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Copyright 2009 Silke Endress Magazine P.O. Box 2802 Orlando, FL 32802 |
Magazine Creation by Cole & Associates |
Feature: Kelly Henderson Cancer Survivor CEO I Wear It Well |
Carol Lynn Pieper Cancer Survivor |
Christina Ackerman |
Christina Ackerman BRAC Analysis |
Feature: Kelly Henderson Cancer Survivor CEO I Wear It Well |
Soul Spa Inspirations |
My passion now is to make a difference in those newly diagnosed women out there who just heard they have breast cancer or maybe it's the one who has been battling cancer for some time now and is getting discouraged or depressed. I want to let them know that this too shall pass and they will be fine. Now my time is spent building a business, www.iwearitwell.com, with the dream of helping other women cope with the emotional and physical challenges of hair loss. This has been a very rewarding venture. I can honestly say that I have been blessed with so many positive things as a result of having cancer. I have met some amazing women who have traveled the same road and now I can use my business to connect with newly diagnosed women with breast cancer. I live life a little differently now. I hug my kids more and I spend more quality" family" time with my husband and kids. I have learned to slow down and enjoy life along the way instead of rushing through my day. Before I was diagnosed with cancer, I lived a healthy lifestyle. At the age of 40, I was told I had osteopenia and that osteoporosis was in my future. It was suggested that I start weight bearing exercises so I hired a trainer. I ran a few miles a day but I could never seem to get past the two mile mark. Looking back, I realize I just didn't push myself. During my cancer treatments, my energy levels were low, so I missed a lot of my exercise routine. I lost the muscle tone I just spent the last 2 years developing which was extremely frustrating. I realized quickly how important it is to exercise. A workout is not just a physical triumph, it's a mental milestone. It strengthens the body and toughens the spirit. When my treatments ended, I jumped back in with more determination and drive than ever before. I am determined to regain my strength and become stronger and leaner. A workout to me helps me prepare for life's challenges and in case my cancer ever comes back, I want to be armed and ready. My new goal was to run a ½ marathon and I did it! Two years later, I ran 13 miles and didn't keel over. I kept saying to myself when I thought I couldn't take one more step, "If I can beat cancer, I can beat this 13 mile course!" Today, I am stronger, I am bolder and hopefully wiser, but most importantly, I am a proud member of the "survivors" club who have fought this battle and won. |
I Had The Rug Pulled Out From Under Me September 21st, 2006, I turned 44 and for the first time in my life, I did a self exam. I, like many other women, never did self exams because it is so hard to tell what's in there. Well, I felt a lump that I describe as feeling like a frozen pea. I quickly got a mammogram and the report said, "no suspicious abnormality or signs of malignancy" unsure, the radiologist made the decision to do an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a 1.3cm cystic lesion and I was now referred for a biopsy. When I had my biopsy my nurse told me, "don't worry, most of these are benign." |
Spiritual Corner Take time to nourish your soul, mind, and body with Words of wisdom and relaxation |
Carol Lynn Pieper |
The BRAC Analysis is a genetic test for breast and ovarian cancer. My breast doctor suggested I get a bilateral mastectomy |
It was one of those days you never forget. I can retrace my steps exactly, the type of day it was, who was around me, the place I was standing, what I felt like and what went thru my mind. It was October 30th, 2006. I was on my way to take my kids to school when I received a message from my Gynecologist that said I needed to call him as soon as possible. Right away I became very anxious. When he finally got a hold of me, his words were… "I don't believe I am having to tell you this, but you have infiltrating ductal carcinoma." I was standing in my living room, looking out the sliding glass door. I now know what the term "I had the rug pulled out from under me" means. I felt my knees get weak and I lowered myself to the ground, put my head in my hands, and sobbed. I went from not having a concern in the world, taking care of the house, planning to go pick up my kids from school, planning dinner, etc. to "I have Cancer?" Am I going to die, how did this happen to me, where is my family…I need to hold them, what's going to happen to my kids if I'm not here, what do I do next, how do I call my husband and tell him this? The next day was Halloween. I put on my "Happy Mom" face and took our kids Trick or Treating. My priority now was to keep things as normal as possible. At the time, my oldest son was 9 and my youngest was 3. My priorities changed overnight. I need to be patient with my kids and give them more hugs. I need to sit down with them and really listen to what is important in their day. I quickly realized that nothing is more important than our family, our friends, and our health. |
On losing my breast, my thought was "it's" cancer get rid of it. This could be your finest hour to show us what you are made of |
Healthy Summer Living |
In Stores Now! |
Don't Gain Weight In the Recession |
Flavorable Food on A Budget |
On losing my breast, my thought was "it's" cancer get rid of it. Ladies this could be your finest hour step up to the plate and show us what you are made of. |
November 7th, I had a lumpectomy. My surgeon said he remolded my breast so I would not need reconstructive surgery. I laughed and said, "kudos to you, you didn't have much to work with." I started Chemotherapy immediately. Now what…hair loss, nausea, severe back and joint pain, fatigue, neuropathy, I remember these ones the most. I rarely rested; I kept busy and refused to let it get me down. My husband and I just spent the last 4 years designing and building our dream home and in the middle of my chemo, we moved. It was exhausting, but it kept me going. I had an unbelievable network of family and friends that supported me and kept me well fed. Thanks to my network of "dinner angels," I had full course dinners for months. |
Staying home for more meals It's important to get the most for your dollar when shopping for healthy foods at the grocery store. |
Am I going to die, how did this happen to me. I went from not having a concern in the world, taking care of the house, planning to go pick up my kids from school, planning dinner, etc. to "I have Cancer?" |
People who feel stressed, as many do in the midst of a financial recession, may turn to food for comfort and start to overindulge |
The BRAC Analysis is a genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. My breast doctor suggested I get a bilateral mastectomy. |
Summertime is great family fun Live an active healthy lifestyle spend time at sports events, attend concerts, picnics, go to the beach, take walks get fresh air |
A fellow friend, also a breast cancer survivor, coordinated our meals for us. My Aunt and my Mother in-law helped with the kids. I don't know what I would have done without them. My kids were great, they drew me pictures and gave me lots of unconditional love. We kept them well informed so they would not worry. My husband was my rock, he was there when I needed him and he instinctively knew when to give me space. Christmas morning 2006, two weeks after I started chemo, I asked my husband to shave my head, as I could not watch it fall out anymore. I put on a Christmas cap and pretended nothing was any different, although I was struggling to adjust inside. I spent a fortune on wigs but did not like them and head wrap options were limited, so with the help of my husband and my Aunt Peggy, we created a line of color coordinated comfort wear for hair loss patients. So out of something so devastating, I found a silver lining. |
Carrie Pierce |
The process of Menopause For most women- brings with it a host of strange feelings and occurrences. Without warning, memories we haven't recalled in years will resurface. |
Claiming victory over self-doubt can be a challenge but you can win if you choose. Everything you need to be happy and successful you already have within you. |
Catrice Jackson |