National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Warrior woman’s way: proactive, healthcare self-advocate

Knitted Knockers offers options for women following mastectomy

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

2 • Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Warrior woman’s way: proactive, healthcare self-advocate

By Holly Westbrook The Orange Leader

Charmaine Casey is a mother whose son is her “will.” She is a wife who has loved, lost and found love again. Most importantly, this woman is a warrior, a second-generation breast cancer survivor who advocated for herself to be tested early and found cancer at stage one in 2000 before it spread beyond the one breast.

“Because I have a strong family history of breast cancer, I felt I should have a mammogram before 40,” Charmaine said.

Charmaine, at 54, has been in remission for 18 years but had a difficult time finding a doctor who would get the procedure done for her when she was in her mid-30s. She went to three different doctors until she found Dr. Barry Miller, who’s still in practice today.

She had a mammogram done where they found something but not knowing what it was the doctor’s office called her in to do another test. When it was confirmed that it was not a shadow but something that needed to be checked out a biopsy was scheduled.

“If I had not pursued the

matter and settled for waiting until age 40 for my first mammogram I quite possibly might not be here today as a survivor of 18 years and counting,” she said.

On a Friday evening in November, Dr. Miller called Charmaine to inform her that, like her mom and aunt, she had breast cancer.

“I had no lump. It was just me being proactive and going in with the knowledge of my family history,” Charmaine said.

Her mom, who had cancer in both breasts, died in 2011 of altimeters and was the only one of her brothers and sister

to beat cancer. All died of one form or another. Charmaine’s aunt did not survive breast cancer.

“I set up an appointment with Dr. Miller and asked him, ‘What would you do if I was a member of your family?’ and he said to go to M.D. Anderson Hospital.”

Eighteen years ago, there were not many cancer doctors in the area as there are today, but Charmaine said, if she had the choice today she would still go to M.D. Anderson.

“Daniel was a little over a year old and I was done See ‘Survivor,’ page 3

Holly Westbrook/The Orange Leader

Charmaine Casey is a warrior when it came to battling her breast cancer.

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Survivor Continued from 2

breastfeeding him,” Charmaine said. “His dad had just passed away in August and I found out I had breast cancer in November.”

“I had a wonderful group of friends, I had my faith, my sisters and my sister-in-law (for support),” Charmaine continued. “My sister-in-law pretty much didn’t leave my side after the surgery. I couldn’t even pick up my son afterward.”

Charmaine’s sisters where out-of-state, but they came in when they could to support her while her sister-in-law helped take care of Daniel as not only her health was in bad shape but so was her heart with the loss of her hus-

Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018 • 3

What Charmaine would like to say to a woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer: Looking for a doctor: “I would like to say to all women to be your own advocate. Do not let someone tell you that you are too young to worry about breast cancer or that you don’t have enough risk factors to be considered high risk. If you are concerned, you keep on until you find a physician that listens.”

band.

By this time her parents moved to the area, but her mother’s early stages of altimeters were showing, and Charmaine said she didn’t really understand what was going 0n around her.

“Having a one-yearold child, what choice did I have other than to be

After been diagnosed: “Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help with anything you might need. They are probably wanting to help you in your journey, but they might not know how to approach you about it so, by all means, tell them what you need. Don’t turn away offers of help from co-workers or church family or friends. You might think you don’t need it, but you will at some point. Let others take some of the days to day chores and stresses from you so you can stay strong and well rested.”

strong? Daniel gave me the will to keep going, to keep fighting,” she said.

Daniel Faircloth, now 19, is a Lamar State College-Orange student working on his associate’s degree. He’s still a big part of her life as this entire illness from start to finish left her with the inability to conceive again.

It was discovered, after the mastectomy and reconstructive surgery of her right breast, that she would need to be on a medication causing her ovaries to shut down and forcing an early menopause at age 37.

