Monday, December 19, 2011

Enter Our FREE Book Giveaway: From Incurable to Incredible by Tami Boehmer

From Incurable to Incredible

After Tami Boehmer was told by a doctor, “You could live two years or 20 years, but you’ll die from breast cancer,” she got angry.

“How does she know how long I have to live?” Tami asked herself before deciding to talk with other cancer survivors who didn’t accept doctors’ predictions – people who beat the odds. She was determined to find out how they did it so she could do it herself. And thus began Tami’s search for  the “miracle survivors” whose stories are now featured in her book, From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds.

From Incurable to Incredible features 27 cancer survivors who were given a terminal diagnosis, but shocked everyone by thriving years past their prognoses.  These “miracle survivors” have different cancers and circumstances, but share two things: a poor prognosis and incredible drive to overcome it. The book contains stories of such amazing and inspiring people as Doug Ulman, three-time survivor and president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Paul Falk who became a personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush decades after being diagnosed with acute leukemia at age 9. We also meet radio show host Brenda Michaels, who beat cancer three times and used alternative therapies, and Cathy Wolfe who insisted on having her baby even after receiving the diagnosis of ovarian cancer during her pregnancy – she and her now teenage son are now thriving.

If you’d like to try for a chance to win From Incurable to Incredible for yourself or a friend, here’s what you need to do: Leave a comment by 6pm on Monday, January 2, 2011 and tell us why you’d love to have this book! If you have a story to share, tell us about that too!

Some technical details…
1. Only one entry will count.
2. Giveaway is open to legal residents of the continental United States who are at least 18 years of age.
3. The winner will be selected at random and notified via email.

Tami BoehmerAfter more than 20 years working in health care public relations, Tami Boehmer was thrust into the world as a patient. In February 2008, she was diagnosed with a stage IV breast cancer recurrence–months after celebrating her five-year, cancer-free anniversary. Unwilling to accept a grim prognosis, she decided to interview survivors nationwide who have lived far beyond what the medical establishment predicted. Tami compiled these amazing stories into her book, and shares them along with valuable information on healing the body, mind and spirit on her Web site and blog, Miracle Survivors. Tami lives with her husband Mike, daughter Chrissy and furry feline AJ in Cincinnati, Ohio. She divides her time between caring for her family, blogging, fulfilling speaking engagements, and serving as a board member for Pink Ribbon Girls, a support group for young breast cancer survivors.

Share


Posted by admin at 11:09 PM
in Cancer, giveaways, Inspiration, survivors | 7 Comments »
Tags: , , ,

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Unexpected Moments of Joy and Hope

GUEST POST BY JENNIFER LEE EDMONDSON

I consider my experience with breast cancer more of a forced march than a journey.  “Journey” seems too kind and gentle a cancer hope candlesword for describing what breast cancer patients have to go through.  My breast cancer was discovered in early 2011, fourteen months after my 2010 mammogram.  I had had annual mammograms for the past 10 years, all normal.  Not this year’s.

So began my forced march into BC land.  No longer was I in control of my life or my body.  I opted for an aggressive approach, and obediently did as I was told through genetic testing, surgery, aggressive chemotherapy, and radiation.  When I was told to jump, my only response was “How high?”   For lack of better words, it was hell.

During my travels through hell, however, I was lifted by unexpected moments of joy and hope.  A young woman I have never met, but have corresponded with via email regarding business, sent me cute little cards containing messages of hope and encouragement.  Another woman, who lives in my city, whom I also had never met, had heard about my plight from a mutual friend, and began delivering meals to my door step and offering sage advice – she was a BC survivor herself.

Another moment of joy and hope was when I discovered Jean’s Cream.  I first heard about Jean’s Cream during my interview of a radiation oncologist.  I had asked her what she recommended for skin care during radiation, and she mentioned Jean’s Cream, among other products.

