2011 Peace, Love And A Cure - Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivors

I participated in this awareness video for The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. My name is Melissa from Toledo, Ohio and I'm pictured at about :39 into the video. My friend, Vickie of Australia who is in my online support group is also in this video. Music by Singer/TNBC Survivor, Laura Roppe'.  EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES! Unfortunately, I have already lost a few tnbc friends in just the last few months to this disease, we need to find our targeted therapy now. Please consider a donation for TNBC research at  http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/donate.htm
Thank you, Melissa

Toledo Rockets For The Cure, February 18, 2012

4th annual Toledo Rockets for the Cure was a huge success with more than 5000 fans in attendance and the University of Toledo's Women BasketBall raising $18,010 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Northwest Ohio.

Me and Genny, we're both TNBC survivors!

Me getting the autographs!

Go Rockets, they won their 10th straight win!

Me with executive director  of Susan G. Komen foundation
in Toledo, Mary Westphal

Epidemiological Risk Factors Associated With Inflammatory Breast Cancer Triple Negative Subtype

"...Conclusion: The association between breastfeeding and TNBC indicates that stem cells that are retained in the absence of breastfeeding may be the cell of origin for TN IBC. These results highlight the importance of evaluating epidemiologic risk factors of IBC according to receptor subtype, which could lead to the identification of distinct etiologic pathways that could be targeted for prevention.
 http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2012/02/11/1055-9965.EPI-12-0087.abstract (Click link for full story)

Happy Valentine's Day To All Of My Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sisters!

Surround yourselves today with the people you love! XOXO 

PET With FDG May Predict Outcomes In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

"Patients underwent PET imaging with 18F-FDG at the start of their chemotherapy regimen. This exam was repeated after their second cycle of chemotherapy to gauge how metabolically active the tumors were. This information was then used to gauge the patients’ predicted therapy response and prognosis..."
http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/pet-ct/content/article/113619/2029093 
(Click link for full story) 

"ROCKING THE PINK" By Laura Roppe

http://www.lauraroppe.com/

"In 2008, just as Laura Roppé was poised to burst onto the music scene, her doctor called her with news that left her spinning—she had been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of breast cancer. Just days earlier, she had signed a dream-come-true contract with a record label; now, she wasn’t even sure how much longer she had to live. Never one to back down to a challenge, however, Roppé gathered her courage, took stock of her priorities, and made a decision: Cancer may take my hair, she told herself, but that’s all it’s getting." Laura a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor, her book, Rocking the Pink released in February 2012. Book may be ordered at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Rocking-Pink-Finding-Myself-Cancer/dp/158005417X (Click link)

"Just finished reading Rocking the Pink, amazing memoir by singer, songwriter, and TNBC survivor Laura Roppe. A MUST read!" 

~ Sara Kouten

"Only on page 13 and tearing up already." ~ Liz Connell Haas

"I've got my goodies in the mail, Thanks Laura!"

"Rocking the Pink, Ladies!" 

Tracy Barrett Geiger Krieser, My Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sister's Memorial

"If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."

I did fly back down again to Tracy's this past weekend for her memorial. It was a beautiful service with her photos and diploma's displayed. A stained glass pink ribbon hanging was gifted to Tracy and a beautiful broken wagon wheel memorial with picture of her and her horse on it was also displayed. Tracy's horse saddle was displayed along with her riding hat and boots, a beautiful tribute to her. Sam, who sang at her wedding also sang at her memorial, "Amazing Grace" with her acoustic guitar player... I have never heard anyone sing this song more beautiful as she did. Wendy stood up and spoke of their friendship and their sisterly bond and Tracy's love for life. Tracy's husband spoke of their dating, marriage, her step kids, traveling and their life together and he added some humor, I know Tracy would have been proud of him. Tracy's good friend, Sam put together a very nice slide show presentation of Tracy's cherished moments.  The first 2 pews in the church were reserved for family to be seated with family and close friends, I was honored to be included. Tracy had military honors at her memorial with 5 Marines, one played "Taps" with an electric trumpet, two unfolded the American Flag and then refolded it and kneeled in front of her husband offering words of condolence and presented the flag to him... very touching. We all gathered back at Tracy's house for food and drinks. Tracy's chiropractor was there giving everyone neck crack adjustments, lightening up the mood in this gathering. It was a beautiful celebration of Tracy's life, and she will be missed by all that knew her. God Bless Tracy and her family.

.legacy.com/obituaries/jdnews/obituary.aspx?n=tracy-krieser&pid=155625462

(Click on link to Tracy's obituary)