Overcoming the Fear of Mammograms Could Save Your Life Sisters Empowered by Survival Black Women and Bone Health: A Hidden Epidemic
Living Well Through Awareness By Cathy Nedd Chief Operating Officer Michigan Chronicle
Welcome to LivingWELL. Recognized as the single most credible source of fitness, health and nutrition information for African Americans, each edition is crafted to provide insight into health disparities impacting African Americans, methods of prevention and treatment. On these pages, you will find content on health issues, healthy lifestyles and relatable personal stories from people in our community. This month, in recognition of breast cancer awareness, LivingWELL has teamed with the Detroit chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated to host a breast cancer conference entitled Passport to Survivorship. Sister’s Network is the leading voice and the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. It is an important organization to our community because breast cancer disparities in African American women make it extremely important to educate each other about risk factors, mammograms and treatment. This month’s issue also shares six inspirational journeys of breast cancer survivors. Their optimism shatters the stigma of helplessness as they educate everyone about the disease and ways to remain positive. It is no secret that there is a growing need for health awareness in our community. The mission of LivingWELL is to provide our readers with a wealth of information that enables them to live healthier and happier lives. Be healthy and LiveWELL!
Table of Contents
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The Sisters Network Inc.: Advocates for Breast Cancer Survivor ship
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Sisters Empowered by survival
Overcoming the fear of mammograms could save your life My Journey of Conquering Breast Cancer By Jacqueline Howard Black women and bone health a hidden epidemic
Advocacy for Breast Cancer Awareness By Mary Waters I am a survivor. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April 2008. I experienced the same sense of shock and dismay that afflicts most women when hearing this devastating news. However, I was determined to defeat this horrible disease. After a hard fight, I prevailed and I am now approaching my seventh year as a survivor. It’s important to me to help others who face the same challenges I encountered. After overcoming my life-changing experience with breast cancer, I found support is essential to recovery. I decided to volunteer with a breast cancer support organization, Sisters Network Inc. The organization educates women on the importance of breast exams and annual mammograms. It’s important to have an open platform for women to come together, bond and educate themselves and others about breast cancer. I have spent many years volunteering my time to support women who are in need of someone who has experienced what they are going through. I am proud to be the president of Sisters Network, Inc., Greater Metropolitan Detroit Chapter and I continue to volunteer for Karmanos Cancer Institution as a navigator. As a navigator, I assist women who have been diagnosed and are in need of a support system. My goal is to spread the importance of having a listening ear and caring support when battling this dreadful disease. I continue to offer my time and resources to connect with women who are struggling with this condition. As our network grows stronger, women will always have someone to turn to during their time of need.
Publisher | Hiram E. Jackson Managing Editor | Tatiana Jackson Graphic Designer | Juan Sifuentes Michigan Chronicle 479 Ledyard St. • Detroit, MI 48201 • (313) 963-8100 Ext. 301 2 LivingWELL • September 2015
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isters Network® Inc. (SNI) is a leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Founded in 1994, Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed Medical Advisory Board. The organization’s purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country. SNI is a nationally recognized organization among leading medical establishments and breast cancer physicians as a critical information resource for African American women. Under the direction of Founder & CEO, Karen E Jackson, SNI continues to develop new chapters and expand the national outreach through its affiliate survivor run chapters nationwide. At the core of Sisters Network mission is support, outreach and education. For example, during 2011, Sisters’ breast health outreach initiatives impacted an estimated 4.9 million families. Charting new territory is not uncommon for the innovative organization. In 1999, Sisters’ broke new ground by hosting the nation’s first national Breast Cancer Conference to specifically address the impact of breast cancer among African American women. The conference, which attracts nearly 500 participants, including nationally recognized medical experts, has been held in metropolitan cities such as Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Richmond, VA, Baton Rouge LA. and Chicago. The organizations trademark and successful national community outreach programs include “The Gift for Life Block Walk®”, “The Pink Ribbon Awareness and STOP THE SILENCE®. These initiatives are implemented through Sisters’ affiliate chapters.
