Running For The Cause

Hello my friends,
Yesterday, I found myself observing a sea of running pink t-shirts.  The large group weaved in and out the garden maze as if hypnotized. Their faces focused and sweaty. They came in all sizes and  shapes. Big, little and small.
Men, women and a few kids all going in one direction, going for one solution,
in the misty rain.  At least that's what the banners and flags said.
The pink t-shirts were running for the CAUSE.  Now that being the general idea, let's look at the pink t-shirts on the side. These people weren't running. Just standing or yelling. They didn't look passive or aggressive. But they looked PASSIONATE as if that moment meant everything.  I couldn't hear the exact words, but I felt the emotion. Wasn't hard not to like them. They provided an electric atmosphere!  And I admit I was 'caught up' too. I felt my foot tapping to the rhythm of the cause.
No matter how many times I see a RACE FOR THE CURE, it simply amazes me that complete strangers would be out there fighting for the SURVIVAL, running for the SOLUTION, and CARING about the effects.
For that moment in time, it doesn't matter about the color of your skin, the knot in your pocket or the weather. There are no obstacles. Just love and support.  One positive goal and many positive directions for the cause.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that everyone is in this boat together. It's one of the good things about life!

See you at the next run!
pj

CSHB669 Patients Right to Know Stuff

Funny Inspirational Cancer Survivor Blogs




http://www.texasoncology.com/

Hello Friends,

Normally I try to write about the quirky side of Cancer Survival, but today I want to say a few words about a serious matter.
I don't know if any of you are familiar with the Texas House Bill 669. Or known as CSHB669. This bill mandates that physicians provide a description of each reconstructive option (pertaining to Breast Cancer) including information on insurance coverage before scheduling a surgical procedure. There is more to this, but basically this is the main drift.   I thought  this to be important to share because women in this situation  should know what is going on behind the scenes. Its all part of being informed about Breast Cancer Treatment Options. 

Like most folks, I have a Bucket List. And someday, I'd like to meet Dr. Debra Ann Patt, of the Texas Oncology Cancer Center in Austin Texas. She 'broke it down' when she wrote  to the House Public Health Committee, on behalf of Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery and CSHB 669.  Having personally experienced this situation, I applaud her for stepping forward.  Her April 2011 letter clearly defines the issues between WHAT, HOW and WHO should dictate options for the woman diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Dr. Patt is definatly cut from the same cloth as my own oncologist, nurses and the 20 Mule Team.   Bravo! Dr. Patt!
And thank you to the many doctors, medical professionals, and the State of Texas for addressing this issue!
Your compassion is an example of what should be.
For more info: http://www.texmed.org/   Dr. Debra Ann Patt.
http://http://www.texasoncology.com/

till later,
pj
CEO Support Your Survivor.org
Creator, Doodles For Cancer
Author, Behind The Pink Ribbon
Speaker, EEP Program
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TMA Testimony: HB 669 Relating to Breast Reconstructive Surgery

TMA Testimony: HB 669 Relating to Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Funny Inspirational Cancer Survivor Blogs

Lesson from Grandkids and Cancer

Funny Inspirational Cancer Survivor Blogs

My grandkids came into my life during my cancer treatments. They didn't know me as the healthy energetic person their parents did.  I guess you could say they grew up watching me fight this battle. In the beginning, I was unsure about having some knee high sprout call me 'grandma'. After all, I was still trying to trying to 'finger pop, at the do-drop inn' one weekend a month. But it didn't take long to warm up to them. Especially since they looked like me. Over the years, I have tried to educate them along the way about living with cancer. I figured they might as well  learn from me. But I never thought it would be any different.
Let me share with you the day I was educated by my grandkids. Just don't tell them I told you this.

One day I call myself  taking them with me to a radiation follow up appointment. I tried to brief them on the sad situations they may see in the waiting room and the clinical trial labs. Their expressions told me they weren't interested, but I wanted to prepare them. Cancer patients aren't always at their best.
It was business as usual in the hospital. Wheelchairs, IV's, back open gowns and masked faces. I made them sterilize and put on masks too.  From the labs, to CT scan and exams, they kept quiet. When we arrived at the radiation lab, they didn't bat an eye. Even though the room was full of bald sick people. They just sat down, opened up their ipods and zoned the world out. They looked naturally bored. And I was proud of them.

