Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WeAreStrong

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Jill Dupont

Ihave breast cancer – and it will kill me. How do I know this? Because I am one of the relatively few people who was initially diagnosed, nearly three-and-a-half years ago, with Stage IV – otherwise known as advanced, late stage, metastatic, or terminal – cancer. It can be treated (to prolong life), but not cured. My story and those of others like me are not the stuff of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is all about “surviving,” “winning the fight,” and “beating” cancer. When I die, does it mean that I have lost? That I did not try? That I failed? That I did something wrong? How do I live my life well in a culture that celebrates overcoming and affixing a pink ribbon to the victory?

Since my diagnosis, my quality of life has been pretty good. I’m both grateful and lucky to still be alive. But, it is not easy. Though I have gone through a number of different treatments, none of them have caused me to lose my hair (yet). Because of this, people

feeling – that carrying knowledge of my disease and prognosis (death) every day is draining. My insides – alternately angry, fearful, despairing, sad, grateful, and accepting – don’t always match how I look, and I imagine, because I have lived this long, that some are beginning to wonder if I am really sick. Indeed, many comments from well-intentioned friends, family, and colleagues often minimize what I and others like me are feeling and experiencing, or suggest that I am somehow to blame for my illness. “Well, we’re all going to die,” they say, or “We all try to live in the moment or for the day.” Yes, I nod. But there is something different about knowing that you are carrying with you, every day, that which will kill you, and that there is no way out of this body that has betrayed you. Most people have an abstract understanding of death, but an incurable illness makes death concrete. I tried to explain this to a family member who bent my ear about their own fears of getting cancer, dying, of needing to draw up a will, of not knowing who would care for their cat. I was furious at the insensitivity. “I live this every day,” I said, “but I have taken care of those things, and you can, too.” And living each day as though it is your last is not sustainable; sometimes, just living the day with the disease – whatever that looks like – is good enough. And yes, I got routine mammograms, tried to eat well and exercise, never smoked and rarely drank, but I got cancer. By the time I found the lump

between scheduled mammograms, the cancer had already traveled to nearly 15 spots in my skeleton, from my hip to my clavicle and everywhere in between. I sometimes wonder if people need to find a “reason” for why others get cancer as a defense against the possibility that it might happen to them as randomly as it did to me, and others like me – some of whom are in their 20s and 30s and will not live to see their children graduate, get married, and have their own children. Sometimes, bad things and bad luck happen for no good reason – not because we deserve it, or are horrible people, or did the wrong things along the way. As my soon-to-be ex-boyfriend glibly remarked when I was diagnosed, I had “hit the reverse lottery.” Perhaps that’s the best explanation of all. We are a future-oriented people. Though many people speak of living in the moment, it’s very hard to do and most people don’t. There is always tomorrow, next month, next summer, or retirement. We may know that death is a possibility, but it doesn’t shadow one’s daily thinking. I live in weekly increments, with and between appointments, blood draws, treatments, body scans, and biopsies. There are days that I feel like my old self and I am able to work, clean my house, and mow my lawn – days that I am hopeful. Other days, the fatigue is so great that I can’t get out of bed. These days make me more realistic and sharpen my awareness that I no longer

inhabit the same world as my healthy acquaintances. Still, I am able to take comfort in the light streaming through my house, the wind caressing the trees, the sound of thunder, a good book, and the warmth of my cats beside me. There is beauty in these “simple” things.

I don’t want to die, But, I’ve lived a relatively long life, a good enough life, and a privileged life. I have good health insurance, an accommodating workplace, and wonderful doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support me. Not all are so lucky, whether they are ill or not. So, as pink is added to our splash of fall colors, remember that October is not just about saving the “melons,” or the “boobies,” or what they actually are: breasts. It is about saving lives. Instead of buying pink merchandise, consider donating to Metavivor, the only organization that funnels all funds toward seeking a cure, and Circle of Hope, a local organization that assists Stage IV breast cancer patients with bills, food, and other forms of support. I never thought this would happen to me. I hope it never happens to you.

Thirty Years, Not Five! 1

989, just before Christmas, my second mammogram indicated a fast-growing, estrogen responsive, growth less than one centimeter in size. If I had not cancelled and rescheduled that mammogram twice, I wonder if I would be writing my story today. The tiny twisted mass would not have shown up on those earlier dates. A new

procedure, “lumpectomy” was possible – a choice for some women in the early stages. Studies to determine the best treatment combinations had been recently launched. I opted for both, and was randomized to three chemo drugs, radiation, and estrogenblockintamoxifen and given a prediction of five years to live. Within 18 months, the data showed that my protocol was working for women with the same diagnosis as mine. Twenty years later, the cancer returned, and in both breasts. This time I chose a double mastectomy so I wouldn’t have to endure chemotherapy and radiation. I have always cooked from

scratch, avoiding processed foods. Now I am an avid reader of labels: no soy lecthicin which is a form of estrogen, and, surprisingly, no sweet potatoes or yams. Mostly vegan, or plantbased, diet; and regular attendance at the gym, have been my “treatment.” And yes, my formerly straight hair has waves in it. This year, coming up on 30 years, tests showed nothing to be concerned about. But I marvel at the fact that I am still here, waking up each morning, grateful for the advances in cancer care that have given me time to see my grandchildren grow up and to share life with my husband of 59 years.