cer ten-city conference tour is a unique and effective outreach initiative for our organization.” Breast cancer survivors, clinicians, caregivers and the community are invited to attend. Conference workshops include “Metastatic & Triple Negative Breast Cancer,” presented by Janell Clark, APN-BC, MSN, MBA, Nurse Practitioner CTCA, Eastern Regional Medical Center and “The Importance of Minority Participation in Clinical Trials,” presented by Richard J. Mena, MD, Oncology-Field Medical Director, Pfizer Oncology. The name of this year’s ten-city tour is titled “Passport to Survivorship–Informing to Empower.” The ten-city national conference tour highlights general breast health awareness information and two major areas, triple negative and advanced breast cancer, which frequently affects African American women. The one-day conference is Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at Blue Cross Blue Shield, 500 E. Lafayette, Detroit, MI. 48226. Registration is free and complimentary lunch is provided. To register, please visit www.sistersnetworkinc. org or call toll free 1-866-781-1808.
The Sister Network Inc. 2015 National African American Breast Cancer tour will stop in Detroit for a one-day conference later this week. “Sisters Network is always looking for a unique approach to share or bring breast cancer information directly to the community,” said Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network® Inc. “The 2015 National African American breast can-
LivingWELL • September 2015 3
Overcoming the fear of mammograms could save your life By Roz Edward
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espite advances in screening and breast cancer treatment, many African American women are diagnosed with cancer in later stages due to fear and misinformation. The need for testing regularly could save the lives of thousands iif taken seriously. “I thought I was being diligent by doing self exams between my bi-annual mammograms and watching for any changes in my breast. The problem is because o the size and density of my breasts it was hard for me to tell what was abnormal,” said P.D. Lee who was recently diagnosed with the disease. “My mother died from breast cancer and my sister lost both breasts, so I am hoping to beat the odds.” Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the U.S. and the leading single cause of death overall in women between the ages of 40 and 55. Every two minutes a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. This statistic specifically resonates with African American women in the Detroit metropolitan region, who have less incidence of breast cancer overall, but are 40 percent more likely to die from the disease than white women. While mammograms remain the gold standard for detecting breast tumors, and more black women are having the test than at any time before, new research indicates that mammograms are less reliable in detecting the disease in black women who often have denser breast tissue than their white counterparts. “Sense breast density is associated with breast cancer risk, a better understanding of racial differences in breast density levels could help us identify women at the highest risk for breast cancer and target prevention strategies to those women,” says study author Anne Marie McCarthy of the American Association for Cancer Research. The study included 1,600 black women and more than 1,250 white women who were screened using mammography techniques. The new finding is so significant, that a law enacted in June of this year, requires that women 4 LivingWELL • September 2015
with dense breast tissue be notified in writing by medical professionals and encouraged to consider additional testing. Gender and age are the greatest risk factors for developing breast cancer, Detroit’s Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute reports that black women tend to have a higher proportion of late stage diagnoses and five-year survival than white women. “Although we’ve made great progress in the breast cancer fight, developing new treatments and enhancing screening technology to help diagnose the disease in its early stages when it’s most treatable, we can’t stop doing all we can to help women and men survive this disease,” said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. Karmanos Cancer Institute is nationally acclaimed as one of America’s best hospitals for cancer care for women. It was recently honored with the National Women’s Choice Award based on patient recommendations, oncology services and new technology. One of the more progressive technologies to promote faster and more effective breast cancer diagnosis is the development of SoftVue™, a whole breast ultrasound tomography system created at Karmanos. While not currently a substitute for screening mammography, SoftVue recently received an FDA clearance for diagnostic imaging purposes, a follow-up to mammography.
Jacqueline Howard’s journey to survival is inspirational. In her own words she takes Living WELL into the depths of her battle as she fought for her life.
