tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42477806257844291472024-03-13T00:52:48.983-04:00Teal For LifeMy mission is to make every person aware that Ovarian Cancer exists. Provide information, symptoms, treatments, inspirational stories and resources for those looking for help.Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-32383127990519618242012-09-02T18:01:00.003-04:002012-09-02T18:01:46.768-04:00Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't believe it is already September 2012!! Where has the time gone?? It seems to be flying by faster, the older I get. My toes and fingers are teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and I'm wearing my awareness T-Shirt and if I could, I would shout from the roof-tops to listen to your body. Ovarian Cancer is a silent killer; it whispers so you need to listen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are your plans for the month? Would you be willing to paint your toes teal to raise awareness? You know you want a pedicure anyway! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me know what you're planning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-12649572660232090852012-09-02T17:54:00.000-04:002012-09-02T17:54:33.321-04:00Mom's BirthdayToday would have been Mom's 60th birthday. I still can't believe it. I can still hear her voice in my head and remember the last time she held my hand and that was December 2010. I hate that she had to fight so hard while she was alive only to be taken away too young. That's why I'm still here fighting to get the word out about Ovarian Cancer awareness, symptoms and the fact that you need to talk with your doctor if you think something isn't right. Don't wait until your annual appointment if you think something is wrong. Call now and make that appointment. You may have to see multiple doctors and get to the bottom of your issue, but don't stop. Make sure you are listening to your body.<br />
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xo<br />
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-76219570006919811502012-03-27T18:57:00.000-04:002012-03-27T18:57:00.466-04:00Don't Ignore Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it is important to revisit some of the articles that I shared when I started this blog. It is imperative that we spread the word about Ovarian Cancer and the symptoms (or lack thereof) associated with this horrible disease. Please review the symptoms again, if you haven't already, and talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms or even if you are worried that something may be wrong. It is always better to talk to a doctor than to wait and not do anything.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The scientists always call Ovarian Cancer the silent cancer or the cancer that "whispers". We learned the hard way. My mom knew something was wrong and kept going to doctors for six long months to get tests and find out the reason she didn't feel well. All the doctors said not to worry and it there wasn't a problem. She was dismissed by the doctors that she had been seeing.</span></div>
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One morning in May 2008, she was watching "The View" on TV and someone spoke about the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer and she sat up and said "those are my symptoms". She immediately called the doctor and told them she thought she had ovarian cancer and wanted to be tested.</div>
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After what seemed like a lifetime of running tests (blood tests, ultrasounds, etc.), it was confirmed that she did have the disease. Unfortunately, she was told by the doctors that she only had three to four months to live - six months at the most. </div>
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I want to give you a list of the symptoms. They seem like symptoms that any woman can have for any reason, but you want to listen to your body. Don't delay in talking to your doctor if you are having any of the symptoms, especially if they are getting worse.</div>
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<strong>Warning Signs:</strong></div>
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Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea</div>
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Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly</div>
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Pelvic discomfort or pain</div>
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Lack of energy</div>
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Abdominal pressure, fullness or bloating</div>
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Constipation and/or increased frequency of urination</div>
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Low back pain</div>
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These are not all the warning signs, but they are important signs to recognize. Please take the time to listen to your body when it speaks to you.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ovarian Cancer One Sheet</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Print out this sheet courtesy of Dr. Oz and NOCC and take it with you to your next GYN appointment. It's a great starting point.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">My mom wasn't diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer until it was in Stage IV. She was misdiagnosed for almost a year. Don't wait. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. Print it <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ovarian-cancer-one-sheet?hs317=billboard_1" target="_blank">HERE.</a></span></div>
</span></span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-85058729119585960662012-03-13T23:54:00.004-04:002012-03-13T23:54:58.812-04:00Was It Worth Starving Myself? Yes.<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Yesterday was "prep" day for my </span>colonoscopy<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">. It wasn't as bad as I remember it being 7 (and 5) years ago. Only problem was that I wasn't allowed to eat solid food after 9AM YESTERDAY! I was starving by the time I got to the hospital at 9 this morning for the procedure. It was worth it though because I got good news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">colonoscopy</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> this morning came back normal. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yay! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had issues about 7 years back with polyps and they were successfully removed at the time, but I was a little worried before the procedure this morning. I'm glad my husband was there with me when I got the good news. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just wanted to put it out there in the blogging world - maybe someone young will read this and say, hmm..., maybe I should get one of those done. I was 30 when I had my first colonoscopy and they found the polyps. I was lucky they were all able to be removed and didn't cause me any harm, but had I waited, that may not have been the case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have any issues, please reach out to your doctor and discuss them. Don't put it off any longer than you already have. You are better off knowing if there is, or is not, a problem so that you can make an informed decision about your health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love. xo</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. </span> </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-7426471311987614442012-03-08T14:32:00.002-05:002012-03-08T14:32:14.228-05:00Targeted Tumor Freezing Therapy Increases Ovarian Cancer Survival<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A new research study from Wayne State University School of Medicine recently proved that freezing tumors increases survival rates in ovarian cancer patients.</span><div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Most ovarian cancer patients that don't have their tumors removed successfully are given a survival rate of 7 months to 2.5 years. In the 21 women in this study, 98 percent showed a survival rate of 56 months or 4.5 years. This is incredible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Read more about this research study here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/241844.php" target="_blank">Medical News Today Tumor Freezing Therapy for Ovarian Cancer</a></span></span></div>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-33819259147826353892012-02-11T19:46:00.002-05:002012-02-11T19:46:28.998-05:00What is Your Opinion?<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was enjoying a cup of coffee and some breakfast at our local coffee house and I ran into an acquaintance of mine whose mom was undergoing chemo for breast cancer. Her mom survived ovarian cancer 20 years ago, but recently had been diagnosed with breast cancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She was talking to me about a documentary that she thought I should watch, <strong><em>Forks over Knives</em></strong>, written and directed by Lee Fulker. She and her family had watched it and then changed her mom's diet to only include fresh, whole foods as well as juices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My friend said her mom's tumors have reduced in size and that she is feeling so much better. The doctors are a little skeptical with the results, but are keeping an open mind. She stands behind the ideas in the movie and thinks it is helping her mom a lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have the documentary on my NetFlix queue and I'm planning on watching it soon. I was wondering if anyone has seen it and what your thoughts are regarding this lifestyle change?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I will update the blog with my thoughts once I watch the documentary and we can compare notes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Much love.</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-38648238914322050772011-12-31T13:29:00.004-05:002011-12-31T13:30:18.016-05:00New Year<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy New Year to all my friends & family. May this new year bring love, health & prosperity to all. May we also get one step closer to a cure for Ovarian Cancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much love. xo</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-34404036728343246512011-12-30T22:45:00.000-05:002011-12-30T22:45:54.625-05:00Genetic Variation Can Predict Ovarian Cancer Outcome<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reported from the December 5, 2011 Science Daily website.</span><br />
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Yale Cancer Center researchers have shown that a tiny genetic variation predicts chances of survival and response to treatment for patients with ovarian cancer.<br />
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New genetic test may help guide the treatment for women with ovarian cancer.<br />
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Read the full article here:<br />
<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082253.htm" target="_blank">Genetic variation predicts chances of survival</a><br />
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Much love. xoSherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-76645173947412255282011-12-30T18:19:00.001-05:002011-12-30T18:20:45.515-05:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62ordTRoBXs/Tv5Gp9rZO0I/AAAAAAAAAEY/AXjT6W5JD2o/s1600/awareness+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62ordTRoBXs/Tv5Gp9rZO0I/AAAAAAAAAEY/AXjT6W5JD2o/s400/awareness+shirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
New logo I'm working on..what do you think?Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-65626195918277846312011-12-18T16:37:00.002-05:002011-12-18T16:37:48.132-05:00Girl with ovarian cancer incorrectly gets pregnancy diagnosis<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">BBC News is reporting that a 17 year old girl went to her General Practitioner with stomach pains and the doctor pushed on her stomach and told her she was pregnant, but probably miscarried.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She and her mother went to the hospital and got an ultrasound and it revealed a tumor. She was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and had a hysterectomy and chemo therapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is just one more example of why we need to spread awareness. The symptoms are not obvious if you aren't looking for them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Read the full story here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16197486" target="_blank">BBC News 17 Year Old Misdiagnosed</a></span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-23797573386684461142011-12-17T12:25:00.001-05:002011-12-17T12:26:22.110-05:00Breast Cancer Vaccine Could Also Reduce Ovarian Cancer Tumors<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Article from Medical News Today states that new vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Georgia and Mayo Clinic in Arizona dramatically reduces tumors in a mouse model.