tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20265420059588534942024-03-05T01:30:41.752-08:00BRCA According to MeThis blog is the chronicle of a 20 something (now 30 something) BRCA2 positive pre-vivor. Within this blog is the history of events leading up to prophylactic surgery and the aftermath of the radical removal of tissue in an effort to thwart cancer. This is what changing destiny looks like.M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-75598736022171826962014-05-08T06:33:00.002-07:002014-05-08T06:33:21.475-07:00TODAY is World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day!<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is </span><span style="font-size: large;">World Ovarian Cancer Day</span><span style="font-size: large;">! Share these five key facts with your friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> 1. All women are at risk of ovarian cancer<br /> 2. Awareness of the early warning signs of the disease could save lives<br /> 3. Diagnosis at an early stage vastly improves a woman’s chance of survival<br /> 4. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> 5. Many women mistakenly believe the cervical smear test (Pap test) will detect ovarian cancer</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> For more information visit </span><a href="http://ovariancancerday.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">http://ovariancancerday.org/</span></a></span><br />
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World Ovarian Cancer Day</div>
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We all have women in our lives who we love and cherish: our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, our friends. Every woman in the world is at risk of developing ovarian cancer, the most serious gynecologic cancer. </div>
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-65600568323336517342014-05-06T10:20:00.002-07:002014-05-06T10:20:47.148-07:00P.INK Day 2014 Will be in MD!!!<span style="font-size: large;">I have been DYING to post this information, but I needed more things confirmed before I posted it. <a href="http://p-ink.org/">P.INK</a> has allowed each participant the option to host a <a href="http://p-ink.org/the-next-p-ink-day-is-10-10-2014/">P.INK Day</a> in their location for 2014. We will all host on <strong>10.10.14.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The MD/DC P.INK Day 2014 will be hosted at </span><a href="http://www.tattoo4u.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">American Tattoo</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in Knoxville MD! Shop owner Tiffiny Kaetzel is one of our artists for the day. We are seeking at least 5 more artists who are willing to donate 1-6 hours of time on 10.10.14 for this campaign. If you are an <strong>EXPERIENCED </strong>artist in mastectomy tattooing and interested, please send your name and how we can contact you to <strong><a href="mailto:tiffinyamericantattoo834@gmail.com">Tiffiny</a></strong>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In addition we need at least <strong>5 more survivors</strong> who are interested in a mastectomy tattoo. You will need medical clearance to participate. You can have anything tattoo'd; nipples, flowers, birds, lace, whatever suites your fancy. If you are interested, please use the contact me box on this page to shoot me your name and how I can contact you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't say enough amazing sentiments about P.INK and how it is changing lives. So, I'll let the magic makers tell their own story. If you haven't seen this video short yet, please check it out, learn more, donate or participate. </span><br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/z_t7V3olN4w/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/z_t7V3olN4w&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/z_t7V3olN4w&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-19832530071184032412014-03-08T07:06:00.001-08:002014-05-06T10:22:12.275-07:00World Ovarian Awareness Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-58810276237786521382014-03-07T13:03:00.002-08:002014-05-06T10:22:22.847-07:00P.INK Day 2013 Video Short<span style="font-size: large;">I never had a real sister. But I have had amazing deep connections with other women from sorority sisters, best friends and other people fighting daily to end women's cancer. These 9 other women are my sisters in the fight. I love each and every one of them and admire their struggle, their strength and their success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please watch and share this video about P.INK Day 2013; donate if you can.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/z_t7V3olN4w" width="480"></iframe><br />M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-34366345160483898912014-02-28T14:33:00.001-08:002014-05-06T10:22:30.883-07:00Early Ooph for BRCA women....<a href="http://www.ovariancancer.org/2014/02/28/early-oophorectomy-cuts-risk-of-death-in-brca-mutation-carriers/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.ovariancancer.org/2014/02/28/early-oophorectomy-cuts-risk-of-death-in-brca-mutation-carriers/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love new research! Oophorectomy completed in my one step radical prophylactic surgery in 2011 at 27 years old. #cheatingdeath</span> </div>