By Jacqueline Howard
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was diagnosed with cancer on August 22, 2011. I was 30 years old. I first noticed the lump in 2009. I made an appointment with my OBGYN and referred to a breast specialist. The specialist then scheduled a biopsy and ultrasound. By the time I had the ultrasound and biopsy the lump had disappeared so the breast doctor dismissed as a cyst. This is totally common especially for women under the age of 50. Fast forward to April 2011…I began to feel discomfort in my right breast during my menstrual cycles. That pain eventually became more frequent and by June I could feel the lump again. Annoyed by the pain, I called the breast specialist in July and scheduled an appointment for early August. On Thursday, August 4, I met with the specialist. By now the lump was very noticeable. She asked that I have a biopsy done as soon as possible. She assured me that due to my age (I was only 30) it was probably nothing. She told me it was only about a 15 percent chance it was cancer. I had the biopsy completed on August 17 and received the results on August 22 at around 4 p.m. A lot has happened since that day. I learned that I had Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma grade III cancer in my breast. The cancer was estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive and HER2neu positive. I had one main lump (3.5 centimeters) and four smaller lesions (yes, it spread in my breast). A very small amount of cancer was detected in two of my four lymph nodes in my right under arm. I met with numerous doctors to obtain second opinions and they have all told me aggressive treatment is needed due to my age and the type of cancer. Since August, I have completed five months of chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiation therapy. In January 2013, I had a mastectomy of my left breast and I’ve had several reconstructive surgeries in 2013 and 2014. The hardest part of this treatment process was
chemotherapy. The treatment included several drugs and some were harder than others. The first two months were the hardest. I had infusion once every two weeks. I felt like I was being poisoned and it took me a while to recover from the treatment. The infusion took place on Friday and I did not feel normal again until the following Friday. During that time, I would rest and drink lots of fluids. My husband has been a HUGE blessing through this entire process. He took care of me and our son. He attended every infusion session with me, helped me when I was sick and made time to play with our son. I also had the support of family and friends. My girlfriends are AMAZING. During chemo they would watch my son, clean my house or just sit with me. This experience forced me to focus on the small things like going for a walk, kissing my husband or laughing with my girlfriends. It is so easy to get caught up in the daily routines and take those things for granted. Now I savor it all. I also learned to live for today. One of my favorite quotes is from Deepak Chopra “Now is the moment that never ends.” Isn’t that amazing!!! I love that quote because it really helps you to focus on this moment, enjoy this second and forget about the future or past. I don’t know if cancer will come back. I cannot worry about it, all I can do is enjoy today.
LivingWELL • September 2015 5
Drink It If You Can:
Osteoporosis and African Americans
By Roz Edward
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he “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” ad may apply to Detroiters more than anyone realizes. As the city’s population ages, the number of incidences of bone fractures from osteoporosis and osteopenia will continue to rise. Osteoporosis, commonly referred to as the “silent disease,” because of its tendency to progress without any noticeable symptoms, is a bone disease which causes low bone mass, making bones fragile and susceptible to fracture. Osteopenia, is a milder form of the disease, but 6 LivingWELL • September 2015
both can lead to life-changing injuries. In Michigan, 15 percent of residents have osteoporosis – which is consistent with the national average, but the number of those afflicted who require long-term care (43 percent), is much higher than the national average. While women are far more likely to develop the condition -- almost 50 percent compared to 20 percent of men -- the misperception that osteoporosis is primarily a Caucasian problem is false. The debilitating condition is more likely to cause more significant and severe injuries in black women, since under diagnosis and under treatment means osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone
breaks, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist. Vertebral fractures can result in a loss of height, stooped posture, and chronic pain. Hip fractures, a more common injury resulting from the disease, can limit mobility and lead to a loss of independence. Yet, the more alarming news according to hospital statistics is that black women are more likely than white women to die from a hip fracture. As Black women age, their risk for hip fracture doubles approximately every seven years. Adding insult to injury, the lack of access to healthcare and