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Researchers think that it could reduce tumors in breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer cases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Link to the article:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/239086.php">Breast Cancer Vaccine Developed by UGA and Mayo Clinic </a>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-6173618379774652292011-12-16T22:29:00.002-05:002011-12-16T22:29:36.906-05:00A Year<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I miss my Mom every day, but this Monday will mark the one year anniversary of her passing. I'm not sure how it has been a year already. It seems like just yesterday we were talking every day and driving to and from chemo once a week. It seems like yesterday that she was holding my children and watching them grow. Now it is a year later and she hasn't been here to see them get bigger or to give me a hug. I don't understand how this happened, but I know that she wanted there to be more awareness about this disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This blog was started because of my Mom. I started it because she said there was no info out there and women just weren't aware of the symptoms. This has to change and that is why I am here today. I started out strong with this blog and stopped working on it when I got sick again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But, now I am BACK...I am going to be devoting most of my time to building this blog and raising awareness for this horrible, horrible disease. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It all starts with one person talking to another person, and then another, and so on. It also comes down to one person reading my blog and then telling another person, and then another, and so on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Please feel free to follow my blog. Feel free to add comments and make this an interactive experience. I will be adding links to articles, research and anything I can find about Ovarian Cancer. You can also follow tealforlife on twitter.com. I would also like you to buy a shirt so that we can get more people talking and learning about Ovarian Cancer. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMABiklXAwksqS3OHomz6iKiPDa1un5upJu5m-VCWIO8lhV-br8RTQndxi8h3h86nR26H1VAwa_bGwYvwxx26CwEB3E9hJtOzT7tMNgFF3IXgpf5olBz6Dm2_NIQCUAZQ9xE2ydc8oCWSV/s1600/Mom+and+Delaney.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMABiklXAwksqS3OHomz6iKiPDa1un5upJu5m-VCWIO8lhV-br8RTQndxi8h3h86nR26H1VAwa_bGwYvwxx26CwEB3E9hJtOzT7tMNgFF3IXgpf5olBz6Dm2_NIQCUAZQ9xE2ydc8oCWSV/s320/Mom+and+Delaney.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom August 2010</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thanks for all of your support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">peace & love</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-61963028019749822292011-09-19T16:46:00.002-04:002011-09-19T16:46:54.325-04:00New Study Lighting Up Cancer Cells to Kill ThemA new technology developed at Purdue University actually makes cancer cells glow, so surgeons can see what they have been missing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/18/eveningnews/main20108009.shtml">CBS News Reports New Study Makes Cancer Cells Glow</a><br />
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-85896296511865379032011-09-14T21:04:00.000-04:002011-09-14T21:04:16.855-04:00Scientists Developing Blood Test to Detect Lung Cancer<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">An article was published yesterday on Voice Of America News regarding new developments in early detection for lung cancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is also an important topic for me, and one that is close to my heart. I lost my Grandpa in November of 2010 to lung cancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He went to the doctor in February and his only symptom was shortness of breath. They did a CT scan and it didn't show anything abnormal - he was told he had COPD and he was sent home . In May they did another CT scan because he wasn't feeling any better and that's when they found the cancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My Grandpa was healthy for most of his life and was diagnosed in June 2010 with Stage IV Lung Cancer and died within 5 months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Scientists are developing a blood test to detect lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, claiming an estimated 1.5 million lives each year. This blood test is similar to the CA 125 test for Ovarian Cancer in that it detects protein signatures. They are hoping that they can develop the tests so doctors can use it on patients at risk for lung cancer within two years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is great news for early detection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/health/Scientists-Work-on-Blood-Test-for-Early-Lung-Cancer-Detection-129758478.html">Blood Test for Early Lung Cancer Detection</a></span><br />
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-53697210500338372312011-09-13T23:33:00.001-04:002011-09-13T23:34:03.279-04:00New Combined-Tool Imaging May Spot Hard To Detect Ovarian Cancer<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Medical News Today</em> is reporting that a new study using only minimally invasive surgery and a device that combines three unrelated imaging tools may help diagnose early-stage ovarian cancer in high risk women. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Researchers from the University of Connecticut and the University of Southern California propose the new approach may be better than the current method of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">preemptive</span> removing of the ovaries.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234341.php#.TnAfKTzyw8c.blogger">New Combined-Tool Imaging May Spot Hard To Detect Ovarian Cancer</a>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-51614035718397339952011-09-13T17:29:00.002-04:002011-09-13T17:30:00.440-04:00Ovarian Cancer One-Sheet<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Print out this sheet courtesy of Dr. Oz and NOCC and take it with you to your next GYN appointment. It's a great starting point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My mom wasn't diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer until it was in Stage IV. She was mis-diagnosed for almost a year. Don't wait. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor sooner rather than later.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ovarian-cancer-one-sheet?hs317=billboard_1">Ovarian Cancer One-Sheet</a>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-55804922112082914062011-09-12T19:04:00.001-04:002011-09-12T19:04:26.677-04:00Daughters with the BRCA Gene Diagnosed 8 years earlier than Mothers were.<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Medical News Today reported that daughters with the BRCA Gene diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer 8 years earlier than their mothers or aunts were.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234256.php">Daughters diagnosed 8 years earlier</a><br />
