Before You Donate
Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.
Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.
Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.
Web Site Users Comments
There is no way I can adequately express my gratitude to you' for your kind comments, sharing your experiences. You urged me on when times were rough, you tearfully shared your "pain" with me. You prayed for me, and for others. You are very, very special, and with individuals like yourselves, we shall conquer this horrid killer!
(Note: There may be some repetitions. If so, email me please. I randomly pick out responses, which makes these duplications. In every case, where a user has requested that their entry or name not be used, that will be respected. No names on the entries here do not necessarily mean the writer requested this omission, however. Thank you)
From: Fort Worth & now El Paso, TX
Time: 1998-12-05
Comments:
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I wish you
the continued strength to prevail in this battle.
You are an inspiration to all of us. I am
forwarding your URL to my friends and family.
Thank you for educating us and God bless you.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Ottawa, Ontario - Canada
Time: 1998-12-04
Comments:
What a great job you're doing and
how important it is that you're sharing such a
personal and painful time in your life. :) You are
a truly brave and special woman and you're doing
great :) Take care and keep in touch.
Website: Joan's Travels
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Denby
Time: 1998-12-01
Comments:
Couldn't help it...wanted to be the first
one......LOL its looking GOOD!!!!! ;o))
Website: Breast Cancer Resource
Center of Austin
Referred by: From
a Friend
From: Austin, Texas
Time: 1999-01-29
Comments:
This is our first
visit. We have spoken with you on the phone and hope you are doing well. Your site
is beautiful and informative!
Website: Breast Cancer Awareness
Referred by: Just Surfed
On In
From: New Orleans, Louisiana
Time: 1999-01-15
Comments:
Hi Carol.....I'm
an 8 year breast cancer survivor! I think it's wonderful that you are sharing your
experience with us and promoting breast cancer awareness! Your site is
great and contains lots of info for others......take care...HUGS....C
Website: The Price's
Palace
Referred by: Just
Surfed On In
From: The Beautiful
Central Coast of California
Time: 1999-01-13
Comments: Thank
you for sharing your story. I'm a breast cancer survivor also. You give
lots of good information. Keep up the good work. I wish for you health.
hugs, Cindy
Website: Just Another Hurdle...
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Georgetown, TX
Time: 1999-01-09 12:35:39
Comments: Carol,
we are so glad you found us through Ronnee's web ring. You have done a magnificent job with your site sharing your experiences. Hopefully, through
all of our efforts, we can all raise the awareness level on this terrible
and devastating disease. Words fail to describe the courage and bravery of
everyone involved in the fight against breast cancer. May God be
with us all, Lord hear our prayers. Jim & Sande
Referred by: From a Friend
From:
Evansville, Indiana
Time: 1999-02-08
Comments:
Praise GOD. I have
been through it twice too and i was praying the day of your surgery.
i am so glad for you (n.b. re nodes benign in 2nd mastectomy).
keep up the fight and don't forget to do your exercises. they
are very important to a full recovery. congratulations.
Referred by: From a
Friend
From: Ohio
Time: 1999-02-08
Comments: Sorry
about the first signing. It disappeared before I could put my comments. Your web page is great,
and I am one of your Web friends, via, Ronnee. Wonderful news and yes we all need
to beat this for those of us, family , friends and strangers alike.
From: New York City
Time: 1999-03--11
Comments:
You got me through my mastectomy, and to the right doctors after the horrible one I was going to!
And, I just saw you did this when you had your second mastectomy.
Do doctors know the
information you have? I don't think some care, but you saved my life.
Please stay well, and
please believe me that everyone I know thanks you!
Name: Physician
Referred by: Lycos
From: California
Time: 1999-03-27 00:01:51
Comments:
In oncology and surgery for breast cancer, we do not have the time to give our patients what this web site has been able to do. Even having an office 'counselor' or a social worker has not
seemed to meet the needs of patients going through the stress and fears associated with
breast cancer. I applaud this woman's determination, effort, and the second team she had the strength and fortitude to seek out.
Reading this site, I pondered how I would join
her team if I was in Austin, Texas. She is right. I
hope more women listen to her. As physicians we
want to do what is necessary, and certainly up to date. All to often we don't receive the information until our patients do. Yet, I am saddened by her first experience and the obvious terror of the unknown. I would want her to be a part of our practice if she was in California. I'm sending her an email invitation! The holistic caring she evidences and the gaps in care
resolution to
which she eschews is what the medical profession needs. Best of luck, and good health!