M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-5963151879922061272014-01-07T08:30:00.001-08:002014-01-07T10:42:41.847-08:00Mastectomy Tattoos and P.INK<span style="font-size: large;">Firstly, I want to share the first installment of an article written by </span><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/61623733/Skin%20Deep%20with%20P%20INK%20issue%20232.pdf"><span style="font-size: large;">Skin Deep Magazine</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> about <a href="http://p-ink.org/">P.INK</a> and P.INK Day 2013. You can see and read the first part of the article </span><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/61623733/Skin%20Deep%20with%20P%20INK%20issue%20232.pdf"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. My favorite part of this article is where they talk at the end about one of my <a href="http://p-ink.org/">P.INK</a> sisters, Mari, and how Mari before tattoos is a different Mari than after her tattoos. <a href="http://p-ink.org/">P.INK</a>, maybe unknown to the project at the time, changed a lot of people in a lot of ways. Mari and I would argue, I bet, that <a href="http://p-ink.org/">P.INK</a> changed a lot of people for the better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, friends, I believe I am a different Megan also. Before my tattoos I didn't know if talking about a mastectomy and breasts was in some way indecent or inappropriate. I always felt a yearning to share my story but at the same time I was cautious because I didn't want to make a situation awkward. I didn't/don't want pity and I also didn't want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private body parts; regardless of the fact that the conversation would not be at all sexual. I felt uncomfortable telling my colleagues of my leave of absence in order to have a mastectomy because I would not only be talking about breasts, but MY breasts. I felt timid about sharing my story at the Relay for Life event where hundreds of my own students were in attendance. Could I get fired for talking about my breasts? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I went to New York for P.INK Day 2013 with the intention of not allowing pictures and never sharing my new ink with anyone but the three people in my household. I left New York with my breasts splashed across the Internet from <a href="http://live.huffingtonpost.com/#r/segment/pink-project-tattoos-for-mastectomy-survivors/5252c7c402a76017c50003f1">Huffington Post</a> to <a href="http://www.p-ink.org/">Pinterest</a>. I also left and basically lifted up my shirt for anyone I felt would not call the cops on me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have an old friend that is a phenomenal photographer. Christin Lewin who owns <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hartmm01#!/CapturedByChristin">Captured by Christin</a>, specializes in infant photography. But I asked her if she would take some shots of my new ink so I could commemorate this year, this experience and this body. My stomach will change and my foobs (fake boobs) will change, so I wanted pictures now so I could remember why I did this and the feeling of freedom and pride I had and have after getting <a href="http://p-ink.org/">P.INK'd</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Secondly, I want to share some of my </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h75gm5zpcfkrpmz/SmQxVnCz6Q">photos</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">compliments of </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hartmm01#!/CapturedByChristin"><span style="font-size: large;">Captured by Christin</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. I love my tattoos. I love my body and the way my scars are there and visible, as a gentle reminder, but so is an amazing amount of beauty and femininity. Before I was tattooed I was "different". I joked about my albino nips, but inside, it was a source of insecurity. Now, I'm putting pictures of myself, half naked, on the Internet. Right or wrong, the Megan before P.INK Day 2013 is very different than the Megan that come home. And I wouldn't want it any other way.</span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-76996448723446891792013-12-20T09:20:00.005-08:002013-12-20T09:20:58.052-08:00Lots to Talk About...Lulumon, Turn Up the Heat, etc.)