<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-62708159114759713622011-09-11T23:03:00.000-04:002011-09-11T23:23:05.106-04:00Story of Kansas City Woman With Ovarian Cancer<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is an amazing story about a difficult decision. It is heart-wrenching to hear what they went through, but I know they aren't the only family who has had to face such challenges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A husband loses his job and enlists in the Army to get medical coverage for his wife who is suffering from Ovarian Cancer.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/08/3127823/woman-whose-husband-joined-army.html">http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/08/3127823/woman-whose-husband-joined-army.html</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check it out.</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-27244694416193325052011-09-10T21:51:00.000-04:002011-09-10T21:51:43.948-04:00More About Mom<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sorry I've been offline for a few weeks. I'm back now and we're still in the beginning of September so remember the entire month is dedicated to Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Do your part to bring awareness to everyone you know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether it is through your<strong> <span style="color: cyan;">teal toes</span></strong> or your <span style="color: cyan;"><strong>teal shirt</strong></span> - know that I appreciate everything you are doing to raise awareness. It is exactly how my mom would have wanted it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Back to my mom. It has been a while since I've talked about her and I want to share her stories with you. September 2nd would have been my mom's 59th birthday. It is just weird to look at that "would have been". I hate that this horrible disease took her too soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My mom lived through a lot in her 58 years. She was married to my dad for 19 years before he passed away. He had a heart attack at 39 and passed away at 41. She was too young to be a widow. She had a grown daughter (me) and 2 very small children (ages 5, my brother & 6, my sister). She struggled to find herself in the years that followed and was in a dysfunctional relationship for most of 10 years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Like I said in earlier posts, she knew something was wrong when she was 55 and it took until she was 56 to be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. She had a total hysterectomy and when the doctors did the surgery they found the tumors had spread to her colon and intestines. When she woke from her surgery, she found she had a colostomy bag. This really didn't make her happy at all..that's all we heard about for months. But, I was happy to have my mom for as long as I could keep her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I will share more of her story soon. I miss her so much and I'm getting a little overwhelmed at the outpouring of love, friendship and the little things that add up to huge things. Thank you to everyone for your support in my endeavor to bring awareness to everyone. Much love. xo</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-38984494282958615752011-08-24T17:03:00.001-04:002011-08-24T17:04:32.238-04:00Teal Toes for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My toes are ready for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Are yours?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0wIEWxBeIzLqtsPSNGqWJJ5dD0ItpwEz5sWaRqdGlvW3Mk6kdwo4V8wljcDxitLChBOxuRpSuffcR3NZ6O2adLatJgOCDgURN24jwZ8KbJCQgqy3YbQoakOZ9SXlpAYFhJHSyKgZ_Gxi/s1600/teal+toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0wIEWxBeIzLqtsPSNGqWJJ5dD0ItpwEz5sWaRqdGlvW3Mk6kdwo4V8wljcDxitLChBOxuRpSuffcR3NZ6O2adLatJgOCDgURN24jwZ8KbJCQgqy3YbQoakOZ9SXlpAYFhJHSyKgZ_Gxi/s320/teal+toes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-24720143742816917912011-08-24T14:20:00.000-04:002011-08-24T14:20:29.226-04:00New UK Study on Link Between Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Cysts<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">More testing is needed, but a new UK study shows that postmenopausal women who suffer from ovarian cysts do not have an increased risk of cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">See the article in the Health24 link.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.health24.com/news/Cancer/1-898,65821.asp">Ovarian cysts and Ovarian cancer</a>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-67286035233584791902011-08-22T15:10:00.000-04:002011-08-22T15:10:22.513-04:00Antibody Could Help Predict Ovarian Cancer<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CBS News reporting antibody, mesothelin, could help predict ovarian cancer. Interesting article.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/18/health/webmd/main20093799.shtml"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Antibody could help predict ovarian cancer</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is great news!</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-39227851495560764682011-08-21T16:51:00.000-04:002011-08-21T16:51:31.908-04:00FDA Approval for Ovarian and Breast Cancer Vaccine<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is great news for women! Read more about this new vaccine in the link below.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/232977.php">MayoClinic receives FDA Approval for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Vaccine</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every little step matters.</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-88142179168604324852011-08-17T13:45:00.000-04:002011-08-17T13:45:30.659-04:00What Causes Ovarian Cancer?<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Doctors aren't sure what causes Ovarian cancer, but some studies have indicated the following as risk factors:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Family history of breast, ovarian or colorectal cancers</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Increased risk if your mother, sister or daughter has/had the disease</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Risk increases the more relatives you have with Ovarian cancer</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Not having children and/or not breastfeeding</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Women who have had children decrease their risk. This risk reduces even further with each child they carry</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Obesity</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Obese women (over 30 BMI) have higher risk</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Smoking</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Fertility drugs</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Some studies show that using the fertility drug Clomid for more than one year can increase your risk of developing Ovarian tumors.