Later that night, one of their friends came by. She asked where they were earlier. My grandkids calmly said, 'at grandma's cancer appoitment'. The young lady practically fell off her chair! Her mouth opened and shut like a fish gulping for air. She couldn't believe what she heard. Immediately, she started to freak out. She barraged them with questions. Not waiting for answers she proclaimed that she had to leave because she didn't want to get cancer from them!  I knew for sure the grandkids would be upset. But they never wavered. They told her to get educated and opened the front door.
I stood at the top of the stairs horrified. I wondered how I could calm this girl and save their friendship.
But before I could intervene, she was gone. My grandkids resumed playing the video game. I continued to stand there listening for a clue to the real feelings. But nothing was said.

At dinner, I tried to bring up what happened. Neither child seemed worried. I was told between bites of food, that this was their friend's loss. Cancer was not something you asked for. It's not something you can control. You have to live the best you can with it.  And they didn't want to deal with her bad energy.
I can tell you I was slightly impressed and worried. I didn't want them to lose a friend because of my illness.
But they weren't pressed, 'it's all good, grandma, she doesn't want to listen. Did you hear her reaction?
We just let her believe what she want to, she will see eventually. It takes courage, and some people can't face that. Oh, can we finish the cookies?'  Now, it was my turn to have open mouth. How did they get so smart?
I wonder if there is a lesson in grandkids?  Do they show us another viewpoint on acceptance, is this really all there is to it? is it that simple? 
If you are blessed to have grandkids, try not to waste a minute of time learning from them. It isn't until we adults pollute their minds with prejudices and distortion that they develop ugly ways. Let's try to work with them within reason to bring acceptance to the fore front.
And after you spoil them, develop a headache, give them a big hug and lots of goodies. Then  send them home comforting in the fact of a job well done!

till next time,
pj

Mediation 101

Funny Inspirational Cancer Survivor Blogs
Hello Friends,
As usual your truely is on the go! Just returned from seeing my grandkids, yep, I have grandkids. It wasn't a happy time, but a comforting one if you can relate. Sort of bittersweet. But in the midst of all the trauma, I did learn something I wanted to share with you. Something called 'common ground'.
You may have heard about it in many ways, mine came in solutions format.
You see, there are times when this is necessary. Common ground has some main factors that have to be present for it to work. So here goes:
1-We all agree to diagree.
2-We all agree we need a fair solution. Take emotion out of the equation. Look at facts.
3-We all agree on the tools or resources at hand.
4-No changing in the middle of the stream. Like adding new terms or conditions.
5-We must take turns to speak our point of view.
6-Respect those views. Keep your mouth shut if you have a nasty comment. I had a hard time with this one...
7-Here comes the another hard part. Making a outline of what we desire. Refrain from coming across the table and choking someone! again, hard time with this.....
8-Linking resources and conditions to acheve that desire. Again RESPECT!
9-Establish a cut off point. Final decision... if in question, refer to #4
In other words, speak now or forever hold your peice!
I'm not a shrink as you can see, but  these simple steps helped me this past month from going over the edge!
But...They only apply if other people are willing to CHANGE for the COMMON GROUND!

Ps. This doesn't apply to 'family' they tend to operate on a totally different plane. And you know what I mean!
Till next time, try to stay off the 6 o'clock news! and TALK IT OUT people.....Talk it out!!!

Love and respect,
pj
http://www.supportyoursurvivor.org/
http://www.behindthepinkribbon.org/
Look out for  CANCER GIFT BASKETS
my kids book: SLAP HAPPY, a book of adventure and happiness in honor of the grandkids everywhere...

It's All Good

Funny Inspirational Cancer Survivor Blogs


I awoke this morning in pain. You would think after a decade of  discomfort I would be used to this.
But that's not so. My pain is always different. Sometimes, fast and numbing. Sometimes, jarring and bone chilling. Then there is the all time favorite, throbbing and steady.  I've come to the conclusion that my body is communicating in different time zones. You see, the outside of my body lives for today. But the inside, is stuck on yesterday. It has its own time clock and sleeps when it wants to. This is difficult because sometimes I need to be awake. It gets complicated when I feel groggy while I'm walking. I could easily be mistaken for a drunken person.

