food stores have books on site that will tell you which stuffs would work for whatever ails you.  I have tried colon cleansing once and I did not have the flu that winter.  I’m not totally into this natural remedies fully, but dabbing into it somewhat.  I hope to learn more about all these and maybe share it with ya’ll someday too! 

In the several years that I’ve worked with the same company, I have lost too many co-workers to cancer, mostly liver cancer and they’re gone pretty fast.  Two had brain cancer and there were many breast cancers too.  Breast cancer seems to have a better rate for survival than the others that I have mentioned.  As sad as it is, we need to be vigilant with our health and perhaps look to natural remedies to keep many of the toxins out of our bodies that are causing these cancerous cells to mutate crazily.

So, if any of you are into this type of natural remedy approach, I’d like to hear more about it too.

In the meantime, make sure you get your mammograms done.  If you’re a guy reading this, make sure your significant others have theirs as well.  I was told, even guys should have it done, especially if it runs in the family.  Don’t ask me how they do it….I have no clue. 

Here’s a song sung by various female artists, “Just Stand Up”  Was originally sung at a “Just Stand Up To Cancer” telethon Sept 5, 2008 and was released as a single on September 30, 2008.

The video was made with subtitles and submitted by alwyn089 over at You Tube.