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello loyal followers. I can't call you readers because, well, I haven't
written anything to be read ;-) Several times over the last month I have wanted
to jump on here and spew my thoughts, but life, as usual, got in the way. So,
here is a back log of my ponderings.....</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p><br />
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<strong>1. </strong></span><a href="http://ocna.donordrive.com/?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1067&eventID=531"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ovarian National Alliance Turn Up the Heat Event</span></strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">-<o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times","serif";">"The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is proud to present the <span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">9th Annual Turn Up the Heat! A Celebration of Women Chefs Gala</span> on February 19, 2014, at our new venue -the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Join more than 400 guests for the food event of the season while raising important funds to fight ovarian cancer! You'll have the chance to mingle with nearly 50 women chefs, restaurant owners and mixologists <span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"><a href="http://ocna.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=531"><span style="color: blue;">Click here to purchase tickets</span></a></span> or explore the links to discover more."</span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">2. Lulumon and stupidity-<o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
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Firstly, I really am trying to be less critical and skeptical of people and
at minimum, stop making faces and comments to indicate that I am currently
judging and criticizing. However, when anyone makes a statement like the one
quote below, I'm sorry, it is no longer within my will power to fight my belief
that you are absolutely ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Except taken from Chip Wilson's blog post from 2009:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Breast cancer also came into prominence in the 1990's. I suggest
this was due to the number of cigarette-smoking Power Women who were on the
pill (initial concentrations of hormones in the pill were very high) and taking
on the stress previously left to men in the working world."</em><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another statements that will be referenced below:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Quite frankly, some women’s bodies just actually don’t work,”
“It’s about the rubbing through the thighs,” and “how much pressure is there.”</em><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT? There are too many leaps in logic in these two sentences for me to adequately
address all of them adequately. So, let me just say this; Chip Wilson, you make
absurdly expensive women's clothing, yet you are not a woman. You make ludicrous
statements about the shape of women's bodies yet you do not have a woman's
body. You then make asinine statements about breast cancer, yet you are not
medically trained, nor are you a Power Woman. So let me say this as I feel I am
ALL of these; women, thigh rubbing and powerful; shut up. You demand too much
money for a product you say does work for almost nearly every woman and then
you spew inaccuracies and victim blaming statements about women with breast
cancer. Shut up.</span> <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times","serif";"></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-64571481607287895052013-11-06T04:21:00.001-08:002013-11-06T10:11:20.325-08:00Get P. INK'd<span style="font-size: large;">P.INK Day 2014 wants you! E-mail <a href="mailto:help@p-ink.org">help@p-ink.org</a></span><br />
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-68552558469475203192013-10-28T21:17:00.001-07:002013-10-28T21:18:36.649-07:00Every Voice Matters<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">From the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Genetic Counselibg Program:</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Help future young, high-risk individuals like me and you by participating in a research study! We would love to hear your story! We are looking for women or men under the age of 25 who have undergone genetic testing and know that they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation to take our online survey! For more details and information or to participate in our research please click here:<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8HQNVDD" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8HQNVDD</a></span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-72457814234648392452013-10-27T21:53:00.001-07:002013-10-29T07:02:07.727-07:00Angelina Jolie Previvor MontageI stole this montage from a blog called: http://www.helloeverydaylife.com<br />
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The video has a lot of great questions regarding BRCA and prophylactic surgery stemming from Angelina's announcement. I wish the clip included the doctor referenced in the third segment. Again, I'll look for it and update once I'm off mobile.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also stolen from Hello Everyday Life, this graphic on BRCA, who's at risk, what's the risk and general statistics. </span></div>
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-58120919491148521092013-10-23T10:24:00.001-07:002013-10-23T21:15:10.461-07:00P.INK Day 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I just got back from New York City (first
trip ever), and I am on a high of positive energy and have a renewed sense of
"fight" for the cause. This trip was mind blowing in so many ways. I
met amazing women from advocates, to survivors to artists. Everyone gave
something to make the weekend as amazing as possible for the participants and
the coordinators.<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
We arrived Sunday night to our hotel. It was
crazy driving through the city, through tunnels and across bridges, dodging
bikers and pedestrians. It was something I had never seen before. Once we
arrived, we got ready for a pre-event reception in lower Manhattan.
There I met the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PersonalInk">P.INK</a> team
as well as tattoo artists and fellow survivor participants. Right away the
energy in the room was hopeful and excited. We were all so very grateful for
each other and listened adoringly to each story as we had a chance to meet and
connect. As we said our goodbyes I was overwhelmed with excitement that I had a
hard time sleeping.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Monday morning, we all gathered outside of <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Saved
Tattoo</a> in Brooklyn. <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Saved
Tattoo</a> graciously allowed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PersonalInk">P.INK</a> to use their space and invite guest artists to
complete 10 mastectomy tattoos for the first <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013-transform-mastectomy-scars-into-beauty">P.INK Day</a>.