I'm awake at night, as if I came from the night club. My mind is wired for sound and I have a bad case of the munchies. I purposly keep the refrig empty. You can imagine what would happen if I didn't.  
I complain to my family or anyone else around. My doctors don't think I have anything to worry about.
But they aren't in my shoes. Every little pain becomes a 'what if my cancer is back?' question.

Having daily pain can be a obstacle in itself. Yes, I do pain management and I try to keep up with my appointments. But in the end, its my perspective that gives me greater comfort. It's not easy being a breast cancer survivor. We must learn to see things differently.
When it's all said and done, pain is a way the body sends signals to you.  So I'm still learning to let it operate on different time zones.  And maybe some day, I will be back in sync! Until then, its all good, at least I know I'm alive!

pj ledar
http://www.behindthepinkribbon.info/    
pjledar@yahoo.com
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http://www.retreatfinder.com/





The Breast Cancer Survivors Creed

In case you didn't know, we cancer survivors have standards. These standards aren't meant to offend anyone, nor are they meant to apply to all cancer survivors. But if you subscribe to Survivorship 101, these should be some of your guidelines.

1. We have the right to have a experienced caregiver. No, not your buddy's unemployed girlfriend or crazy Aunt Sue. Just because they worked in the hospital doesn't qualify them. Besides, how will Aunt Sue take care of me when she hangs at the bar all day? And I don't want to mention your friend's girlfriend.
2. We have the right to choose. Yes, it is a given we will be sick where and when we choose to.
3. We have the right to leave with dignity. You don't have to announce to everyone why we are leaving early. I think they get the picture.
4. We don't have to wear a wig every time we step out the door. I hear that bald is fashionable now.
5. We have the right to be confused. It's called 'chemo brain'.
6. We have the right to have an 'attitude'. You spend a day in our body and let me know how that's working for you.
7. If we ask you to smile, please do. No one is allowed to be depressed around us.
8. We have the right to ask questions. We are not assuming anymore.
9. We have the right to change our appearance. After all, having a mastectomy leaves you with few options.  And we are females.
10. We have the right to have visions. Even if you can't see into the future, we believe we can.

To find out more about Breast Cancer Survivalship;  Read my book, 'HOW TO LIVE WITH BREAST CANCER'  Survival 101.
Till later,
pj
http://www.behindthepinkribbon.info/
http://www.supportyoursurvivor.info/
pjledar@yahoo.com

2010 Cancer Anniversary Acceptance Speech

Hello Friends,

Imagine if you had to give a speech in honor of your cancer remission. What would you say?
Check mine out.

Thank you for this honor!

WOW! 2010 was filled with milestones!

I got my book published, spoke at seminars and conferences,

and I met wonderful people.

But the most phenomenal thing that happened to me

is that I made my Cancer Remission Anniversary Date.

This is the biggest honor any survivor could get!!

Though there are many people that made this day possible,

I'd like to give special mention to those behind the scenes.

To my neighbor, I don't know anything about you beyond the fact you

always seem to be in the front window when I come home from treatment.

Though I never heard your voice, it was good to see your face

when I got out the car.

You never smiled or waved, but your eyes said 'I'm watching you!'

To my mailman, thank you for the prompt mail,

although you could have kept the bills and bought get well cards,

but I do appreciate your regular visits.

To the patient maintenance man, thank you for waiting until I

finished vomiting to repair the bathroom sink.

To the grocery store manager, who always had a 2 for 1 sale going

on when I was low on money.

To my friends at the pharmacy, thank you for inquiring about my

health and making sure I didn't overdose this year.

To the cab driver, thank you for getting me to the clinic in one piece,

although you clearly weren't fit to be behind the wheel.

To my hairdresser, who had the good graces not to tell me how bad I looked;

even though I paid handsomely for the privilege.

To the ladies in the breast cancer support group, thank you for helping

me to accept having one breast.

To my former boss who fired me because you didn't want

to be around a 'cancer person'. Thanks to you, I had time to finish my book!

