Aunts are Angels Following you Through Life

          What is your passion? what makes you happy? Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved working with others. When I began to lose my family members to cancer, Cancer Awareness truly became a passion of mine. In High School and College I always worked to raise money for the American Cancer Society and other cancer organizations. However,  when I was a junior in college My Aunt Patty was diagnosed with lung cancer, one of the most devastating moments for our family. At this time I was planning to study abroad and I did not want to go and leave my Aunt behind going through the most difficult time in her life. That was not an option though, if I stayed home my Aunt Patty would have kicked my butt!
          When I was living in Italy I would call and Skype with my Aunt all the time.  Seeing the changes she was going through from her treatment made me worry, but talking to her I would never have known she even had cancer. Her positive attitude and humor did not change what so ever!
        The night before I came home to NY (Italy time I was on the plane) my Aunt Patty went into the hospital. I returned home not knowing what had happened and wanting to run to see Aunt Patty and tell her all about my time in Italy. However, things became worse and I lost my Aunt. I never truly got to say goodbye, one of my biggest fears had happened I had lost my Aunt Patty, an unimaginable moment in my life. I loved my Aunt Patty more then anything. The two year anniversary of my Aunt Patty's passing is coming up and I still cannot believe she is not here with me. I always find myself picking up the phone to call her or expect to see her joke emails in my inbox. I miss her laugh, her smile, I miss my Aunt Patty. Ever since my Aunt passed, I tried to understand why, why did this happen? Now two years later, I no longer ask why I keep asking myself how, how can I make her proud and help other women affected by cancer.
        My Aunt is my inspiration, I have always had a passion for Cancer Awareness; however, since her passing I have found myself having my school work in college and now in my Master's program focusing on cancer awareness. I miss her everyday but seeing her cancer journey inspired me to further find a way to help women affected by cancer. I miss my Aunt Patty everyday, but knowing she is looking down on me probably yelling JORDANA MARIE! haha or laughing at something I did keeps me going.

Love You Aunt Patty

Cancer and Pregnancy

This week I was catching up on one of my favorite shows Giuliana & Bill Rancic. Giuliana in the recent episodes has been fighting her battle with Breast Cancer. Giuliana & Bill were trying to have a baby when her cancer was discovered. The time and emotional stress that both Giuliana and Bill went through for both trying to have a baby to dealing with cancer is unimaginable. However, watching the episodes truly shows others how inspirational Guliana & Bill are. Bill is extremely supportive and having a support system such as Bill during a cancer diagnosis is imperative.

When Giuliana received her results from her first surgery she had found out that the cancer was not completely gone. With that news Giuliana and Bill decided to go ahead with a double Mastectomy. This was a difficult decision, but in the end was the best for Giuliana. Watching this emotional journey of Giuliana truly made me think how strong of a women she is, and how strong women are when faced with cancer. Giuliana was still determined to have a child; however, in one of the most recent episode she found out that she would need to wait 3-5 years before having a child due to her health. Estrogen can spread cancer cells rapidly which would be too risky for her at that time.

Watching this episode I became emotional thinking how after all of the surgeries and both emotional and physical pain, now Giuliana was told she cannot have children; a dream of hers. However, as the episode continues an opportunity arises where Giuliana and Bill were offered an opportunity to have a gestational surrogate; where a women would carry their baby. After contemplation Giuliana & Bill decided to go ahead with this option and they now are pregnant!!! I was so happy for them. Watching there show makes you feel as though you are part of their lives; even though I have never met them. Giuliana and Bill are inspirational.

Giuliana's Surprise Baby Shower

"Be Green, Be Smart, Be Tarte"- Maureen Kelly

Tarte Products

            Have you been struggling to find the perfect makeup brand? After writing my last blog post regarding skincare products for women undergoing chemotherapy, I thought I would also consult Amanda Marie about Makeup tips! Makeup artist Amanda Marie (AMarieBeauty.com) suggested that Tarte makeup products are really great to use since they are  an all natural brand. All of Tarte products are wonderful for sensitive skin and are free of all parabens and synthetic fragrances.

