HALO - Early Breast Cancer Detection

I wanted to share a little information that I learned today at my latest GYN appointment. There is a new test that is out there for the early detection of breast cancer, it is so new that insurance companies are still not paying for it, although it is FDA approved for women 25 years and older.

The HALO Breast Pap Test is a five minute, noninvasive test that detects abnormal cells in the milk ducts, where 95% of all breast cancers originate. The test can detect pre-cancerous changes in the breast seven to ten years BEFORE the cancer is seen on a mammgram. Mammograms show breast cancers after they have been present in the breast 3-5 years! Pre-cancerous changes that are detected can then be followed with more aggressive prevention therapies and screening tests.

___________________________________________

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women ages 35 to 50
• 250,000 U.S. women living with breast cancer are under the age of 40
• 70% of women diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors
• 8 out of 9 diagnosed women have no family history of the disease
• When found early enough, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%

My doctor's office is charging $100.00 and recommends the test be done annually although they did mention that it does not replace a traditional mammography. They also consider this test to be on the cutting edge of early breast cancer risk assessment and prevention.

I made my appointment for May - it is never to early to save your life!

If you would like more information, please check out NeoMatrix's website http://www.paptestforthebreast.com/

Inspirational People - Jonathan Jay

I met an extraordinary young man this week. Well, I didn't actually "meet" him, I stalked him but nonetheless, he is now and always will be a part of me. I am not even sure how I found him, you know, a click here, a click there - all I know is that I am so glad that I now know Jonathan Jay White.

You see, I am in my thirties and still have so many fears in my life. Fears that I could never put down on paper, never share, sometimes I am so gripped with fear that I am paralyzed by it. Right now I am going through some medical problems and am scared but as I sit here and wait for the doctor appointments I can't stop thinking of Jonathan and his family and only hope that I can learn to have half the strength that Jonathan and his Dad encompass.

I am not a big religious person but I do believe in prayer and hope. HOPE is half the battle. For anyone, sick or not, hope is life - you can not live without the hope of tomorrow or a rainbow after a storm.

My new friend, Jonathon is sick actually very sick and yet at only 15 years old he is probably the most eloquent, strong, brave, funny, heartfelt, honest young man I have ever encountered.

Here is one of Jonathon's favorite quotes that I took from Jonathon and his Dad's blog:

Life passes by in a glance, Time blinks its eye…And all become a memory. Slow down and savor the precious moments, they are fleeting.

Something everyone should listen to.

I know my blog is usually light-hearted and full of crafts, recipes and whimsy kids, etc. but hey life is full of ups and downs, right. Meeting Jonathon Jay was definitely an up for me.

If you have some time, stop by their blogs http://nathanwhitefamily.blogspot.com/ or http://jonnandkate.blogspot.com/ and if you don't have time to visit - please take 5 minutes to pray for my friend and his family!

Thought Provoking Quotes

Is it a bad thing that most of my favorite saying are quotes from Dr. Seuss? I am sure that a lot of people in the world would think so including my 4 year old who at this time is not a big Seuss fan. My son is way to literal for his books and does not quite understand their humor and "non"sense. Me on the other hand am a big fan! Here are my three favorite Seussisms:

1. How did it get so late so soon?
   It's night before it is afternoon.
   December is here before its June
   My goodness how the time has flewn.
   How did it get so late so soon?
   
2. Be who you are and say what you feel
   because those who mind don't matter
   and those who matter don't mind.
   
3. Don't cry because it's over - smile because it happened!