Well, it’s officially Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I’m celebrating 5 years as a breast cancer survivor. I never expected to be the ONE of eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. With no family history or any other risk factors, I figured I fell squarely into the “safe seven” who wouldn’t be diagnosed. I thought I could be supportive of my girlfriends who were diagnosed with breast cancer (and some men, too, since they are at risk for breast cancer, though in much smaller numbers than their female counterparts) without having to experience it myself.
But life has a strange way of working sometimes, and when I was 38 years old I was diagnosed with the pink ribbon disease. As I’m sure you can imagine, the past few years have been a mixture of intense worry and extreme hope for me and my family. My children now seem acclimated to cancer as a part of the fabric of our lives. They’ve survived having a mother diagnosed with cancer, and I’ve survived the past five years.
Two years after my diagnosis, when I turned forty, I threw myself a big party and invited the women who supported me throughout my treatment. For my five year anniversary, I didn’t want to throw myself another party (even though it was very fun and life affirming!), so instead I did something that I have a passion for — I edited a book about what helped me and hundreds of other cancer survivors get through this truly awful experience.
My new book, What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope, just came out a few days ago. It was published by the American Cancer Society. I think of this book as a way for those who’ve been there to reach back and pull others through who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis now. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or someone you care about has, this guide contains both practical advice and amazing inspiration from hundreds of survivors who were kind enough to contribute.
I launched my new book the first weekend in October at the Northcoast Breast Cancer Conference in Sandusky, Ohio. Jeff Kraybill and his wife, Lauralee Kraybill, who is a survivor, organize the conference. They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, like so many people who contribute to this cause.
I met a lot of wonderful people in Sandusky, including oncologists and oncology nurses who are dedicated to providing the best cancer care available in middle America. I’m always impressed when I speak at conferences in different parts of the country by how dedicated people are to supporting cancer treatment and research. Cancer, and even more narrowly, breast cancer, touches just about everyone’s life, even if they never get the disease themselves. The women who are in the “safe seven” have mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends who, like me, will be the ONE.
It’s heartening to see that at a time when the economy is floundering and politicians are getting pretty nasty with their rhetoric before the presidential election, there are people all across the country coming together and giving their time and hard-earned money to support a cure for cancer. Indeed, I hope that all of you reading this blog will remember October 2008 not only as a time of economic uncertainty and a prelude to the November 4th election, but also as a month to focus on breast cancer awareness.
If you are a cancer survivor, what helped you the most as you went through treatment? If you are a friend or family member of someone who had or has cancer, how did you help them?
More health information and tips from Harvard Medical SchoolSign up for HEALTHbeat, the free weekly email newsletter from Harvard Health Publications.
Don't miss the LIVE CHAT with Dr. Julie Silver about Breast Cancer Awareness on Tuesday, October, 28th at 8pm in the Harvard Health Group.
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Comments: 8
I was diagnosed in July 2006 and completed my treatments in June 2007.
My family and friends were a wonderful support team for me during treatments. Church friends brought us delicious meals and I received many cards, emails and phone calls of support that helped me move forward.
I hope that I can use my experience to be there for others touched by cancer.
It seems many women in transition at my age end up throwing themselves into exercise. It's the cheapest way to generate testosterone (who wants that, but you need it to add muscle mass), human growth hormone and assorted endorphins and serotonin. Buying this stuff from the drug companies is expensive and risks rather bad side effects.
I teach water exercise now, and I do certain yoga exercises to prevent swelling in the arm with resection. I run around volunteering with save-the-world sorts of groups, including working the door at a City Repair Halloween party called Howl. I have rented out rooms to pay mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.
It's scary year-round, but that's life for most 50-something women I think. Sometimes I can pass as invisible as Gloria Steinem promised. The Hobbit needed a ring. Some of us at my age could probably pass without any jewelry at all.
I have been told I would be more employable if I dyed my hair, but I just can't bother with that. I am thinking about getting it cut to about 1/8 inch. No need to dry that when I would jump out of the pool.
Blessings or good thoughts, as you wish.
m
by Stacey Chillemi
Author: Stacey Chillemi
ISBN(s): 1435721373
Lulu Inc, http://www.lulu.com/content/2018211
Overview
Having breast cancer can be devastating for the woman affected - and for her family and love ones. Many women diagnosed feel devastated, confused, and very alone. Today, approximately one in almost every eight women (13.4%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. “Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques,” brings together comprehensive information about breast cancer and unlike other books on breast cancer this book includes, useful information about breast cancer, self-help techniques to help you cope emotionally, recovery techniques, nutrition and fitness, recipes to use during chemotherapy, mediation exercises, poetry and stories written by breast cancer survivors and much more… This book is geared toward readers that are currently going through it, have experienced breast cancer, or just want to learn about breast cancer. Change your life; learn to cope with it so you can learn to live a happy, healthy & productive life for all it is worth.