            Makeup can not only provide a fresh new look for women, it can also further help conceal any unwanted changes in the skin during and after chemotherapy. Tarte provides a variety of products which can help women feel beautiful during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Tarte Products To Consider:

1. Smooth Operator- Tinted Moisturizer

2. Tarte Cheek Stains

3. Lipsurgence- Lip Tint

4. The Eraser- 4-In-1

5.EmphasiEYES- Waterproof Brow Pencil

6. Park Avenue Princess Bronzer

Hope you find a product you like!

Love The Skin Your In

            Being diagnosed with cancer both men and women go through many physical changes from hair loss to dry skin. When my aunt went through Chemotherapy both oral and IV treatments her body went through many changes. However, one thing that I noticed was that there was a limited amount of information for women regarding products targeted towards her needs.

            I have been very interested in further researching various products for cancer patients. I have consulted with a professional makeup artist who has worked with numerous cancer patients over the years.  Amanda Marie (Amariebeauty.com) has provided a list of Skincare products which she has found beneficial for women undergoing chemotherapy.

            Boscia products are preservative-free and botanically-based skincare. Products for Boscia range from cleansers, moisturizers, treatments, to blotting linens. All of products excluding the blotting linens contain a component known as Willowherb; an anti-irritant. One other component within the products is known as a Jojoba Leaf, a strong and effective antioxidant. First Aid Beauty explains that their products are free of harsh chemicals and known allergens, including parabens, phthalates, alcohol, fragrances and artificial dyes. Jurlique is a brand which focuses on real, pure, natural beauty. Jurlique's farm grown roots and pure formulas are a unique organic feel to skincare.

            Henriksen is known for encompassing Nature, science, beauty, and wellness. These four key elements are behind all of Ole Henriksen products. These brands are those which Amanda Marie has used over the years; however, other skincare brands who are known for helping those affected by cancer are Lind Skincare and Alra skincare. When individuals Google for skincare products to help with the changes of chemotherapy Lind skincare and Alra skincare will come up. However, if you are interested in looking at Boscia, First Aid Beauty, Juriluqe, or Henriksen you can find them at your local makeup or department stores for your convenience.

Products to Consider!

Boscia:

1.      Soothing cleansing cream

2.      Intensifying moisture pack plus

First Aid Beauty

1.      Ultra repair cream

2.      Face cleanser

Julique

1.      Replenishing day cream

2.      Herbal recovery night cream

Ole Henriksen

1.      Nurture me cream

2.      Apricot cleansing lotion

Chemo-Brain?

     

    Last Semester I had conducted research speaking with women affected by cancer. During my research It was evident that chemotherapy both IV and oral treatments truly affects your memory. This morning while looking on Twitter I came across an article posted by American Cancer Society called Chemo Brain: It is Real.

     Here is a brief excerpt from the article… “Recently a colleague at work who had just returned from a getting a haircut mentioned to me that his hairdresser, who has lung cancer, was upset because her husband was very worried about her. The hairdresser explained that she had started having some memory problems - couldn't remember what she did yesterday or couldn't remember people's names. And she had started to tell her husband something and stopped in the middle of her story - not remembering what to say next. She too acknowledged being a little concerned and was seeing her doctor in 3 days, but she didn't know how to help her husband until then. I asked if she was receiving chemotherapy and was told yes, so I explained that she might have "chemo brain."

     Radiation has been known to have side effects to the brain; however, now it is being found that Chemotherapy has many side effects as well to the brain. Within the article, it is discussed how studies suggest that there can be more than one cause of chemo brain, especially for the short-term symptoms. It has been found that some individuals diagnosed with cancer have brain problems even though they have not had chemotherapy.