</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Hormone replacement therapy</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Women taking estrogen after menopause have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Age - specifically women who have gone through menopause</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Half of all Ovarian cancers are found in women over the age of 63</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Talcum powder</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Talcum powder applied directly to the genital area or on a sanitary napkin may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to the ovaries</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></li>
</ul></ul><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These are not all of the risk factors, but something to get you thinking. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I never thought about "risk factors" when it came to cancer. The obvious is smoking, but not all smokers get lung cancer and not everyone with lung cancer is/was a smoker. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">More information can be found here:</span><br />
<a href="http://women.webmd.com/ovarian-cysts">Web MD. Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer</a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/OvarianCancer/DetailedGuide/ovarian-cancer-risk-factors">ACS Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Share this information with someone you love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One step at a time is all we can do. It all starts with the first step.</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247780625784429147.post-29615120632941029272011-08-12T13:53:00.000-04:002011-08-12T13:53:35.527-04:00The Importance of Testing for Ovarian Cancer<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because it is not usually caught at an early stage, as was true with my mother. It is something that you must be vigilant about if you have any of the signs or symptoms of Ovarian cancer. You must also be vigilant if you have a family history of either breast cancer or ovarian cancer, as there is an increased risk of you having the disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Earlier I talked about the warning signs of Ovarian cancer:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Pelvic discomfort or pain</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Lack of energy</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Abdominal pressure, fullness or bloating</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Constipation and/or increased frequency of urination</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Low back pain</span><br />
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Now I want to talk about the tests that are used to find if you are at risk for Ovarian cancer:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>CA 125</strong> is a blood test <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">measures the amount of the protein CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) in your blood. It isn't always a reliable form of testing as it may be missed in early Ovarian Cancer detection, but for someone at high risk due to family history it may still be a good idea to have it checked.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Not all insurance companies cover the cost of this test. Talk to your doctor and insurance company about what is covered. It can be added to any routine blood test.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Please read this link for detailed information about this test.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ca-125-test/MY00590">CA 125 Test</a><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>BRACAnalysis</strong> is a genetic test that can let you know your risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) by identifying a BRCA gene mutation. Most insurance companies will pay for a portion of the test if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancers. My insurance company covered it completely.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">My mother's oncologist did tell me that if you get a negative result on your BRACAnalysis, it may be a false negative and the test would have to be done again. Insurance companies may not cover the second test.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Please read this link for more information.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.bracnow.com/faqs/#75">BRACAnalysis</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Methods that doctors use to diagnose Ovarian cancer are:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Pelvic exam</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Transvaginal ultrasound</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Surgery to remove samples of tissue for testing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">More information can be found on the MayoClinic website.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/DS00293/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis">Ovarian Cancer Tests and Diagnosis</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Overall, it is extremely important to speak up and talk to your doctor about what you are feeling. If you have any of these symptoms, call and make an appointment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When my mom started seeing doctors in 2008, they gave her antacids because her stomach always felt "full". They weren't aware or didn't notice the symptom of Ovarian cancer. Finally, she saw the episode of the View that talked about Ovarian Cancer and the CA 125 test. She called her doctor and asked for the CA 125 test and when the results came back extremely high, that is when they scheduled the transvaginal ultrasound and found all the tumors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One of the reasons I started this blog is so that we can raise awareness and money to help fund early detection of Ovarian Cancer. It's only the first step in this very important journey.</span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293941475832728223noreply@blogger.com0