10/30/98

Mammogram Not Always Enough

... in response to "Breast Cancer: The Silent Killer" (10/16/98)

IMPORTANT CORRECTION

Dear Beth,

In one of the last paragraphs of "Breast Cancer: The Silent Killer," the woman who told you her story stated that cancer can develop, but it cannot hide from a mammogram. Oh, yes it can. This is terribly misleading to female readers out there who think that all they have to do is have a mammogram. I had a mammogram in January of this year and again in August. In September I had a mass removed from my right breast that was 6 centimeters or the size of a tennis ball. This never showed up on the mammogram. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer which has spread to my bones.

I was very faithful every year to get a mammogram. I have since learned that 15 to 20 percent of breast lumps DO NOT show up on a mammogram. Self exams and a yearly doctor's exam are also extremely important. This should have been stressed very strongly in your article. Please tell women who may have read this article that self exams and doctor exams are essential. They are not safe with just a mammogram. I know. Thank you.

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Weekend Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors

As you know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and there have been many wonderful articles regarding prevention and treatment. Please pass this message on for survivors and their friends regarding a wonderful opportunity for after treatment. One survivor's dream, along with the help and support of talented and energetic women, has culminated in the development of a weekend retreat for breast cancer survivors and their friends.

It is being co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and will be held on November 14-15 at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut (the camp created by Paul Newman for pediatric cancer patients.) This is a beautiful rural setting with comfortable heated cabins and yes, there is running water!!

Following is a description of the retreat.

"Learning to Live Again" (by Lisa B.)

"Our mothers always told us to smile, wear clean underwear and to never wear white shoes after Labor Day. But our mothers never taught us how to survive breast cancer.

"Somehow, the lessons that we were taught couldn't prepare us for the onslaught of confusion and loss of direction that many of us feel after cancer treatments end. Or for the fact that, try as we might, we will never be the same as we were before the diagnosis. We think, "Okay, I've done everything I was supposed to do...now what?"

"Learning to Live Again" is a weekend retreat for breast cancer survivors and their friends. It's about lessons in love, faith, hope and courage...a weekend where we can focus our energy on ourselves, our health and on FUN (that elusive entity that we can often forget). A weekend where we can acknowledge our personal strengths and struggles, in a positive environment.

"This retreat will help us rediscover ways to nurture ourselves. We will learn how to reconnect and nourish ourselves with friends, food & fun. All this and learning too!

"A variety of participatory workshops such as yoga, kick boxing, therapeutic massage, reflexology, Tai Chi, art, poetry, nutrition and humor will be offered. To this will be added music, makeovers, goody bags, laughter and much more! Participants will learn how to reconnect and enjoy themselves with friends, food and fun. Come join us and celebrate "Learning to Live Again"...it will be the best slumber party ever!

"For additional information, please call the American Cancer Society at (203) 265-7161. Space is still available. The cost for lodging, food and all the activities will be $75 per participant.

"My request is that you e-mail this message to your friends, colleagues, and family members. Unfortunately, in this day and age, no one is untouched by breast cancer. Please offer your support by encouraging survivors to attend. Thank you and any questions, just e-mail me back."

Lisa B.
Email address: lrbigman@juno.com

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.