And finally, a special thank you for the invention of plastic surgery and liposuction.

Truthfully, I hate to exercise and it was faster this way!

I humbly accept this honor on behalf of all breast cancer survivors!

Till next time.......
Yours Truly,
pj
www.behindthepinkribbon.info
www.supportyoursurvivor.org
facebook.com/pjledar
twitter.com/atpinkribbon

Free Gifts

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Whew! That time of year is almost over. Rather you want to admit it or not, you are probably thinking like I am. Holidays can be overwhelming! Rushing here and there, I tell you, traffic was a nightmare on the expressway this afternoon! The malls were packed and every dollar store in town had a waiting line. People are everywhere getting gifts and trying to bring some joy with a meager budget.

My question is---Did anyone get the memo? Does anybody remember the reason for the season?

Remember when we were kids? Remember when a platter of Christmas cookies and the dreaded fruitcake were the norm for a hostess gift? Or getting that Schwinn 10 speed and favorite toys under the tree? Carolers roamed the street and everyone had a holiday outfit to wear to Christmas dinner. A lot of us visited church too. Of course life was easier and things were cheaper. And most of us had a decent job. But I don't remember the frantic frenzy to buy the latest things! The level of stress is unbelievable! What happened?

We have a lot of answers but do we have solutions? Since we are so commercialized; how hard would it be to declare a non money Christmas? Could we actually survive without expensive gift giving? Could we give something that was made by our hands? Or give a gift with a purpose? And I'm not talking about a new car either!

I put this challange out to you. And these are the guidelines.

1-Think of a Meaningful Gift

2-You must make the gift

3-The gift must remind them of the reason for the season

Give it a try and let me know what happened!

Till then, take care and be safe.

pj

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Getting Motivated

*****Join my BLOG CLUB! Let me hear from you!********Happy Holidays

Hello Friends!

On my last trip I had the 'pleasure' of having my bags stripped searched. After the pat down, the Security Agent said...'My, we do love our stuff'. I didn't know whether to feel embarrassed or what! There I was, surrounded by efficient one-bag travelers and I had a baggage cart. And this was my carry-on stuff! My trusty prosthesis, hemovac and various cancer related paraphernalia. It took two agents to check it all out.
Yeah, I did have a lot of stuff, but what author/speaker doesn't? I travel with a portable file cabinet full of notes and research materials. You never know when you have to look something up or add some more material. And of course, I have a bag for misc. stuff, like changes of clothing, toothpaste and so on. My entourage of luggage has an entourage of its own! I share all this with you to say that as I'm blogging, I'm trying to motivate MYSELF to unpack and get organized. My bags have been sitting here for a few days now. And the moving company delivered my office stuff just yesterday. The only thing put together is my computer. I did form a small path to get to it. That was some progress. On one side of the room is my travel stuff and opposite is my office stuff. Somehow, this has got to blend. My kids say I need to come into the 21st century and put everything on my IPOD. Problem is, I can't remember which bag it's packed in.
My assistant offered to do it for me, but I thought I would do it myself. I'm currently re-thinking that decision. So in the mean time, I will make a list like my mom. She's famous for making to-do lists. She says it keeps her focused on the task at hand. So here goes:

How to Filter Your Stuff

• 1-Know WHAT you want to keep. I leave this open.
• 2-Know what you NEED to keep. Q: Is this important ?
• 3-Know HOW to keep it. Suggestion: Color coded labels, need I say more?

My assistant swears by the color coded label system, although my question is ...Do I need a system to keep my system straight? Files,organization and all that stuff require a focused mind. But if you are like me, multi tasking all the time, you have to SCHEDULE your FOCUS TIME.

So now that I got my list done, the question is WHEN to do it. hmmmm..... This requires some thought too. After all, it is vacation time this week, and I would be amiss if I worked straight thru. So, I think I will take another vacation day, talk to my grand kids and rethink my to-do list. I am sure between the turkey and sweet potato pie, a solution will come to me. After all, being self motivated requires you to face the task at hand, wholeheartedly. Something best done with a restful mind and full belly.
Last of all, I could DO WHAT IS BEST for everyone and call my assistant. She would have me up and running in no time! No thought process needed, just follow her instructions.
hmmmm, this sounds like a plan! Let me find my phone.....but, I would insist that the color coded filing system be in my favorite colors!