Without doing this, there was a possibility of cancer returning due to her body’s estrogen levels. The tissue in the removed right breast also showed cancer in all cells. Charmaine said she made the right choice having the whole of it removed the first time. “(The mastectomy) was a huge decision coming off just losing Daniel’s father,” she said. “It was an overwhelming choice, but I’m still alive 18 years later.

“It was the right choice.”

Holly Westbrook/The Orange Leader

Charmaine Casey spends some time with her dogs as she reflects on winning her battle with breast cancer.

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4 • Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018

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Explaining metastatic cancer Cancer survival rates are on the rise, and that rise can be credited to a host of factors. Advancements in cancer research and treatment have played a big role in rising survival rates, as have the efforts of various organizations to promote cancer prevention and raise awareness about the disease.

The World Health Organization notes that between 30 and 50 percent of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding certain risk factors and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.

However, people can be

vulnerable to cancer if they do not pay attention to their bodies or make an effort to protect themselves against certain risk factors for cancer. In such instances, cancer may already have spread to other parts of their bodies, or metastasized, before they are even diagnosed, greatly reducing their likelihood of surviving the disease.

Cancer that spreads to distant parts of the body is known as metastatic cancer and is often referred to as “stage IV cancer.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, when observed under a microscope,

metastatic cancer cells feature traits like that of the primary cancer and do not mimic the cells in the part of the body where the cancer is found. That is how doctors can tell that the cancer is metastatic cancer and has spread from another part of the body.

When doctors diagnose metastatic cancer, they will refer to it with the same name as the primary cancer regardless of where the metastatic cancer was discovered. For example, the NCI notes that breast cancer that has spread to the lungs will not be referred to as lung cancer, but met-

National Breast Cancer Foundation thriving, helping lives Provided by NBCF

National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hall. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 34. At the time of her diagnosis, there was little information about the disease, and she was forced to make a decision about her health with few options. After her treatment, Janelle made a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

NBCF’s mission is to help women now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women in the United States. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.

However, with increased healthcare costs and a rapidly increasing percentage

of uninsured women, many simply cannot afford the cost of screening tests. These women are at a significantly higher risk of dying from breast cancer if later diagnosed.

That’s why NBCF provides free mammograms to women across the United States through our network of hospitals.

We are now joining hands with people around the world to provide breast cancer education.

NBCF offers free, innovative programs that other organizations aren’t providing to women facing breast cancer so that no one faces breast cancer alone. These programs include: • National Mammography Program • Beyond the Shock • Patient Navigation • Breast Health Awareness NBCF is one of the most recognized and respected breast cancer charities in the world. NBCF has received the highest 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, for 13 years. On average, over 80% of their revenue is directed to our life-saving programs.

astatic breast cancer. In addition, when treating the disease in this example, doctors will treat the cancer as stage IV breast cancer, not as lung cancer.

Understanding metastatic cancer can help recently diagnosed men and women better comprehend their disease and their prognosis.

According to the National Cancer Institute, when observed under a microscope, metastatic cancer cells feature traits like that of the primary cancer and do not mimic the cells in the part of the body where the cancer is found.

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Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018 • 5

Prosthesis alternatives Knitted Knockers offers options for women following mastectomy

By Dawn Burleigh The Orange Leader

Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, based in Washington state, did not invent the unique prosthesis pattern but did find the young woman who did.

“We did not invent the knitted knockers,” Founder Barbara Demorest said.

“There is a young woman in Maine who was making them for herself and I asked if I could use the name and share them freely with others.”

The woman, who could Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader no longer able to make A knitted knocker in the works on double pointed knitting needles. them, was thrilled.

Thus Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit, was born.

The breast prosthesis is knitted or crocheted using specific yarn and then given to the women who request them.

“They come in all sizes,” Demorest said. “From A- DD or larger upon request.”

With groups in 50 states and 25 countries, the organization gives away approximately 800 knitted knockers a week.