the high cost of insurance may further impede a black woman’s ability to overcome the negative outcomes of osteoporosis. Medical costs for one hip fracture alone exceed $36,000. Black women are also more likely than their white counterparts to be calcium deficient and lactose intolerant. Calcium plays a crucial role in building bone mass and preventing bone loss. Medical and health experts conclude that Black women consume 50 percent less calcium than the recommended daily allowance and it’s estimated that as many as 75 percent of all black Detroiters are lactose intolerant. Diseases more prevalent in African Americans, like sickle cell and lupus also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Socio-economic conditions are also indicators and contributing factors to the likelihood of the occurrence of osteoporosis. Failure to maximize bone mass during childhood and young adulthood, sets the course for the later development of osteoporosis. In fact, osteoporosis is the result of a lifetime of behavioral, developmental and genetic factors. As already mentioned, low calcium is a major cause of low bone mass, but low vitamin D intake, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to developing osteoporosis. Finally, post-menopausal women are also at greater risk of developing the disease as a result of lowered estrogen levels and hormonal deficiency. Tips to ensure Better bone health: • Eat a well-balanced diet adequate in calcium and vitamin D. • Exercise regularly, with an emphasis on weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, and lifting weights. • Live a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, and, if your drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you have a family history of osteoporosis or suspect that you are at risk of getting the disease contact a medical expert. Physicians at Detroit Medical Center are using an advanced form of x-ray technology called bone densitometry to identify women who are at risk of bone fractures. As with other diseases and conditions, early detection is the key to preventing further bone loss and fractures. The most widely recognized bone mineral density test is called a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DXA test. The procedure is painless, much like having an x ray, but with greatly reduced exposure to radiation. It can measure bone density at your hip and spine. Bone biopsies may be done in more complex cases. Henry Ford Health Systems is one of a handful of centers around the country able to perform and interpret bone biopsies. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but treatments are available, and with the right regimen osteoporosis patients are expected to live relatively active and productive lives.
Quick facts about bone and joint health Many Americans suffer from joint pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal health issues, which is to an extent disabling America. Arthritis is the single greatest cause of chronic pain and disability. The impact is worse among African Americans and women. Activity and work limitations due to arthritis were significantly higher among these groups in comparison to the rest of the population.
In addition, arthritis increases the odds for comorbidity in African Americans. These diseases include diabetes, heart disease and obesity, medical conditions that can be improved with physical activity. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.6 million African Americans are living with arthritis.
Arthritis in the United States • Arthritis affects 50 million adults in the United States, making it one of the most prevalent health conditions among U.S. adults and the most common cause of disability. • The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), impacts 27 million Americans. • Obesity accelerates the onset of arthritis. Seventy percent of obese adults with mild knee OA at 60 will develop advanced endstage disease by the age of 80. • Obesity and other chronic health conditions exacerbate the debilitating impact of arthritis, leading to inactivity, loss of independence and perpetuating a cycle of chronic conditions. • Obesity prevalence among adults with arthritis (35.2 percent) is significantly higher than adults with no arthritis (23.6 percent). Disparities Among African Americans • African Americans and Hispanics are 1.3 times more likely to have activity limitation, 1.6 times more likely to have work limitations, and 1.9 times more likely to have severe joint pain than whites. • African Americans, compared to whites, report a higher proportion of work limitations (39.5 percent vs. 28 percent) and a higher prevalence of arthritis-attributable work limitation (6.6 percent vs. 4.6 percent). • African Americans have a higher prevalence of knee symptoms, radiographic knee osteoarthritis and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis than whites. • Even after adjusting for insurance and health access, African Americans are almost 50 percent less likely to undergo total knee replacement than whites. • Due to higher rates of obesity and routinely delayed utilization of surgical interventions, African American patients have worse preoperative hip and knee function before arthroplasty than white patients. LivingWELL • September 2015 7
Black women and bone health: a hidden epidemic By Britta Lee
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hile African American women tend to have a higher bone density than white women throughout their lives, they are still at a significant risk of developing issues related to bone and joint health. These terms may not be used as often in our community; however, complications can surface in the form of arthritis, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The misconception that “osteo” related health concerns aren’t of concern to black women can cause some to fail to properly treat underlying conditions. Few women know that more than Dorothy Spear of Detroit, Michigan. After years of working for the grocery chain A&P (later known as Farmer Jack), she began to notice the negative effects of the repetitive use of her hands when 8 LivingWELL • September 2015