Well before my radiation treatments started, I ordered my first tube of Jean’s Cream, and found it to be much lighter than the usual product used by radiation patients, and, Jean’s Cream absorbed into the skin much quicker.  I used it three times a day during the weeks I underwent radiation.  Jean’s Cream is, in a word, FANTASTIC.

Jean’s Cream was and still is a source of joy and hope for me, and I share that joy and hope with others.  Even though radiation has ended for me, I continue to use Jean’s Cream.   I have since ordered Jean’s Cream for my mom, who experienced residual pain from shingles many years after the rash was gone.  Jean’s Cream has helped to alleviate her pain.  I also ordered a tube for my little nephew, who gets eczema in the wintertime, and I have also shared the “tubes of joy and hope” with other women undergoing radiation therapy.

I am thankful for Jean’s Cream, and Jean, the person who made it all possible.

Jennifer Lee Edmondson lives with her family in Wisconsin.  She and her husband practice law together, representing people who are injured or disabled, through their law firm, Edmondson Law Office.  Jennifer also writes as a community columnist for The Post Crescent.  Her most recent column, which encourages individuals to have annual health screenings, regardless of what recent studies recommend, can be found here.

Share


Posted by admin at 7:07 PM
in Cancer, Inspiration, radiation side effects, survivors, Women | No Comments »
Tags: , , , ,

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Cancer Patients Receive Top Care at Keesler Air Force Base

Cancer patients who visit Keesler Air Force’s new Radiation Oncology Center (the first was wiped out in 2005 by Keesler Radiation OncologyHurricane Katrina) in Biloxi, Mississippi, receive outstanding care, including treatment with high-dose rate brachytherapy, a state-of-the-art linear accelerator and complimentary tubes of Jeans Cream to help soothe and heal skin from radiation side effects. Patients’ treatment protocol is closely monitored by Dr. James D. Mitchell, Dr. Patrick Jewell, and Margo Loe, R.N. The team also includes two government civilian administrative assistants provided by the Biloxi Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and eight contract members: two physicists, a dosimetrist, three radiation therapists, and a chief radiation therapist. The facility treats between 30-35 patient per day and finds that it’s the head and neck cancer patients as well as those being irradiated for cancers of the breast who need Jeans Cream the most.

————
About the Medical Center, Keesler’s 81st Medical Group:
Keesler’s 81st Medical Group operates one of the largest Air Force medical facilities in the Air Force. Its primary mission is to maintain medical readiness for worldwide contingencies by providing quality, cost-effective health care for more than 27,000 enrollees, including almost 7,500 active-duty military personnel and/or family members. In addition, the 81st MDG commander oversees five military medical treatment facilities from Mobile, Ala., to New Orleans, coordinating care for 110,000 eligible beneficiaries along the Gulf Coast.

Keesler Medical CenterThe hospital offers almost 60 services and education programs with a staff of more than 1,600 military and civilian members and partnerships with Tricare, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System medical center and Gulfport Memorial Hospital. The hospital has seven newly-renovated surgery suites and a myriad of improvements throughout the ground floor including flood barriers on external doors and a re-alignment of high-dollar assets to floors above the basement level. Construction of their new $50+ million inpatient tower began in late 2009 and the new $10 million Radiation Oncology Center was completed in October 2009 and began treating patients in March 2010.

Share


Posted by admin at 9:31 PM
in Cancer, radiation side effects | No Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Friday, November 18, 2011

3 Simple Ways To Calm Your Fear

It’s amazing how much fear can come up when our physical health is challenged. We may entertain all the worst-case scenarios, calm seaworry how our illness will affect the ones we love, or suddenly find ourselves ill at ease in the world. While a certain amount of fear is healthy and can motivate us to create needed lifestyle changes or go after the medical care we need, a lot of it is not helpful and can actually stress our bodies further.

So, here are 3 simple ways you can get some leverage on the fear and restore yourself to calm:

1. Get a Leg Up. You don’t need to wait for the fear to become overwhelming. Plan to take 3, 5, 10, or 20-minute breaks every couple of hours for the purpose of calming your mind and centering your heart. You can take several deep breaths, meditate, walk outside, or listen to your favorite song. These short intermissions from your life will help you stay connected to yourself and make it less likely for you to spin out in fear. You may wish to set a few alarms in advance to help you remember.

