Breast Cancer Awareness 2020
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Thriving Pink Gala honors local Pink Heroes Friday Special to The Enterprise Many local Pink Heroes — community partners, volunteers and local breast cancer survivors — will be recognized at the Fourth Annual Thriving Pink Gala this Friday as a virtual event from a live production location. Rose Cholewinski, Granting Pink chair, and Bubbly Bajwa, M.D., Thriving Pink board president, will be joined by John Chuck, M.D., who will emcee the event. Honorees include Pam Cordano, LMFT, Thriving Pink group facilitator; Sandy Borowsky, M.D., UC Davis Health Pink Speaker Series presenter; and Sinor Mengali Group at Guild Mortgage Pink Partner, for its outstanding service and support of our community. Special remarks will be made by Shawn O’Brien of Brooks Painting, with a highlight presentation from Davis Firefighters, Local 3494. This year, the need in this community has grown, and Thriving Pink’s Granting Pink Program is awarding $51,400 in financial assistance to 41 very deserving local survivors/thrivers to help with immediate and essential needs, including medical bills, prescriptions, care-providers, groceries, rent and utilities. They are all incredibly courageous and resilient, fighting a cancer diagnosis during a year when many are going through appointments and treatment alone. We invite our community to join us to honor and celebrate all of them at the Pink Gala. The Mentoring Pink Program — led by many healthcare providers professionals and cancer survivors — also has provided ongoing support throughout this year with more than 36 educational workshops and support groups since January, recently pivoting to virtual and small outdoor distanced gatherings. Meghan Covert Russell, a grant awardee who will be sharing her
Rose Cholewinski, right, chair of Thriving Pink’s Granting Pink program, joins Pam Cordano, Thriving Pink group facilitator, in presenting a grant award to Jan Adrian.
COURTESY PHOTO
Davis Firefighters Dan Wong, left, Emily Lo and Matt Galloway represent Thriving Pink Platinum Partners Davis Firefighters Local 3494. story at the upcoming Pink Gala, said, “I am 35. And I am grateful. I am not grateful for having to explain cancer to my toddler children, for the isolation that comes with worry or for reaching insurance maximums year after year. But, I am thankful for the support of Thriving Pink.” Dannelle Larsen-Rife, another grant awardee and gala speaker, said, “My world turned upsidedown when my husband of 30 years left our family a few months after my diagnosis. I faced a growing pile of medical bills, and I am so grateful to Thriving Pink. Thank you all for being there for us and so many other families.” What’s raised here, stays here. Thriving Pink is very grateful for its Platinum Partners — Davis Firefighters, Local 3494, and Golden Arch Enterprises/Woodland McDonald’s — for their amazing support. Hot Pink Partners are truly community heroes, as well, including Brooks Painting, Dave and Patty Krueger with Greiner Heating and Air, Nathan Pina of Fairway Independent Mortgage, The George
and Lena Valente Foundation, Zumbathon Team/Davis Swim & Fitness, Yolo Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund, and Jim and Lucinda Childress. And, many Bright Pink Partners are stepping up to lead with their support: NorthBay Healthcare, Anthony and LaRease Profaci with Colavita, Sinor Mengali Group at Guild Mortgage, Martha Bernauer and family, Vandergriff Brent Family Fund, Robert Wiebe, The Davis Enterprise, Rose Cholewinski of SwimAmerica-Davis, and In Memory of Ann Murray Paige. A heartfelt thank you to many Shining Pink Partners: Sutter Health, Davis Sunrise Rotary, Davis Food Co-Op, Davis Dermatology, Guneet and Bubbly Bajwa, M.D., Katie and Bryan Bolich, Circle Z Farms, Daniel and Kelly Currywood, Lori and Jim Davis, FIT House, The Gnos Family, Higgins Team at eXp, Hilton Garden Inn, Yolo Federal Credit Union, Davis Rebekah Lodge No. 253, Kim Eichorn and Associates, Fiddlehead Cellars, Soroptomist International of Davis, Midtown
COURTESY PHOTO
Animal Clinic, Rainbow Sales, Trish and Joe Albert, Jaime Anderson, Jim and Adrienne Anderson, Debbie and Addison Covert, Lori and Jim Davis, Helen and Mark Henderson, Kathleen Thompson and Diana Mahoney, Paul Johnson and Jennifer May, Jeff and Mary Nicholson, John and Joan Reed, David and Judy Reuben, Alicia Silva M.D., Antonia and Norman Tu, Tom and Stacy Welsh, Melissa Williams M.D., Norb Kumagai, In Honor of Kiyun Tu, Jan Poole/In Honor of Maureen Poole, Meher Wadhawan and In Memory of Kristin Sanborn Todd. And much appreciation to Magenta Pink Partners: Aggie Inn, Balance Point Pilates, Best Western Dixon, Tom and Pam Cordano, In Honor of Susan Czech, Davis Ace Hardware, Davis Home Trends, Linda Dunn/ Bloom Again, Roger Gambatese, Iggy Training, Inn Off Capitol Park, Konditorei Austrian Pastry
