Low Country Metro Woman

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A Note From The Publisher....

Thank you for picking up the premiere copy of the Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine! You will find awesome businesses and events throughout the lowcountry in this publication. We look for- that you got their information ward to providing you with many from here! more resources in your community. When patronizing these “Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/lowcountrywoman businesses please let them know

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Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine is a resource for the beautiful women of the lowcountry. Why not have your business be a part of it?

We would love to partner with you to make it effective for your business.

Mention this offer and receive 15% off of advertisement rates for the month of November!

Deadline for November is October 24th Contact Natasha Simmons for more information

843-343-1446

natasha@metrowomandirectory.com ©Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine. This Directory, in part or whole, is not to be reproduced or copied without written permission. This directory, in part or in whole, may not be reproduced or copied without written permission from Hidden Values, Inc. The Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine®, and it’s publishers are not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, or the action of our advertisers. Readers should verify advertised information with advertisers. The Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine® is a registered trademark of Hidden Values, Inc., Dallas, TX.We are expanding our network of Directories. For more information on bringing a Directory to your city please visit our website at www.hiddenvalues.com or call us at 1-800-960-6788.

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10/1/2014 9:13:16 AM

ADVERTISE WITH US! Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine is a resource for the beautiful women of the lowcountry.

Why not have your business be a part of it? We would love to partner with you to make it effective for your business.

Mention this offer and receive 15% off of advertisement rates for the month of November!

Deadline for November is October 24th Contact Natasha Simmons for more information 843-343-1446 natasha@metrowomandirectory.com

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10/1/2014 9:43:56 AM

Breast Cancer Awareness: Know Your Risk

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By Dr. Jennifer Fiorini, MD, FACS

he average risk for a women in the US to develop breast cancer in her lifetime is 12%, or about 1 in 8. Most of these women, about 90% of them, developed this disease without having a genetic cause. They had little no family history, are not carriers of the gene mutation that causes breast cancer, and yet they are faced with this diagnosis and of course are shocked.

And more concerning are the women who believe they are “not at risk” for breast cancer because its not in their family. These women don’t realize that most breast cancers occur in women like them, with no hereditary cause. When they downplay their own risk they are more likely to skip their mammograms and ignore early signs or symptoms that could have led to early detection.

So when I counsel patients on the genetic mutations that are linked to breast cancer, I believe it’s important to remind them that not having a family history and not carrying the known mutations do not give them an “all-clear” and that their breast health awareness and screenings are still necessary.

But for women who do carry the genetic mutations linked to breast cancer, they have up to an 80% change of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. They also develop cancers at ounger ages, are more likely to have second breast cancers after that, and are more commonly found to have an aggressive type of breast cancer known as “triple negative.”

For this population, it is vital to know their family history so the appropriate testing can be done. This includes the family history of breast as well as other cancers, and preferably for 2-3 generations. Many do not realize that ovarian, prostate, colon and other cancers can also be genetically linked, and are important points to include in your family history.

Advances in laboratory science have made genetic testing now accessible to most people. This came into the spotlight last year when Angelina Jolie famously announced that she is a carrier 10

of the BRCA gene mutation and had bilateral mastectomies.

To obtain this genetic testing, patients should start with a risk evaluation by a cancer specialist or genetic counselor. Since the results of such genetic testing can be complex, the test should be preceded by and followed up with a detailed conversation about one’s risk and screening recommendations.

The testing is usually covered by insurance for people who meet the criteria, having significant family history or a cancer diagnosis.

A positive test does not always lead to prophylactic surgery like Angelina Jolie had, but should lead to a detailed discussion of what a women’s risk is believed to be, and ALL of the options for how to manage that risk. In the case of breast cancer risk prophylactic surgery is one option, but we also consider medication to reduce the risk, lifestyle changes, and more intensive screening plans to include breast MRIs when mammograms are thought to be inadequate. The appropriate way to deal with such a risk varies depending on what stage of life a woman is in, and according to her personal preferences.

