Test Could Detect Breast Cancers Earlier in Young, High-risk African-American Women

In a recent study, it suggests that testing on how the body's cells consume and breakdown sugar that activate cancerous insulin signaling pathways in Triple Negative Breast Cancer, may give researchers insight in detecting and preventing this cancer.  These studies revealed that young women that are prone to develop gestational diabetes and prediabetes, where the body produces increased sugar, may fuel precancerous cells, turning them into cancerous cells. This condition can be controlled through exercise, weight loss and diabetes drugs.

“One of the hallmarks of really aggressive cancers is that they start taking sugar, breaking it down and turning it into energy,” she said. “It becomes their primary source of energy and that allows the cancer cells to grow rapidly.”
http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-in-the-news.aspx?d=2457  
(Click link for full story)

Melissa Etheridge, Still An Inspirational Icon For All Of Us Breast Cancer Survivors...

MELISSA ETHERIDGE
"I Run For Life"

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She'll tell you it makes her complete

[Chorus:]
I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth
For all that is real
I run for your mother your sister your wife
I run for you and me my friend I run for life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin and they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul
And now I'm still learning the lesson
To waken when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for us all

[Chorus]

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers
Running for more

 

Susan G. Komen Survivor Breakfast 2011

I was among the nearly 600 breast cancer survivors who attended the 18th Annual Susan G. Komen survivor breakfast.

Me with Chrys Peterson, WTOL News Anchor

Me with my Victory Center breast cancer group survivors

Spot my signature?

Me with Mary Westphal, Executive Director of 
Susan G. Komen of Northwest, Ohio affiliate 

Me with my Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor 
friends Diane on my left and Genny on my right

Treatments For Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Progression And Staging

Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week And National Previvor Day

Know your body, know your family history, know your risks!

In 2010, FORCE pushed and succeeded through The House of Representatives, declaring the last week of September as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Week and and National Previvor Day. HBOC week is recognized with increased awareness to the hereditary link between breast and ovarian cancer as we move from National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September) to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). National Previvor Day is designated to the last Wednesday of September marked by awareness to those who are carriers of the inherited gene mutation making them vulnerable to developing the cancer in their lifetime.  http://interact.stltoday.com/pr/lifestyle/PR09221001424397 

(Click link to story)  

Note: 80% of women with inherited BRCA1 gene mutation that has a breast cancer diagnosis tends to be triple-negative. 
 http://www.nj.com/living/index.ssf/2010/10/research_fundraisers_focus_on.html 
(Click link to story)

http://wassermanschultz.house.gov/2010/09/wasserman-schultz-resolution-to-designate-national-hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer-week-passes.shtml
(Click to link)

General Electric Pledges $100 Million For Grants Focusing Research On Triple Negative Breast Cancer

"The goal is to help health care professionals better understand tumors associated with triple negative cancer, a type that is less responsive to standard treatments and typically more aggressive."
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Health-Care-IT/GE-Launches-100-Innovation-Project-to-Fund-Breast-Cancer-Research-731801/ (Click link for full story)

This Just In At University Hospitals In Cleveland: Triple Negative Breast Cancer, MUC-1 Study To Enter To New Phase Hopefully In The Near Future

Triple Negative Breast Cancer, MUC-1 Study to move forward with changes to the study to develop a vaccine to prevent recurrences.

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/205986/7/UH-doctor-works-on-Triple-Negative-breast-cancer-vaccine (Click to Link) 

TNBC: Find Our CURE, Fund Our CURE

Us Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivors need your help in the fight against TNBC. Please consider a donation to find our targeted therapy at The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation at http://www.tnbcfoundation.org
More importantly, be proactive against TNBC: Monthly Breast Self Exams, annual clinical exam and annual mammogram as recommended by your physician.

Keep On Keeping On Whitney, My Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sister!

Sandy and daughter, Whitney Lowe

On Wednesday, I was thrilled to meet another Triple Negative Breast Cancer sister, Whitney, 25 and her mother, Sandy whom I met  through our online TNBC support group. Whitney is currently undergoing a clinical trial, HOG 1110. Cisplatin and Parp inhibitor through Indiana's Hoosier Oncology, bringing leading cutting edge cancer treatments and research close to home to her at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland.  I had a really nice visit with Whitney and Sandy, both lovely ladies. As I promised to Whitney that I would come back and visit again, she responds, "Thank you for driving all the way to Cleveland to watch me sleep. LOL Looking forward to seeing you again." It's all good Whitney, it was my pleasure... I've been there too, sleep through the chemo.

Sandy, her daughter Whitney and me

Whitney getting her chemo and me

Me and Sandy

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible."  ~Christopher Reeve