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.
Her Mission
The minute we hear the word "malignant" our lives stop—we search for the rational part of our personalities, and we are forced to acknowledge our deepest feelings, maybe for the first time in our lives. That is why I am sharing my experience with you and want to provide advocacy (support) if you need someone. The finest physicians in the world have helped me, and they care about you, too.
Immediately, I am willing to put my neck on a chopping block to help my site visitors come to the realization about a few very important aspects of coping with a serious illness, or traveling with someone on their journey as they face a very new life, at least for many months ahead.
Having gone through serious illnesses many times in my life, myself, and with over 1,000 cancer patients, my loved ones, and friends, I soon realized that the first step toward gaining control over my emotions was to accept the fact that optimism (aka positive thinking, hope, miracles, et al) is only a gift—the present! But, it has no bearing on health outcomes as we know yet.
Starting off - remember, everyone around you can help you, in some way...so, reach out. This is a valuable lesson in life - people care, but they have to know how to care. We can give them that gift of caring, and sharing. Primary, is to feel wholly comfortable with your doctors - all of them - those are the ones who care.
So, don't beat yourself up about doubts, worries, fears, confusion, mistrust, and the imbedded thought running through your mind, such as "What did I do?" "How did I get this?" "Could I have prevented it?" NO! Oh, sure, perhaps you could have done something that made you more susceptible to a life-threatening disease, but there are others who've done worse, and don't have the bad luck to get your diagnosis. In summation, if we could put our finger on one thing that causes illness, it would be easy to stop it. Its just not possible. Somewhere, somehow your DNA broke down, and you're in this reality, now.
That very real introduction was a true summation of my efforts on this site; however, each person, or those who love and care about them, who has just learned they have a serious, possibly life-threatening illness, must do everything possible to remain focused—after going "batty" for a while—that is permitted, and expected. Eventually, everyone must come to some realizations about life, science, our bodies, and our lives.
People have a far better outcome if they are educated and informed before they have breastcancer if they are told the whole truth about this disease. That is not being done by any organization, today—except PROJECT! OUTREACH, Inc. In fact, erroneous information is being passed on to the unwary public due to corporate support and non-profits who put their income before being purposeful and ethical on behalf of the public, for the common good. For example, consuming high amounts of soy products, to avoid dairy, is foolhardy because if there is an "estrogen-receptor negative" cancer cell in the body that is yet undetected, the phytoestrogens in soy products only hasten archaic (cancer) cell growth. Remember, cells in our bodies are able to grow out of their environment, ultimately, from a breakdown in our DNA—they are not new cells invading us from the "outside." They've been there for a long time, supposedly behaving themselves. Dr. Richard L. Bruno always reminds me, "Moderation in all things, including moderation."
Most people, first hearing they have a serious illness, or their loved ones, and friends, need someone to be their advocate, or "friend," in order to move into breastcancer screening, make decisions when there is a concern about the disease, where to go, whom to trust, how to find help, and how to cope. Breast cancer is many cancers, not only one.
Doctors are still telling women, "It's just DCIS—can be called a pre-cancer, don't worry!"
"That is incorrect, out of date, and an over-simplification that does not benefit breastcancer patients (© C. Thompson, 2003)" *
Nothing will benefit you more than a highly experienced breast surgeon and oncologist—herein you will learn what questions to ask to find an expert team, reduce your fears and turns them into a proactive stance.
Breast cancer (BC) forces us to take a journey without any preparation. Most of us never wanted to think about facing such a frightening time in our life. We may believe what we heard from organizations and the media that further confuses our new battle for health and recovery. Terms like "in remission" or "just do the breast self-exam," "Have an annual mammogram," leave many of us feeling we may have brought this disease on ourselves. That is not true. It has been growing for a long time, in the majority of cases.
The public must learn the truth about breast cancer and its cause. For example, we now know that a significant number of breast cancers begin at puberty (more on the truth about breastcancer herein).
You are dealing with reality right now and this is one of those life altering events we often choose to ignore.
* Time, February 2003: Re-Thinking Breast Cancer
Message to Your Friends, Loved Ones, and Your doctors
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The web site user may be viewing this in a physician's waiting room, or clinic, but this is my experience, and personal perspectives in relation to my own journey, and professional interpretations. My intent is to compassionately, lovingly, and thoroughly impart to the users of this information the importance of a pro-active stance as health care consumers, a "hand up", so to speak, as would reach back and give to the next climber coming over the crest of a steep climb. Hands up have been given to me, and still are by so many friends and strangers, via telephone or Email.
The web site owner solely pays for this site. Any contributors (designer, etc) have received no fiduciary support for their work in any way whatsoever and are not supported by any corporation or individuals with a vested interested in breast cancer treatments, medications, or the business of medicine. Any and all expenses were personally paid for by the site owner. Confidentiality Statement
This web site, privately owned herein provides information and education regarding a personal journey with breast cancer. My physicians have read the site, others have sent in comments (e-mail) (remove numbers before sending to that email address), and any medical professional is welcome to contact me. The web site is intended to teach and increase awareness of breastcancer, and the options healthcare consumers have to secure the best care possible in medicine today. This is critically important--please remember it. It is imperative that every one take part in their own care, and either speak out when they're concerned, or seek advocacy (helpers) to learn how to voice their own, valid opinions and questions.
Neither the web site author, nor any of the other contributors, national reporters, physicians, patients, corporations, editors or others participating in this web site project [the "Participants"] make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or usefulness of any content contained in or linked from this web site. Content may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein and every page is intended to bear the review date. In all events, you—and not the author, any of the Participants—bear complete responsibility for any reliance on such content. Nothing herein should be construed as providing medical or legal advice of any kind and this site is not intended to replace the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his or her licensed physician.
The site is intended solely as a supportive mission,
to increase the prevention
and early detection of breast cancer, patient rights, coping with the
physical and emotional challenges, for the family, friends, and doctors, and
awareness of new technology and the realities of what it is going to take to
stop breast cancer deaths. Please contact the web owner, if you have any
questions. Every effort is made to provide current information,, nevertheless,
there are times when one must take care of oneself, first--a lesson everyone
learns who has come close to losing the golden cord of life, by which we are
attached to our Mother Earth.