And I Would Like to Thank.....

It is Thanksgiving, and I of all people have a lot to be thankful for. Please allow me the opportunity to express my gratitude to all who got me to this cancer-free point.

Many were women who have either suffered through what I have—or worse. Ironically a lot of these women didn’t know me very well before hearing of my diagnosis, but they all dropped what they were doing to take my many calls, tell me their stories and show me their scars.

There are far too many women, who are far too afraid, to investigate a lump or get a mammogram. Because of these fears, they let the cancer grow and face a terminal diagnosis instead of a cure.

I applaud my newly made, cancer fighting friends for speaking openly about their breast cancers, and hope more will do the same. Yes, I know breast cancer is personal—Oh, get over it!! An open dialog has not only provided women insurance benefits and treatments they did not have in the past, but has also helped me, and hopefully others learn that breast cancer—caught at the right time, is no longer a death sentence.

I would have never found my wonderful team of physicians and the Nurse Practitioners at Baylor Medical Center if it hadn’t been for this group of outspoken women. Dr. Osborne, Dr. Albo and Dr. Izaddoost along with Nurse Practitioners, Mari and Sandra have given me three things you don’t find in all, top-notch medical professionals.  First they have given me their medical expertise—on par with MD Anderson. Secondly they have provided me with facts backed by research, allowing me to make educated decisions about my own care.  And last but not least, they have provided me with compassionate patient care to the extent I have never seen before.

I am thankful I had the courage to trust my gut in selecting this wonderful team of professionals. It’s harder than you think. It is my hope that patients demand medical expertise, patient involvement and compassion in their healthcare.

Lastly, I know, I know —this sounds like an Oscar speech, but I would like to express my gratitude to my friends, family and very stoic husband. Thanks for the food, gifts, care and unbelievable advice and support. May you all have a happy, healthy, Thanksgiving.

Oh, and don’t eat too much. Obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers!