“Questions to Ask the Doctor About Breast Cancer”

4 Sep

Source: KomenPhoenix.com

“People often overlook health care providers as an important source of social support. From patient navigators and social workers, to surgeons and oncology nurses, health care providers can offer a wealth of information, hope and advice.

These sources are often left untapped due to problems with patient-provider communication. People may feel too embarrassed or rushed to ask questions, or they simply may not know which questions to ask. And, sometimes, providers may seem too busy to help. Fortunately, there are resources to help you improve communication with your health care team.”

This “Talking with Your Doctor” fact sheet outlines a series of steps to help you communicate more effectively with your providers.

Guest post by Tonya @WisdomWhispers

 

 

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19 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think via MarcandAngel.com

3 Sep

“Even in uncertain times, it’s always important to keep things in perspective.”

Source: MarcandAngel.com

  1. You are alive.
  2. You are able to see the sunrise and the sunset.
  3. You are able to hear birds sing and waves crash.
  4. You can walk outside and feel the breeze through your hair and the sun’s warmth on your skin.
  5. You have tasted the sweetness of chocolate cake.
  6. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night.
  7. You awoke this morning with a roof over your head.
  8. You had a choice of what clothes to wear.
  9. You haven’t feared for your life today.
  10. You have overcome some considerable obstacles, and you have learned and survived.

True wealth is the ability to fully experience life. – Henry David Thoreau

Although things may not always be as good as they seem, they are never as bad as they seem. For more signs that things are better than you think, click here to read the full article “19 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think” by Marc Chernoff

Continue to SHINE in everything you think and do. YOU are a miracle in the making!

Tonya @WisdomWhispers (PinkWellChick.com guest blogger)

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How to Show Up & Support Someone with a Serious Illness (no, all support isn’t created equal!)

14 May

How to Show Up & Support Someone with a Serious Illness

Guest Post by Tonya M. Evans, WisdomintheWhisper.com

Guest ink …

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

~Helen Keller~

couplestandingI found this excellent information from Wisdomalacarte.net on Twitter and immediately thought of my sisterfriend, PinkWellChick. Because it’s a funny (unfunny) thing about how serious illnesses impact not only the patient but also their friends and family. All too often we, as supporters, fall short of what our loved one needs in the midst of a fight for their own survival.

Too often well-intentioned people don’t know what to say or do so they say and do nothing. But in those moments of fear, sadness, confusion and uncertainty when confronted with a loved one’s serious diagnosis it’s important as supporters NOT to focus on the perfect thing to say or do but just to be there. Even if all you can muster is “I don’t know WHAT to do or say but I love you and I’m with you every step of the way” those words could make the difference that day.

It’s vital to show up consistently in a way that honors where your loved one is in their health management process. Most everyone shows up in the beginning. But it’s important to remain connected and supportive in a meaningful, helpful way over time as well.

But I’ve learned as I’ve navigated this supporter space, all support is NOT created equal. So I was delighted to find this advice and eager to share it with all of the supporters out there!

Source: Wisdomalacarte.net, by Donna Cardillo

When someone receives a diagnosis of cancer or other serious illness, some friends and extended family members sometimes distance themselves from that person and his/her immediate family. The reasons may vary but some folks simply don’t know what to do or say, so they avoid contact altogether. This reaction causes pain, sorrow and a sense of alienation for the person who is ill and his or her family.

7 ways to support someone during serious illness:

  1. Let them know you’re thinking of them but respect their need for privacy and space: This is VERY important. Those faced with a serious illness like cancer need to know you care. But don’t overwhelm them with constant calls and requests for information. Luckily in the PinkWellChick™ support circle we are blessed to have updates via Twitter and InkWellChicks.com, as well as this blog. But too many requests for information can be intrusive and draining and can cause isolation rather than connection. There’s a fine line here. Be careful not to cross it.
  2. DO send occasional notes, texts, e-mails (unless asked not to) but DO NOT expect a reply. Keep in mind that someone who is working through a serious illness must focus all of their time, attention and energy on their own healing. It’s not about decorum (and certainly not about YOU); it’s about their wellness and survival. And even if they wanted to, they couldn’t possibly reply to everyone. But they need your positive energy, thoughts and prayers. Give without expectation of anything in return. This is a really important part of the support circle.
  3. “Rah, rah, shish boom bah” isn’t always necessary or appropriate. Sometimes our loved ones can be down, irritable and depressed. That is not the time for platitudes and blind enthusiasm. Sometimes they need to purge, to vent, to cry, scream or whatever they need to feel and release their emotions. In fact, crying has REAL, verifiable scientific benefits. Sometimes it’s not about “fixing” them. Sometimes it’s just about giving them a safe place to come undone.

[….] Read the rest of the article for more ways to support someone during a serious illness.

Just know that it takes courage to be present for someone struggling for their very survival. But on our best day, we as supporters will never have to exhibit the type of courage it takes to confront serious illness and press on. Continue reading →

Self determination

27 Mar

Pink Ink

 

Heart Walk 2013 finish line

Heart Walk 2013 finish line

Heart Month has come and gone! Did it impact you in any way?  What did YOU do to challenge yourself or others to be heart healthy?  It was a tough month, but I made it!

My goal, as motivated by Star Jones, was to do 28 days of fitness!  I mapped out my plan, got a calendar, some weights, saw a trainer and got to work.  It was harder than I expected!  Who wants to exercise for 28 days straight?  Not me!  But I was determined to try.  If Stuart Scott could work out right after chemo, I could at least try!  It got a little complicated when I started getting transfusions…often!  But despite a February of 6 transfusions, and 3 chemo treatments, I finished!

I completed 24 of 28 days of exercise!

It may not seem like a lot, but it required commitment and determination.  There were days that I lifted light weights before being hooked up to a machine.  Other days when I rolled out of bed, walked, then, rolled right back into bed!

Why did I do it?

  • Most times, I felt better after exercising.  Isn’t that what all the doctors tell you will happen?
  • I have metastasized cancer in my lungs.  I need to increase my “lung strength” through exercise.
  • I wanted to set a good example for my daughter, and prove to myself that I could do it.
  • Heart disease KILLS!

The best thing to come out of this, is that I continue to exercise!  However,  I have scaled back my ambition.  I now work toward 5 days a week of exercise. That is still tough!  But the doctors say that is a good goal and possible to maintain.

Just because Heart Month is officially over, doesn’t mean you should go back to old habits!  The 1st part of this month had me in the hospital 3x in 1 week getting transfusions. I was worn out! Over it!  But, this weekend I participated in the local Heart Walk! Determination!  It was great to see FAMILIES walking together. My daughter is in her 3rd week of trying to be a vegetarian! A 10 year old who is willing, albeit begrudgingly, to try new veggies! I couldn’t be happier!

What else can you do?

If you are in the Phoenix area, join me and other Go Red Ambassadors at the 2013 Red Dress Cocktail Party on April 3, 2013.  Check out www.2013reddresscocktailparty.eventbrite.com  for more details.

Not in Arizona? No problem! Contact your local American Heart Association and help us continue to educate others about heart disease.

Or, just eat right, and work out! You can do it!

Remember, it’s an exercise in…SELF determination!

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Healthy Living…Cheers!

15 Feb

Pink Ink…

Editor’s note.  This was a post I originally planned for Valentine’s Day.  Unfortunately, I spent the day in the hospital.  But I am back! Happy belated Valentine’s Day!

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So we’ve moved from New Year’s resolutions to Valentine’s Day!  Seems like yesterday we kicked off Heart Month!   But here we are ½ way through the February!  What have you done this month?  Worked out? Gone to a Go Red party? Cut down on sodium?  I hope you have done something!  I am half way through my 28 days of exercise, following the lead of Star Jones. (Twitter tag #hearthealth30) Let me tell you, it is hard!  But I am doing it, and have even engaged my Mini-me.

It’s Valentine’s Day.  But instead of talking about the love of others, I wanted to share some stories of inspiration.  People who decided to love themselves and take heart action!

First I toast Linda, my sorority sister from college! Last year she lost one of her best friends to a heart attack.  The kicker? They were on the phone when it happened.  The phone went silent, and Linda thought she was having a standard “can you hear me now?” moment.  Unfortunately, they found her friend the next day at work, with the phone still in her hand.  The loss of a friend was just the kick in the pants Linda needed.  She has become focused not only on her health, but also on educating others about heart health.  Last weekend she held her 1st Go Red brunch! She spoke about the warning signs and risk factors for stroke and heart attack, and offered blood pressure checks.  Ladies munched on heart healthy food like Greek yogurt and baked oatmeal!  Linda hired a coach to hold her accountable for eating and exercising, and has committed to advocating for women’s health, once a quarter! Great job my friend!

I’ve introduced you to Maria before!  She’s my heart health guru.  But that doesn’t mean it comes easy for her.  Because of family history, she must be vigilant with her health.  So she and her mini me now have a trainer, and they love it!  What started as physical therapy for Maria’s shoulder has turned into weight training.  She has even taking a liking to boxing!  It gets her blood flowing!  As part of her heart month challenge, Maria got her family to change their diet.  Maria is a pescatarian, while her Mini-me and hubby have gone all the way vegan! An 11 year old who is excited to go Vegan!  So far so good!  We’ll get an update from her at the end of the month. I love that she is giving her daughter the GIFT of a healthy lifestyle.

Finally, I lift a chocolate strawberry to…my hubby!  He has a family history of high blood pressure, and has been on meds for about 10 years.  He’s an active guy, but has a high stress job…and a wife who has cancer!  So it’s been a challenge to get his pressure under control.  But Life in the Cancer Lane has shown him that we are not promised health.  So he decided to take it to the next level.  B decided to go vegan in November after watching “Forks over Knives”, at the suggestion of his doctor.  This is a man who LOVED meat!  LOVES to cook.  But he was focused and determined. Four months later, and his blood pressure has improved so much that his doctor is considering taking him off meds in the next few months! As a side bonus, he has also lost 15 pounds.  Another example of someone taking charge of his or her heart health.

There are countless other stories of people who have taken control of their health and learned to love themselves in a different way.  As I check off days on my heart health fitness calendar, I remind myself that with each exercise I am hopefully giving myself the gift of health.  What’s a better gift than health to receive on Valentine’s Day?

So today, I celebrate the love of…healthy living!

Cheers!

Cheers!

Cheers!

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