Bone health may be handling groceries. Yet, widely underestimated even after having to leave in the black community; her job, she had no idea however, there are sevhow serious the problem eral ways it can keep us would become. from doing the simplest It wasn’t until she took of activities we take for another job that required granted. Medical Adminwalking and standing for istrator Pamela McKee as long as 8 hours a day explains the most comthat she realized somemon bone and joint disthing wasn’t right. Beeases affecting African yond her work limitations, Americans include Rheueven the simplest of tasks matoid Arthritis, Osteopobecame challenging. Dorothy Spear rosis, Osteoarthritis, Rick“Lifting, getting up ets and Paget’s Disease. out of a chair, walking, and just general “Depending on the early signs of movement,” are some of the activities Spear said gave her trouble. “Getting these diseases, [it] could be swelling, out of bed in the morning, I was always pain in the joints, and stiffness, especialstiff and aching as soon as my feet hit ly after laying down or sitting or typing all day, unable to ambulate well, weakthe floor.” ness and fatigue, tenderness and feel-
ing ill.” Mckee said. The big question of what actually causes bone and joint pain is somewhat of a mystery. However, it can be attributed to several factors such as an injury, strenuous activity, and even genetics. “It could be just the normal everyday wear and tear of using your joints to the point that the cartilage just breaks downs,” McKee said. “A knee or back injury can later cause arthritis, or there could be a family history of such.” While no certified plan exists to prevent arthritis, it is important to remain conscious of healthy habits. Pamela McKee suggests there are numerous treatments for arthritis. She also stressed that one of the most important things to do is see your primary doctor and/or seek the referral of a rheumatologist.
Patients like Dorothy Spear have taken the proactive approach. She sought medical treatment to get to the bottom of her bone and joint pain. Spear ended up seeing a specialist who diagnosed her with arthritis and a pinched nerve. With the help of physical therapy and medication, she was able to mitigate the effects of the disease. Spear also credits exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and even over-the-counter prescriptions for helping her manage arthritis and joint pain. While sufferers of bone and joint paint may no longer be able to handle strenuous activity, they can maintain active, productive lives. Dorothy Spear has since returned to the jobforce; but, now she recognizes her limits. After attacking her diagnosis head on, it no longer keeps her from doing the things she wants and needs to do. “What I’ve learned is that you must move, you’ve got to get up and walk, regardless of the discomfort,” Spear said. “You’ve got to do some type of exercise, even if it’s minimal, and make sure you’re not sitting all day.” By watching what she eats, monitoring sugar intake, and eliminating certain foods, Dorothy Spear has taken control over her life in the fight against bone and joint pain. She also credits a pineapple as a fruit with miraculous results. At the end of the day we cannot control what ailments we might face, but we can control our response. “We have no control over falls, family history or an individual’s lifestyle such as weight gain, exercise, vitamins or our body,” said McKee. “All we can do is try to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Co-Surviving Breast Cancer: A Son’s Perspective By Tatiana Wheeler
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o-survivors provide key support of a breast cancer survivor or patient, living or deceased, who made/makes a significant difference in that person’s cancer journey. Living WELL spoke with Dr. David Wash, Medical Director for Professional Medical Center, who shared his journey of love and support he endured with his late mother Barbara Ann Davenport – who lost her battle with breast cancer. Detroit native, Dr. Wash was 30 years old and residing in Dayton, Ohio when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. He had recently gotten engaged and was practicing as a Family Medicine Physician. While at his job, his mother’s OB/Gyn doctor called with the devastating news. Wash was told that his mother had been diagnosed with Ductal Invasive Carcinoma with Lymph node involvement. He immediately left work to be with this mother who was attending a wedding in New York. Barbara, worked with The City of Detroit on varies administrative roles pertaining to medial programs and services. A year prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Mrs. Davenport- Wash was being treated for Fibroid Cystic Disease. This disease according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine “is a common way to describe painful, lumpy breasts. Approximately, half of women have this condition at some time during their life. It is most common between the ages of 20 and 45.” However, 12 months later Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer and was shaken by the news that is had already metastasized. “Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started (the primary site) to other parts of the body,” is found on Cancer.org. Dr. Wash described his mother as spiritual, even after the diagnosis. “I think she had such a close relationship with God that she was still able to maintain going to work and function and go through therapy,” he said. As a co- survivor and Barbara’s only child he describes his experience as multi-facet.