From: Austin, Texas
Time: 1999-03-24 06:37:10
Comments:
I am a student at UT Austin. I know that you are scheduled to come speak to our class tomorrow
and I am very much interested in hearing your story and opinions on this extremely important
issue. I have done volunteer work for Susan G.
Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and am passionate about the importance of prevention and screening of breast cancer. Sherri asked us to have some questions for you when we visited
the site so I've thought of the following:
***How much of a part in your life and coping did spirituality play and do you think people who are not in tune with this aspect of their life could
manage through such difficult times? I know religion is usually thought to coincide with spirit but I think I mean more of being in touch with the inner person and having personal peace and actualization. Sorry if this is an ambiguous or confusing question.
Spirituality is within each person, and much like culture, may be very different from the same background of people living and working in the same area. Its a union with oneself that may begin very early so it is not tied to any religion, or church, per se. Yes, the inner person, but that is the person one must deal with first and always in order to become whole, and we cannot become whole by depending out outsiders finding what is within us-reflect such, yes. I did have many incredible moments that I cannot explain and for those I'm grateful. Did I see lights or hear voices? No.
***What role do you see primary care physicians or gynecologist playing in
the prevention of breast cancer? Are they generally teachers and informers to their consumers?
Until the medical profession is able to conjure up commonsense, same for nursing, we will never get to a mature perspective on illness. Pediatricians, and GPs and Dentists must be the first in line to increase awareness of Breastcancer-they meet young women first for school physicals, etc. That is a no brainier, but they are not doing it, and our organization has tired. Frankly, I don't believe they care until they begin to walk the walk-and a loved one dies. But, I've seen MDs not report a colleague or reprimand one and lose a loved one, regardless. Its the nature of the military-male model in the education of medical professionals. Its exists in faculties at nursing colleges, too.
***How do you feel about preventative radical mastectomy? And the detection of the "breast cancer gene"? I am
looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Thanks for providing this wonderful and extremely informative web site for the world.
That would be shooting sparrows with a cannon. There are tests (ductal lavage) etc to determine high risk, but rarely would a breast surgeon (experienced) do a radical mastectomy anymore for prophylactic reasons. Then the woman wants reconstruction-who's going to be able to visualize the chest wall after that? Genetic counseling has been something I moved over to and accepted but with the present Administration and the PATRIOT Act, I wouldn't believe anything was confidential anymore and women may be black-balled by insurance companies if they are caring the BRAC genes for breastcancer. Let's wait for a new breed of electorate who understand or are willing to learn about technology. We're the lowest in the civilized world right now.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Austin, Texas
Time: 1999-03-24
Comments:
I am a student at UT Austin.
I know that you are scheduled to come speak to our class tomorrow and I
am very much interested in hearing your story and opinions on this extremely important
issue. I have done volunteer work for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and am passionate about the importance of prevention and screening of breast cancer. Sherri
asked us to have some questions for you when we visited the site so I've thought of the following:
***How much of a part in your life and coping did spirituality play and do
you think people who are not in tune with this aspect of their life
could manage through such
difficult times? I know religion is usually thought to coincide with spirit but I think
I mean more of being in touch with the inner person and having personal peace and actualization.
Sorry if this is an ambiguous or confusing question.
***What role do you see primary care physicians or gynecologist playing in the prevention of breast cancer? Are they generally teachers and informers to their consumers?
***How do you feel about preventative
radical mastectomy? And the detection of the "breast cancer gene"?
I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Thanks for providing this
wonderful and extremely informative
web site for the world.
In reading your questions and kind words, I recall our meeting at my lecture that day at UT. Regarding spirituality, I view it as one might culture, an inherent aspect of my being that is stable yet grows into itself. Knowledge of others whom I may reach out to in the universe is very important to me. There is always an answer-eventually. Most valuable to me is to know what I need to ask for-sometimes its just a calm spirit, or clear head.
PMC and OB-GYNs are vital to prevention and early detection, but most importantly, dentists, pediatricians and the PMC or family medicine docs. They see young women long before the Ob-Gyns and most PMCs do. If they would just develop commonsense and realize they could do a great deal to increase young women's awareness of breastcancer. Its now known that the majority of bc begins in puberty, so the medical professional, as a whole must wake up and start thinking "prevention" as well as the Komen Foundation!
