YSC 2015 Part 1: The Experience of Sisterhood...

YSC Houston 2015

Last March 6-8, 2015, I attended Young Survival Coalition Summit in Houston, Texas for a weekend conference filled with 500+ breast cancer survivors, workshops, discussions, inspirational speakers and vendors.  I have gotten to know many of the breast cancer survivors from attending conferences from previous years and each year I connect with many more survivors that I am just thrilled to meet and get to know them.  ...and every year, many of my TNBC sisters meet up and spend much of the weekend together, living life and having fun!  These are the ladies that I bond with and keep in touch with on our online TNBC support groups.  This year, my roommate was Tammie Turpen, tho not  TNBC, but a very special pink sister to me.  We had a fabulous time together dancing at the BBQ Under the Stars dinner picnic that was held across the street from the hotel with BBQ foods and a DJ that played dance music all night long.  That was probably the highlight of my weekend just dancing, laughing and just having a good time with all of my pink sisters, whom I haven't seen since last year's conference in Orlando, Florida.
The vendors in the exhibit hall always have a lot of resources information, giveaways, photo booths and a lot of cool things to purchase like t-shirts and pins. Me, I just like networking with the people of the different organizations and learn about how their organization is helping breast cancer survivors.  
The "In Memory" board is always emotional as we post photos and inspirational notes to remember those that are no longer with us.
One of the ladies I met up with outside of the conference was IBC/TNBC survivor, Terry Arnold who was from Houston and took time out of her day to come pick me up along with a few other ladies from the conference and take us out to breakfast and drove us by MD Anderson Cancer Center where Terry Arnold's organization, Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network has raised money for breast cancer research at MD Anderson.  
I was very excited to listen to Dr. Susan Love give her talk on Collateral Damage of Breast Cancer and get my picture taken with her and sign my copy of her book, Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book.  
Also, breast cancer survivor and author of Silver Lining, Hollye Jacob gave an excellent motivational speech that inspired us to finding our "silver lining" in our journey.  Hollye also provided every survivor with a free copy of her, The Silver Lining Companion Guide... of course, I got that signed too. 
I was so excited to see Dr. Judith Salerno, CEO and President of Komen National, attending the YSC Summit and bumping into her.  I have met Dr. Salerno at a previous Komen conference, and I just love her dedication to Komen and us breast cancer survivors. 
Young Survival Coalition CEO and breast cancer survivor, Jennifer Merschdorf is always a breath of fresh air when I listen to her presentations... She is so passionate about her work, bringing us pink sisters together every year and keep us all connected through their YSC website and Facebook.  This kind of support is very important to us survivors, getting us all together in one place to share stories and actually talk to someone who "get's it."  The Initiation Sucks, but the Sisterhood is Forever!, is a bold statement spoken by Jennifer and sums it up of what this conference is all about, support for each other and bonding that lasts a lifetime...  and I am so very thankful to Young Survival Coalition for the work they put into this Summit to educate us on the latest research and treatments for breast cancer, managing our side-effects and living a healthy life again, both physically and emotionally.
I attended 4 breakout session: Living Fully With, Through and After Cancer by Tambre Leign, Breast Cancer Update, Triple Negative Breast Cancer by Dr. Virginia Borges, Sex and Intimacy by Jean Rowe and Fitness and Nutrition, a Powerful Combo by Sami Mansfield.  I have posted a couple of other separate posts on the TNBC update and and fitness presentations, so look that up in my blog too. 
Outside of the conference, we pink sisters did a lot of dining out every night plus taking a train ride to the Rodeo to see many Texas Longhorns, shaved sheep and baby chicks being hatched.  After the Rodeo, we went to Pete's Dueling Piano Bar that was packed with standing room only to see 2 very entertaining piano players keying away on their pianos and singing fun popular songs like Journey's, "Don't Stop Believing" and Billy Joel's, "Piano Man."  We also spent a lot of time just sitting around in the lobby at night socializing or you could find us at the hot tub... we love the hot tub and pool with friends!
I look forward to seeing you all at 2016 YSC Summit in Atlanta!