Café, Mindful Insurance Solutions, Nugget Markets, Palm Court Hotel, Pinkadot, Power10, Renew Davis Committee, Royal Ganesh, Thrive/Amy Spence, Sandy Walsh, JoEllen Welsch, John Youmans and Reed and Susan Youmans. If you would like to help a local Yolo County breast cancer survivor and her family, please consider donating today. During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Thriving Pink is seeking donations to meet the growing needs of its 2020-2021 Granting Pink and Mentoring Pink Programs. Until there is a cure, we will continue working together to help those battling this disease. Thank you for embracing our cause, our mission, and most of all, the Thriving Pink community. Please visit www.thrivingpink.org, the FaceBook page or Instagram to support or connect with Thriving Pink. — Thriving Pink Board of Directors
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Breast Cancer Awareness 2020
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020
Triple-negative cancer
Special to The Enterprise Triple-negative breast cancer is a form of breast cancer that doesn’t have receptors commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor, or HER2. If your cancer has any of these receptors, doctors have an avenue for treatment they can use to help destroy the cancerous cells. But with triple-negative breast cancer, doctors must look to other treatment options, such as chemotherapy. Triple-negative breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than other breast cancers and the cancerous cells tend to resemble healthy breast tissue.
Who can get it? Anyone can get triple-negative breast cancer, but it tends to affect more younger people, Black and Hispanic women and people with a BRCA1 mutation. About 10-20% of breast cancers are triple-negative breast cancers.
Types of treatment Without these receptors to reach the cancer cells, doctors turn to other forms of treatment. The first step is usually to have the tumor removed – a lumpectomy – or the whole affected breast removed – a mastectomy. These surgeries are usually followed by radiation therapy, where highenergy radiation is given to your
breast to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy can kill any cancer cells that have spread elsewhere in the body and lowers the chance that cancer will recur.
Side effects These treatments, though they may be successful, aren’t without side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to expect hair loss, nausea, tiredness and skin changes. There are new treatments that may be able to help with hair loss from chemotherapy; talk to your doctor if losing your hair is a concern. Chemotherapy can also cause nausea, but your doctor can give you medication to help. Fatigue is associated with both chemother-
Genetic counseling Anyone can get People of Ashkenazi Jewish hertriple-negative breast itage have a higher risk of certain of cancer, including triplecancer, but it tends types negative breast cancer. Genetic testing followed by genetic counto affect more seling can help you determine a younger people, course of treatment and risk manboth for you and your Black and Hispanic agement family. women and people with a BRCA1 mutation. apy and radiation. It will subside a few weeks after your therapy ends. There may also be skin changes with radiation, including redness or peeling like with a sunburn.
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A new cancer diagnosis — Being prepared Special to The Enterprise In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States. About one in eight, or 12.5 percent of women, and one in 1,000 men will face the news that they have breast cancer. The news is often unexpected and overwhelming since 85 percent of women who are diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer. If you are newly diagnosed, you have likely just experienced many diagnostic tests, ending with a breast biopsy that has come back positive for breast cancer. It would be helpful for you to have a support person or Thriving Pink Peer with you during a virtual visit to help ask questions and take notes as you have consultations with a
breast surgeon, a surgical oncologist and a radiation oncologist. Depending on where you are in your breast cancer journey, you could consider the following questions which may be appropriate for you to ask your doctors. Being prepared will help you better understand your individual diagnosis and treatment options to find the best care.
Questions to ask your doctor about a pathology report Q What kind of breast cancer do I have — stage/grade? Q Can a pathologist at another diagnostic center review the biopsy report? Q What other tests were done
We were made for these times “My friends, do not lose heart. We were made for these times. Ours is NOT THE TASK OF kXING THE ENTIRE WORLD ALL AT ONCE BUT OF STRETCHING OUT TO MEND THE PART OF THE WORLD THAT IS WITHIN OUR REACH !NY SMALL CALM THING THAT ONE SOUL CAN DO TO HELP ANOTHER SOUL TO ASSIST SOME PORTION WILL HELP IMMENSELY )T IS NOT GIVEN TO US TO KNOW WHICH ACTS OR BY WHOM WILL CAUSE THE CRITICAL MASS TO TIP TOWARD AN ENDURING GOOD /NE OF THE MOST CALMING AND POWERFUL ACTIONS YOU CAN DO TO INTERVENE IN A STORMY WORLD is to stand up and show your soul.” — Clarissa Pinkola Estes on my tissue? Q How do these results define my treatment options?