For the patient with no identified genetic mutation but who has an extensive family history, we must be careful not to offer a false sense of security as we know she is still at risk for breast cancer and would not want her to avoid screening mammograms.

Ultimately the choice to get genetic testing for cancer-related mutations is a deeply personal one, and the way to deal with the results is quite variable from person to person. It is crucial that such a test be performed by a physician knowledgeable enough to also give you all of the information to be able to manage the result in the right way for you.

Dr. Jennifer Fiorini, MD, FACS, is a surgeon specializing in breast disease. She is the President of the Board of Directors of Susan G Komen Lowcountry Affiliate. Dr. Fiorini trained at the Medical University of South Carolina and currently practices at The Breast Place in Charleston, SC.

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10/1/2014 9:14:17 AM

Stories of Survivors

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his March 2015 will be my 5 year anniversary of being cancer free. I am a stay at home mom of two boys and wife.

I found out about Ruth Krems having cancer in a different way than most. My eye doctor told me I had high blood pressure so I went to my GP for that and found a lump.

The first hospital I went to said there was nothing, come back in 6 months. That didn’t sit well with my doctor. So she sent me to MUSC. I thought I was going in for tests and ended up walking out having had a biopsy.

I had a bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemo and radiation. I had no side effects from chemo other than hair loss and dry mouth...Biotene toothpaste is great for that! When I started going bald I found it easier to just shave it all off or your scalp might hurt during hair loss. And I bought a red hair wig for fun. I’m a natural brunette!

A few months later I had DIEP surgery.

Yay! Finally getting the size breasts I wanted and getting rid of my c-section tummy! Between the wig and DIEP I focused on a negative situation and turned it into a positive (and sometimes fun) situation!

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Maleca Whichard

am a mother. I am a wife. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am the owner of Ahh Sugar Sugar, LLC. I am a Breast Cancer SURVIVOR for 2 years! When I found the lump, I went to my primary care Dr.

I Am Survivor!

several times and was told it was a muscle in my chest that had hardened. I saw my GYN Dr. and asked her about it. She stated the same thing and suggested I get plenty of exercise and drink lots of water to loosen things up. A few days later, the area started to hurt and I saw a third Dr. who then sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. I was seen the next morning.

That afternoon, I had a biopsy done and received the results three days later. The form of treatment received was radiation.

My advice is to always listen to your body.

If it doesn’t feel right, keep seeing a Dr. until you have an answer you’re satisfied with. Share your diagnosis with your relatives. Do not keep it a secret because it could affect the lives of others.

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work as a Direct Support Professional, in the home of adults who have disabilities.

I am the mother of Geri Mason two grown daughters, and I also have two grandchildren, and two sisters.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30, I was the one who found the lump. After my surgery, I had chemo and radiation for six months. I thank God that I never had any problems. I continued to work throughout the treatment process, and I also never lost my hair. My advice and encouragement to others is simple: Know your body and get checked early.

If you do get a negative diagnosis, please know that you are the one who can turn it into a positive. God always has a bigger plan for your life. I am a living testimony!

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10/1/2014 9:14:39 AM

Inspirational Moment By: Geri Mason

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ave you ever had days when you felt like the world was on everybody’s side except yours? Do you sometimes believe that no matter what you do life will always be a struggle? Are there times when you just don’t have an ounce of energy for nobody but yourself ? Guess what? We have all been there. I have a testimony for each of the above scenarios. For me the glass was always half-empty, until I learned the secret to turning lemons into lemonade. No matter how bleak the situation may be, there is always another story going on behind the scene. The solution depends on how you frame the picture. As human beings we tend to see things through filtered lens. We see things based on how it was the last time something similar came our way. We judge today based on what happened yesterday, and sabotage tomorrow in the process. As a writer and author, I am blessed to be able to see life through a variety of lens. Everything in life can be turned into a positive if you choose to see the bigger picture. In my new book, Reframing Your Picture – True Life Stories of Turning Negatives Into Positives (See Ad), I share numerous personal stories about things that happened

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Geri Mason is a woman who has met her own definition of success. She is a mother, grandmother, author, writer and speaker. Her mission in life is to move people forward to their highest potential through her writing and speaking. Her just released book, Reframing Your Picture – True Life Stories of Turning Negatives Into Positives, is a compilation of stories she wrote over the years detailing situations that could have been taken as negative but she turned them into positives.