POST-CANCER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION: A very personal choice

By Andrea Busche

In a battle with breast cancer, a woman’s ultimate priority is health and wellness. Some women opt solely for life-saving treatments, eschewing any aesthetic surgical procedures.

But when a mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy is required, many women opt to have their breast or breasts reconstructed. For these women, modern medicine presents a few options.

Early consultation

Dr. Jay Fowler is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Northland Plastic Surgery in Duluth and explained when a woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer requiring mastectomy, a plastic surgeon is often consulted early in the process.

“We are brought in very early to talk about the woman’s reconstructive options,” he said. He also shared that some women are getting mastectomies preventatively, as a risk-reduction measure, adding, “This is becoming more popular due to genetic testing.”

Fowler is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He recommends that all patients seeking breast reconstruction surgery select a plastic surgeon who retains this important certification.

Two options

Fowler said there are two options for breast reconstruction: autologous tissue transfer, also known as a flap, or implant reconstruction. For the flap procedure, the surgeon uses

the woman’s own skin and subcutaneous tissue to rebuild her breasts. A second possible technique uses a muscle from the back (latissimus dorsi) to refashion the breast. This sometimes also requires the use of a prosthesis, either a tissue expander or permanent implant.

“Results of this procedure are phenomenal,” Fowler said of the autologous tissue transfer surgery, “but there is a lot of upfront effort for the patient. It is a longer process, a more difficult surgery, and can have more complications.”

With implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is usually placed through the mastectomy incision. After healing, the expander is gradually filled until a permanent implant (either saline or silicone) can be placed.

Each technique has advantages and disadvantages that depend upon each individual situation. Either technique can be performed at the time of the mastectomy (unless radiation is required, in which case it will likely need to wait), or at any time thereafter. Depending on their type of cancer, some women can receive what’s known as a nipplesparing mastectomy. But, if that isn’t possible, surgeons can also reconstruct a nipple using special surgical techniques and adding pigment via a tattooing process at a later date.

Covered by insurance

Rachael Perlinger is clinic administrator for Northland Plastic Surgery. She explained that breast reconstruction is covered by most major

insurance providers.

“There is a federal law –,” she said, “The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. This law states that if an insurance company covers a mastectomy, they must also cover reconstruction.”

Individual choice

While many women choose to have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, some women make other choices.

“Some women get reconstruction, some women go completely natural, some wear prosthetics, and some get tattoos over their mastectomy area,” Perlinger said. “A woman’s cancer journey is so personal.”

Fowler agreed.

“Some women, primarily those who are older, don’t want reconstruction. That’s an individual choice. The most important thing is that you’re cancer-free.”

Return to wholeness

For many women, their cancer journey is a multi-year process. Their course of treatment often involves chemo, radiation, and multiple frightening and painful surgeries. Breast reconstruction is typically the last step, and can help restore a woman’s self-confidence and sense of femininity.

“We have the privilege of walk with these women through the end of their journey,” Perlinger said. “Reconstruction is a part of making her feel whole. And it is our honor to make her feel like herself again.”

MY STORY: Rebecca Bullard

Iwas 44 years old when I got my very first mammogram. I was switching jobs and my insurance was going to run out in two days, so I thought I’d squeeze in my first annual mammogram before I had no health insurance. Little did I know it would be my last mammogram as well. One year later, after five

surgeries, many complications, and the emotional rollercoaster of all times, I was finally healed and ready to move on. Early in my treatment, a friend from high school told me I should contact Circle of Hope. I hadn’t heard of them. They are a local breast cancer charity the helps with everyday living expenses and medical bills for patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They helped

me tremendously and eased my financial burden so I could concentrate on fighting cancer and healing, both physically and spiritually. I am now chair for the Board of Directors for Circle of Hope! I am committed to giving back to our community and paying it forward. Thank you to all my friends and family and especially Circle of Hope for your love and support!

MY STORY: Shana Mertes

Hello! My name is Shana, and this is my SURVIVOR story.

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer on March 10, 2006. I was scared out of my mind.

When I was 9, I watched my aunt struggle, and pass away, from the very disease I was just diagnosed with.