Questions to ask when deciding on a treatment plan
Q Will I need other tests, such as a PET scan or chest X-ray? Q Best treatment options for my stage/type of breast cancer? Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biologically targeted therapy, clinical trials? Q How can I manage any side
effects from this treatment plan? Q Will I be able to work during my treatment? Q Will I need special tests to track my treatment, such as imaging scans or blood tests? Q Should I think about genetic testing? Q Do you recommend participation in a clinical trial? Q What if I would like a second opinion?
Questions to ask after treatment Q Are there any limitations on what I can do? Q How should I change my diet or exercise routine? Q What can I do to reduce my
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It is incredibly difficult and challenging to face such a health crisis alone. Having the support of a peer can provide needed support. Thriving Pink Team volunteers include (standing, from left) Ashley Nunes, Mara Lindsay, Lori Walters, Rose Cholewinski, Emily Ault, Holly Rodriguez and Linda Dunn; (front) Leslie Hunter and Joni Rubin.
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Breast Cancer Awareness 2020
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PREPARED: #ONNECT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS WALKED AHEAD From Page 5 risk for lymphedema? Q How will I be monitored after treatment? Q When will I have follow-up exams, blood tests and imaging tests? Q How can I reduce the chances of being re-diagnosed? One question newly diagnosed women also often ask is where can they find support outside of a hospital setting? Thriving Pink volunteers serve as Pink Peers and are available to help. Many local survivors want to share a message of hope and empowerment with others. They believe that one day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you’re going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide. “Connecting with someone
Thriving Pink Board President Bubbly Bajwa, M.D., left, supports Cassandra Daggs, a local grant awardee. COURTESY PHOTO
who has walked ahead of me on the cancer journey was beyond helpful. I could talk with them in a completely open way that I couldn’t with family and friends who had been on this path,” said Joni Rubin, a local breast cancer survivor who serves as chair of Thriving Pink’s Mentoring Pink Program. “This is a battle and you need friends by your side to fight with you,” said Andrea Mayer, a Thriving Pink board member and Pink
“This is a battle and you need friends by your side to fight with you.” Andrea Mayer 4HRIVING 0INK BOARD MEMBER AND 0INK 0EER
me years ago, and now I can pay it forward.” Mayer also accompanies other survivors to monthly support groups and educational workshops hosted by Thriving Pink. It is incredibly difficult
and challenging to face such a health crisis alone. If you are a local breast cancer survivor, at least one year out from diagnosis, and would like to volunteer as a Pink Peer, or if you are newly diagnosed and seek-
ing support from a Pink Peer, please contact Thriving Pink at info@thrivingpink.org. We are here and want to “show up” to support you on your journey. — Thriving Pink Board of Directors
Enough to fill our hearts Dear Community, -AY WHAT WE DO AT THE END OF THE DAY BE ENOUGH TO kLL OUR HEARTS 2ElECTING UPON THE DEEP COMPASSION AND MEANING OF THIS POEM IT IS MY HOPE THAT WE WILL TAKE A MOMENT TO EMBRACE MORE KINDNESS FOR OURSELVES WHILE WE CARE FOR THOSE AROUND US 4OGETHER WE CAN kND OUR HEALTHY HORIZON AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE AND SEE HOW VERY FAR WE VE COME THIS YEAR !T THE UPCOMING 4HRIVING 0INK MONTHLY 7RITERS #IRCLE 7ORKSHOPS WE WILL RElECT ON POEMS AND SHORT PASSAGES TO SHARE OUR THOUGHTS ABOUT gTHESE TIMES u ) HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER Melissa Lyans Thriving Pink workshop facilitator and local breast cancer survivor/thriver
Peer. “I remember other survivors reaching out to
Thriving Pink Calendar !LL PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS ARE PROVIDED AT NO COST TO THE COMMUNITY *OIN US BY EMAILING INFO THRIVINGPINK ORG TO 2360 AND FOR THE :OOM LINK Oct. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. — Fourth Annual Pink Gala #ELEBRATING AND HONORING LOCAL PINK HEROES COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND GRANT AWARDEES Oct. 19, 7-8 p.m. — Embracing Gratitude, !UTHOR !LEXSYS 4HOMPSON PRESENTED BY #ANCER #HAMPION &ITNESS Oct. 26, 7-8 p.m. — Gentle Yoga and Mindful Movement ,ED BY $ION 7IEDENHOEFER ! 4RAUMA 3ENSITIVE 9OGA )NSTRUCTOR Nov. 2, 7-8:30 p.m. — Writers Circle ,ED BY SURVIVOR THRIVER -ELISSA ,YANS *OURNALING AND SHARED RElECTION .O FORMAL WRITING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 0ROMPTS AND GUIDANCE PROVIDED Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.-noon — Stitches of Love ,ED BY SURVIVOR THRIVER 0ATTI (ADRAVA -AKING FABRIC STAR ORNAMENTS AS HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE 4HRIVING 0INK COMMUNITY Nov. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. — Pink Speaker Series, Russ Hovey Ph.D. g4HE "IOLOGY OF "REAST #ANCER (OW IT FORMS AND EVOLVES BASED ON CURRENT RESEARCH STUDIES u Open volunteer opportunities: In October, and through the holiday season in November and December, Thriving Pink is seeking volunteers for “front porch deliveries” (from a distance wearing masks) to local breast cancer survivors. This year, Pink Team volunteers have personally delivered more than 1,000 comfort bags, including face masks, hand sanitizer and other essential supplies to our local community. To help with this special outreach effort email info@thrivingpink.org.
