PTEN – Page 21 – beatingcowdens

Happy Birthday to my boobs!

Published on March 4, 2013March 4, 2013 by beatingcowdens12 Comments

Remember where you were a year ago?

I do.

A year ago this evening I was pacing the floors. Making sure Meghan was packed for school. Triple checking my hospital bag. Planning my last meal by midnight, and pacing the floors – quite sure I wouldn’t sleep.

I was right.

I hadn’t arrived at that moment in my life by accident. It was the result of years of breast biopsies for suspicious masses. MRIs, sonograms, mammograms – and a mother who was a bilateral breast cancer survivor. Not to mention my diagnosis of Cowden’s Syndrome that had been confirmed only months before I met the warm, caring, and decisive surgeon that was about to remove part of my body. Don’t wait till the summer – she somehow convinced me. March 5th. Get it done.

One year ago, on the morning of March 5th 2012, after vomiting repeatedly from terror, my husband and I left and headed to NYU hospital for my “prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.”

We checked in by 6 AM. I can remember every detail of the morning. It is imprinted in my subconsciousness. It may fade over time – but for now…

My brother in law called my cell phone by six. We prayed together. Then, I just focused on breathing.

Checking in takes forever. Everyone stopping in. Lots of waiting. I paced that small room so many times I swear my footprints are probably still there.

And my husband – my pillar of strength – just waited with me. When I wanted him to pay attention – he stopped and held my hand. When I wanted him to ignore me, he dutifully read comics on his iphone. I would not have wanted to be him.

I had to explain to the resident filling out the paper that I was not having “tissue expanders” put in. Well this was not an easy concept for him. Apparently that is just what everyone does. The expanders are placed during the mastectomy, and then “filled” until the tissue expands to the size you would like, and then the silicone is placed.

Well I had already had a long talk with my plastic surgeon. I had no desire to have giant boobs. Nope. I was sure.

She can keep her award... — She can keep her award…

At 38 years old, and the mother of a nervous 8 year old, all I wanted was to leave the hospital and not have to return for another surgery. (The sweet irony of that wasn’t realized until I returned 10 weeks later for my hysterectomy… but anyway)

I had convinced the plastic surgeon to use whatever silicone implant she could – and put them right in. After a lengthy discussion, she agreed. It was more important for me to get right home to Meghan.

This resident was having a hard time wrapping his head around this, but finally we got the papers right. They were to put in whatever one of these fit best – preferably a matched pair.

Finally it was time to head to the operating room.

I have had lots and lots of surgeries, but the thought that I was engaging in such a major procedure “prophylactic-ally” was literally making me weak at the knees. Fortunately I managed to hook up with an absolutely awesome surgeon/plastic surgeon team. Two women who are talented, compassionate, and understanding. They gave me the peace of mind I needed right before the anesthesia. The last words I recall before I woke up – “You’re doing the right thing.”

They expected a “clean easy procedure.” After all I had had an MRI just a month prior to confirm I was cancer free.

Recovery from anesthesia isn’t my forte, although I have improved with experience. I got to visit with my sister, and enjoy my husband.

The peace I felt after this surgery can not be understated. I was so relieved. The storm had been calmed. It was done.

I left the hospital about 28 hours later on March 6th. I couldn’t wait to see my girl. The drains were still in place and they would stay for another week, but the hardest of the hard work was done.

So, on March 5th – my boobs are officially a year old. At least that’s the day I adopted them.

And what a year it has been.

A week after my “prophylactic” mastectomy, I held in my hands a pathology report that clearly stated I had DCIS – early stage Breast Cancer. Among the other “precancerous” conditions embedded in that report was the reality that I no longer had to be concerned with the “what if?” It was done. I was OK. By the Grace of God alone – the cancer was out before it was ever a problem. And, whenever I doubt, or get angry or frustrated by our Cowden’s Syndrome journey, I am reminded of that moment. Without Meghan, and without her diagnosis. I would have never proceeded with such an aggressive surgery. God gave me my little girl, and spared my life. We will use that gift as often as we can.

The weeks of recovery went smoothly, with lots of help from mom.

And then it seemed – no sooner was I back at work, that I was being told by another surgeon that I NEEDED a complete hysterectomy – now. So, in May we went back. This time at least everything was benign.

This is the year that included 2 surgeries for Mom and a thyroid biopsy for Meghan. It included a car accident that I am still healing from. (And the very first thing I checked after I realized I had been in an accident was that my silicone was intact!)

It included Grandma’s fall, and ongoing recovery.

It included circumstances that caused me to step away from my church, and blessings that led me to a new one.

This year I laughed deep laughs, and I cried gut wrenching tears. I got re-acquainted with old friends, and I met new friends in support groups online.

This year I learned there are some benefits to small silicone boobs… (with no nipples!) I got to go bra-less for the first time in YEARS!

This year we vowed to make a difference,

This year we gave out over 2,000 denim ribbons, and taught a whole lot of people about Cowden’s Syndrome and Rare Diseases, and the Global Genes Project.

This year was only the beginning of the rest of our lives.

One year without my old boobs. One year with the new and improved CANCER FREE version. One year of countless blessings. One year of boobs that will never sag!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BOOBS!

Cowden’s Syndrome – You’re NOT the boss of US!

Published on March 3, 2013March 3, 2013 by beatingcowdens1 Comment

“You’re not the boss of me!”

Sometimes little kids can be misguided. Sometimes, Mom, Dad, or teacher is in fact the BOSS of them. But that statement from the mouth of a child is the beginning of their move towards independent thought. And, if nurtured properly can lead to a productive, independent, determined adult.

That’s what we are getting at here.

You see I spend enough time around children, that their words and phrases sometimes stick with me. And this one is stuck with me this weekend. So I reflect how it applies to my 9 and a half year old daughter and my 39 and a half year old self.

See, even though Meghan is very good at realizing I am often the BOSS of her, she will not be easily ruled. And while I love her independence, I love more the fact that she remains respectful towards her father and I – and dare I say, all the adults she deals with. She, as an only child has lots of bosses, but I encourage her to rise up against the tyrant that is Cowden’s Syndrome – and she does.

If Cowden’s Syndrome were her boss, she would sit idly by while the pain persisted; in the knees, the ankle, the shoulder, the wrist or whatever joint it currently is attempting a choke hold on.

But, since its not – she goes to dance class on Monday, Swim practice on Tuesday, Music and Movement on Thursday, and Swim Meets on the weekend. She often cries in pain in the hours following these events. But never once does she talk of stopping.

You see, Cowden’s Syndrome is not the boss of her.

Cowden’s Syndrome would have her hide in a corner, ashamed of an “orphan” disease that no one can really understand. But hiding is not for my girl. Instead she asks for a denim ribbon necklace. She learns about the Global Genes Project, she understands “Rare Disease Day,” and she actively participates in the “Wear that you Care” campaign. She makes thousands of denim ribbons, and informational fliers. She gives 2 speeches at her school. She even wrote a book about it. HA! Don’t tell her no one really knows about Cowden’s Syndrome – because she will take it as a challenge, and fix it.

A denim cause ribbon, crafted after the Global Genes Project's slogan, "Hope it's in our Genes!" — A denim cause ribbon, crafted after the Global Genes Project’s slogan, “Hope it’s in our Genes!”

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200149863021946 (To see Meghan’s speech)

Cowden’s Syndrome – with its biopsies and cancer risks would like to leave us terrified. Instead, we are empowered. Meghan got the anesthesia she needed and deserved, to have her last thyroid biopsy with dignity. The terror is gone. We will have anesthesia next time too. And, if the cancer hits – we are ready. We are empowered.

Cowden’s Syndrome – You’re NOT the boss of us.

You certainly don’t rule me. 85% risk of breast cancer – yeah, so? Endometrial cancer? Nope – don’t need that either. Thyroid cancer – half gone already, and checked every 6 months. Melanoma – nope. And annual skin exams just to be sure. Colonoscopy – did that. Clean enough to wait until 2015. My spleen – well. That’s still in limbo. But you know what? Whatever. I have stared down worse.

Just came back from my girl’s first swim meet. Time to relish in the satisfaction that something normal happened here today. We will handle the pain, with the smile of knowing – she’s pretty fast.

I know you’re staying Cowden’s Syndrome. I know we can’t ever get rid of you. But, seriously. Unpack in the basement closet and stay away from us.

Cowden’s Syndrome – You’re NOT the boss of US!

This is it!

Published on February 27, 2013February 27, 2013 by beatingcowdens2 Comments

Yesterday was another trip to the rheumatologist. She is lovely, but hasn’t a bit of a clue why Meghan’s pain persists – often through the Celebrex, and ALWAYS without it.

She prescribes the medicine. She examines her. She sees no signs of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We speak for a little bit about Cowden’s Syndrome, her thyroid, and some of the other battles she has endured. I ask the doctor if this could all be related.

And she, candidly, honestly replies, “I don’t know. I am starting to think there is some link, but I don’t know enough about your syndrome to put it together.”

Well at least she is honest. But it is tiresome. The traveling. The doctors. The lack of answers.

So tonight, as I gave Meghan Tylenol after swim practice because the knee pain wouldn’t cut her a break. We turned our thoughts to tomorrrow, and the 6th Annual World Rare Disease Day.

This year’s motto is “Rare Disorders without Borders.” It got Meghan and I to thinking about how nice it would be if doctors in all the countries would share their research. There are so many rare diseases throughout the world. So many more dire than our own. There are so few people even looking for cures. As she chats and gets to know a girl in Australia with Cowden’s, we can’t help but think about how much more voice each of our disorders would have “without borders.”

http://www.rarediseaseday.org/solidarity (This link takes you to a video on Rare Disease Day)

We talked a little about the newspaper article, and how it has helped spread awareness in out community. We talked about all the ribbons we have made and distributed, and how nice it will be to see them tomorrow, and know we are not alone. We have raised awareness of Rare Diseases, and we have only just begun.

http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2013/02/staten_island_9-year-old_and_h.html (This is a link to our article from the SI Advance – February 20th)

Meghan, and her determination will see her dream of the “One of a kind” necklace with the Global Genes Project Logo, find its way into their new store. She will see more and more people recognizing that “Hope is in our Genes,” and the denim ribbon gives an identity to those who too often have none.

Tomorrow people will understand what it means to “Wear That You Care,” as they don their jeans locally and globally.

My daughter, one of the compassionate people I know, is also the least judgmental. She is kind. Because she knows what it means to need kindness. She is kind because she has faith, and wisdom gifted to her. She is kind because, “You can’t tell by looking at someone if they are sick or in pain.”

We share a genetic mutation. I am her mother. She is my role model and my hero.

She makes me a better person.

Wear your jeans – February 28th, 2013.

Meghan Speaks Out!

Published on February 25, 2013 by beatingcowdens8 Comments

Maybe tonight I would have to call Meghan the “Guest Blogger.”

What you read below is her speech. She was asked to prepare something to read for her school for “Rare Disease Day” on Thursday. She is an excellent public speaker, and fights only a few “butterflies” before she speaks. She always makes me so proud. I wish I could be there!

The text of the speech was written by her. I typed it, and then she went back in and changed it again. I added the pictures… just for here – because I like to!

She will review the speech with her principal tomorrow, but I don’t expect many changes.

When did my baby grow up?

**********************************************************************************************************

Some of you, who know me, know me as Meghan Ortega. Or, maybe you know me as Meghan from 4^th grade, or Meghan from Mrs. Worsdale’s and Mrs. LaMonaca’s class.

You might, if you know me a little better, know me as Meghan who loves to read, and swim. You might know me as Meghan who loves dogs.

Maybe you know that I have 2 dogs that I love, and a mom who is a teacher and a dad who is an electrician.

Lucky, Meghan and Allie - My three girls — Lucky, Meghan and Allie – My three girls

But, until today, very few of you knew that I am Meghan Ortega and I suffer with a Rare Disease called Cowden’s Syndrome.

Until September of 2011 I didn’t know I had this Rare Disease. What I did know was that something was wrong and my body was far from that of a “normal” kid.

For as long as I can remember, every week of my life has included AT LEAST one doctor’s appointment, and lots of times even more.

You’ve all been to the doctor and you know it’s not fun. It involves waiting and waiting…and even more waiting. It also involves poking and prodding. For me, it often means being sent to more and more and more doctors…

My mom says when I was a baby I wasn’t really comfortable, and I cried all the time. I almost never slept, and wouldn’t drink my bottle.

When we talk about it now, we think my body knew I couldn’t handle dairy products, and dairy is in milk.

Mom also tells me that I started seeing lots of doctors when I was just a few weeks old. Soon there were doctors to check almost every part of my body.

I have had 9 surgeries. I remember having my gall bladder out before I turned 4. I also had a lipoma (a soft tissue tumor that people with Cowden’s Syndrome get.)

I had knee surgery 4 times for an AVM in my right knee. An AVM is a vascular malformation. It is also common in Cowden’s Syndrome. It feels very strange because it pulses like your heart beat. Every time I had that surgery the doctor thought I wouldn’t need another one. But they have already done 4, and they are not sure if the AVM will ever go away, so I will probably need more.

Because I am in pain so much, I get physical therapy in and out of school. My outside physical therapist, Dr. Jill told Mom that she should take me to see a geneticist. I didn’t really understand what that was, but we went because that is just what I do.

Dr.Pappas at NYU was really nice. He examined me and he talked to me and mom. When he was done he drew some blood. He said he was pretty sure of what I had, but we had to wait for the test results.

In September of 2011, just as I was starting 3^rd grade, we went back to his office and he told us that I have Cowden’s Syndrome. It means that my PTEN gene is broken. Your body is made up of all sorts of genes, but these are G-E-N-E-S, not J-E-A-N-S like the ones you wear. PTEN is the gene that keeps your body from growing tumors. Because mine is broken I get more growths, like the AVM, the lipoma, and the nodules on my thyroid that I have to have checked every 6 months.

As soon as I was diagnosed, the doctor talked to my mom and said she probably had Cowden’s too. He took her blood and a few weeks later she tested positive.

Because of the Cowden’s my mom had lots of tests done, and it explained a lot of things about the 17 surgeries she has had. On March 5^th it will be a year since she had surgery for breast cancer. She is just fine. She says that knowing she had Cowden’s helped her find it early. She says to everyone that my diagnosis saved her life.

When I am here at school I smile a lot. I don’t like to dwell on anything bad. We spend enough time with doctors so I try to enjoy my time with kids.

You would probably never know by looking at me, that I am in pain a lot. I take medicine every day that helps my joints hurt less than they used to, but still most days I have pain. It is hard for me to climb up the stairs, and play at recess, but I do it.

We first heard about “World Rare Disease Day” last year, but at the time we were a little too stunned to do anything about it.

This year I told my mom I wanted to do something to make people more aware of Cowden’s Syndrome and all rare diseases. I was not ready yet to do a fund raiser – I just wanted to get the word out that Rare Diseases like ours exist. There are over 7,000 of them!

I shared my idea with Mrs. Manfredi and she said I could give out the ribbons and information you received today. I was really excited.

“Hope it’s in our genes” is the motto of the Global Genes Project. They try to raise awareness and find cures for all rare diseases.

Today I think it’s important for you to know you can’t ever really judge someone by how they look on the outside. You never know what’s going on inside of them.

Be kind.

Be aware.

Rare Diseases are everywhere.

Thank you

** By Meghan – Age 9!

Priceless!