I'd like to know, how do you FOCUS?

Till we meet again, Have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday and remember our soldiers away from home.
pj





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Inspired Travels

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Hello Friends,
I'm having a pretty busy month, and just think, it's only the 10th of the month! So far, I have been to three states, three train stations, two bus stations with five layovers, two college campuses, three stages and lost my luggage only twice! All in all, I would say it has been good!

I met some interesting people along the way too. I make it a point to reach out, you never know who you may meet. For instance, the mom and daughter from SC that shared their food with me on the train. We laughed and traded stories about grand kids and 'the little green apples' of life.
And let's not forget the uniformed conductors who smiled a lot.(If you haven't rode a train in awhile, you really should check out the wide soft seats and the spacious leg room.)

I was priviledged to ride with Tony Pearson, Host of The Tony Pearson Talk Show. He's a relationship expert, so you can be sure that I HAD to ask him my two questions. Wasn't going to miss that opportunity! It was like having my own 'Dr. Phil' !!!!!
I need to give special mention to a couple of people I met at the Confident Woman Conference. First of all, Kimberely of FAITH GIRL. She traveled long distance as well. You can see her products at www.faithgirl.net and Pastor Dennese Spencer of WOW Ministry. www.chosenvesselswow.webs.com. Two separate women on the same path of faith. Need I say more?. Special props to Yolanda, Sheila and the ladies in the front row. Next, Chip Daniels of CND Photography, who was all over the place. Mama Woods and her hats, and let's not forget, 'Security'. David Lewis. He made sure my logistics were logical, all with a smile.
I can't forgot the Howard University Coaching staff and students that graced our booths with perfect manners, a positive reflection on the education system of Howard University.
See what all the 'hoopla' is about, view them at www.howard.edu

We know it takes many people to make events run smoothly, and the staff at the Courtyard Marriott/USC did just that. After 5 hours in travel limbo, they pulled it all together for me. And as if it couldn't have gotten any better, Pastor Woods and her husband dragged me along with them after the event was over. Between the football game, smothered steak, sweet potatoes AND a comfortable chair, I was ready to become a room mate!.
I want to thank the Lord for an awesome message of faith and inspiration. And I look forward to the next event!!
Make sure you clear your calender for next years' Confident Women Conference. Let me know and I will meet you at loading dock #2 on the west platform. Oh, and make sure you take a carry on bag with a change of clothes, I'm still looking for a shipment of my books and a pair of jeans.
Talk to you later,
pj
www.behindthepinkribbon.info
facebook.com/pjledar
Tweet Me at twitter.com/pkribbon
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Conferences for your Soul

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Hello Friends,
I am having a wonderful time at the Confident Women's Conference! Have you ever been to one?
This one is like a combination of Joyce Meyer, Paula White, and Creflo Dollar all rolled into one.
It's sort of a mini mega blast!
There are booths full of inspirational items, from t-shirts, jewerly, munchies..all kinds of stuff..
of course my book is there too, Behind The Pink Ribbon, www.behindthepinkribbon.info

Pastor Ruth Woods spoke on following your passion, not letting negative stuff be around you and keep pushing forward. (liked that one) If you get a chance you REALLY need to check her out. www.ruthwoodsministriesintl.org
Conferences are good for the soul and physically connect with others on your walk of faith, like I mentioned before, this is part of your extended support group. This helps develop passion and motivate your drive. I met great people along the way too. Two ladies on the train shared their food and conversed with me during the ride. And, I actually met THE Tony Pearson, relationship talk show host. Rest assured, I HAD to ask his advice. Wasn't going to miss that chance!
I am looking forward to another conference soon, why don't you join me? It will be good for the soul, and isn't it about time you did something for YOU?
Tweet me, let me know your thoughts--twitter.com/pkribbon
Comment on my Facebook.com/pjledar
and drop me a line on this blog. Looking forward to hearing from you!
In the meantime, I'm off in search of pancakes!
Later