Archives for October 2017

12 years ago the sweetest 3 year old girl gave my mom her favorite puppy.

She told mom that when she feels bad, it always makes her feel better.  For the next 2 months that puppy was always within arms reach, and I truly believe it did make her feel better when many of the things she was going through with breast cancer did not.

A week after mom left us way too soon, that little girls favorite puppy was returned to her.

During those precious final two months, we had many long conversations about life and the future. One thing she told me was that my hurt in losing her will begin to fade when I have children.  While she was somewhat right, knowing how much joy she would have given our two girls and how much joy they would have given her; I miss her more, not less.

A week after our first daughter Iris was born, in a nondescript box, and without a letter; the same puppy arrived in the mail for her.  That same 3 year old who’s now nearing her drivers license could never know how much a simple act means to me and my family and how much it meant to my mom.

Children should not grow up without a grandma. 

Open your hearts. Open your wallets. Support the American Cancer Society where they work every day to help women with breast cancer become grandmas without.

Donate to Team Brian

Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer type in women – not that you’d know it from the (nonexistent) press coverage.

Almost 3% of women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer at some point during their lifetime. 

It’s also called endometrial cancer since it usually starts in the inner lining of the uterus (called the endometrium). Most cases occur in women aged 45-74 and present with unusual vaginal bleeding or pain in the pelvis. 

The most common risk factors include obesity, certain inherited conditions and taking estrogen alone (without progesterone). Women who take Tamoxifen for breast cancer also have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.  

Uterine cancer is often curable, but women may have to go through surgery and/or radiation and/or chemotherapy to achieve cure. As with most cancers the earlier it’s diagnosed the better the chances. Approximately 80% of women who are diagnosed with endometrial cancer can be expected to survive for 5 years or longer.  

Even though breast cancer grabs all the headlines (especially in October), women need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of uterine cancer. It is especially important that post-menopausal women who experience vaginal spotting or bleeding seek medical attention.  

Early diagnosis is key to a good outcome!