Published on February 19, 2013February 19, 2013 by beatingcowdens4 Comments

Waking up before the rest of my family on a vacation day – 2 cups of caffeine.

Filling the car with gas- $50.

Traveling through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel $13 roundtrip.

Parking for 4 hours – $25.

Two doctor Copays $20 each.

Trip across the Verazanno Bridge… about $6 with my EZpass.

But, the news from the dermatologist that I can stretch the visits a whole year, combined with the news from the breast surgeon that “everything looks great and I will see you in 6 months!”

ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!

So we cross small hurdles gleefully.

We had 7 appointments carefully scheduled for this week to avoid time off from work/school. Three doctors apparently realized last week they have kids at home and cancelled. So this concise week of appointments will stretch a bit, but I have begun scheduling the 11 doctors and 4 scans I can remember that are due in June/July.

I will do everything in my power to consolidate them.

Cowden’s Syndrome WILL NOT run our lives.

We are actively preparing for RARE DISEASE DAY…. (FEBRUARY 28th – Get your denim ready!)

Until Friday when we see the vascular surgeon about that pesky AVM…

Anxiety- an after effect, or a symptom?

Published on February 16, 2013February 16, 2013 by beatingcowdens8 Comments

An interesting “conversation” in one of my online groups this week, regarding increased levels of anxiety and depression conected to PTEN mutations.

This is really how I view the race against Cowden's Syndrome — This is really how I view the race against Cowden’s Syndrome

One of those conversations that make you wonder if it is better to be validated or to fight the idea that this perpetual anxious feeling is actually hardwired into your genes.

I looked up the articles too. I love to read for myself. The experiments are done on mice. I suppose there aren’t enough of us to get a controlled group for a good study, (although there is a drug called rapamycin being studied on humans – but that’s for a different day.) But, among other symptoms the mice in their mazes did show marked increase in anxiety. Although. I have to imagine if I was a mouse in a maze I might get nervous too…

Now I have a lot of throughts on this.

I have always been a worrier – highly anxious about most things. Anyone who knows me knows that to be true.

But, conversely – throughout large portions of my life there has definitely been something to worry about.

So, as the chicken/egg thing goes -do I worry because anxiety is a part of Cowden’s syndrome, and even before my diagnosis I have had Cowden’s? Or do I have acute bouts of anxiety because having Cowden’s gives me so much to be anxious about?

The best answer probably is – both.

I am a rational person by all rights. Even in the middle of my worst anxiety I can stop and think and KNOW that my fears are irrational. I can have the absolute belief that God will continue to care for the situation, and for my loved ones, yet still it is often like a crushing weight on my chest, making it hard t0 think, breathe or move.

What I have on my side is that I was raised to keep on keeping on. Thanks Mom, and Grandma and Pop especially… when the going got tough, we were taught to keep going. So while I comfort myself with verses about tomorrow having enough worries of its own, and while I am faced with horrendous tragedies of things that cannot be controlled, I am able to press on.

So I can function, and the anxiety does not cripple me. And, I know the “nature vs. nurture” reasons to explan it.

But I do know that my daughter suffers too. Not just with a PTEN mutation, and Cowden’s Syndrome, but also with anxiety. She is a worrier, “just like her mother” they say. Yep. Maybe she is like me because of genetics, or my example. I can’t really know for sure.

So what to do?

For me, the first step is just acceptance.

I am a worrier.

Regardless of the cause, and allthe logical justifications I can give myself – I will remain a worrier.

Then, find an outlet. I am still working on this one. I am thinking I like to write – so maybe that will help some. I would like to get a few minutes to myself now and again. I used to love to walk. Maybe one day there will be time for some nice long walks.

I meditate a bit on the bright side. Be grateful for the “good” that comes with a chronic illness like Cowden’s Syndrome. I am not referring to the pain, and the surgeries, and the cancers looming, but rather to the “warning” system built in. Parents would do anything to protect thier children. How blessed am I that even among the strain of ceaseless appointments and hours waiting at offices and for results, we have a warning system. I am confident that if we are vigilant, the Cowden’s won’t “get us.”

Stay organized. Don’t let the bills, the list of phone calls, the shredding, or the sorting to pile up. It will just keep coming.

Stay ahead of the school projects. You never can tell where tomorrow is going to land us.

Laugh. Often. It is deeply good not only for the anxiety, but also for the soul.

Recognize you have lots to smile about.

Acknowledge the pain of others and “Pay it Forward” when you can. I find that NOT dwelling on our lives here, helps make me less anxious.

Did the Cowden’s cause the anxiety? Is it hard wired into who I am as a person? Is Meghan destined to be forever wondering and worrying? Or, did a life of doctor’s appointments, pain, chronic disease, and general worry, create the anxiety?

It really doen’t matter because it is here. It is part of me, and to la large extent – us. I doubt it is going anywhere. I think its just my job to control the beast the best way I can, one day at a time.

It was NOT the Cowden’s… this time!

Published on February 6, 2013February 6, 2013 by beatingcowdens1 Comment

Insert HUGE sigh of relief here.

We saw the retina specialist. He was a young guy. He took a medical history. He had never heard of Cowden’s Syndrome so he took 15 minutes to read and familiarize himself with it so we could have an intelligent conversation BEFORE the exam. (This is where all my fellow Cowden’s sufferers stop in amazement… yes – imagine that!)

He understood my concerns, especially the vascular ones since the eye doctor saw “something” on the picture of the eye.

Even with her having said, “It’s Probably Nothing, but…,” he still took almost 1 hour start to finish on the exam.

He looked in her eye. He photographed the eye. He tested her eye pressure, and her vision with and without glasses. He systematically eliminated cause for concern, until he was able to say – yes, her vision declined – but I don’t see any ominous reason why that happened.

There is NO evidence of vascular lesion. There is NOTHING to indicate that Cowden’s Syndrome played any part in this one. Instead, it’s a bit of “cat and mouse.” This time we are chasing a different set of genetics.

Unfortunately for Meghan, her father’s family doesn’t carry good eyesight. Seems she got the PTEN mutation from me, and the rotten eyesight from them. Share, Share.., I am not happy about the poor eyesight, but it is a lot more straightforward and less messy than anything Cowden’s related.

Genetics.

Rare diseases.

Over suffered, and under researched. All of them.

Spoke to a Mom, a volunteer at the Global Genes Project.

She was lovely.

She also has twin 9-year-old girls with a rare disease, whose chances of long-term survival are bleak.

The kind of conversation you end wow-ing the other person’s strength, and being thankful for drawing the rare disease card you did.

And this week I am being reminded that your kid doesn’t need a rare disease to end up in dire straights. Young children are snatched from their parents far too soon. In ways that just don’t make sense.

So we pray. A lot.

We can’t fix everything. As a matter of fact we can’t fix most things. So we hope. And we help. The best way we can.

We will make lots more ribbons. People need to know about these disorders. All of them. And once they know, they will help.

We contacted the paper in hoped they will run a story. Every day feels like a story unto itself.

This time it wasn’t the Cowden’s. Thank God.

But there will be a next time. The worry will never cease.

Hold your children tightly. To a large extent we are lucky. We seem to know the beast we are fighting.

Tell them you love them. All the time.

We are going to Disney again. Money well spent.

Don’t look too closely at the backyard, and the deck. Just come spend some time with us. It passes too fast.

And WAY too much of it is spent at doctors, without much reprieve.

Tomorrow we head back to the dentist about those gums…

Rare Disease Day

Published on January 31, 2013January 31, 2013 by beatingcowdens4 Comments

So tonight, as I turned the calendar to February, Meghan actually whooped with excitement.

When I asked her why, she told me that she was going to “Celebrate Rare Disease Day” this month.

I smiled in spite of myself. This kid can get excited about anything, and to imagine that 2 years ago we never even knew there was a “Rare Disease Day.”

This year she intends to celebrate with her usual charm and zest.

