Sunday, February 26, 2012

What Media Will NOT Tell Us

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant need to be aware of this link -- aborting their baby can actually increase their risk for breast cancer (whether a recurrence or a new cancer)...

http://www.lifenews.com/2011/10/18/abortion-breast-cancer-53-of-66-studies-in-54-years-show-link/

The media, along with organizations like Planned Parenthood, have swept this under the rug. 53 studies in 54 years is not insignificant. Even if you take into account that some studies may not have had great numbers or what-have-you.

So again, even if PP claims to be concerned for women's health and breast cancer in particular, they should pay attention to this type of information. Think before you pink, because some of the organizations that claim to support research for the 'cure' are in truth in bed with PP!


This second article doesn't related to breast cancer persay, but it does play into it in a way. Many women (and men) face depression during their battle with cancer (or by being a caregiver for a cancer victim). However, studies that show that abortions may increase the risk of suicide following depression. I think the article is mostly referencing cases where post-abortive women face depression and/suicidal thoughts, but the premise is the same... PP would rather not share the truth about their services and the after-effects.

http://www.lifenews.com/2012/02/23/planned-parenthood-dont-tell-women-of-abortion-suicide-link/

This third link again is not specifically for breast cancer, but the tie-in that I have found evidence that hormonal drugs increase the risks of breast cancers. These drugs are also dangerous for your health and life...

http://www.lifenews.com/2011/07/12/new-fda-report-abortion-drug-kills-14-women-injures-2200/

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

One Lovely Blog Award

I give up. I really want to pass along this award from Monique at Mountain of Grace, but my iPad and Blogger are apparently conspiring against me. Yes, I was saving periodically (every time I navigated away from this page I thought). However, somehow my post has disappeared three times regardless. I'm so frustrated... Grrrr... These are One Lovely Blogs in my blog roll in no particular order. 1. Designs by Birgit 2. Priceless Little Pearl 3. Les Femmes 4. Be Not Afraid 5. Catholic Sistas 6. Journal of a Nobody 7. Journey of a Catholic Nerd Writer 8. Priceless Little Pearl 9. Phat Catholic Apologetics 10. Tellings of an Alleged Statue Worshipper 11. The Catholic Wife 12. Typical is Boring 13. Vew from the Domestic Church 14. Living Life Creatively 15. On an Island Where We'll Meet Previously I had links to all of these blogs inserted into this post, but since they keep disappearing and my arms, shoulders, neck, and head are aching, I'll leave you to your own devices if you're interested in any of these blogs. The One Lovely Blog Award rules are: 1. Link back to the one who gave you this award. 2. Pass the award on to 15 other lovely bloggers. 3. Follow the person who sent it to you.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Uncertain and unfulfilled