2. Avoid Fear Inducers. If you’re with someone who starts telling you negative stories about how bad someone else’s similar situation turned out, or if they look at you with pitying eyes and speak with an implied “poor you” in their voice, WALK AWAY – FAST. Do not force yourself to hear them out just to be polite. You have enough on your plate without having to make someone else feel better about their negativity. Instead, engage with people who remind you of your strength, your great support system, and the possibility of Grace filling your life.

3. Take Control. Health challenges can have us feeling panicked with a lost sense of control. So what can you still control, even now? It may be the doctors and specialists you go to, or the people you choose to spend time with, what to focus your mind on, or even little things like how you are cleaning your house or cooking your food. If you can put yourself in the driver’s seat in some areas, it can decrease feelings of helplessness.

And here’s a bonus tip that no one really wants to hear, but it’s so important: Lay Off the Sugar, Caffeine and Junk Food! As hard as it is, these things tax the system and will keep you in a cycle of highs and lows. Unfortunately, these are usually the easiest things to grab when you don’t feel liking eating or cooking healthy meals for yourself. But see if you can reach for something a bit healthier next time. It really will help you stay more in charge of yourself and your ability to manage fear.

Share


Posted by admin at 8:13 PM
in Support, Tips | No Comments »
Tags: , ,

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Radiating Hope in Panama

Panama

Panama City

Radiating Hope is an inspiring nonprofit organization founded by radiation oncologists and mountain climbers that provides and updates radiation equipment to developing countries. Last spring, they embarked on their first ever resident-organized international mission. A team of five residents, Luqman Dad, Brandon Fisher, Arthur Iglesias, Robert Mutter, and Jeff Olsen went on a self-funded visit to Panama City, Panama. We were honored to participate by donating tubes of Jeans Cream to help cancer patients there.

Brandon, the Founder and President of Radiating Hope, recently sent us the following letter about their trip and the situation regarding cancer treatment in Panama:

We visited the Instituto Oncologico Nacional (ION), the largest cancer facility in Panama and one of only two radiation sites in the country. ION is an essential hospital for cancer care in Panama, and the only one where people without social security or from rural parts of Panama can go for cancer treatment. The hospital is underfunded and doctors are overworked. Cancer patients often have to wait months for care, and supplies to combat side effects are limited. Panama faces an imminent crisis similar to that which exists for cancer care in many developing countries. Panama has a recorded cancer incidence of 4,600 cases per year and the mortality rate from cancer is 2,982 per year. Cancer currently kills more people than any other disease in Panama.

Jeans Cream at ION

ION & Radiating Hope staff with donated tubes of Jeans Cream

Radiating Hope, with the help of Jeans Cream, was able to donate and deliver medical supplies, such as brachytherapy equipment and skin care products. Jeans Cream donated many tubes of skin products which were received with wide open arms and much appreciation.

All the best,

Brandon

President Radiating Hope

Share


Posted by admin at 6:46 PM
in Cancer, Inspiration | No Comments »
Tags: , , , , , ,

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

New Help for Radiation Side Effects Available at Hurley Medical Center

Cancer patients at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan can now conveniently purchase Jeans Cream at the Lobby Gift Shop to help their skin cope with radiation side effects. At Hurley Medical CenterHurley, they combine state-of-the-art treatment efforts with educational and support services to achieve faster recovery rates and positive long-term outcomes. Their team of trained oncology specialists is involved in every aspect of screening, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation. Their board-certified physicians and nurses certified by the Oncology Nursing Society develop individual, comprehensive treatment plans for each patient.

Hurley’s cancer program has received continuous approval from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) since 1956 and meets the qualifications for a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. This means that Hurley accessions over 650 newly diagnosed cancer cases each year and in addition to having board-certified experts on staff, the Center provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment services that are available on site or by referral. The Center is also required to participate in clinical research.