When I was 14, I watched my mom’s struggle. I went to her doctor appointments with her, tied the scarfs she wore on her head when her hair fell out, and recently celebrated her cancer free anniversary.

Now, at the age of 30, I was facing the biggest fight of my life. I had cancer. My son was a baby. Only 4 months old. There was no way I was going to let cancer take me from him.

Through surgeries, chemo, hair loss, and doctor visits, he was the light at the end of my cancer tunnel. My main motivation for wanting to beat cancer.

In 2014 my cancer journey led me to meet my half sister. She, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am happy to report that she is also cancer free!

Today, I am 44 years old, my son is almost 14 and I am 14 years cancer free!

Fashionable postmastectomy bathing suits

During and after a serious illness, it can be challenging to lose one’s sense of freedom and independence. We are unable to continue many of our favorite activities without modifications.

For instance, women recovering from a mastectomy can find it difficult to find an appropriate bathing suit. So, swimming is often one of the first things they give up.

The women at Heide’s, a shop specializing in post-mastectomy care, are looking to change that. In the spring of 2020, Heide’s owner Kathy Heide-Wrazidlo, along with her daughter, Nicole Wrazidlo, who is a fitter at the store, will launch their own swimwear line, Maggie Mae Swimwear. While their swimwear is suitable for anyone, it is designed specifically for women

By Andrea Busche

who have had a mastectomy.

History

Heide’s, located at 701 ½ North 6th Avenue East in Duluth, opened in 1988. It is a unique shop, where women are fitted for post-mastectomy bras, prostheses, and swimwear.

Over the years, Heide’s has expanded their offerings. Today, they also sell compression garments and pneumatic compression pumps; these devices are used by men and women who experience swelling from lymphedema, venous disorders, and chronic swelling. Heide’s opened a second store in Edina, Minn., in 1990.

Swimwear

While Heide’s has always sold swimwear, this new venture will be different. Maggie Mae Swimwear will be a separate entity; while the swimwear will be sold at Heide’s, it will also be sold in a variety of mastectomy stores, and regular swimwear stores, around the country and eventually, around the world. Nicole Wrazidlo explained what makes Maggie Mae’s offerings unique.

“Maggie Mae Swimwear offers pocketed swimwear in a variety of flattering cuts and prints from sizes 8-32. Our suits are specially made to hold a prosthesis on one or both sides; however, anyone can wear our swimsuits. Our mission is to make quality pocketed swimwear that any woman can feel confident in,

regardless of body type, swimwear size, or surgical history. Our goal is to put confidence and joy into the hearts of as many women as we can.”

Features

Maggie Mae will offer six swimsuit “cuts.” Some have higher-cut necklines and arm holes; helpful for women with scars they’d like to cover. Some of the suits include skirts, boy shorts, or sarong bottoms, to offer more coverage. Both one-piece and two-piece swimsuits are included in the collection.

“We have built a line of swimwear that features or camouflages many different areas of concern,” Wrazidlo said. “There is truly a suit cut and size for everyone.”

When it comes to the prosthetics used inside a swimsuit, some materials are better than others.

“Foam forms aren’t ideal as they soak up water and dry slowly,” Wrazidlo said. “Silicone and beaded swim forms work best for swimming, and are chlorine-safe.”

Rewarding endeavor

The employees at Heide’s have a very important job: to make women feel like themselves again.

“It feels great to be able to offer products that help women transition to a new life after cancer,” Wrazidlo said.

“One of my most memorable moments was in a fitting room with a customer who had undergone a bilateral mastectomy.

She had a tough time looking in the mirror during her first fitting. After choosing the prosthesis size and a comfortable bra, she looked in the mirror and welled up. She then leaned over and hugged me as she cried happy tears. She said ‘I finally look like myself again. Thank you.’

“By launching this swimwear line, we believe we can help bring thousands of women the confidence that everyone deserves to feel.”

Photo courtesy of Heide’s Kathy Heide-Wrazidlo (left), owner of Heide’s Mastectomy & Compression in Duluth, and her daughter, Nicole Wrazidlo, who is a fitter at the store, will launch their own swimwear line, Maggie Mae Swimwear, designed for women who have had a mastectomy.

MY STORY: Barb

Iam a two-time breast cancer survivor.

My story began in February 1986 when I was 35 years old. I felt a lump in my breast and had a mammogram. The lump didn’t show up on the mammogram so I thought everything was OK. A few months later I found out that mammograms were not 100 percent accurate so I went back to my doctor. My lump hurt so I had an ultrasound to find out if it was a cyst. It wasn’t that.

I saw a surgeon who said it was a tumor, but it wasn’t cancer. Since it was a tumor he said it would grow but I shouldn’t be concerned. I told him it hurt and he said all the more reason it was not cancer.