Leaving the snow behind... Houston Bound!

Lobby time... Kathy Cook, Angela Martin, Julie Diehl,
Cindy Mammoser, Melissa Paskvan, Laura Holtlyn,
Shreen Marie and Dusty Showers

TNBC Survivors, Alex Cortes and Melissa Paskvan

Dinner at Pappasito's Cantina...
Left side - Dusty Showers, Angie Martin, Kathy Cook
Right side - Melissa Paskvan,  Alexandra Cortes
and I see Jeanna Holler down towards the end.

TNBC Sisters, Alexandra Cortes and Melissa Paskvan
Umm, Dusty!

Breakfast at Black Walnut Cafe with the pink survivor
sisters Becky Maxson, Melissa Paskvan, Terry Arnold
 Founder of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network, 
Stephanie Landis and Norma Zimmer seated.
Terry Arnold is TNBC/IBC

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Each Other Gives Us Strength...
Tammie Turpen, Marisa Phillips, Dusty Showers,
Angela Martin, Eden Lackey and Michelle Green

Sara Kouten, Kathleen Vithanage, Lori Flowers of Triple Step 
Towards the Cure and Melissa Paskvan

TNBC survivors, Melissa Paskvan and Roxanne Martinez

Dinner again at Pappasito's Cantina with my TNBC sisters...
Left - Sara Kouten, Natalia Munoz, Alexandra Cortes
and Michelle Green
Right - Kathy Cook, Angie Martin, Tammie Turpen,
Melissa Paskvan, Jeanna Holler and Roxy Martinez

TNBC survivors, Kathleen Cook and Melissa

TNBC Sisters, Angela Martin, Kathleen Cook,
 Alexander Cortes, Natalia Munoz and Melissa Paskvan

Melissa Paskvan and Komen's, Carrie

TNBC Sisters, Melissa Paskvan and  Natalia Munoz

TNBC Sisters, Heather Ingo-Nutile and Melissa Paskvan

TNBC Sisters, Jeanna Holler and Melissa Paskvan

Susan G. Komen CEO and President, Dr. Judith Salerno 
and Melissa Paskvan

We were the "Highlight" of YSC Summit 2015!

BBQ Under the Stars... Roxanne Martinez, Melissa Paskvan,
Sara Kouten,  Alexandra Cortes, Angela Martin,
 Patti Parker-Phillips, Kathy Cook,  Natalia Munoz,
Tammie Turpen, Michelle Green, and Jeanna Holler

Dancing at BBQ Under the Stars... 
Angie Martin, Tammie Turpen, Melissa Paskvan 
and Heather Ingo-Nutile

TNBC Sisters Kathy Cook,
Patti Parker-Phillips,  Angie Martin
and Melissa Paskvan

TNBC sisters Roxanne Martinez,
Melissa Paskvan, Patti Parker-Phillips,
Sara Kouten,  Angie Martin, Kathy Cook,
Tammie Turpen, Michelle Green,
Alexandra Cortes and Natalia Munoz

TNBC Sisters, Kathleen Cook 
and Melissa Paskvan

Welcome to Young Survival Coalition Summit 2015

Sisterhood is forever!

YCS Co-Founder, Roberta Levy Schwartz

Tambre Leign, Life Coach at Well Beyond Ordinary

Ask the experts with Dr. Susan Love on the end.

Dr. Susan Love, Breast Surgeon, Author of
Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and Founder
of Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation 
"For a future without breast cancer"
 and Melissa Paskvan
http://www.dslrf.org/breastcancer

Dr. Susan Love and Melissa Paskvan promoting her book

Pink Sisters Melissa Paskvan, Terlisa Sheppard,
Felicity Galenti and Roxanne Martinez

TNBC Sisters Always...
 Standing: Angela Martin, Sara Kouten, Patti Parker Phillips,
Kathleen Vithanage, Kathy Cook and Michelle Green
Kneeling: Natalia Munoz, Melissa Paskvan and Jeanna Holler