Stephanie Tomez is a part owner of <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Saved Tattoo</a> and she, along with other artists of <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Saved
Tattoo</a> participated in marathon
tattooing. Some women were there for more than 8 hours of tattooing. That is
nothing short of miraculous and fierce
for not only the woman being tattooed, but also the tattoo artist. <br />
<br />
My artist, Joy Rumore,
is from <a href="http://www.1228tattoo.com/" target="_blank">Twelve 28 Tattoo</a> around the corner from <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Saved Tattoo</a>. She single handedly owns <a href="http://www.1228tattoo.com/" target="_blank">Twelve
28 Tattoo</a> and has a connection with
the cause. She herself had a cancer scare herself at 19 and lost loved ones to
the disease. We connected immediately on these points and our silly witty
personalities. I was tattooed for 3-4 hours and we laughed the entire time. I
am honored to say that Joy is a truly beautiful person inside and out and I
look forward to a forever friendship and bond from this experience with her.<br />
<br />
After we were all tattooed and refreshed, we
met for a post reception at a local bar/restaurant. There we talked about the
day and exchanged thank yous to the organizers. We got to further meet and talk
to Mollie the inspiration behind the entire project (<a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013-transform-mastectomy-scars-into-beauty" target="_blank">see Mollie's story here</a>). There I was asked an interesting question. What
makes a mastectomy tattoo different than any other tattoo? I'll get back to
this answer later, because it is a provocative question.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
The next day, Tuesday, I was asked to
participate in an interview with <a href="http://live.huffingtonpost.com/">HuffLive</a> about my experiences with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PersonalInk">P.INK</a> and <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013-transform-mastectomy-scars-into-beauty">P.INK Day 2013</a>.
Of course I said yes! While in the "Green Room" (which is not green at all), I rubbed elbows with a super cute TV star, Tyler Blackburn of Pretty Little Liars and Ravenswood. <br />
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After taking pics and drinking yummy coffee drinks, I was on set talking about my mom, my story and <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013-transform-mastectomy-scars-into-beauty">P.INK Day 2013</a>. You can see the <a href="http://huff.lv/16sPDWk" target="_blank">full conversation here</a> . <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">Huffington Post</a> also wrote up a short article about my personal story
with BRCA and my mom, as well as clipped just my speaking parts. You can see both the
article and the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/22/breast-cancer_n_4144970.html?1382476191" target="_blank">short clip here</a>. <br />
<br />
The interview was an amazing experience. I was
apprehensive at first being a teacher. I wasn't sure if I would have negative
backlash for talking about a sensitive issue so publically. But, after much antagonizing thought, I
decided that I am not doing anything wrong, ugly or perverse, so I have nothing
to hide or be ashamed of. I dare anyone to say otherwise. Go on, I dare you! (haha)<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
The experience I had with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PersonalInk">P.INK</a> cannot be categorized
with words. I didn't realize what I was being given and I cannot find the words
to adequately express my gratitude, and pride for this organization. I hope to
help in any way I can for the future of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PersonalInk">P.INK</a> and for survivors and women everywhere. <br />
<br />
Please consider donating to <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013-transform-mastectomy-scars-into-beauty">P.INK 2013</a> and to future events. M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-79947188242016248562013-10-11T05:56:00.001-07:002013-10-11T05:57:13.932-07:00I donated...<span style="font-size: large;">And you should too!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013">http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/p-ink-day-2013</a></div>
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-3566117546488523152013-09-26T19:48:00.002-07:002013-09-26T19:48:40.711-07:00P.INK Day 2013<span style="font-size: large;">I have amazing news that both elates me and humbles me. I haven't written in far too long. I even had thoughts, once, about not writing again. Life is chaotic at this point and I often find myself feeling like I am drowning in "stuff". My hormones were off for quite awhile due to a pharmacy mix-up and I have been struggling heavily with insomnia. The hormones are finally leveling out and I am starting to feel better and sleep better. But after today and the connect I made because of this blog, and the opportunity I have, I am humbled that I was about to give up. Thank you "J" for that renewed sense of needing to do something.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An organization called Personal Ink, P.INK, contacted me to an effort to find 10 women with mastectomy scars to participate in their P.INK Day 2013. I am thrilled to be part of this campaign as I can't even express with words the discomfort of looking different. This campaign is giving 10 women the chance to have their scars turned into art, their experience turned into beauty and their stories turned into tales of strength, survival and courage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is more about the P.INK campaign, and Molly, the woman that started it all. Support P.INK, Molly and me, as well as 9 other women, in this amazing event. Give a woman a lifetime of confidence.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="486" scrolling="no" src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/523327/widget" width="224"></iframe><br />M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-30950520781079965282013-07-24T07:31:00.003-07:002013-07-24T07:31:50.005-07:00National Wear Teal Day 2013<div class="fbInfoIcon lfloat">