I told him I wanted the lump removed and found out it was stage one cancer. I had more surgery to see if the cancer was in my lymph nodes and it wasn’t. That was a good thing.

The surgeon wanted me to have a mastectomy but the oncology doctor said there was a new treatment – a lumpectomy followed by radiation. I went with that treatment and it proved to be successful until 2010.

In January 2010 I saw a bruise on my breast and blood coming out of my nipple. I had a mammogram that didn’t show anything; the doctor thought it might have been a blood vessel that burst and the blood was from that.

I then had an MRI and a small spot was found. I talked to a surgeon who said she didn’t think that spot was cancer, but I had heard that before. So I had the spot removed. Although it wasn’t cancer, cancer was found in the surrounding tissue. It was a slow growing cancer and I feel the bruise, blood and spot was a blessing in disguise, otherwise that cancer would not have been detected.

The only treatment for me was radiation and since I already had my limit of radiation I couldn’t have any more. There was a new procedure that would have required me to go to the University of Minnesota Hospital twice a day for a week to have radiation injected through tubes directly to the affected area. At this point in my life, September 2010, I opted for mastectomy. I also opted not to have reconstructive surgery and am very happy with my prosthetic breasts.

All my life I have been physically active with sports – running, skiing, biking and just general working out at fitness centers. I knew something wasn’t right and my body was trying to tell me something. I am glad I checked out those things as both times my cancer was caught early. Also, I try to be mentally positive. That and being physically fit has helped me out with the recovery process.

I often wonder where I would be today if I had not gone through with my surgery back in 1986. I know I wouldn’t be here to tell you my story.

I want to say to all you ladies out there to please have your annual mammograms no matter how uncomfortable and painful they may be and to do self-exams. If you find anything unusual have it checked out. Even though my cancer was not found through mammograms, ultra sounds and MRI, I still believe in these tests as they have found cancer and have saved many lives.

MY STORY: Peggy Anderson

in 2001 and had a biopsy. My story forward I had an ultrasound on April 30, 2004; it didn’t show anything but you could feel the lump. It was the breast MRI that showed breast cancer, and I was diagnosed on May 21, 2004.

Dear

Auntie, Why Me?” by Peggy Anderson. This book was printed in 2005. I sold the book and donated the money to Essentia for a specific breast cancer cause.

Backtracking: I had felt a lump

MY STORY:

I had three breast cancer surgeries in July 2004. In one of the surgeries I had 21 lymph nodes removed. I did have a 1.5 mass with metastatic carcinoma and extradonal extensions mass farther down my arm. It is so important to know the type of breast cancer you have, the stage and other details. This way you will not wonder and be at a loss for words when other sisters, family members or

friends ask your diagnosis. This was over 16 years ago. I am a 16-year survivor. I started a breast cancer organization called Circle of Hope with two other survivors at the time in 2010. Through the years we have had numerous board members, wonderful volunteers, exemplifying donors, and so many caring organizations and businesses that have helped us. At this time, I can say that Circle of Hope has paid forward many breast cancer treatment bills and daily living expenses. We also fund Stage IV breast cancer research locally.

Circle of Hope cannot count all the events they have had though the years. We have a life time of

memories! Possibly next year or more we will have helped to the tune of a half million dollars. Visit www.circleofhopeduluth.org. We were a Grandma’s Marathon Charity Partner in 2019. We had a Circle of Hope running team! We are a charity partner for 2020. Our website is: https://www. crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/ circle-of-hope2. Listen to our You Tube channel of songs! Be inspired! Be grateful! Do not give up hope!

Marion Hedenberg

For two months I’d been perspiring more than usual. I had Googled and one of the possible reasons could be infection. On September 24, 2013, when I received the call that I needed a mammogram recheck, I wasn’t truly surprised.

The next day I had my recheck which included a cat scan, followed by four needle biopsies, and then a biopsy indicator was inserted into my breast, indicating the position of the suspicious area, followed by another mammogram.

On October 4 when I woke up after surgery, the first words I heard were, “No cancer in the lymph nodes.”

Needless to say, I was very happy. When I was released, one of the written

directions read “No operating of heavy equipment for 48 hours,” so I decided not to wash clothes for two days.

A week later I met with the surgeon. He went over the pathological results. The tumor was 1.2 centimeters, the size of my smallest finger nail. Then he said that he found cancer cells in the lymph nodes, miniscule in size but they were cancer cells. I wonder if he heard me say, “Aw shit.” He had made appointments for me to see a radiation oncologist on October 16 and a medical oncologist on October 24. Waiting is not one of my favorite things.

I was really eager to see my radiation oncologist and start the radiation. When we met, I was so disappointed to learn

that radiation couldn’t start until a month after surgery so the scar had time to heal. Then he dropped the bomb.