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Lowering your risk Special to The Enterprise There are lots of factors that contribute to your risk of breast cancer, not just genetics or family history. Lower your risk for breast cancer by following these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Keep a healthy weight Try to keep your body mass index, or BMI, at between 18.5 and 24.9. This is a ratio or your weight to height, but it may not be accurate for all body types. This is particularly true after menopause, the Susan G. Komen Foundation says. Talk to your health care professional about an ideal weight for you.
Exercise regularly Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, lowers your blood pressure, reduces your risk for stroke, can ease arthritis pain and reduce depression and anxiety. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise regimen.
Limit alcoholic drinks Alcohol consumption raises the risk of cancer proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed, the CDC says. That means that the more you drink, the more at risk you are for breast can-
Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, lowers your blood pressure, reduces your risk for stroke, can ease arthritis pain and reduce depression and anxiety. cer and other cancers. Limit drinks to one per day.
Hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives Women who take these kinds of replacement hormones can affect your risk of breast cancer. Talk to your health care provider about the type of therapy or birth control you take and the associated risks.
Breastfeed your children Mothers who breastfeed their children have a lower risk of breast cancer,
Mothers who breastfeed their children have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. ADOBE STOCK/ COURTESY PHOTO
ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the benefit. Women who breastfed for a lifetime total of more than two years got the most benefit from the practice, the Susan G. Komen says. Breastfeeding may be particularly good at lowering the risk of estrogen receptor-negative cancers, which do not need hormones to grow. If you have a high risk of breast cancer, there are options, Susan G. Komen says. These include risk lowering drugs such as tamoxifen or raloxifene or a prophylactic mastectomy. Talk to your doctor if you think these options are right for you.
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Breast Cancer Awareness 2020
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020
Changes in the breast
Special to The Enterprise A change in breast tissue doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Some changes in the breast are normal for your stage of life. If you’re concerned, of course call the doctor, but there’s probably not a reason to panic.
Probably not anything to worry about Many changes in the breast are because of fluctuating hormones, such as when a woman is about to start her menstrual cycle or when she’s pregnant. Here are some times you may notice a difference in your breasts that’s not worrisome. Before or during your cycle. Your breasts may feel swollen or tender, and that’s normal. You may even feel a lump because of extra fluid in your breast. You should always call a doctor if you feel a lump, but the doctor may schedule a return visit when you’re not on your cycle to check the breast. During pregnancy. Your body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy, and one of them may be larger and more painful breasts. They may even feel lumpy as the glands that produce milk gear up for breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, you may also get a painful condition called mastitis when a milk duct becomes blocked. Mastitis causes the affected breast to become warm and feel lumpy and painful. You can get medications from your doctor to help.
Before and after menopause. Your hormone levels are changing, and that can make your breasts feel tender and lumpy. As your levels drop off after menopause, these conditions usually stop. If you’re taking hormones, such as menopausal hormone therapy or birth control. These hormones may cause your breasts to become more dense, making a mammogram more difficult to read. Let your provider know about these and all other medications you take.