Our kitchen table is a ribbon making center. We are gluing denim ribbons at an alarming rate. She created a half sheet to attach to each ribbon, describing our connection.

Then, she bravely approached her school principal to get permission to distribute 950 ribbons to the staff and students at her school. She will ask them all to wear jeans on February 28th. And that day, she will not feel alone.

She is getting to know some of the other rare diseases, listed here.

http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases

She knows ours is pretty rare, but the list is alarming. Almost 7,000 diseases fit the criteria for “Rare Disease.”

http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/criteria-to-determine-rare-disease

So tonight, after we left the dentist, with the encouraging news that she doesn’t think we need an oral surgeon. We were in a pretty good mood. Meghan and I looked in the mirror at the “cobblestone gums” (a hallmark of our Cowden’s Syndrome) that we share. Mouth issues are just another battle to be fought in the war.

Rare Disease Day gives her a focus.

The pain has been horrendous this week. The legs, the knee, the groin, the arms. Probably the weather – everyone says. Little solace to my 9 year old. The Celebrex seems to be quitting. Supplemented each morning by a dose of tylenol, she gets through the day.

But she lights up again when the talk returns to “Rare Disease Day.” She has hopes that maybe her young friend in Australia, or in Ohio – both with Cowden’s, might be able to Skype into her school.

She and I have matching shirts from with the Global Genes logo.

She wants to give these ribbons to anyone who will take them. She wants the world to know, and to understand. Even if it is only for a day.

She wants her pain, her doctor’s appointments, her worry, her biopsies, her surgeries… to matter.

She knows they do. To the people who love her. She knows there is a virtual army following her in prayer every step of the way. She knows they are praying for the “retinologist” visit, and for her eyesight, as well as for her health.

She knows that some of them she knows, and some she will never meet. She appreciates every single one.

And this is the month. She will have “her” day. She will include everyone. She will not feel like 1 in 200,000. She will not be lonely.

She hurt tonight. We rubbed her legs, and kissed her before bed. We have no idea if it will ever be alright So we don’t lie anymore. We do what we can, when we can.

I will contact the local papers, and see if I can get someone to pick up a story on a little girl who wants to change the world.

I will eagerly await a phone call from the Global Genes Project.

You will hear a lot about this during the month. Bear with us. We are not passive people. We work through doing!

Don’t talk about my boobs unless you’ve walked in my shoes

Published on January 27, 2013January 27, 2013 by beatingcowdens19 Comments

“Breast cancer becomes very emotional for people, and they view a breast differently than an arm or a required body part that you use every day,” said Sarah T. Hawley, an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan. “Women feel like it’s a body part over which they totally have a choice, and they say, ‘I want to put this behind me — I don’t want to worry about it anymore.’ ”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/facing-cancer-a-stark-choice/

The quote above is the last paragraph from a New York Times article published January 21st. I first read about it here in this blog

Preventative mastectomies under fire

And I must agree with “The Pink Underbelly” as my blood is boiling a bit.

I underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy on March 5, 2012. I had been diagnosed with Cowden’s Syndrome, alongside my 8 year old daughter, just months before. I was presented, in January of 2012 with an article putting my lifetime breast cancer risk somewhere around 85%. Cowden’s Syndrome, as you all know – but I doubt the author of this article knew, is a rare genetic disorder with a 1 in 200,000 occurrence. It is a mutation on the PTEN (Tumor Suppressor) gene and causes benign and malignant tumors all over the body – with the hot spots being the breasts, uterus, and thyroid.

I made an informed decision to undergo that mastectomy. It was not a decision reached lightly. My mom is a BILATERAL breast cancer survivor, and even though she does not carry my genetic mutation, I will always believe that her decision for a complete mastectomy is the reason she is with us today – the reason she ever got to meet her grandchildren.