“We send them all over,” Demorest said. “We have 1,200 medical clinics which we work with directly to provide knitted knockers to and we have about 700 medical clinics waiting to be adopted.”

Individual knitters or 2501 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. crocheters adopt a clinic Ste. 500 and provide the prosthesis Port Arthur, TX locally, helping cut down Srinivasa Rao Kothapalli, MD Nidal I. Buheis, MD on shipping costs for the Board Certified in Cardiology Board Certified in Cardiology organization. & Interventional Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology “They have to be com-

Paying Tribute

to all who’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved 409-723-6600

mitted to using our pattern and the special type yarn so it is the same product whether you get it in California or New York,” Demorest said. “If they are affiliated with a hospital or clinic, she fills those orders from her state.”

When requesting the knitted knockers, one is asked if they need a single or a pair, size, and what color such as neutral, bright, or dark.

“Neutral is beige, off white while bright is just about any color you can imagine,” Demorest said.

“Dark is dark browns, and black.”

The organization also provides printed materials for the clinic, which also includes cleaning, and care for the prosthesis.

Patterns, both knitted and crochet, are also free and offered in several languages such as Dutch, French, French Canadian, German and Indonesian.

A list of approved yarns can be found at www.knittedknockers.org According to the yarn list, all approved yarns have been tested and proven to be washable, stay soft after air drying, breathable, durable, the correct weight and make beautiful knockers. The challenge has always been to identify yarns that are preferred by recipients, available and affordable. The list has over 30 choices that can be purchased at local yarn stores, online or at “Big Box” stores at a variety of price points. The cost per average sized knocker using these yarns can vary

from about $1.20 to $2 per knocker.

“Very affordable when you think about the difference it makes to the woman who wears them!” according to the official website.

Shirley, a knitter from Orange, saw a Facebook post concerning volunteers and Knitted Knockers.

“Before, I was working on Comfort Dolls,” Shirley said. “Then I saw the post and thought ‘Oh, I’ll do that as my next charity.’”

Since then, she has decided it will be an always charity.

“One of the people who rescued be during Harvey turned out to breast cancer survivor,” Shirley said.

“This will be an on going thing. It is one way for me to give back to the community.”

She gave four sets of knitted knockers to the person who rescued her.

“Most I have sent off,” Shirley said. “But I have given away to at least four people locally.”

There are 3 ways that people can help: 1. If you can knit or crochet, make knitted knockers. Knitted Knockers are sending out well over 200 a week free to women all over the world and can only do it because of the volunteers willing to make them.

2. Share with your friends on social media.

Like and share Knitted Knockers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@knitted_ knocker), etc. This helps to reach out to the hundreds See ‘Knit,’ page 6

6 • Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Knit

Continued from 5

of thousands of women living in the US right now that have not been reconstructed after mastectomy.

3.

Donate.

Knitted Knockers is 100% volunteer run and survive by donations. Donations can be mailed to Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, 1780 Iowa St., Bellingham, WA 98229 or made via PayPal on our website at knittedknockers.org.

There are several organizations that use Knitted Knockers in the name or URL, the organization in this story is knittedknockers.org based in Washington state.

Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader

Knitted Knockers in various stages of production by Shirley, a knitter in Orange

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018 • 7

October is proclaimed Breast Cancer Awareness Month 5K Ribbon Run Color Rush Carnaval set for Oct. 6

By Dawn Burleigh The Orange Leader

WENDY ASHWORTH As Senior Manager of Human Resources at TOTAL Petrochemicals & Refining, Wendy is a respected leader, distinguished by numerous professional and philanthropic achievements. Her personal encounters with cancer have deepened her resolve to make a difference in the community. A proud advocate for the Gift of Life and Total’s support of the program’s Survivor Celebration each year, she is also instrumental in TOTAL’s annual sponsorship of the Miracle Match for Life Golf Tournament, which has collectively raised more than $1.3 million for free cancer screenings, along with blood and marrow donations for the region.