Roxanne Martinez, My roommate Tammie Turpen 
and Melissa Paskvan

TNBC Sisters, Melissa Paskvan, Sara Kouten 
and Kathy Cook

Texas Rodeo time, TNBC sisters style...
Kathy Cook, Michelle Green, Sara Kouten, Alex Cortes,
Melissa Paskvan and Natalia Munoz

Fun at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar with my TNBC sisters...
Sara Kouten, Natalia Munoz, Alexandra Cortes,
Kathy Cook and Melissa Paskvan

Cramming in the evevator... Oh wait, selfie!
Roxanne Martinez, Angie Martin, Michelle Green,
Heather Ingo-Nutile, Tammie Turpen,
Melissa Paskvan and Jeanna Holler

Dusty peeking over Melissa, Kathy, Sara and Jeanna

TNBC Sisters, Kathy Cook and Melissa Paskvan

Group selfie with Flat Jolene... always with us in spirit.
Kathy Cook, Marisa Phillips, Sara Kouten, Jeanna Holler, 
Natalia Munoz, Alex Cortes,Melissa Paskvan, 
Tammie Turpen, Dusty Showers and Angie Martin

Dusty Showers, Tammie Turpen, Carol Hachey,
Heather Ingo-Nutile and Melissa Paskvan

Melissa Paskvan and Kenny Kane of 
http://stupidcancer.org

Hollye Jacobs, author of The Silver Lining 
and Melissa Paskvan

Melissa and Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of 
Young Survival Coalition
https://www.youngsurvival.org

YSC sisters forever!

Departing...  Kathleen, Melissa, Sara Kouten, Alex,
Heather, Traci Gordon, Tammie, Patti, Jeanna,
 Kathy, Angie and Dusty

Good-bye Kathleen Cook, we love you!

Downtown Houston

Last minute good-byes... Tammie, Melissa, Jeanna, Traci,
Laura, Julie and Patti

YSC CEO, Jennifer Merschdorf, Tammie Turpen
 and Melissa Paskvan

Don't let those LandSharks go to waste...
Tanyis Brunscheon, Tammie Turpen and Melissa Paskvan

In memory of our TNBC Sisters we lost

YSC 2015 Part 2 - Fitness & Nutrition...

Here is some notes from Young Survival Coalition Conference 2015 I've taken from a session I went to on Fitness & Nutrition, A Powerful Combo presented by Sami Mansfield, CPT of taking control of you life and body while in breast cancer treatment or afterwards with some lifestyle changes.

Important Components:

1. Exercise - Strength, Yoga, Qigong, TaiChi, Walking, ADL's, Stretching, Core and Posture
2. Nutrition - Healthy Eating Guidelines, Plant Based, Mediterranean, Supplements
3. Mind and Body - Meditation, Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, Massage, Music and Art Therapy, Spiritual, One on One Psychosocial

Mediterranean Diet was recommended consisting of daily exercise and heart healthy foods. 

• 6 glasses of water and red wine in moderation
• Avoid processed foods
• Monthly/use sparingly - Meat and Sweets
• Weekly - Fish, Poultry and Eggs 
• Daily - Cheese and Yogurt
            Olive Oil
            Beans, Legumes and Nuts
            Fruits and Veggies
            Healthy Grains and Potatoes

Exercise Program Levels:

Basic:

• Core Posture, 
• Increase Activity,
•  Reduce Processed Foods,
•  Daily Relaxation

Intermediate:

• Strength Training weekly
• Min. 6000 Steps Daily
• Plant Based Foods
• Weekly Yoga

Advanced:

• High Intensity Training
• 10, 000 Steps Daily
• Mediterranean Diet
• Min. 7 Hours Sleep

Joan Lunden Shares Her Triple Negative Breast Cancer Story With Cure Magazine

In the 2015 Winter Issue of Cure Magazine, Joan Lunden opens up with her own experience with Triple Negative Breast Cancer.  Joan discusses having dense breast tissue that led her to advocate for ultrasound... and also talks of her choice to have pre-surgical chemotherapy and the addition of a carboplatin to the chemotherapy regimen.
Click link to story:
http://www.curetoday.com/publications/cure/2015/winter2015/a-two-way-street-joan-lunden-shares-her-cancer-experience/2