“Radiation wouldn’t start until after chemotherapy,” he said, adding that chemotherapy and radiation would take 5½ months. That’s when I cried. I thought that means we won’t get to Florida this winter.

MARION: Page 10

MY STORY: Kris Lyons It IS Something

Don’t worry about it. It’s probably nothing.”

Take a test. Test comes back.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s probably nothing.”

That is what the medical personnel keep saying. Take another test. Test comes back.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s probably nothing.”

Take still another test. Test comes back. Well, they are wrong, all wrong.

It IS something!

We have had no breast cancer on my mother’s side, I wasn’t really worried. Then words in the doctor’s office are thrown about, such as, “fine needle biopsy,” “get clean margins,” “ductal carcinoma in situ,” “estrogen receptor positive,” and more mention by doctors of types of “-opsies” and “-ectomies” until the overload on the brain is about to erupt like a huge volcano.

I know many women journal every moment what happened and how they felt with this life-changing news. I didn’t have a clue as to any concrete thoughts, just rolling emotions or disbelief. I was stunned and mortified and frightened. My best friend Trudi and I used to joke about who was losing body parts faster: a gall bladder here, some knee cartilage there, crack a tooth, crown a tooth...whatever.

We’d have a little contest and goad one another about losses, all in good humor. This was different. This would be an actual body part I see and is attached and now: cut sliced, diced, and gone! It wasn’t so humorous anymore. I really didn’t want to lose this particular contest, not this way. We don’t play that contest anymore.

How could this happen? I guess it had to do with the following: I had a complete hysterectomy a year earlier and was prescribed estrogen. Lots of women do that. I also remember when, as an umpire, I was hit in the chest by a pitch in girls fastpitch softball when the catcher didn’t even attempt to put her glove up to catch the ball. Of course, I was not wearing a chest protector. Umpires just didn’t at that time. I was blue and deep purple and later green and yellow in the whole breast area and beyond. Blunt trauma force was probably not good for the bod either.

Sometimes women who have been in car accidents and have hit dashboards with their chests later have breast cancer diagnoses, too. I would guess this trauma is similar. The point is, life happens.

A cyst was originally spotted on my yearly mammogram. We were going to take a biopsy to be sure what it was. The medical woman accidentally ran the guide wire into the cyst. The cyst was gone! I had to wait another six months to see if it would return. This was the first time those

bit. Next she pulled her blouse away from her body and simply peaked down the front of the blouse at her breasts.

“Aw, hell. I can’t remember any more which one I lost unless I really think about it.”

reassuring words were stated, “Don’t worry about it. It’s probably nothing.” The cyst did return. So whether the sun, the moon and the stars all lined up with positive receptors, blunt force trauma, genetics, no genetics, I got the bad news. It was cancer!

We did it all: a biopsy, a lumpectomy, and a mastectomy. I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma situ that was sprayed out like a shotgun into the breast. I sobbed. It’s funny how one gets attached to body parts even if one just takes them for granted. Options were given. Decisions had to be made.

It was summer and I was golfing in a morning Proctor league with Marilyn who was in her late 70s. We were in a very open area with a public view from the clubhouse. She all of a sudden stopped and released the handle of her golf cart. She abruptly grabbed her right breast and shook it a little bit. Then she grabbed her left breast and shook that a little

I started to giggle and then belly laugh and guffaw at her incredible actions on the golf course. She did the same. Marilyn shared her story with me. She told how difficult it was in the late 1960s with chemo and radiation. She had young sons at the time, too. She said medical techniques and treatment are way better today. I would be just fine and she meant it. From that point on, I knew I would be successful in beating this beast because of Marilyn’s uninhibited actions on a golf course one day. It was her unselfishness in sharing a cancer story that got me through the acceptance of my own cancer, treating it, and moving on to face whatever the future would hold. I had come to terms with the C word. I would face it as others have before me and will after me until it’s cured. A shared story can really help survivors on their journey.

Thanks, Marilyn. Incidentally, I have lived well over a decade of a cancer-free life.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

CIRCLE OF HOPE PROVIDES A MULTITUDE OF resources for breast cancer patients

Peggy Anderson of Duluth is a 16-year breast cancer survivor. Now in remission, this retired teacher counts her blessings.

“I consider myself very lucky,” she said.

Years ago, Anderson and two of her friends, Peggy Rydberg and Tammy Graves Miller, battled the illness together. They learned, first-hand, of the many struggles breast cancer can present, including making ends meet financially while juggling medical bills.