“I was a Son first. I was offering all the emotional and spiritual support as a concern family member and as a physician I was able to support [her] by answering medical question[s] as it relates [d] to her cancers.” Wash said. “On one hand I was very optimistic about her treatment plan.” Dr. Wash found coping with his mother’s diagnosis very emotional expressing: “However as a physician I knew she had a very tough battle a head,” he added. Finding support as a co- survivor can be found at most cancer treatment facilities, which have support groups for patient’s family members. The internet, personal referral or one’s physician office are excellent resources as well. While reflecting on the time he supported his mother through her battle with breast cancer, Dr. Wash stresses the importance he places on reminding his patience to undergo regular yearly breast examinations and mammograms. He is a firmly believes everyone should be proactive when comes it to preventative care. Wash said getting tested at the same clinic is best, due to the ability of the doctor look at ones history more accurately. “For women this includes consistently going to the same place for your mammogram year after year.”
LivingWELL • September 2015 9
Attitude is everything By Lolita Curry
By the grace of God, life is good By Mary Bailey
I was forty-five. It was November 1994. Breast cancer affected me and my family in different ways. In my immediate family it was me and my daughter. She was a little girl about nine or ten. When the telephone call came in from the doctor, we were sitting together. She knew that I had been taking certain tests because in my family breast cancer runs deep. My mother, her sister, and my cousin had breast cancer and have succumbed from it. So I was somewhat prepared for the news. I told my surgeon that I wanted to live and he could take the breast. I wanted to live and had much to live for, and because God is good I am still here. I did not want to hooked up to IV bottles and the Lord granted that. I took the pill Tamoxifen for five years, went to the oncologist, saw my surgeon, had mammograms and, most importantly, I prayed, thanking God for life. I kept a positive attitude. My life was full with my daughter being active in school and the community. The doctor had told me that I could go back to work after six weeks. I was ready. I was not used to being home. Friends and family were very loving to me and my daughter. The day of the surgery I had delegated duties to my friends. My sister girlfriends were there for us. That was a blessing. My family was also there for us. Everything fell into place which made my recovery less stressful. I remembered how my mother went through this challenge. She did it with prayer, grace, and dignity. She set an example for me. The toughest part of this cancer journey is not having my mother here with me physically, although she is here in spirit. My daughter is supportive with her love and unconditional love for me. I know that I can speak to her and my friends when I go to the doctor’s office or get a mammogram. Also, my daughter and I participate in the Karmanos Cancer walk. To see the survivors is overwhelming because it shows just how important prayer is to healing. For some, each day is a challenge. But I know that prayer is the only answer. The Lord is the healer. My life now is wonderful. I am retired from Detroit Public Schools, am active in the community and my church, do volunteer work, and I have a little dog that keeps me walking each day. Life is good!
10 LivingWELL • September 2015
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39. It had a negative and positive effect on my family and me. On the negative side, it caused a lot of stress, fear and anxiety. My family and I were very uneducated on the facts of breast cancer, or any type of cancer for that matter. We automatically looked at the situation as a death sentence. The thought of not being there for my family was stressful and scary. On the positive side, it brought us closer as a family. We no longer take for granted that tomorrow is promised to anyone. We all appreciate every moment we’re together. The toughest part of my journey is the fear of the possibility of the cancer returning and not knowing what I would do in that situation. My life now is much more simple and carefree. I make it a point to not stress over little things anymore or take on other people’s problems.
Triumph over breast cancer By Amber Edmunds
I was 29 years old and when I was diagnosed and 10 weekspregnant. Since time was running out, I had my mastectomy two days after my 30th birthday. One year in remission from breast Cancer, I contracted it again in my pelvic bone. This is called Metastatic Breast Cancer Breast cancer really took a toll on my family because I had to explain to my mother that I was very ill. She really did not take it well at first. She was angry with herself and the Lord but after a couple of talks she was more accepting.The toughest part of my journey was that I couldn’t get my marriage back in order. I had been married since 2007, so it was near our six-year anniversary. There were some infidelity issues between the both of us and at one point I was just done with it. It’s very hard when you have to change your whole body without having any control of the situation. I lost my job, friends, hair, breast, husband and pride.My life now is wonderful, I’m no longer married, but I have three awesome and talented children. I work for an amazing company and I couldn’t ask for anything more. My doctor’s visits are great. I’m in remission from breast cancer. My daughter is wonderful and full of life at age three. I thank the Lord every day for her because without her I wouldn’t be here today. I still continue to have treatment, and the hormonal therapy is working very well for me.