TNBC Day 2015 Embraces "Hope for More Tomorrows"

My name is Melissa Paskvan and I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at age 41. During my treatments I started journaling, documenting my journey through writing and photos which was very therapeutic for me as I coped with my diagnosis.
My writings and content continues today through my blog, "Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I Won't Back Down!", reaching out to women across the globe, to give them hope and strength to fight; and to provide resources to educate my readers about TNBC.

http://TNBCDay2015.kintera.org/differentshadeofpink

You see, this disease is not about me, it's about us... all of us are trying to make sense of this TNBC sub-type as new research emerges only to learn that this disease is even more complicated and a targeted treatment is yet to be discovered. As a 5 year survivor, my fight is not over until all of us TNBC sisters are safe. The fear of recurrence is real, me and my TNBC sisters all fear it. I've seen too many TNBC sisters depart after exhausting many clinical trials and a fierce tiring battle. That is why I am so passionate about keeping TNBC awareness in the forefront and continue to encourage breast self-exams as early detection is critical in TNBC survival. I am a huge supporter of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and am very grateful for their continued dedication to all survivors and families as a credible source of information, support network and for their commitment to funding scientists researching Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
I am honored to join The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation as a TNBC Day Champion, as I focus my energy to educate young women on the importance of breast health; and efforts to raise funds to support research in need of finding our targeted therapy. Please join us in making an impact today! Embrace hope, Hope for more tomorrows... 
Click on link to make a donation supporting my event and The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation on TNBC Day March 3, 2015. 
http://TNBCDay2015.kintera.org/differentshadeofpink

All online donations are automatically and directed to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation safely upon submission and TNBCF will dedicate 100% of funds to research.
 
Thank you kindly, Melissa Paskvan

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller 

"A Different Shade of Pink", Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2015

TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER
“A Different Shade of Pink”

Conquer triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) on TNBC day - March 3, 2015!  Join the faculty and staff of UTMC’s Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center for an evening of fun and education.  Learn about the latest TNBC issues and treatments, including how to stay healthy!

When:        Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Time:        Social Hour (5:30 PM), Program 6-7:30 PM
Location:    Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center (Atrium) on
The University of Toledo Health Science Campus,
1325 Conference Drive (off Glendale Ave), 
Toledo, OH 43614

Topics Include:    Treatment Options, Clinical Trials, Genetic Testing, 
The Role of Exercise, Survivorship Services and more.
Come join us for food, fellowship, and fun!

Please call 419-383-5170 to RSVP or send an e-mail to Janelle.Tipton@utoledo.edu by Friday, February 27.  We look forward to seeing you for this special event to educate and empower!

Survivorship Celebration at Toledo Women's Basketball Rockets for the Cure 2015

Ana Capotosto #32

Pre-game mexican fiesta party and a day celebrating survivorship with my pink sisters as we sat among the 5,056 fans cheering on our Toledo Women Rockets on February 7, 2015. Tho, our lady rockets fell to Ball State, 69-61, they're played a great game and helped raise money for the fight against breast cancer in Northwest Ohio.  Thank you Toledo Rockets and Komen for bringing breast health awareness to all that attended.

Diane, Beth, Melissa P., Rita, Lori
and Melissa J.

Jyll and Melissa

"My Victory Center support system"

Us pink sisters with Chrys Peterson
Jyll, Lori, Karen, Melissa and Chrys

Talking Triple Negative Breast Cancer

When:   Tuesday, March 3, 2015

8 - 9 p.m. ET, #LBBCchat

On Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day, March 3, 2015, Living Beyond Breast Cancer will host a 1-hour Twitter Chat about TNBC. Our panelists will help you:

• understand your treatment options for triple-negative disease
• learn more about triple-negative breast cancer, including the latest research
• discover practical tools to help you physically and emotionally enrich your daily life

Click on link for more information:
http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2015-03-03-Twitter-Chat-TNBC 

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Named National Breast Cancer Nonprofit of the Year 2014