The women wanted to do something to help others. In 2010, they formed Circle of Hope, now a well-known 501©(3) nonprofit organization. The group provides outreach, emotional support, supplies and even financial support for individuals fighting breast cancer in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Today, Anderson serves as the group’s coordinator, and they are governed by a five-member board of directors. Sadly, Rydberg succumbed to her illness in 2012, but the group soldiers on – both to honor her memory, but also to

MARION

From Page 8

Then I began thinking of how all my life I’ve had bad hair days, and now I’d have no hair days. The oncologist added that maybe we could do a recurrence test. He said that if the score was low enough I wouldn’t need chemotherapy. That seemed like a no-brainer to me. He said he’d call the lab and they would use tissue from my

support the many, many other women (and even a few men) who are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

Outreach

While Circle of Hope doesn’t have formal support groups, Anderson often meets one-on-one with breast cancer patients to discuss their diagnosis.

“We’ve found that helping patients soon after their diagnosis is important,” she said.

Receiving emotional support from someone who has “been there” can do wonders for helping someone feel understood.

“Sometimes they just want to talk to someone,” Anderson added.

Supplies

Circle of Hope also supports breast cancer patients by sending out feel-good and educational boxes, containing chemo caps, slippers, and educational and disease-specific resources. Special

surgery. With tears in my eyes, I just nodded.

October 31, on Halloween, I received the call. The results were in. My score was 27 and I wouldn’t need chemotherapy. I quickly thanked God. Then I was told I would need 33 radiation treatments. They would begin November 6.

Every day, Monday through Friday, I went to the oncology department at the hospital for

quilts are provided to advanced breast cancer patients. Prayer shawls are also provided.

Many of these special items are hand-crafted by some of Circle of Hope’s 125 dedicated volunteers.

“This organization wouldn’t be able to help others without our volunteers,” Anderson said.

“We’ve given out over 6,000 chemo caps, and one of our volunteers alone has knit 782 of them.”

Circle of Hope also offers a free bag of goodies for breast and ovarian cancer patients. They are given out once per year at Heide’s Mastectomy Shop.

Financial support

Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. Some patients are homeless and have no health insurance. Others have insurance but struggle to pay the co-pays associated with their illness. Some patients even have to quit work to receive treatment.

For these patients, Circle of Hope can help pay their medical bills. Additionally, Circle of

my treatments. The staff was super friendly. I do remember one particular day. After my treatment, I was having difficulty sitting up. One of the therapists said, “Take my arm. We’ve been taught to work with the elderly.” I didn’t say anything. I just bit my lip.

My mid-December my left breast looked like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’s nose. December 24 was my last

Hope helps with house or rent payments, utility bills, and even donates gas and grocery cards –items which are especially helpful if a patient needs to travel to receive treatment.

Funding

Circle of Hope raises money through a variety of fundraising efforts, including the Rally for Circle of Hope, held annually at Ridgeview Country Club; the Pink Run, held in Gordon, Wis.; and by forming a team of runners to participate as a charity partner for Grandma’s Marathon. The group has participated in Superior’s Dragon Boat races, and has had golfing, bowling, ATV, and many other activity-based fundraisers. Additionally, many individual and business donors contribute to the cause.

Since its inception, Circle of Hope has paid forward $417,095 to local breast cancer patients. Anderson hopes to reach the milestone of a half-million by next year.

CIRCLE OF HOPE: Page 15

treatment. I came home with a certificate signed by all the staff and a Christmas afghan knit by a volunteer.

On December 25 Tom and I headed to Florida. Hopefully, my cancer is history. The only reminder is the 1 mg. Anastrozle pill I’ll be taking for the rest of my life. I jokingly tell people that after 33 radiation treatments, I light up in the dark so I no longer need a nightlight in the bathroom.

POST-BREAST CANCER exercise pointers

Surgery is often part of treating breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, doctors may recommend women undergo breast biopsies, lymph node biopsies or removals, lumpectomies, mastectomies, or breast reconstructions as part of their treatments.

Surgery is often an effective way to treat breast cancer, but it does come with some side effects. The ACS notes that breast cancer surgery can affect how well women move their shoulders and arms, as pain and stiffness can weaken both areas. In addition, women’s ability to take deep breaths may be compromised after surgery, and they may have difficulty performing normal everyday activities like dressing, bathing and brushing their hair. Exercise may seem impossible after breast cancer surgery, but the ACS recommends women

exercise after surgery to get their arms and shoulders moving again. The ACS notes that exercise can be especially important to women who underwent radiation therapy after surgery, as radiation can affect movement in the arm and shoulder long after treatment has ended. Regular exercise after radiation treatment can help women maintain mobility in their arms and shoulders. Exercising after breast cancer surgery can restore movement, but it’s important that women take into account the following pointers, courtesy of the ACS, before beginning a regimen.

• Speak with your physician. Discuss exercise with your physician after undergoing surgery. Doctors may prescribe physical or occupational therapy, and some may even refer patients to cancer exercise specialists. Simply

jumping back into your presurgery exercise routine can be dangerous, so bring up exercise immediately after surgery or during a followup visit.