Preventive mastectomy must be carefully weighed after all the analyses are in, and then some. Genetic counseling was something I've written about on this site, but now with the mood of the populace, I fear discrimination by insurance companies may be a fact, with our present Administration. Nothing is private any longer.
Referred by: From a
Friend
From: North Dakota
Time: 1999-03-24 02:07:13
Comments:
You made me feel it was alright
to cry! I just seemed
to feel like you wrote,
and gave me the strength to find
my great team. Your journal
made me feel sane too and
my doctor liked your "Coping"
pages a lot.
I think they read more of your site than any of them
told me because they did a lot of things you talked
about (made me feel good, but smug, too). I did find
a great psychologist who is very kind but serious, and
he's been there for me every time. I guess the young
ones believe in time instead of just money. Thank you
a lot. It is a psychological and surgical disease! And you
helped me through this. I felt so alone, and ended up
telling my husband and children if they were not going
to read about this, and let me get myself well they would
have to go to his mother's! I just had to get well, and I am!
Everything is now over, and two follow up exams have
been perfect, except for the joint aches, and the taste
in my mouth - but you prepared me for it. Is there an award
for your work helping us?
I wish I could meet you. Thank you so much.
Referred by: Lycos
From: Illinois
Time: 1999-03-23 23:54:24
Comments:
OUTSTANDING! Often, we do not hear enough
from our patients, and often we do not ask.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Austin, Tx
Time: 1999-03-23 23:51:44
Comments:
Carol, I am a student a UT and will be attending
your lecture for the nursing school. I am very
excited about your visit and appreciative of your
time.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: University of Texas at Austin
Time: 1999-03-23 22:23:37
Comments:
It is really frightening to know that something
this serious could go undetected for so long. I
really applaud your determination and
persistence in seeking a correct diagnosis. This
website is a really wonderful idea so that others
may learn from your experience. You are a truly
strong and courageous woman and I wish you all
the best of luck. Thank you for sharing your
experience.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: U. T. School of Nursing
Time: 1999-03-23 22:11:15
Comments:
Thank goodness you finally found a "team" you
can trust! It is frightening to think how many
other people have gone through the same type
of scenario as you. I can't imagine how that
must have felt for you to put so much trust in
the people caring for you medically, only to have
them misdiagnose you repeatedly. You have
tremendous courage and strength and you should
be commended for your perseverance! Thank you
for sharing your story!
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Texas
Time: 1999-03-22 23:18:17
Comments:
I am so excited that you are coming to speak to
our class. There is so much that you can teach
us. It saddens me that serious misdiagnosis
occur. I do not understand why people go into
medicine if they do not care about people. I am
afraid that insurance is turning healthcare in to a
business which I hate. I am so sorry that you
have had such a bad experience. Let us know
what we as nurses can do to help.
Referred by: From a Friend
From:
Time: 1999-03-22
Comments:
I am so sorry that you have had to go through all
of this in your life! I am also grateful that you
have shared your experience on the web so that
other people can hopefully navigate the
confusion of the medical field successfully.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: The University of Texas at Austin
Time: 1999-03-19
Comments:
Thank you for sharing your story. The website is
a great resource for those who have breast
cancer, and for those who are supporting friends
with breast cancer.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: University of TX at Austin
Time: 1999-03-15
Comments:
It's easy to forget sometimes, how devastating
cancer is for those individuals who are so deeply
affected by it. I hope your website serves to
remind us all to take better care of ourselves,
and to be there for one another when fighting a
disease-- any disease.
Referred by: AOL
From: UT-Austin
Time: 1999-03-11
Comments:
Looking forward to your lecture next week.
Thanks for the web page. It's a vault of
information.
Website: Shared Experience Cancer Support
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New York City, USA
Time: 1999-03-01
Comments:
Great site, and your valiant courageous
undaunted efforts to speak out and shine are
inspiration to us all. All the best!
Referred by:
Just Surfed On In
From: KY..but
am now living in Vancouver, Washington.
Time: 1999-04-29
Comments:
Carol, You and your website are a wonderful
source of information!! That is what women need
in times of crisis and emotional stress.
