I hope everyone was able to catch Oprah today! I sadly did not, I don’t have TV right now, but I’m currently searching for video clips to put up and share with everyone… If you can donate videos from the show - please contact me - thanks!
Christina’s organization “Right Action for Women” is now active! You can read more about the organization and more importantly donate at the website http://www.rightactionforwomen.org/…
Today, more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. are breast cancer survivors, and I am lucky to be one of them. Recently, I underwent genetic testing and learned I have a mutation in the BRCA 1 gene, making me more susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer. My mother is also a breast cancer survivor. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer on either side of a family (Mother’s or Father’s side) can put someone at higher risk for developing the disease. Because of this, my doctor ordered a variety of screening tests which try to detect cancer in its earliest stages (when it is most treatable). One of these tests was a breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and it saved my life.
MRI is one of the breast screening tests recommended by the American Cancer Society for women at increased risk for breast cancer (MRI is not recommended as a screening tool for women at average risk for breast cancer). Unfortunately though, this service is not always covered by insurance and many women across the country cannot afford the high costs of a breast MRI. I hope through the creation of Right Action for Women we can provide aid to those individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings.
During my recent doctors’ visits, I gained an appreciation for the tremendous expense associated with breast cancer screening and treatment. The reality is that unfortunately many women aren’t undergoing genetic testing or having screenings because of financial burden or insurance limitations. As a survivor, I am committed to helping women access the information and tests they need to beat this disease.
I encourage you to read through the information provided on the next page and visit the resource center which provides you with links to important websites. Educate yourself, know your family history and talk to your doctor about your risk for cancer at your next clinical exam.
Please join me and Right Action for Women. Together we can help give all women a chance to beat this disease.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:12 am
I am a physician who had bilateral prophylactic mastectomies about 7 months ago. My mom survived breast cancer 34 yrs ago only to suffer the consequences of the radiation, and to have a second cancer in the remaining breast. When they told me I needed a second biopsy I told them to take it all. I had “pre-cancerous” changes.
Don’t be discouraged by the saline expanders… the final implants will look and feel better. (the muscle and bone pain from the first surgery takes a while to resolve, but it will) I have a t-shirt I designed for myself that I would love to share but not on the website.
I have been a fan since “Married With Children”!!!
October 1st, 2008 at 11:43 am
stay real girl. I am sure you will not answer me but I just would like to no if a mamagram hurts. I am 42 and need to look into this. be strong. Noella
October 1st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Thank you for the enjoyment we receive from your work.
My mother went through what you are going through with your breast, hang in there and we will be praying all goes well for you.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
Hi! I’m actually one of your affiliates and would love to help.
I didn’t watch Oprah, either. But I’m going to see what I can do to get the clips. Did you see that she’s scheduled to be on Ellen on 10/10? I can record that and get that to you!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I know first hand how you feel. I am 31 and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on May 19th, 2008, 1month before my 31st birthday. I just made my halfway point through chemo this Tuesday. I cannot say how much I appreciate your strength and your positive attitude. I try to do the same. Some days, however, are harder than others. Keep your head up though, God only gives us what he knows we can handle.
October 5th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Christina, My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
May God continue to bless you.
Love,
Kathryn
October 11th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
My thoughts have been with you for quite a while. I am BRCA 1 positive and have known for over a year now. My mother died of breast cancer when I was 10. I decided to be proactive but after a horrible hysterectomy, I have been putting the mastectomy off. I just don’t want my kids to go through the same thing I did, watching my mother suffer through a horrible disease. I know that now there are many more breakthroughs than there were then. I just don’t want to get it at all. I am supposed to have the surgery at the end of next month and am SOOOOO scared. bilateral mastectomy. I am glad to have read all the wonderful things about you that I have. I have always admired your work, professionally and personally. You have done great things in giving back. Well done, Christina, well done. I will think of you often as I go through my surgery. Thanks :)
October 12th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Your recent appearance on Ellen rang so true. I am a twice breast cancer survivor. Although there are so many ‘layers’ of dealing with cancer, recenlty I was asked to write about one of them–breast reconstruction. If you wish, you can read my article in the October issue of CARE magazie. It’s website is: http://www.caremagazine.com My story begins on page 10. Thank you for being such a positive voice for this heartless disease.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:58 am
hang in there,i know its totally diferent from what you had,but the veterans hospital cut a tumor of good size out of my lung three years ago,and the upper lobe,cut the rib in half to get in there,but were similair
in the fact of dont stop till ya drop,3 years one of the docs told me that 35/65 chance i told i didnt have time to die,im a crazy hillbilly in carolina so i also refused chemo-trashme,radiation,
just wanted to say been a fan for a while now,hang in………………jeff turner,asheville nc