Ms. Mason is an open book when it comes to sharing her testimonies of faith and triumph over obstacles.

She does not hold anything back.

Although the stories reflect her experiences she has written them in such a metaphoric way, that anyone can insert themselves into the story and gain meaningful insight into their situation.

Reframing Your Picture – True Life Stories of Turning Negatives Into Positives ($15), is available on Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes & Nobles, and directly from Ms. Mason. She can be reached at: (804) 503-1489, gerispeaks@yahoo.com, or www.gerispeak. com.

to me and how I found a way to see outside the frame.

You can do the same thing. Either the glass is half-full or half-empty. You make the decision!

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10/1/2014 9:54:24 AM

Fayetteville, NC: The Airborne & Special Operations Museum

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By: Mary E. Gallagher

235 seat Yarborough-Bank Vistascope Theater provides the viewer with an opportunity to be in the center of the exciting military action.

There is another video theater and a very “stimulating” motion simulator ride. You pay $5 (short young people pay half ) for the motion simulator ride but what an experience! I’d do it again in a minute but be prepared for a lot of motion, noise and action.

Take time to visit the adjacent city Freedom Memorial Park and recently built North Carolina Veteran’s Park. There are various memorials around the exterior of the museum too.

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum has a very active calendar of events including period re-enactors, 5K’s and longer races, patriotic concerts, special holiday programs, book signings and more. See their website for details.

HOURS Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m.

Closed on Mondays and Federal holidays.

HANDICAP ACCESS The Airborne & Special Operations Museum is the most advanced of all the Army museums and prides itself on attention to detail, evident in the accessibility of the museum. Handicap parking is near the entrance, and all exhibits and the grounds are designed for everyone to enjoy. Gently sloping walkways surround the building, and a wide sweeping path winds its way through the main exhibit area. Three wheelchairs are available.

Food, beverages or smoking is not allowed inside the building. Flash photography is not allowed in the galleries The Airborne & Special Operations Museum 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 643-2766 ASOMF.ORG Plan your visit to Fayetteville: Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau P: (910) 483-5311 visitfayettevillenc.com Please say “I found it in the Lowcountry Metro Woman Magazine.” Thanks!

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ave you made that long mind numbing I95 drive from Charleston to DC or NYC one too many times?

It’s time for a stop in historic Fayetteville, NC. Just a few minutes in from the interstate and home to many fine attractions, restaurants and events including the outstanding Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

We all have a military connection through a family member or friend and this large modern museum offers a fascinating tour of so many pivotal events in our country and the world’s history.

Outstanding realistic exhibits, actual equipment (planes, tanks, guns), a great staff and volunteer interpreters engaged us for hours. The museum was populated by families with small and teenage children, seniors and couples of all ages.

Museums are an active and pleasurable way to fill in those blank spots in our knowledge of history, start interesting discussions and the Airborne & Special Operations museum is no exception.

The museum opened its doors on August 16th, 2000, the 60th anniversary of the original United States Army’s Test Platoon’s first parachute jump.

Admission is free (donations accepted) and a good place to start is the large airy main gallery which was designed for a self-guided (conveniently at your own pace) tour. Arranged in chronological order the exhibits, including large life like reenactments, show the history of the airborne and special operations soldiers from 1940 to the present. My dad was in World War II so that was of special interest to me, then it was on to Korea, a conflict that wasn’t covered by the media very well.

The Cold War is followed by the Vietnam exhibit including a Huey Helicopter. This part of the tour ends at Contingency Operations & Training and current conflicts.

Throughout the museum there is plenty of viewing (maneuvering) space which helps as some visitors tend to have favorite historic events and spend a little more time taking it all in. There are other galleries with changing exhibits, and the

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