Referred by: NewsGroups
From: VT
Time: 1999-04-27 15:27:17
Comments:
I too am a breast cancer survivor and I check in
with breast cancer boards from time to time and
that is where I found you message with the link
to your page. Well done. I will pass this on to
other folks. Thanks for caring enough to make
and maintain your web page. From: Michigan
Time: 1999-05-14
Comments:
Dear Carol, I see that you
are from Michigan, too. We should give you a parade! I did
it.
Took your lists, and got
away from a group of terrible doctors. It turned out they had a bad reputation too but still
have their jobs! My pathology was malignant, and the nodes too, so I'm just starting
the chemo and have everything on your list. You said there
are doctors who care, and I decided I had to find them. My doctor
printed out copies for her patients, too! Eight months ago that 'swashing
about' doctor kept telling me there was "nothing there." So much
for great medical centers, and great medical schools!
I could have died if I hadn't
found your site through Yahoo. YAHOO I will always thank too.
I will stay in touch and
my doctor said she would too, if I couldn't. I know the chemo will make me feel pretty YUCK
but I have confidence in my TEAM! You are right it means a lot.
From: Vermont
Time: 1999-05-14 13:15:24
Comments:
Dear Carol,
My mail server is having a hissy fit, and I'm able to
receive mail, but *not* able to send anything. I hope
this problem is cleared up soon, but in the meantime,
I'm trying to answer important mail by using
guestbooks.
You have knowledge, commitment, compassion,
and experience. I think you would be a wonderful
counselor!
Love and blessings,
Referred by: From a Friend
From: California
Time: 1999-05-05 06:00:33
Comments:
The incidence of cancer is appalling and I believe the
numbers reflect some fundamental problems in our
society. As a current bc patient and previous survivor, I
often wonder what I can do to affect my outcome. I
think you are on the right track...information and action
is the key to getting the very best treatment available.
God Bless
Website: Breast
Cancer Prevention
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Washington
Time: 1999-06-02 19:36:08
Comments:
Hi, The amount of information you have made available
is unbelievable. Yes! I am afraid of getting breast
cancer. My mother developed breast cancer in her 30s,
she went 15 years and it reoccurred in the bone. She
lived another 2 years. I have recently put a page up
based on the book "Breast Cancer Prevention Diet" I
would love your input on the subject. I have been
getting mammos almost yearly since my 20s. I always
get called back for 2nd views. and then the radiologist
say its okay. That makes me very nervous. I have very
fibrocystic breasts. I finally recently gave up my coffee.
I know I have heard that coffee helps decrease cystic
breasts. Please read my page and tell me what you
think. I don't want to give people the wrong impression,
I know Breast Cancer Prevention starts with self breast
exams and yearly mammograms. Thank you Tammie
From: Ventura, Ca
Time: 1999-07-21
Comments: My surgeon did thank goodness do the Sentinel node biopsy but only on our suggestion. Why isn't this done routinely when DCIS is diagnosed?
Website: Shared Experience
Cancer Support
Knowledgebase
Referred by: From a Friend
From: NYC
Time: 1999-11-21
Comments:
Love this website! I hope
one day Yahoo and the
other search engines will
create a search criteria
for "Personal Pages on Cancer",
and so knit
together a vast cyber community....
I hope all
cancer survivors and their
loved ones will also
visit Shared Experience:
http://www.sharedexperience.org
and leave a few words. Shared
Experience is a searchable
listing of first-hand accounts
by cancer patients
and their caregivers and
loved ones. Most people
leave their email addresses
with explicit
understanding they will
be contacted by others,
so it's a good way to find
and contact others.
Hope you'll visit and leave
a few words. sending
oceans of love
From: Delaware
Time: 1999-10-31
Comments:
Carol, Your website is fantastic. I contacted you to ask
for information for a newly diagnosed friend and followed
your advice to check out your website. I have
recommended the site to 3 friends that are in various
stages of battling breast cancer. Thanks for performing
such a valuable service.
Referred
by: From a Friend
From:
Texas
Time:
1999-10-17
Comments:
Hello and thank you for such an extensive, informative
website. The type of sharing and caring you are showing
anyone who takes time to read your website is so very
needed by so many victims AND THEIR FAMILIES!!! I have
had bi-lateral mastectomies and I am a survivor of
almost ten years. If I can help you, please do not
hesitate to email me. I have no website, just me and my
computer and a beautiful life worthy of living and loving.