Life has been so busy throwing curve balls at me that it has left me uncertain as to my next moves. I don't know what more I can take physically or emotionally. To be honest, I never was much of a soft-ball player. :-P I have these wonderful ideas and I sometimes put them down 'on paper' so-to-speak only to not have time to fulfill them. In my last post, I mentioned my EMG. I still don't have the results of that, but I do still have lingering pain that intensifies at in opportune moments (is there ever an opportune time for pain?). I've been investigating brachial plexus injuries verses thoracic outlet syndrome. I've also found at least one article that indicates this type of issue is more common than anyone would admit to a breast cancer patient. In addition, on February 5, I was once again honored by a nation-wide article in the "Our Sunday Visitor". I am, as always, humbled by the reaction to my story by complete strangers. This article also includes several different medical professionals and facilities than previous articles. It warms my heart to know that articles like these are making more people (medical and lay) aware of the truth about breast cancer while pregnant. I sincerely hope that no other woman is ever told to 'theraputically' abort her child simply because of breast cancer. If she is, I hope she finds the courage and the fortitude to tell her doctors she will not end her unborn child's life while seeking treatment for her own cancer. Rachel and I also had our own photo shoot for the local 'Faces of Cancer' event. It was a frigid 22 degrees outside with a very brisk wind blowing. However, because of our love of horses and the uniqueness of our journey, the photographer felt that an outside shoot would portray us best. We all braved the cold to stand next to our Belgian draft horse friend, King, down the road from us. He was his typical friendly self and allowed us to pose in front of him for several shots, although he balked at clos-ups. By the time our hands were bright red from cold, the photographer, a breast cancer survivor herself, was satisfied with at least two shots. There will be an event at the unveiling of all the "Faces of Cancer" photos. Again, I hope this photo and my story that goes along with it will help another woman in a crisis of health make the decision that allows her AND her child to live!I have remained silent about the conflagration that is Susan G Komen and Planned Parenthood lately. I was pleased when my husband informed me of SGK's decision to not fund PP. However, even at first blush, I felt cautious. The ties that bind the two are quite strong. Now the decision has been reversed and some one was fired. I have been flamed on the SGk wall for applauding their initial decision. The worst part to me is the perpetuation of the falsehood that PP is the only way women can get healthcare. In the big scheme of things, PP is supposed to just be one option out of many. Therefore, as long as SGK continues to fund underprivileged women's breast exams, mammograms (both of which Cecile Richards of PP says they do NOT provide), and other breast health ideas; the middle-man doesn't matter. However, initially PP 'leaked' the SGK decision to change their grant award process (not affecting current grants), for their own purpose. Then their followers viciously struck out at SGK and the pro-life defenders regardless of the truth. They used hate-filled language to harrange SGK for 'caving to political pressure', but when SGK clarified or back-tracked, not once did those same people use those same terms, even though the situation is theoretically the same now as before. All-in-all, I would like to applaud SGK for trying to stand up for what is right, but I still do not endorse all the pink merchandise or donations to SGK. However, I do advocate praying for them as well as those at PP or mislead by the abortion industry. I'll leave with this adorable photo of Rachel... She woke from her nap and instead of coming into the living room she went into my bathroom shower stall and applied my face cream to herself... This is what pro-aborts don't see -- even in the face of disaster, she is my flesh and blood and has been precious to me since before I knew I was pregnant with her.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Ouchy!!

I got a call this morning to move my EMG test to today. I agreed because I really want a diagnosis for the pain in my arms. I also had an oncology check up today, so I maximized my time away from work. I don't recommend an EMG -- it HURTS! First I got shocked just on the surface. Then I had needles jabbed in various parts of my arms and hands to shock my muscles inside. He could immediately see significant weakness and issues. The doctor said something about brachial plexus something, not thoracic outlet syndrome, but the consequences are basically the same.

My oncology visit was much less painful with an all clear as far as cancer & good blood work. The doctor also let me know that my chances of getting lymphendema are quite small -- another good thing. However, he misinterpreted why I was asking about it (the EMG doctor was worried), so he proceeded to lecture me on having a positive outlook and how far (and well) I'm doing. He told me to rationalize my worries (and pain) away by telling myself how well I've overcome my cancer. However, he also acknowledged that as a doctor and non-cancer survivor, he doesn't actually know how I feel or have felt.

I realize I'm incredibly blessed to be here with a healthy 2 year old chemo baby as well as husband and son. I thank God every day for my wonderful family. However, I don't think it is too much to ask to be a more "normal" 30 year old mother and wife. I mean, come on... Constant pain in my left arm, neck, and hand is obviously better than being dead from cancer, but it is no where near "normal". I don't want to be a bodybuilder, but picking up one of my babies shouldn't be so painful. However, everyday that I have, pain or not, is a gift from God. One I hope I'm living up to His expectations!

My Chemo-Jane hair-style

My Chemo-Jane hair-style
I just had to have my mom buzz my hair because it was falling out so badly.

Pre-op wearing my hand-crocheted cap with my prayer shawl.

Pre-op wearing my hand-crocheted cap with my prayer shawl.
My loving husband is watching me distract myself with a game on his iPhone.

2 days after my BMX w/ 100ccs in the TEs

2 days after my BMX w/ 100ccs in the TEs
I even have a fashionable belt to hold up my drains.

3 weeks post-op w/ 400ccs in each TE

3 weeks post-op w/ 400ccs in each TE
The smile is fake because the TEs were irritating!