Approach
Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques is geared toward readers that are currently going through it, have experienced breast cancer, or just want to learn about breast cancer. Change your life; learn to cope with it so you can learn to live a happy, healthy & productive life for all it is worth.
The Author
Stacey Chillemi holds a B.S from Stockton College. She is a successful author, writer, journalist, Life Coach and parent. She is the founder of the Inspirational Book Shop located at http://www.lulu.com/staceychillemi.com and www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi.
Stacey is an expert in Lifestyle Development and helping individual achieve their dreams. Through a unique blend of education and experience, she possesses the skills to train and develop people into the person they desire to become. Stacey gives people the education they need to live a healthy, happy productive life.
A master of motivation and personal leadership, Stacey Chillemi will lead individuals on the journey of self-discovery and positive thinking that is life. She will apply her considerable knowledge and skill to assist you people in developing a lifestyle people only dream!
Individuals will earn to double, triple or exponentially increase their productivity. Learn how to set and attain goals that will not only sustain them but also fulfill them. Learn how to enjoy the journey that is life! Learn to "Happily Achieve" and escape negative thinking and low self-esteem for good.
Stacey Chillemi will help you get where you want to go. Stacey has helped hundreds of people. She is a dedicated advocate for people who have epilepsy and other disabilities. She has helped hundreds of people to cope with their disorder and get on with their lives.
Stacey lives in Manalapan, New Jersey with her husband Michael and their three children Michael, Alexis, Anthony and their two Shih Tzu Princess and Rocco. They summer in Long Beach Island, New Jersey where you can catch her on the beach. She is an extremely positive person who always has a smile on her face. She lives the lifestyle of wealth of money and time and can teach you how to do it as well.
BOOKS PUBLISHED BY STACEY CHILLEMI:
1. The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body
2. Natural Cures For Common Conditions
3. Epilepsy You're Not Alone
4. Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry Straight from the Heart
5. My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book)
6. My Daddy Has Epilepsy (Children’s Book)
7. Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above (poetry book)
8. Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy
9. Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know
Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques
10. Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope
11. How to Be Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet
12. How to Become Wealthy in Real Estate
13. How to Become Wealthy Selling Ebooks
14. Life’s Missing Instruction Manual: Beyond Words
15. How To Become Wealthy Selling Products on The Internet
16. Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques
STACEY CHILLEMI STORIES AND POETRY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN:
• Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul
• Chicken Soup for the Shoppers Soul
• Whispers of Inspiration
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation
• Speaker at different events for schools, organizations, political events
• Spoke in front of Congress in Washington for employment discrimination for people with epilepsy
• Appeared on four talk shows to discuss epilepsy focusing on the importance of understanding epilepsy, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.
• Appeared on radio stations discussing epilepsy
• Appeared on the Michael Dressor Show – Health Radio
• Appeared in newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger.
• June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award.
• Received awards in my achievements and certificates in recognition for outstanding efforts in trying to improve society.
• Active participant in organizations and activities.
• Published over 400 articles.
• Author has a dynamic personality and strong public speaking skills.
EDUCATION:
Stockton College, Pomona NJ
• Associate Degree in Business
• BA in Marketing
• Minor in Advertising.
CAREER EXPERIENCE:
• Journalist for The Journal Magazine
• Worked for NBC on Dateline
• Channel 4 News
• Today Show
• Managing Editor for the Fashion Magazine UZURI.
• Own Freelance Company
The Secret: How Positive Thinking Can Bring You Happiness & Success
By
Stacey Chillemi
Chapter Outline
Section 1
1. What is Breast Cancer?
2. How Does Breast Cancer Begin?
3. The Causes of Breast Cancer
4. The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
5. The Warning Signs
6. How to Perform a Self – Examination (in the mirror, in the shower, lying down) 7. The Most Common Types of Breast Cancer