From: Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
Time: 1999-10-07 05:39:31
Comments:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct. 1993. I had a
mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and then
reconstructive surgery. It is a very frightening time in
your life. It will run through my mind as if on a video
tape. Fortunately I had an excellent surgeon, oncologist
and plastic surgeon as well as an extremely supportive
husband, family & friends.
Referred
by: Signing another Guest book
From:
England
Time:
1999-10-05 20:42:16
Comments:
God Bless you Carol..Take Care, Sue
From: North Carolina
Time:
1999-09-15 16:58:35
Comments:
just was diagnosed with DCIS and found your web site.
haven't read it all yet...kinda overloaded with info at this
time. Thanks for sharing your heart and experiences!
Time: 1999-09-10
03:44:17
Comments:
it's very cool site
i love it .. wish for you the best of
every thing at this life
.. plz.. keep it UP god bless you
*keep:)))smiling* with love
& care roses kiss!
Website: Positive Concept
Referred by: From a Friend
From: NY
Time: 1999-09-03
Comments:
You have such a great site
:) I wanted to say my blessing
to all the woman with this
horrible Breast Cancer issue
Also Would like to say keep
up the great work my friend
on your site:) Information
shared is knowledge gained :)
Website: Friendship Poems, Inspiritational Poems, Unicorn's etc
Referred by: Just Surfed
On In
From: Kentucky
Time: 1999-09-01
Comments:
I love your site, very informative.
You have the courage
and strength that is seldom
seen. And to share all you
have gone thru with others
is special, thank you. Take
Care, God Bless you, Joy
Referred
by: Net Search
From:
Wisconsin
Time:
1999-08-31 02:38:04
Comments:
Hi I am a three year cancer survivor. We did not have a
computer three years ago and a site like this would have
been a god send. It still helps today to read and know we
are not the only ones with the fears that this cancer
leaves behind. I had a very good doctor who helped a lot,
but has since retired and the new young ones don't seem
as caring. I feel very fortunate that my cancer hadn't
spread and my faith really helped me get through it.
Good luck to you in the future and may God keep you in
his care. Bye
Time: 1999-08-28 21:14:58
Comments:
I, too, am a breast cancer survivor - two times. so many
of the stories I've read are so inspiring. I am grateful
for every single day.
Website: Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Illinois
Time: 1999-08-25 04:24:09
Comments:
This site is just UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! I really like it and
will share with all my breast cancer friends. I also have
breast cancer.I am a 9 yr survivor and have spent the
past 9 yrs helping others. We have two websites for
breast cancer. The one above and also Hope Is Forever
it has a very touching letter written by my husband after
my surgery.I t has been published in Coping Magazine
and read at Cancer Survivors Day. the URL is:
http://beta.homestead.com/hopeisforever/hopeisforever.html
I also am cofounder of Breast Cancer Support Group on
the Web we do postings and have special chat sessions.
The URL is: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/breastcancer
Keep up the good work!!!
From: Ventura, Ca
Time: 1999-07-21 22:59:14
Comments:
My surgeon did thank goodness do the Sentinel node
biopsy but only on our suggestion. Why isn't this done
routinely when DCIS is diagnosed?
Referred by: Viewing another Guest book
From: Pocahontas Arkansas
Time: 1999-07-20 01:40:39
Comments:
Hi Carol. I like your thoughts on life. Some of them
made me cry and some were almost the same as mine.
I wanted to tell you that I admire you so much even
though I only know you through your site and the 2
emails. I can already tell you are so strong. I wish you
well and may your story reach everyone and save or
change lives.
From: San Diego
Time: 1999-06-23 18:18:03
Comments:
You gave me the courage to ask for help. My doctor was
ignoring me, and the x-ray mammogram was "negative," and
the radiologists wouldn't see me. He even owned this group
of radiology centers. So I got a student college girl to make
that appointment for me you mentioned. You was right.
The new radiologist did talk to me, and he was shocked
at the information I had from last month's doctor. Before I went
to talk to the pathologist about the biopsy, the second doctor
showed me the surgeon's credentials, and said he never
thought of doing that I showed him where you mentioned a
doctor is responsible for their referrals. He said you were right!
One doctor I didn't like his attitude, so the radiologist helped me
find another one because he didn't pass the "List Test!"
In surgery the pathologist found "deep nodes" so they didn't do the
Sentinel node biopsy. They are amazed
that my arm is all right.