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<span class="fsl"><a ajaxify="/ajax/calendar/day_box.php?day=1378450800&invites_link=0&action_source=2" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar/2013/September/6" rel="dialog" role="button"><span style="font-size: large;">Friday, September 6, 2013</span></a></span></div>
<div class="lfloat" content="2013-09-06T00:00:00-07:00" itemprop="startDate">
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
</td><td class="vTop"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span style="font-size: large;">Teal is the color of ovarian cancer awareness. On the first Friday in September, we ask you to wear teal to show your support for women whose lives have been touched by this deadly disease.<br /><br /> Taking part is easy! RSVP on the "Wear Teal Day 2013" Facebook page to pledge that you will wear teal for ovarian cancer. On September 6, don your best teal, take a photo, and post in on your favorite social media sites using the hashtag #WearTeal. Help us spread the word by sharing this event with your Facebook friends.<br /><br /> We'll compile your best teal photos and share them throughout the month of September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.<br /><br /> Learn more about ovarian cancer at </span><a href="http://www.ovariancancer.org/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.ovariancancer.org/</span></a></span></span></td></tr>
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-42801618994636152222013-07-04T12:05:00.001-07:002013-07-04T12:09:33.956-07:00New year = New Challenges<span style="font-size: large;">I have been thinking for a while about doing a triathlon. If you know me it will not surprise you that I signed up for 2. LOL. Why do anything just once. Dive right in and go for it. I have my first sprint tri on Sept. 29th. It is a women's triathlon for the local YMCA. A sprint tri is a 300 meter swim (in a pool), 10 mile bike ride and 3.2 mile run. I think I got this. I am not going for "good" or "fast" just finish!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The second triathlon is just a week later and it is an Olympic Distance Triathlon. This is a bit more, um, crazy. It s 40 total miles; .9 mile swim (open water), 32 mile bike and 6.5 mile run. This race supports the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Basically Ulman Fund is a special fund to help people who are in their teens, twenties and thirties to fight cancer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are able, I would love it if you could support me in this. I love swimming, biking and running for something. It keeps me honest and accountable to my own health. Here is the link to my fundraising page: </span><a data-bind="attr:{href:personalPageUrl}, text: personalPageUrl" href="http://halffulltriathlon.com/donations/?kwoAdvocateId=72OSHP2" target="_new"><span style="font-size: large;">http://halffulltriathlon.com/donations/?kwoAdvocateId=72OSHP2</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I'll also have the donation form on this page on the sidebar and in the advocacy section of this blog. Thank you!</span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-8718489965463336402013-06-13T08:35:00.005-07:002013-06-13T08:35:58.725-07:00Score for Humanity<span style="font-size: large;">The supreme court today announced that you cannot by law patent DNA! Well color me happy! We are well on our way to making the BRCA genetic mutation test available to everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Score one for humanity, Myriad= 0</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Read all about it here: <span class="entry-title"><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/court-says-human-genes-cannot-patented-143605456.html" target="_blank">Court says human genes cannot be patented</a></span></span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-2974240991191754172013-06-10T07:59:00.000-07:002013-06-13T08:08:02.227-07:00New Challenges<span style="font-size: large;">To this point, I have felt very pleased with my decision regarding my surgery and I have been extremely open about it. However, I find myself in a new challenging position. In this situation, I feel embarrassed, uncomfortable and modest. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The locker room. I am now coaching swimming at the local YMCA and with that employment, I get a family membership. I decided Friday that I was going to take a mid-day class and shower there to be ready for a formal celebration afterwards. Everything was all fine and dandy until I had to shower in a large room with a bunch of naked women. As a former swimmer, this would not phase me in the least; until now. Sans areolas (funny, spell check doesn't recognize this as a word), I clearly look different. I get noticeable stares. I find myself rushing and covering and cowering to hide my scars. I find myself embarrassed. Not ashamed, but definitely uncomfortable and not open to discussing my surgery with strangers while naked. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the first time in 2 year, the 2 years since my surgery, this situation has me baffled. How do you deal with this? The obvious answer is getting nipple tattoos. But I don't want that. I want a mastectomy tattoo, and I have one scheduled, but in the meantime. How would you feel if you saw someone without nipples in a locker room?</span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-69967944598229612562013-06-05T05:46:00.003-07:002013-06-05T05:46:56.624-07:00Money Talks; Cancer Research Suffers<span style="font-size: large;">Susan G. Komen announced today that they are cutting the 3-Day Walk event in seven cities! 7 Cities! That's nearly a million dollars worth of money to cancer research and countless amounts of awareness lost. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This article relates the decline in participation and lack of fundraising potentially to the controversy last year with SGK and Planned Parenthood: </span><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/komen-breast-cancer-charity-cancels-walks-seven-u-010341554.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Komen breast cancer charity cancels walks in seven U.S. cities</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I urge anyone reading this blog, or others, to put aside political opinions, religious "laws" and personal reactions to SGK and Planned Parenthood to see the "real" loser in this battle. The real loser is cancer patients and survivors. People are reluctant to donate to SGK and SGK events because SGK supports Planned Parenthood and on the other side are reluctant to support SGK because they broke partnership with Planned Parenthood. It's a lose lose for SGK. But again, who is the real loser? All the women that SGK supports and touches with their power, reach and funding. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As a former 3-Day walk participant, 3 times over, and raising nearly $10,000 single handedly, I can say that I have done my research. SGK gives around 80% of funds raised to research and advocacy. 80%! They aren't paying secretaries, or breaking even on event costs. They are putting money where it needs to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I urge you to find other ways to express your political/religious opinions that doesn't include punishing cancer patients and women. I know that is a lot to ask. I hate to say it, but not funding programs from SGK because of Planned Parenthood (whether for or against) is misguided. It's not having the intended impact desired, and instead is harming women across the country and the world. Think about it. Cancer doesn't discriminate. It strikes all races, religions, political party members and genders alike. Fighting cancer with politics and religion is ineffective. Cancer, I assure you, doesn't care.</span> M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-20423842175519049132013-05-28T07:18:00.001-07:002013-05-28T07:18:34.894-07:00Memorial Day<span style="font-size: large;">My Yiayia (Greek for Gandmother) used to tell me that she visited my Pappoús (Greek for Grandfather) every Memorial Day. He was a WWII vet who was given a letter of commendation for saving his captain's life. He died shortly after I was born, so I don't know him, but everyone just loved him. They said he was funny and kind. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the last four years, my Yiayia and my mother are barried next to my Pappoús. So visiting this Memorial Day was an emotional ball. I hate driving there, but I love being there. It's like writing an e-mail or text. You can't see the other side of the conversation, but you know they are there; if that makes sense. I just feel whole, like a family again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My aunt plants flowers every Memorial Day around the family headstone. This year my children and their cousins (my brother's children) were there to help. I remember planting flowers every spring with my mother. I remember my grandmother's affinity to the rose bushes we had on the side of our house. She was come in bloody from the thorns, but she loved to prune and trim and clip bouquets. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a nice few hours to spend with everyone talking and laughing and just being together again.</span><br />
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-90136342299663929812013-05-24T06:06:00.004-07:002013-05-24T06:06:48.819-07:00Relay for Life 2013- Luminarias<span style="font-size: large;">These brave women who lost their fights with cancer paved a path for me and others to become empowered to make better choices and gain knowledge of our own risks. These involuntary martyrs saved so many lives.</span><br />
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M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-24440288158838897752013-05-16T09:46:00.002-07:002013-05-16T09:46:26.063-07:00By law, it's covered!<span style="font-size: large;">As I sift through the Angelina Jolie post, articles and news bits, I see this recurring attitude that somehow Angelina being rich made it possible for her to have corrective surgery. This is SO not the case.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Based on Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA), all insurance plans that cover mastectomy also cover related medical needs like reconstruction. The U.S. Department of labor has a fabulous FAQ section on this very topic: </span><a href="http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/whcra.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Your Rights After A Mastectomy</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have Medicare/Medicaid, the law doesn't cover you the same. And in the BRCA situation, it might not cover reconstruction; but that is determined by individual states. According to Cancer.org; </span><br />