CAROL HEBERT Carol expertly navigates her position as BASF Manager of Community and Government Affairs, using it as a platform to serve Southeast Texans in profound ways. Her support of BASF and TOTAL’s Miracle Match for Life Golf Tournament contributes to its million-dollar success in supporting at-risk individuals who require lifesaving cancer screenings or blood and marrow donations. Carol employs a hands-on approach to giving back – never missing an opportunity to embrace and encourage Gift of Life clients at mobile mammography van sites and wholeheartedly endorsing the organization’s lifesaving initiatives.

Each year, Southeast Texas women receive Gift of Life’s lifesaving services:

Orange county Commissioners Court and the City of Orange have proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness month during recent meetings.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers, and approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime, according to the proclamations.

This year it is estimated that 288,360 women will be diagnosed with either breast or ovarian cancer and 54,990 women will die from these diseases in the United States.

“We [Gift of Life] have 350 women diagnosed this year,” Program Services Director of Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program Ingrid Holmes said.

To heighten awareness of these diseases, the Gift of Life will host the 8th Annual Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Color Rush Carnaval in Downtown Beaumont on Saturday, October 6 for an estimated 6,500 participant. America’s Got Talent semifinalist Christina Wells will be performing.

Registration for the event is 6 a.m. followed by Welcome and Warm up at 7:30

Facts and figures about cancer A global concern in every way, cancer affects people from all walks of life. But as prevalent as cancer is, some facts and figures may still surprise you.

• <30: Percentage of low-income countries in which treatment services are available to citizens afflicted with cancer. (Source: WHO)

• 8.8 million: The number of people, according to the World Health Organization, who died from cancer in 2015, making it the second leading cause of death across the globe.

• 25: Percentage of cancer cases in lowand middle-income countries caused by infections such as hepatitis and the human papilloma virus, or HPV. (Source: WHO).

• 70: Percentage of cancer deaths that occur in low- and middle-income countries.

(Source: WHO)

Support Services: Childcare • Transportation • Meals • Translators

a.m.

At 8 a.m. the 5K Color Rush starts as well as Wellness Beach Village and Flamingo Kiddie Fun Zone.

Registration is $30, however, free registration for breast, ovarian and other gynecological cancer survivors will be provided complimentary registration as always and are invited to call the Gift of Life at 409833-3663 to get registered.

A celebration ceremony is set for 10 a.m.

The Color Rush is for a cause and benefits the Gift of Life Breast and Ovarian Cancer Program. The organization’s free lifesaving services include breast cancer screenings and diagnostic tests with access to cancer treatments and educational outreach to thousands of Southeast Texas women.

Since 1994, the Gift of Life Program has helped extend the lives of more than 275 medically underserved women and men by providing free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings. In addition to these critical healthcare services, the organization also offers Southeast Texans extensive educational outreach programming that focuses on cancer awareness and prevention, and regional anti-tobacco program that discourage tobacco use and support tobacco cessation.

• 22: Percentage of cancer deaths across the globe that can be traced to tobacco use. (Source: Global Burden of Disease Study 2015) • 90: Percentage of high-income countries in which treatment services are available to citizens afflicted with cancer. (Source: WHO)

• 12: Percentage of cancers worldwide linked to viruses. (Source: National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) • 1.69 million: The number of deaths attributed to lung cancer across the globe in 2015, making it the most deadly cancer in the world. Liver cancer (788,00 deaths), colorectal cancer (774,000), stomach cancer (754,000), and breast cancer (571,000) were the other most common causes of cancer deaths in 2015. (Source: WHO)

8 • Breast Cancer Awareness, October 6, 2018

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COME ON OVER FOR A REAL CAJUN EXPERIENCE!

HEART OF THE CAJUN PRAIRIE October 6-7, 2018 • 24th Germanfest Roberts Cove, LA

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