Why didn't
anyone but you tell me to exercise my arms before and after? It worked.
I went to the pool before and almost finished chemo, and my doctors don't
think radiation or lumpectomy is worth much thank goodness.
I guess just to say I can't thank you enough. Yes I had to
travel to find
these doctors and almost went to Austin if I had to. There ARE
doctors who
care but there are a lot who don't and are dumb.
Website: Kate's Corner
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Vermont
Time: 1999-06-19 10:06:19
Comments:
I love your "new look"...simply awesome, and so
beautifully carried out! It's an honor to see my poem on
your page for others. You have done so much for
awareness, for those who are facing the initial shock of
the first diagnosis, and for survivors. Thank you for
doing and being very, very special.
Referred
by: Tripod
From: zphryhills florida
Time: 1999-06-11 00:54:38
Comments:
I found out i had breast cancer 6 months ago and they
removed my left breast. I am glad to see there are
other people out there who can talk about their battle
with this. I myself have no one to talk to I am alone
and scared it may come back again. I wish I had the
courage as alot of other people with the same problem
as myself. Thank you for your inspiration. I have so
many questions left unanswered if you or anyone else
would like to talk to me please e-mail me so maybe we
can help each other through this time of need.
Referred by: Net Search
From: Wisconsin
Time: 1999-08-31
Comments: Hi
I am a three year cancer survivor. We did not have a computer three years
ago and a site like this would have been a god send. It still helps today
to read and know
we are not the only ones
with the fears that this cancer leaves behind. I had a very good
doctor who helped a lot,
but has since retired and the new young ones don't seem as
caring. I feel very fortunate
that my cancer hadn't spread and my faith really helped me get
through it. Good luck to
you in the future and may God keep you in his care. Bye
From: North Carolina
Time: 1999-09-15
Comments: just
was diagnosed with DCIS and found your web site. haven't read it all
yet...kind of overloaded
with info at this time. Thanks for sharing your heart and
experiences!
From: Delaware
Time: 1999-10-31
Comments: Carol,
Your website is fantastic. I contacted you to ask for information for a
newly diagnosed friend
and followed your advice to check out your website. I have
recommended the site
to 3 friends that are in various stages of battling breast cancer.
Thanks for performing
such a valuable service. Debbie Exner
Time: 1999-12-21
Comments:
I'm reading everything I
can find on Breast
Cancer as I am a 1 year,
2 month survivor. I
think the worry that
it will come back is
sometimes worse than
the disease. Thank you
for being out there for
those of us uninformed.
From: Elk Grove, Illinois
Time: 1999-12-16
Comments:
I put my sister in laws name
up there. She has
been battling with this
for a long time. When I
got breast cancer, at the
tender age of 31, she
was really helpful to me
and I wanted to show
my appreciation by recognizing
her on this wall
of courage - Thank you for
doing this. Jill Mullins.
The New Millennium!
Can YOU believe it!
Referred by: Just Surfed
On In
From: Omaha, Nebraska
Time: 2000-01-01
Comments:
I found your site while downloading
Outlook
Express stationery from
Cloud Eight, and almost
fainted when I found the
breast cancer
awareness stationery, and
dedicated to you. I am
an 11-year survivor recently
diagnosed with mets to
my spine, ribs, sternum
and skull. I am committed to speaking
out loudly to everyone who
will listen, and now this ribbon
stationery will be the only
one I use. I'm so pleased to
have it. Good luck to you,
Referred by: Just Surfed
On In
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: 2000-01-07
Comments:
I was diagnosed with Breast
Cancer in May of 1999. I'm in Stage IIIA.
Had the mastectomy, completed 6 months of Chemo and
getting ready to begin Radiation treatments
in a week.I find it
ironic that every now and
then that I need to remind myself that I have
this. I'm still surfing around to learn as much
as I can.Thank you
From: Montreal
Time: 2000-01-21
Comments:
Please accept my hopes and prayers in your
continuing struggle and my accolades for your
page! Having, recently, gone through a breast
cancer scare, I can't say that I know how you
feel but I do empathize. I will be sure to list
your web page wherever I go - it is so important
for women to receive the screenings and to do
the breast exams yet so many simply want to
forget the risk...In Montreal, the waiting time for
a Mammogram is horrendous - after finding my
lump and WITH a doctor's referral, it took over 3
months for my appointment... I recently took
part in a new study which is utilizing lasers and
an absolutely painless procedure to better view
the breast tissue. I am impatiently waiting for it
to become available to all.