From helping patients receive the best treatments for their situation, to helping them cope with chemotherapy and radiation side effects, Hurley makes cancer care a priority.  Visit the Hurley Medical Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Share


Posted by admin at 11:29 PM
in Cancer, Health, radiation side effects | No Comments »
Tags: , ,

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Important Note from Jean, Founder of Jeans Cream

Dear Jeans Cream Community,

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To me, this month is a good time to remember how far I’ve come since my diagnosis and treatment. It is also a time when I reflect on just how essential it is to stay on top of my health. So I want to encourage each and every one of you to also put your health at the head of your to-do list right now – today!

Here are some important appointments to make. Check with your doctor for other tests and medical visits he or she might recommend:

  • Besides getting your mammograms, make sure to schedule your annual physical.
  • There are age-related tests you should have that your doctor will arrange for you, such as a colonoscopy and bone density, cholesterol and EKG.
  • Go to a dermatologist to have a medical professional look at your skin.
  • See your dentist at least annually. Your mouth and gums need to be checked.
  • Visit an ophthalmologist for an annual eye exam to make sure your eyes stay healthy.

If you are asked to get an MRI, Cat Scan or any other evaluation, make the appointment as soon as possible.  You are in charge of staying ahead of the game when it comes to your body.

Thank youJean Soulios for being part of our community! Please continue to stay connected by leaving comments on Facebook or our blog, and by sending us email. We are honored to be a part of your journey of healing and continued good health. May we all continue to thrive for many years to come!

Sincerely, Jean Soulios

Founder and President of Jeans Cream

Share


Posted by admin at 10:33 PM
in Cancer, Support, survivors, Tips | No Comments »
Tags: , , , ,

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

E’s Giuliana Rancic To Cope with Radiation Side Effects

E! News anchor, Giuliana Rancic Giuliana Rancicwill be going through what so many of us have experienced: radiation side effects. She recently learned that she has Stage I breast cancer thanks to a mandatory screening prior to undergoing IVF treatment.

Treatment for breast cancer is determined according to a number of different factors, including tumor size, cancer type, the speed with which the cancer is growing, how far it’s spread, the woman’s age and general health, whether she’s had breast cancer before, etc. In Giuliana’s case, her doctors and health care team have determined that her treatment protocol will involve surgery and radiotherapy.

Most people who undergo a lumpectomy will experience a recovery time ranging from one day to two weeks. In most cases, radiation therapy causes radiation side effects such as skin redness and burning, fatigue, and nausea. Giuliana can support her skin by using a good cream, avoiding irritating clothing, and staying out of the sun.

Another thing that can help women recover from a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a good support system. Fortunately for Giuliana, her husband Bill Rancic has been extremely supportive.

“Bill is unbelievable,” Giuliana said. “He lets me cry when I want to cry, he doesn’t say, ‘Hey, look at that person who’s worse off than you are.’ He just lets me feel what I’m feeling.”

So with a few months of medical care, including surgery and radiation side effects, ahead of her, how does Giuliana feel about continuing her IVF treatment?

She has said, “I’m not gonna give up, I want that baby. And what’s amazing is that baby will have saved my life…Now I truly believe that God was looking out for me. Had I gotten pregnant [earlier], a few years down the line I could be a lot sicker.”

We are grateful to see that another woman has caught breast cancer early and are reminded of how important it is for all of us as adult women to be proactive about our health. Staying on top of diagnostic testing is so important in being able to nip cancer as early as possible so that we can live our lives to the fullest for many years to come.

Our prayers go out to Giuliana and Bill, and to every other woman who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. May your journey be grace-filled and may you have all the support and resources you need.

Share


Posted by admin at 1:44 AM
in Cancer, radiation side effects, survivors, Videos, Women | No Comments »
Tags: , , , ,

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Three Factors That Enable a Woman To Thrive

GUEST POST BY RHONDA SMITH OF BREAST CANCER PARTNER

It seems as though over the past few months a common theme I’ve heard from women is centered on the feeling that they’re Breast Cancer Partner Headerin ”transition.”  Honestly, I think the whole world is in transition right now.