Symptoms to be concerned about If you feel any change in your breast that you’re worried about, even if it’s explained by one of the above reasons, call your doctor and have it checked out. Some symptoms that should raise a red flag are: A lump or firm feeling in your breast or under your arm. It could be a hormonal change, but it could be something more nefarious. Do regular self-exams so that you know what your breasts feel like but remember, they’re no substitute for a mammogram. Nipple changes or discharge. This discharge can be any of several colors or textures. It could be something as simple as an infection of the side effect of medications, but it should always be checked out. Itchy, red, dimpled or puckered skin. Again, this could just be minor irritation, but it could be something worse. Call the doctor.
ADOBE STOCK/COURTESY PHOTO
Breast Cancer Awareness 2020
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Stages of breast cancer Special to The Enterprise You may have heard someone talk about their cancer in stages. This is the level of progression to which the cancer has spread. The stage of the cancer at detection often determines the treatment. In breast cancer, the stage is based on the size and location of the primary tumor, the spread of the cancer, the tumor grade and whether certain biomarkers are present, the National Cancer Institute says. After you receive your diagnosis of breast cancer, doctors will perform tests such as biopsies, X-rays and various scans to see how far it’s spread. Cancer can spread through tissue by growing into nearby areas, through the lymphatic system by spreading through lymph vessels to other parts of the body or through the blood. When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it’s called metastasis. The metastatic tumor is the same kind of cancer as the primary tumor. If breast cancer spreads to the bones, it’s metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer. There are three types of breast cancer stage groups. The clinical prognostic stage is the first stage for all patients based on health history, physical exam, imaging tests and biopsies. Mammography or ultrasounds can be used to check the lymph nodes for signs of cancer. In the pathological prognostic stage, patients have surgery as their first treatment. It’s based on clinical information, biomarker status and lab
Cancer can spread through tissue by growing into nearby areas, through the lymphatic system by spreading through lymph vessels to other parts of the body or through the blood. results. The anatomic stage is based on the size and spread of the cancer. It’s used in parts of the world where biomarker testing is not available, which doesn’t include the United States. The TNM system — tumor, lymph node, metastatis — is used to describe cancers, including breast cancer. T values refer to the size of the tumor and range from TX, meaning the tumor can’t be assessed, to T4, meaning the tumor has grown into the skin or chest wall or is inflammatory. N values refer to the size and location of lymph nodes where the cancer has spread. When the lymph nodes are checked using mammography or ultrasound, it’s called clinical staging. M values show whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. M0 means it hasn’t; M1 means it has. Breast cancer most often spreads to the bones, lungs, liver or brain. This
After you receive your diagnosis of breast cancer, doctors will perform tests such as biopsies, X-rays and various scans to see how far it’s spread. ADOBE STOCK/ COURTESY PHOTO
system, along with grading that describes how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread, and biomarker testing is used to determine the breast cancer stage and the treatment of the cancer. Your doctor will be able to explain how your cancer was staged and discuss treatment options going forward.
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How to do a self-exam Special to The Enterprise You should be checking your breast for changes at least once a month, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. About 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump and get it checked out. Here’s how to properly conduct a self-exam.
It’s not a mammogram A self-exam is useful, but remember, it’s not the same as a mammogram or other
imaging that can detect cancer in its very earliest stages. For the most effective medical care, combine self-exams with regular doctor’s appointments and ageand health-appropriate cancer screenings. Some signs to look for during your breast exam are nipple tenderness, lumps, thickening, changes in skin texture or enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast. Also examine your underarm area as the breast tissue spreads around your sides and armpits.
Lying down When lying down, your
breast tissue will spread against the chest wall. Place a pillow under your shoulder and raise that arm above your head. Using the opposite hand, move the pads of your fingers around your breast, covering the entire area and armpit. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Check for nipple discharge and lumps, then repeat for the other side.
In front of a mirror With your arms at your sides, look at your breasts as you raise your arms over your head. You’re looking for changes in the contour, swelling, dimpling of the
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skin or changes in the nipples. Rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for dimpling, puckering or changes, particularly on one side. Don’t be
alarmed if your breasts aren’t symmetrical; most women’s aren’t.
In the shower Hold one arm up and
behind your head. Using your fingertips, check the entire breast and armpit area on that side by pressing down with light, medium and firm pressure. Look for lumps, thickening, a knot or any other changes. If you notice any changes, don’t panic. Most lumps, even, aren’t cancer. But you do need to check with your doctor for a clinical exam whenever you have concerns. Combined with regular medical care and more in-depth screening, such as mammography, self-exams are a powerful tool in the early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer.
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