Referred by: Just Surfed
On In
From: live in Copperas
Cove, TX
Time: 2000-01-20
Comments:
In September 1990 I was diagnosed as having
intraductal carcinoma. I had suspected
"something" was wrong as early as June. No one
knows your body as well as you do, and I asked
for a baseline mammogram. None of the
physicians could feel a lump, nor did I, but the
xmg came back as being suspicious of cancer.
The biopsy was performed and the pathologist at
the hospital would not definitely state the there
was cancer, so I had a 6-week wait while the
slide was sent to Armed Forces Ins :-) ute of
Pathology and they are the ones who positively
diagnosed the cancer. It was so minute and I am
so fortunate to have had the cancer diagnosed
so very early. I did have a mastectomy, but no
therapy was prescribed by the oncologists so I
feel so very fortunate, and have had clean
checkups every time since 1990. It's been 9
years now and going into 10. I feel that I am one
of the so very fortunate people and I can't tell
my friends often enough to please keep check on
yourself and have your annual mammograms
done.
Since my diagnosis, my older
sister was diagnosed.
Hers was much more obvious
than mine and she did have
to go through therapies.
That was almost 3 years ago
and she is doing well.
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Maine
Time: 2000-01-18
Comments:
I have been recently diagnosed with infiltrating
ductal carcinoma, low grade, er +. Scheduled for
lumpectomy and node removal tomorrow, Have
been busy searching for any info. Just came upon
this link......Linda .
Referred by: Lycos
From: Aurora, Colorado
Time: 2000-01-17
Comments:
Carol - Since I found
you and your website i am gaining the courage
to ask the questions and get the answers... you
are a miracle and godsend to millions of women
everywhere... I now know the pain, discharge and
other symptoms should not
be ignored and i will
learn from you to fight and get answers to these persistent
complaints of mine. thanks again, you
are wonderful and a fountain of information
for us all.
From: sherman new york
Time: 2000-02-29 22:59:58
Comments: i was just
curious to see what someone
else would have to say about
the subject. i was diagnosed with breast cancer in Feb.99 and in march
I had to have a radical mastectomy. My doctor ignored my symptoms for over
a year and by the time i finally was for a biopsy it was too late to save
it because the tumor was so large. Needless to I have since changed doctors.
I made it through the chemo and radiation and the loss of hair and have
been told my attitude was my strength and saw me through it all. I finally hair
long enough to at least run a comb through. The only disappointment is
that I was told usually your hair
comes back dark and curly. Mine is more gray, darker and no curls!!!! Well
I'm sure I have bored you long enough with my story. My next big hurdle
is to make it to the five year mark. Please wish me luck. Thanks
for listening, Sandy
Time: 2000-02-27
Comments:
Carol! Please send me the
email address I can use to write you!! I have been unable to get a message
to you and have wanted to write you specifically after your accident!!!
I hope this gets to you because it has been awfully frustrating. I really
hope you are doing well, because
it must of scared you to death. God must want you around for reason,
because you are beginning to have more lives than a cat!
(This is from my rehab doctor
- who in 1996 was with me every day, every week...and re-taught me what
I'd 'lost' in an auto accident - always patient, kind, and quite magnificently!)
Referred by: Net Search
From: sherman new york
Time: 2000-02-29 22:59:58
Comments:
i was just curious to see what someone else would have to say about
the subject. i was
diognosed with breast cancer in Feb.99 and in march I had to have
a radical masectomy. My
doctor ignored my symptons for over a year and by the time i finally was
sent for a biopsy it was
too late to save it because the tumor was so large. Needless to say I have
since changed
doctors. I made it through the chemo and radiation and the loss of hair
and have been told
my attitude was my strength and saw me through it all. I finally have hair
long enough to
at least run a comb through. The only disappointment is that I was told
usually your
hair comes back dark and curly. Mine is more gray, darker and no curls!!!!
Well I'm sure I have
bored you long enough with my story. My next big hurdle is to make it to
the five year mark.
Please wish me luck. Thanks for listening
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 2000-02-22 22:03:35
Comments:
What a lovely page. Great info too. You are a
very brave person. I hope you are well!