The women I have encountered talk about discovering that they’ve reached a point in their lives where they recognize that the choices and decisions they made many years ago that led them to where they are today don’t seem to be working for them anymore and are feeling unfulfilled. They have a strong desire to create a different life for themselves.

I find that some are clear on how to go about making this change, some seem “stuck,” some don’t know how to move forward and some are fearful even about the thought of abandoning the life and career they have known up to this point to pursue their passion and true purpose, even though they may be undoubtedly unhappy with their current existence.

Whatever the case may be, I think that there is some sort of transitioning happening among women.  In my personal network I see women taking charge and making changes in their lives, careers, their consumerism, their investments, and their activism.

Breast Cancer Partner Header 2I am happy to say that through my own personal journey I have discovered what I believe is my passion and purpose in life – to educate, enlighten and empower not only breast cancer survivors, but women in general to become their own health and wellness advocate. This discovery was born out of my breast cancer experience and desire to make the necessary changes in my life to put my health and wellness first after realizing what a difference doing this has made in my vitality and overall quality of life.

I have since created a business, Breast Cancer Partner that focuses on breast cancer recovery through health and wellness and taking a more integrative approach to recovery. However, in the process of getting Breast Cancer Partner off the ground, I have realized that women in general can also greatly benefit from putting their health and wellness first, becoming their own health and wellness advocate, and adopting the Recover Restore Reenergize© Philosophy.

Through my work, I have also realized how much we as women give of ourselves every single day to love, take care of and nurture everything and everyone we’re responsible for in our lives, saving ourselves for last.  I recognize how exhausting that can be whether we acknowledge it or not.

Based on my observation, I believe that the three equal factors that enable a woman to “thrive” and live a life full of vitality with grace, elegance and energy is her ability to Recover, Restore and Reenergize herself and her life on an ongoing basis.

And really, it doesn’t matter if you’re a woman recovering from breast cancer, a woman who is enduring the challenges of everyday life, or a woman living out your passion and purpose in the world – all of us need to be more mindful about how we live, work and play everyday. Most important, we must be sure to schedule the time to nurture and love ourselves each and everyday, putting our health and wellness first. That’s the way we can Recover, Restore and Reenergize ourselves each and everyday and be a better, bolder, brighter transmitter of light, love and energy to the world!

Rhonda SmithRhonda M. Smith is the Founder of Breast Cancer Partner, an organization that focuses on breast cancer recovery through health and wellness and taking a more integrative and holistic approach to recovery. Breast Cancer Partner provides tools, resources and information to help breast cancer survivors (and their families) who are nearing the end of or have completed treatment, on their journey to recovery, and those who are now living cancer free.

Ultimately, Rhonda wants to create a world in which each and every breast cancer survivor lives a life that is full of vitality, cancer-free and without fear, so that recovery is a life-enhancing rather than a life-limiting event.

To see Rhonda’s Recover Restore Reenergize© T-shirt, visit the Breast Cancer Partner website here.

Share


Posted by admin at 6:05 PM
in Cancer, Health, Inspiration, Natural Healing, survivors, Women | 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Sean Swarner: The First Cancer Survivor To Climb the Highest Peaks of All Seven Continents

Sean Swarner did more than beat cancer. At age 13, he was diagnosed in what is generally the final stage of Hodgkin’s Sean Swarnerdisease, and doctors gave him three months to live. Sean overcame his illness only to be diagnosed with cancer a second time when a golf ball-sized tumor was found in his right lung. After the Askin’s tumor was removed, Sean was expected to live for less than two weeks. BUT a decade later, with only partial use of his lungs, Sean became famous for being the first cancer survivor to climb Mount Everest.

Here is his story:

Share


Posted by admin at 6:11 AM
in Cancer, Inspiration, survivors, Videos | No Comments »
Tags: , , , ,