• Expect some tightness. Doctors may suggest women begin exercising a week or more after undergoing breast cancer surgery. ItÕs normal to feel some tightness in the chest and armpit after surgery, but the tightness will begin to subside as you exercise. Report any persistent tightness or pain to a physician immediately.

• Some burning, tingling, numbness, or soreness may also occur. These symptoms may be felt on the back of the arm andor on the chest wall and are often a result of the surgery irritating some of your nerves. The sensations of

burning, tingling, numbness, and soreness may even increase a few weeks after surgery. But the ACS advises women to keep exercising through these symptoms unless they notice unusual swelling or tenderness, which should be reported to physicians right away.

• Exercise after a warm shower. A warm shower may warm and relax muscles, making exercise less painful.

• Dress appropriately. Comfortable, loose fitting clothing can make it easier to do exercises, as such attire is not restrictive.

More information regarding exercise after breast cancer surgery, including specific exercise recommendations, can be found at www.cancer.org.

Signs and symptoms

Breast cancer is a formidable foe. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 627,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer in 2018. But women are not helpless in the fight against breast cancer, as the WHO notes early detection is critical and could potentially save thousands of lives each year.

A proactive approach is a key component of protecting oneself against breast cancer. While the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. notes that many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional cancer screening, women can keep an eye out for certain signs of breast cancer they might be able to detect on their own. Monthly self-exams can help women more easily identify changes in their breasts. During such self-exams, women can look for the following signs and symptoms and are advised to report any abnormalities they discover to their physicians immediately.

• Changes in how the breast or nipple feels: The NBCF says nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm could indicate the presence of breast cancer. Some women may notice changes in the skin texture or an enlargement of the pores in the skin of their breast. In many instances, skin texture has been described as being similar to the

texture of an orange peel. Lumps in the breast also may indicate breast cancer, though not all lumps are cancerous.

• Change in appearance of the breast or nipple: Unexplained changes in the size or shape of the breast; dimpling anywhere on the breast; unexplained swelling or shrinking of the breast, particularly when the shrinking or swelling is exclusive to one side only; and a nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted are some signs and symptoms of breast cancer that can affect the appearance of the breast or nipple. It is common for women’s breasts to be asymmetrical, but sudden asymmetry should be brought to the attention of a physician.

• Discharge from the nipple: The NBCF notes that any discharge from the nipple, but particularly a clear or bloody discharge, could be a sign of breast cancer. The NBCF also advises women that a milky discharge when they are not breastfeeding is not linked to breast cancer but should be discussed with a physician.

Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can increase the likelihood of early diagnosis, which greatly improves women’s chances of surviving this disease.

THREE MOST COMMON TYPES of breast cancer

Millions of women across the globe are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research notes that more than two million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2018, making the disease one of the most commonly occurring cancers in the world.

Upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, patients typically have a number of questions, including which type of breast cancer they have. The American Cancer Society notes that there are many types of breast cancer, though some are more common than others. Learning to distinguish between the more common types of breast cancer, which include invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive lobular carcinoma, can help patients and their support teams better understand this difficult, yet beatable disease.

What are carcinomas?

The ACS reports that most breast cancers are carcinomas. Carcinomas are tumors that start in the epithelial cells that line organs and tissue throughout the body. Carcinomas can spread to other parts of the body, even though they do not always do so. They can be “ductal” or “invasive.”

Ductal carcinoma in situ

Ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, is a noninvasive breast cancer that starts inside the milk ducts. BreastCancer.org notes that “in situ” means the cancer is still in its original place, not having spread beyond the milk duct to any surrounding breast tissue. That’s helpful to know, as it calms patients’ fears knowing the cancer has been caught before it could metastasize, or spread. One out of every five new breast cancer cases is DCIS. While that might sound alarming, BreastCancer. org notes that DCIS incidence

rates are possibly so high because people are living longer than they used to (a person’s risk for breast cancer increases with age) and education about breast cancer screening appears to be working, compelling more women to get mammograms.

Treatment for a woman with DCIS, in most cases, is breastconserving surgery (BCS) and simple mastectomy.

Invasive ductal carcinoma

Sometimes referred to as “IDC,” invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for between 70 and 80 percent of all breast cancers, making it the most common type of the disease, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Invasive means the cancer has spread from the milk ducts, where IDC originates, to the surrounding breast tissues.

Invasive lobular carcinoma

The ACS notes that roughly 10 percent of all invasive breast cancers are invasive lobular

carcinomas, or ILC. The word “lobular” means that the cancer began in the lobules, which produce milk and empty out into the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. When a person is diagnosed with ILC, that means the cancer has broken through the wall of the lobule and has started invading the tissues of the breast. Over time, ILC can spread to the lymph nodes and possibly even other areas of the body.