8. How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed
9. The Stages of Breast Cancer
10. How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed
11. How Breast Cancer is Treated
12. What Happens After Treatment?
13. How You Can Protect Yourself from Breast Cancer
Section 2 - Recovery
14. Nutrition
15. Understanding Food Groups
16. Balancing Your Diet
Section 3 - The Myths about Breast Cancer
17. The Myths about Breast Cancer
18. The Myths about Breast Cancer Surgery
19. The Myths about Radiation Therapy
20. The Myths about Chemotherapy
Section 4 – Self Help Techniques
21. Your Inner Self
22. The New You
23. Being Honest with Yourself
24. Your Dreams Are Not Just Dreams – The True Meaning of Dreams
25. The Importance of Self Esteem & Self Confidence
26. Using Meditation to Help Cope with Breast Cancer
Sections 5 – Stories & Poetry about Breast Cancer
27. Stories & Poetry about Breast Cancer
28. Breast Cancer: Resources
29. Glossary
Stacey Chillemi
22 Heather Drive
Manalapan, NJ 07726
Author comments:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, after nonmelanoma skin cancer. Over the past 50 years, the number of women diagnosed with the disease has increased each year. Today, approximately one in almost every eight women (13.4%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer -- and is the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 35 to 54. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 211,240 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 40,410 will die. Although these numbers may sound frightening, research reveals that the mortality rate could decrease by 30% if all women age 50 and older who need a mammogram had one. As a woman, I firmly believe that we cannot wait until the doctors diagnose us with a frightening disease, such as breast cancer and hope for a miracle cure. It is up to each individual to educate themselves, understand what breast cancer is, how it is caused and how we can help ourselves, so the chances of getting breast cancer is increasing low.
Testimonials:
Source: Lori, Someone who read one of Author Stacey Chillemi's Books
Review:
I just wanted to write to you and let you know how much you have inspired me. My daughter bought me your book, 'Epilepsy Your Not alone.' You would not believe all the highlighting I have done in the book. Thank you for writing the book.
Source: Alesha Williams, Asbury Park Press Newspaper
Review:
Chillemi gives people encouragement, hope, to help them realize that they are somebody.
Source: Someone who read one of Author Stacey Chillemi's Books
Review:
Your book has helped me so very much when I was at extremely low ebb with this new world I am facing. Thank you so much for letting me know where I can read more. I read your book, I wanted to focus on everything but seizures, get my mind off all this craziness, and I spent 3 hours doing a soul searching with all your guidelines and goals, issues, and concerns in your book. I have a plan in place, and I am doing a weekly assessment of how the plan is being accomplished. Your book was such a lifesaver; I think God had a hand in pointing me to your book. Sorry I have gotten so wordy, here, but your book saved me.
Source: Della Crews Reporter --Anchor / Talk Show Host /News 12 NJ,
Review:
Life deals us many hard blows that we often don't expect. I admire the fact that someone like Stacey Chillemi was thrown a curve ball that may have knocked many of us down to the point where many of us may not have wanted to get back up, but she did. It was not easy but she possesses a determined spirit that will not let her give up. For that reason, Stacey will go far and achieve whatever dreams she sets her mind to accomplish.
Source: By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor
Review:
Stacey Chillemi is 36 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing. Chillemi journey and reason for life is her writing and family. --By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor
Excerpt/first chapter:
What Is Breast Cancer? Each month, a woman's breasts go through temporary changes associated with menstruation, and a lump may form. While the vast majority of these growths are not cancerous, any lump should be examined immediately. Lumps are most common in the lobules -- small sacs that produce milk -- or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. However, they occasionally start in other tissue. The two main categories of breast cancer are lobular and ductal carcinomas. Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of a small, confined tumor. Some tumors are benign, meaning they do not invade other tissue; others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to metastasize, or spread. Once such a tumor grows to a certain size, it is more likely to shed cells that spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Different types of breast cancer grow and spread at different rates; some take years to spread beyond the breast, while others move quickly. Men can get breast cancer, too, but they account for less than one-half of one percent of all cases. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths -- behind lung cancer. If eight women were to live to be at least 85, one of them would be expected to develop the disease at some point during her life. Two-thirds of women with breast cancer are over 50, and most of the rest are between 39 and 49. Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Localized tumors can usually be treated successfully before the cancer spreads; and in nine in 10 cases, the woman will live at least another five years. Experts usually consider a five-year survival to be a cure. Once the cancer begins to spread, getting rid of it completely is more difficult, although treatment can often control the disease for years. Improved screening procedures and treatment options mean that at least seven out of 10 women with breast cancer will survive more than five years after initial diagnosis, and half will survive more than 10 years.
Order Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques in our Bookshop
http://www.lulu.com/content/2018211