That doesn’t even get me started on the fact that my “prophylactic” mastectomy revealed DCIS – stage 1, a centimeter of cancer in the left breast. Yes, it was contained. No, it hadn’t spread. Yes, I was fortunate, and NO, it WAS NOT the breast that had seen 7 biopsies in the 12 years prior. This one had never been touched. And, the MRI weeks earlier did not pick up the DCIS. So, my informed decision. My smart surgeon. My gifted plastic surgeon. My husband’s support. The support of my boss. The sick days donated from a friend. My raw nerve. My desire to be there for my little girl for years and years to come. The Grace of God. All these things saved my life.

So, I get a little twisted when people infer, and imply that these are decisions made lightly. That women are just randomly having their breasts cut off. This was not a trip to Hawaii. This was not a walk in the park. This was major league, life altering, body changing surgery. There is not a woman I know, who makes this decision without intense scrutiny and research. And, thanks to this blog, and my online support group. I have “met” many of them.

This article says

“We are confronting almost an epidemic of prophylactic mastectomy,” said Dr. Isabelle Bedrosian, a surgical oncologist at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. “I think the medical community has taken notice. We don’t have data that say oncologically this is a necessity, so why are women making this choice?”

EPIDEMIC- affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time <typhoid was epidemic>

Really?

and WHY?

Why not ask us?

Why not ask those of us that have lost mothers and grandmothers and sisters to genetic mutations?

Why not ask those of us who have had countless mamorgrams, MRIs and biopsies, with “suspicious” pathology?

Why not ask us, who have done the research, or read the research on diseases you haven’t even heard of?

Why not ask those of us who, facing our imminent cancer risks, have made a choice to LIVE?

So the article says:

“You’re not going to find other organs that people cut out of their bodies because they’re worried about disease,” said the medical historian Dr. Barron H. Lerner, author of “The Breast Cancer Wars” (2001). “Because breast cancer is a disease that is so emotionally charged and gets so much attention, I think at times women feel almost obligated to be as proactive as possible — that’s the culture of breast cancer.”

Damned right Barron. Proactive. We have kids to raise. Spouses to celebrate life with. Memories to make. Tears to dry. Hands to hold. Lives to live.

Emotionally charged? You bet.

Come by.

We’ll have some coffee.

Then I will tell you about my prophylactic hysterectomy. Reccomended by a top surgeon at NYU. Ten weeks after my mastectomy. Not an easy choice. Certainly not one made on emotion.

Logic. Try logic. And gratitude that the tools exist, and the surgeons exist that are willing to save our lives.

Don’t talk about my boobs until you have walked in my shoes!

Reblogged, and worth the read

Published on January 26, 2013January 26, 2013 by beatingcowdens1 Comment

Sometimes you read a story that just needs to be retold.

This link will take you to the world of a young lady I “met” through my blog and have come to respect.

She does not share my same genetic mutation, hers is the BRA-CA gene, and mine is PTEN. But the breast cancer risks are ridiculous for both, and she bravely as a young twenty something, underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.

In a rare request, she is asking for help, and I certainly feel compelled to share her reasonable request.

It is through social media that I have come to find others “like us,” to share mine and Meghan‘s story of our Cowden’s Syndrome battle. Without that outlet, I would feel incredibly lonely.

Please take a moment to read Rachel’s story, and another to respond to her request.

This world of genetic predisposition is terrifying, and should not be traveled alone.

Lori

Ticking Time Bombs

My mom is a member of the Los Angeles Pink Dragons, a dragon boat racing team of breast cancer survivors. She has been paddling with the Pinks for about a year now. Last night, one of her teammates passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. Frances was my mom’s benchmate on the boat. On the Pink Dragons’ Facebook page, Mom writes: “Frances, your courage and determination was an inspiration to all of us. Your teammates will miss you so. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Then scrolling down through my Facebook newsfeed, I was accosted by another heartwrenching message, this one from Bright Pink founder Lindsay Avner: “My heart breaks upon learning of the loss of Rebecca, a member of the Bright Pink Vermont family, who lost her battle to breast cancer at only 29 years old.”

29 years old.

Frances and Rebecca’s deaths are…

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