Treatment of invasive breast cancer depends on how advanced the cancer is (the stage of the cancer) and other factors. Most women will have some type of surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on the type of breast cancer and how advanced it is, you might need other types of treatment as well, either before or after surgery, or sometimes both. As prevalent as breast cancer may seem, it is beatable, and many people overcome the disease and go on to live happy, full lives.

We support you.

“ONCE I OVERCAME BREAST CANCER, I WASN’T AFRAID OF ANYTHING ANYMORE.”

-Melissa Etheridge

BODY IMAGE AND cancer treatment

dressed in the dark. Esplen advises that participating in posttreatment therapy and support groups can help women battling body image issues after breast cancer treatment.

It’s important that women undergoing breast cancer treatment recognize that many of the physical effects of treatment are temporary or can be mitigated. For example, hair loss can be traumatic, but with time hair will regrow. In the interim, women can wear fashionable wigs and head covers.

Some treatment-related changes may be permanent. A complete or partial mastectomy can transform the way the breasts look or make them less sensitive to touch. Many women opt to have

reconstructive surgery or use a breast prosthesis.

One change women may not anticipate is how chemotherapy can affect their hormone levels and their sexual interest or response. Being open with a romantic partner about physical and emotional feelings can help couples effectively work together to find various work-arounds to assist with pain, dryness, trouble reaching orgasm, and other sexual issues.

Many women struggle with body image and emotional changes following breast cancer treatment. With patience and a strong support network, various issues can be addressed and possibly remediated.

The physical changes that can result from breast cancer are well-known. However, breast cancer also can lead to emotional changes. In fact, treatments that are designed to beat cancer can have negative effects on a woman’s body image and self-esteem.

Body image is a complex posttreatment concern for breast cancer patients and survivors, and one that may not be as widely addressed as other issues. A study titled “Body Image in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors” that was published in the journal Cancer Nursing found that body image is a large concern and has a profound impact on aspects of cancer survivorship, particularly among young breast cancer survivors.

The American Cancer Society notes that many women

experience various changes in appearance while undergoing cancer treatments. These can include anything from changes in weight (increase or decrease), hair loss, surgical removal of breasts, scarring, lack of sexual interest from fluctuating hormones, and much more. Even though health care providers are good at targeting the immediate challenges of the disease, emotional support is not always part of their post-treatment follow-up.

Mary Jane Esplen, a psychooncologist at the University of Toronto, says she has heard from breast cancer survivors who have battled with body image after treatment. In various therapy sessions, Esplen has learned that some women give up swimming and wearing swimsuits, while others avoid mirrors or get

LEARN TO MAKE MAMMOGRAMS more comfortable

Mammograms remain one of the best methods to detecting breast cancers, giving women the opportunity to start treatment early if cancer is detected. In countries with early access to quality screening and treatment, breast cancer survival rates are now greater than 80 percent.

The organization

Mammography Saves Lives says that, since 1990, mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the United States by 40 percent. Mammograms usually take around 20 minutes. During

CIRCLE OF HOPE

From Page 10

How to receive help Anderson shared that anyone who would like assistance from Circle of Hope should first speak

a traditional mammogram, a woman’s breast is placed between two plates. One plate holds the breast in place, while the other takes images, and the breasts must be compressed to get clear pictures of breast tissue. Some women find the process to be uncomfortable.

Even though mammograms can be essential parts of preventive healthcare, many women avoid them because of pain and other discomfort. However, women should not put off mammograms because they are worried about discomfort. There are many

to their health care provider. While anyone can benefit from the emotional support benefits, financial support is reserved for those most in need.

An application, including proof of income, are required. These forms can be acquired

ways to avoid pain during mammograms that can make the entire experience more comfortable.

Schedule the mammogram for a week after a menstrual period when hormonal swings are less likely to increase breast sensitivity.

Caffeine can make the breasts more tender. Reducing caffeine consumption for two weeks before the mammogram can help.

Keep your feet and trunk facing forward and simply turn your head at the mammogram machine.

from a doctor, social worker, or nurse navigator.

Gratitude

Circle of Hope is a beacon of light for patients who are struggling with the frightening diagnosis of breast cancer. And

Reduce tension by breathing deeply a few times before the procedure.

Try a pain reliever before the mammogram.

Ask the mammography center if it has padding, as cushioning between the breasts and the plates of the mammogram machine can reduce pain. By taking these steps, women may be more comfortable during mammograms, which can play a vital role in the detection and ultimate treatment of breast cancer.

those receiving help are thankful for the hand up.

“People are so grateful,” Anderson said. “We get lots and lots of thank you cards. And we save them all.”

For more information, please visit circleofhopeduluth.org.

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