Referred by: NewsGroups
From: Melbourne, Australia
Time: 2000-02-22 00:19:36
Comments:
Hi, my name is Sue and I'm a Breast Care Nurse
in Australia. This web site is great; informative
and extremely sensitive. I hope that it is of
great value to people living with breast cancer.
Website: Anne's
Page ... Welcome to Irish Dreams
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 2000-02-13 18:53:11
Comments:
Thank you for this beautiful, informative &
inspirational page.
Website: Karen's Power Tools
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Oklahoma
Time: 2000-02-12 21:28:59
Comments:
Hi Carol! Thanks for inviting me to your
wonderful site. I'm sure it's an encouragement to
many. And an important warning to those of us
who take our health too much for granted. What
you've endured could happen to any of us.
Thanks for the reminder.
Referred by: NewsGroups
Time: 2000-02-07 10:48:34
Comments:
your site looks wonderful and informative
Referred by: From a Friend
From: UT School of Nursing
Time: 2000-01-26
Comments:
What a beautiful, inspirational,
generous
contribution to all of us
who have now read your
story. Thank you so much
for making this story
public, that we may all
benefit from your
experience. This is truly
an incredible resource
for anyone who has been
touched, in any way, be
a person afflicted with
this horrible disease.
Referred by: Self
Magazine
From: Australia via
Connecticut
Time: 1999-07-11 1:23
Comments:
I cannot thank you enough.
I am here working temporarily
and have been diagnosed.
Your website helped me find
out that I had a serious
diagnosis but I had to fight to
get that far. Three
questions: Do doctors know about
this web site?
Does the Komen Foundation know what you
are doing to help us like
no one ever has? Can someone
help you publish this in
a book form. Just thinking I couldn't
afford it so maybe someone
will do it. We all need your book!
Referred by: From a Friend
Tuesday, February 29, 2000
Dr. Ralph Florence
Toronto, Ontario:
Having a mother with breast cancer, I became involved with some tremendous avenues of support. Although I was not the one afflicted, they were still very receptive, and the information I came across was extremely informative. Listed below is a web site that is maintained by a woman, whom is an amazing activist for this horrible disease. In my humble opinion, this web site should be the number one stop in finding the information that a person needs. I also strongly believe that this site may very well save some lives.
If nothing else, there is one wonderful page devoted to the needed supplies one needs when starting chemo.
I for one, did not find this until it was to late, but my mother could have saved a lot of trouble, pain, discomfort, embarrassment, etc, if I had, and this should be the NUMBER ONE read for any women starting chemo or radiation. A MUST!
I found that woman who become ill, if they have the luxury of using a computer, a whole world will open up to them, to offer the information and most importantly, the support that they will need when fighting breast cancer.
Although many women have exceptionally supportive spouses and other family members, often they cannot really open up to them in a way that they can with other woman that are suffering with the same fears and questions. Sometimes, women suffer from guilt at "putting their families through this disease".
AT 3AM, when you cannot sleep, you are ill, or you are scared, there is ALWAYS someone there who will listen, and talk to you if you like.
I am a firm believer that knowledge empowers you with this disease, and can certainly be much more helpful in making all those choices over which meds one should take, or what trials are going on that may be helpful, etc.
An American woman based out of Texas, who in my opinion, is a godsend to other woman, runs this web site. She is a breast cancer survivor to, and although she is doing quite well, she still somehow finds the time and energy to devote many of her waking hours to helping other people, and I have found this to be the most informative site in cyberspace. I gather many oncologists also read this site, and suggest that their patients do as well.
If you would like to reach her, write her through the site. If she asks, you can say that you heard about her through SHELAGH. She will be happy to answer ANY of your questions, or at the very least, set you off in the right direction for the answer you need.
As well, by far one of the BEST new groups can be found at alt.support.cancer.breast) CAROL is constantly checking in to this group. There is a mediator by the name of JUDY BEAR, I believe her name is. Answers will be found here, as well, friendships. Although I cannot fully explain it, these friendships you will find here, may often be far stronger and fulfilling than any “real” friendships you have in “real life”. Especially when dealing with this illness.
Only other woman who are also going though this, will truly understand your fears, for they have been there before you.
There are also many, many
good web sites that are run by oncologists, although in my personal opinion,
I found everything I needed in the above information and didn’t need to
look further.
If any other information
is needed, I can be reached e-mailed at
sd-b@rogers.com (Shelagh).
Reviewed: 02/04/06