...Awarded by the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. Read  the 2015 Winter issue of BCW Magazine, page 22 for further details. Congrats to the TNBC Foundation, I am so proud of this organization for all they do to help us TNBC survivors.
Click on link: http://www.breastcancerwellness.org/bcw-maga…/recent-issues/

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day 2015: Meet Our Champions

Melissa Paskvan/OH
Blogger and TNBC Survivor

My name is Melissa Paskvan and I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at age 41. During my treatments I started journaling, documenting my journey through writing and photos which was very therapeutic for me as I coped with my diagnosis.
My writings and content continues today through my blog, "Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I Won't Back Down!", reaching out to women across the globe, to give them hope and strength to fight; and to provide resources to educate my readers about TNBC.
You see, this disease is not about me, it's about us... all of us are trying to make sense of this TNBC sub-type as new research emerges only to learn that this disease is even more complicated and a targeted treatment is yet to be discovered. As a 5 year survivor, my fight is not over until all of us TNBC sisters are safe. The fear of recurrence is real, me and my TNBC sisters all fear it. I've seen too many TNBC sisters depart after exhausting many clinical trials and a fierce tiring battle. That is why I am so passionate about keeping TNBC awareness in the forefront and continue to encourage breast self-exams as early detection is critical in TNBC survival. I am a huge supporter of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and am very grateful for their continued dedication to all survivors and families as a credible source of information, support network and for their commitment to funding scientists researching Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
I am honored to join The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation as a TNBC Day Champion, as I focus my energy to educate young women on the importance of breast health; and efforts to raise funds to support research in need of finding our targeted therapy. Please join us in making an impact today! Embrace hope, Hope for more tomorrows... 
Click on link to make a donation supporting my event and The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation on TNBC Day March 3, 2015. 
http://TNBCDay2015.kintera.org/differentshadeofpink 

Thank you, Melissa Paskvan

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller 

Click link to read more champion stories: 
 http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcday2015/champions.htm#samuels 

Mayo Clinic: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Vaccine Heads to Trial

Dr. Overmoyer on Inflammatory Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Driven by Increased Activity in the Gene, BCL11A?

Press Release: January 9, 2015
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK  

"The team looked at breast cancers from almost 3000 patients. Their search had a particular focus: they examined changes to genes that affect the behaviour of stem cells and developing tissues, because other work they have done suggests that such genes, when mutated, can often drive cancer development. Among these was BCL11A.
"Our understanding of genes that drive stem cell development led us to search for consequences when these genes go wrong," says Dr Pentao Liu, senior author on the study, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. "BCL11A activity stood out because it is so active in triple-negative cancers.

"It had all the hallmarks of a novel breast cancer gene."

Higher activity of the BCL11A gene was found in approximately eight out of ten patients with basal-like breast cancer and was associated with a more advanced grade of tumour. In cases where additional copies of the BCL11A gene were created in the cancer, the prospects for survival of the patient were diminished..."

Clink link for full story: 
http://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/press/2015/150109.html 

Living Beyond Breast Cancer Presents Results of First Survey of Psychosocial Needs of Women with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

"Women who have been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a significantly stronger preference for information tailored to their cancer subtype and experience greater fear, anxiety and worry at all points from diagnosis through treatment, according to a first-ever study conducted by Living Beyond Breast Cancer. "

Click link to story:
http://www.lbbc.org/About-LBBC/LBBC-Newsletter-and-Publication-Archive/LBBC-News/Living-Beyond-Breast-Cancer-Presents-Results-of-First-Survey-of-Psychosocial-Needs-of-Women-with-Triple-Negative-Breast-Cancer

Christmas Celebration With My Pink Sisters at the Victory Center 2014..

My local support system, love these pink sisters!

Holiday Get-Together 2014 with my Victory Center Family...

Toledo's The Victory Center offers to cancer patients and survivors services that includes relaxations therapies, exercise classes, art therapy, support groups and yes, our annual Holiday PotLuck Get-Together. I really appreciate all that TVC has done for us survivors to make their center feel like home to all of us.

Melissa And Penny

Jyll, Lori, Beth, Melissa, Lynette,
Melissa J. and Carol