        Having the opportunity to speak with those women in the fall regarding their diagnosis and experience with chemotherapy it was evident that chemotherapy truly had taken a toll on their brain, and memory overall. One of the participants in my study was diagnosed when she was a teenager. After our interview it was shocking to see how having chemotherapy as a teenager ha truly affected her memory to this day; she is now in her late twenties.

If you have had chemotherapy have you experienced Chemo Brain? If you are experiencing this American Cancer Society has provided this list to help manage day to day tasks.

ACS "The following are steps that some patients have found helpful in managing their day-to-day living.

• Write things down. Keep track of appointments and schedules, to-do lists, important dates, phone numbers and addresses.
• Exercise your brain. Take a class, do word puzzles, or learn to do something new.
• Exercise your body. Regular physical activity is good for your body; it improves your mood, makes you feel more alert, and helps you feel less tired.
• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Eat your veggies. Studies have shown that eating more vegetables can help you keep up your brain power.
• Set up and follow routines. Put the things you often lose in the same place each time you're done with them. Try to keep the same daily schedule.
• Give yourself permission to focus on one thing at a time.
• Choose only those activities that are important to you and allow yourself plenty of time to complete tasks.
• Consider use of relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
• Track your memory problems. Keep a diary of when you notice problems and the events that are going on at the time. Medicines taken, time of day, and where you are may help you figure out what affects your memory. Don't plan important tasks or events when your memory problems are worse.
• Do not criticize yourself for not being able to remember. Accepting the problem will help you deal with it. Patients say that being able to laugh about things you can't control can help you cope. And remember, you probably notice your problems much more than others do."

Cancer Support and Services

             Over the years I have seen many friends and family members affected by cancer as you know. What I found astonishing during their treatments was the variety of support groups and non-profit organizations which offer services to those affected by cancer. American Cancer Society is a wonderful organization across the United States that focuses on fighting for a cure for cancer. I have worked as an intern at American Cancer Society in the past and it was a wonderful experience. Walking into the office every day and seeing the passion each and every employee has is truly inspiring. The time and effort which is put into fundraising, planning events, and public relations efforts is beyond belief.

         Working at American Cancer society I was exposed to various programs which they have for women and men diagnosed with cancer. I was shocked to see how many programs that had! I never knew that many of these wonderful services ACS offers existed. Services and programs that are offered to the cancer community are listed below.

1. Reach to Recover

2. Road to Recovery

3. Look Good Feel Better

4. Man to Man Support Group

5. I Can Cope

6. Workplace Wellness Programs

7. Hospital Collaborations

8. Patient Navigation

         After looking back at these programs I kept thinking I hope that women and men across our nation are taking advantage of these programs. I would love to hear from anyone who has and what their experience was.
        When one of my family members was diagnosed with cancer I remember her having information regarding services and support; however, I remember her having this sense of reluctance to take advance of them. If you have been affected by cancer have you had this same feeling of reluctance?

The Girl Before the Diagnosis

         

           Now when I think back to when my family members were diagnosed with cancer all I remember is how strong they were. The fear never showed in their faces, how did they do that? How can one of the most frightening moments when family is supposed to be supporting them you find your loved one with cancer consoling those around them regarding their own diagnosis. The strength and protective manner of all of my family members who were diagnosed was phenomenal.

            For the past few weeks I have been struggling to find the perfect topic for my next blog post. I was truly inspired by Giuliana Rancic when watching Giuliana & Bill on demand today from Style. I was inspired in the woman Giuliana is and how she has dealt with her breast cancer diagnosis. One of my greatest fears is hearing those words “You Have Cancer”; however, it is women like Giuliana and those who I have loved and lost to cancer that have shown me that no matter what your diagnosis is do not let it define you.

      Within the episode of Giuliana & Bill, Giuliana shows her true emotions of her cancer journey thus far and how she is not allowing her disease to define her.  Giuliana shows women you can be strong, you can fight and continue to love and live your life the way you choose to. Do not let cancer take over, fight for your life. I was truly inspired by Giuliana and I would love to hear others stories regarding diagnoses.