This is my story By Katrina D. Studvent
I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at age 30. I do not have a family history nor the BRCA 1 or 2 genes (confirmed by genetic testing). It turned my world upside down. My daughter was 13 months old and I had been married for two years when I received my diagnosis. During my journey, I required assistance with my daughter due to the inability to pick her up and the extreme side effects from the treatment. My parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends were all support-
ive. It took a village. The toughest part was not knowing what caused the breast cancer. When you have definitive answers, it’s easier to navigate your path. However, when you are met with uncertainty, you realize the importance of standing on your personal faith in God, your beliefs about healing and life itself. I currently serve as the director for the Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure (the largest breast cancer walk/run event in Michigan) and director of Breast Cancer Special Programs at Karmanos Cancer Institute where I received breast cancer treatment. In addition, I facilitate the Women of Color cancer group at Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit and started the Young Survival Coalition Face 2 Face Networking Group “Survivors on Location - Surviving in the D” that meets at varying venues around metro Detroit to give survivors under 40 a chance to connect, gain support and experience all the popular new spots around the city.
A journey and a will to succeed By Lakeisha Smith
Battling breast cancer does a few things to the spirit. It can either break you or show you how powerful you are as a human being. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 28, 2010, was 33 years old and had four children. Never did I think I would hear the I was stage 4 and have a genetic marker called BRCA1. My kids and I were at a loss for words, but I assured them that I was a fighter and nothing would keep me from seeing each of them graduate from colleges and have families of their own. Some did well throughout my treatments but my high schoolers stumbled a bit. Their grades dropped drastically due to fear as well as me being hospitalized so often and away from them, as well as their own fear that they may too have this gene. That has been the toughest part of this journey I’m in with breast cancer, knowing they may have to battle it one day and knowing I may have passed this gene to them. We are now educating ourselves and others on genetic cancers and how to fight to live beyond cancer. We understand that I may have to battle continuously but that’s okay because we will do so together. Support is everything and I’m blessed to have my babies, Bianca, George, Sa’Maria and Ameer; my mom, Michelle; and my boyfriend, Damon who’ve been with me winning for the past five years and we will do so for as long as we have to.
Breast cancer in African American women: Quick facts
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women. • Among younger women (under age 45), the mortality rate of breast cancer is higher in African Americans than in whites. • African American women under age 35 have rates of breast cancer two times higher than Caucasian women under age 35. • African American women under age 35 die from breast cancer three times as often as Caucasian women of the same age.
healthcare and the quality of healthcare available may explain these disparities, although scientists continue to investigate. •Research also shows that young, African American women are more likely to get aggressive forms of breast cancer than anyone else. • Women should consider the increased risk of breast cancer associated with combined estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy use when evaluating treatment options for menopausal symptoms.
• Breast cancers diagnosed in African American women are more likely to have factors associated with poor prognosis, such as higher grade, advanced stage, and negative hormone estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status. • Later stage of diagnosis among African American women has been largely attributed to lower frequency of and longer intervals between mammograms, and lack of timely follow-up of suspicious results •Researchers believe that access to
LivingWELL • September 2015 11
Published during the 2015 Medicare open enrollment period, the Michigan Chronicle SENIORcare tabloid will include articles about healthy living for seniors along with information about Medicare coverage and available plans.
Publish Date: October 14
From October 15 – December 7, all Medicare recipients will be able to change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage. To educate our significant senior citizen readership about new options and what the enrollment process involves, the Michigan Chronicle will publish SENIORcare, a special edition to our LivingWELL tabloid. SENIORcare is the perfect opportunity to showcase your senior-geared products and services and impact seniors throughout southeast Michigan. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call us today!
12 LivingWELL • September 2015
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