7 posts tagged “breast cancer”

10860

Most of you know I'm walking in the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day.  I am still soliciting donations in all amounts (I think that you can't donate less than $5.00 online, but even just that much helps me out!!).  My training is going pretty darn well, and I am about on target.  While I was travelling, I couldn't get ALL of my walks in and man, did I feel it when I got back on schedule.  That'll teach me, eh?

My Breast Cancer 3-Day Fundraising Page!

Funny how it seemed to take so long to get to 100, and 200 is so close!  My short walks have been replaced by what used to be long walks, and my long walks are pretty much hikes.  What's nice is that the training schedule is good for working people...short(er) walks during the week, then Saturday and Sunday have back-to-back longer walks.  So this weekend I'll be doing 12 miles Sat. and 5 miles Sun. after walking 5 and 6 two days this week.  As I walk, I think about how it's not any more difficult to walk 12 miles as it was to walk 5 in the beginning, so 20 miles doesn't look quite as intimidating as it did a few weeks ago.  I'm still getting used to the 20 miles 3 days in a row thing, but it's coming!!!  I appreciate donations in any amount, and you can donate more than once (I have!!) so thanks to all who've helped me and the Susan G. Komen Foundation out!!!

"An odd experience, but a relief to get the information."

How it made me feel: relieved

How I did it: I went to my primary care physician who felt the same lump I felt and then sent me to a radiology clinic.  They decided to do an ultrasound of that breast first, because I am so young, and that warrented a digital diagnostic mammogram (different from a screening mammogram in that they squeeze your boob a few different ways).  When the results came up negative for anything, my doctor sent me to a breast surgeon who evaluated me, gave me an exam, found 2 more lumps in the other breast, and diagnosed me with fibrocystic breast disease.  We've scheduled a follow-up for 3 months from now to make sure there are no other changes, but for now, I'm glad that I got the mammogram and exam as it has provided some relief from normal fears of cancer.

Lessons & tips: Especially if you are young, 85-90% of lumps turn out to be benign. 

I found the ultrasound to be painless (they even warm the gel now!) and the mammogram to be rather uncomfortable, but nothing actually crossed into pain territory.

It is best to get a mammogram done within the 1st 10 days AFTER your period when there is less swelling.  The farther into your cycle, the more the test hurts. 

Make sure to follow up with your doctor about your results.

I was able to get my mammography and sonogram films and like the idea, since the possibility that I will be moving is a real one.  Now I have a "base" mammogram since I need to be checked more often now should any other lumps come up.

Talk to people.  Almost everyone I said anything to either had gone through the same thing, or knew someone who had.  People will generally try to help you through the waiting period (which I have heard is the worst part, even if the diagnosis isn't as good as mine turned out to be).

Resources: komen.org - Susan B. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research helped to calm my fears about cancer.

WebMD is a great resource for general anatomy info and steps about what to do, when to see a dr., and if you should be worried at all.

(originally posted 3.18.09)

Lakeside

Today is my first day of summer vacation!!  It's a little hard to wrap my head around all this free time (where a doctor appointment makes my life hectic - lol), but I'm getting excited! 

I just walked 5 miles at the park for the Breast Cancer 3-Day training, and found that it really is beginning to get easier.  I've got 4 miles tomorrow and then back down for the week.  It's time to start adding some cross-training, too, so I'll be going back to spin classes.  Now that I am temporarily unemployed (yay) for the summer, I can make the times. 

Also been working on choosing a bike.  I think I must want to be Mario because I've started swimming again, too.  Before you know it I'll be trying to beat his triathalon times - or not.  Never been a big racer as I don't have that competitive spirit.  But hey, they are two activities I've never had much inclination to try.  REI's Bike Your Drive campaign is what really started me up on that, so I think I've finally decided what type of bike I want (hybrid - as I have some dirt roads to travel as well) and now need to start test-riding individual models.  I have a price limit (around $450 - absolutely no more) so that helps to narrow down my choice considerably.  Since I want to begin riding my bike to work next year and to the stores and the like around here, I need soemthing pretty comfy but that has great stability.  We'll see how it goes, as I am putting that purchase off, I think, until I get back from my trip in July. 

Off to go take care of some chores for the day, then...hmmm.  I don't know, maybe a movie or something.   

Mon 5-11-09

I have failed at Project 365.  I was able to keep it going for more than 20 days, but then the end of the school year happened and sapped all of my energy and will to even pick up my camera, let alone upload all the photos from the drama banquet that the kids want me to do soon.  Like three days ago.  *sigh*

This is the end of my second year as a high school English teacher - or at least it will be after next week.  I keep saying "I wish that the school year would end", "I can't wait for summer", and "can I go home yet?"  But as I learn new stuff all the time about how to do my job better, I just realized that all I really want is a new crop of kids.  Not that I don't love my present crop (mostly.  okay, sometimes.), but they are a rough crowd.  Next year I get freshman honors, which carries its own challenges, biggest problem is that they have parents who care - sometimes too much.  But wouldn't it be great to see kids who actually want to do well, even if they aren't thrilled with the material?  My lower level kids couldn't even be bothered with trying for a C or a D, let alone a B or an A.  And with 30 or more absences for the year - how can they expect to do any better than a failing mark anyhow?  But they do.  *arg*  And I feel like I failed them because I couldn't make them see the importance of ninth grade and attendance and grades and language arts, and then I feel guilty because I feel better when I think that at least I'm not the only teacher who hasn't been able to reach them. 

But summer will be fun!  Two road trips, one to Oklahoma and Texas at the end of June with my cousin - my first "fun" road trip with someone - and then to NY with my mom in late July for my other cousin's wedding.  I'll visit with people as I can and try to give you fair warning before I crash :-)  On top of that, I am kayaking and walking for the Breast Cancer 3 Day in October, and am planning on trying the indoor rock climbing gym sometime in the next 2-3 weeks.  This, right here, is half of the reason teaching is worth the trauma I suffer.  *lawl*

Mon 5-4-09
Originally uploaded by smokymtnkayaker

I have jumped on this bandwagon with full force. In fact, Keri, our field manager for this area, has inspired me to take my interest to the next step. I went to one of the initial meetings today, and her enthusiasm for the project even as a supporter and not a survivor herself, was inspiring to see.

I volunteered to be a team leader. In truth, while I feel like I should be shaking my head at myself for taking something like this on, I am excited. Maybe it's at feeling useful, maybe it's the whole cause, I don't know. But between the video (a tearjerker) and the excitement about fundraising, I am just enthused (even as I feel a bit of trepidation).

Wish us luck....and I still need to come up with a team name!