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<em><a href="http://www.cancer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/managinginsuranceissues/womens-health-and-cancer-rights-act" target="_blank">"Do the WHCRA requirements apply to Medicare or Medicaid?</a></em></h2>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">No. The law does not apply to Medicare and Medicaid. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Still, Medicare covers breast reconstruction if you had a mastectomy because of breast cancer. Medicaid coverage varies in each state, so you will have to get this information for your state."</span></em></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I expected, at some point, a negative backlash on Angie, although I have to admit, I was hoping it was going to be all support and sunshine. I felt however that I had to but this falsehood to rest. Woman are protected well. There is still work to be done, for sure, but BRCA carriers and women with breast cancer are not doomed to be un-womanly, or "mutilated" because of their economic status. And Angelina's reconstruction has nothing to do with her wealth. Actually, unless Hollywood now offers group insurance plans, I bet she did pay her surgeries out of pocket; where mine was covered completely.</span> M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-27694982856817114362013-05-14T04:43:00.004-07:002013-05-15T14:26:58.651-07:00Another Sister<span style="font-size: large;">Angelina Jolie announced yesterday that she too carries the BRCA1 mutation and has had prophylactic surgery to remove both breasts. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cancer is blind, it does not see color, gender, wealth, intelligence, education, place in life or any discriminating factor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your risk, and address it appropriately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Article: <a href="http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/angelina-jolie-reveals-preventative-double-mastectomy-064002088.html" target="_blank">Angelina Jolie Reveals She Had Preventative Double Mastectomy</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I really like the way she explained her situation and decision in this article: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?_r=3&" target="_blank">My Medical Choice</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It didn't happen often, but there were women, men, people that strongly disagreed with my choice to have prophylactic surgery. Someone even said I "mutilated my body." Despite overwhelming support from family and friends, there are always whispers that are heard a little louder, and comments that are taken a bit harder and stares that can make you feel tiny and ashamed. I am glad Angelina is speaking out. I love this blog, but she has the real power and captive audience to speak about what it's like to have BRCA and why it completely changes a person's life.</span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-53565577368062060422013-05-11T18:04:00.000-07:002013-05-11T18:04:26.503-07:00Race for the Cure DC 2013<span style="font-size: large;">The Race for the Cure DC was this morning and it was a great morning! The weather held out nicely. It wasn't too hot or too cold, although quite humid. I had a great race coming in at 26.45! That's a new personal record by officially nearly 3 minutes, but technically 1.5 minutes (I've had faster training times, since my last official 5k). The event was awesome, the speakers were amazing, we were a force of pink ripping through the Mall. I love our new Mother's Day tradition! The race was followed by brunch and Georgetown Cupcakes....enough said. Perfect day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mother's Day to all the mother of all kinds. I miss mine everyday, every moment. Another moment missed today when I crossed that finish line. I know she was watching from heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For every starting line;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and every finish line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For every miles I run;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and every step I take;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">you are with me, mom.</span></div>
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Pre-race, runner's start</div>
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Post race, face! (we don't even look winded)</div>
M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-80203936441242326362013-04-26T07:41:00.002-07:002013-04-26T07:41:16.307-07:00World Ovarian Cancer Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Share this graphic with the world! May 8th!</span></div>
<br />M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026542005958853494.post-35999481013826440992013-04-23T06:43:00.005-07:002013-04-23T06:43:39.837-07:00Inspiration<span style="font-size: large;">We all need a little pick me up from time to time. Here are two great stories about cancer, hope, love and fighting back!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. This video was made by a few students at my school in honor of a student we lost to a brain tumor late last summer: (grr, Blogger won't let me embed this one)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe5GYjqLLX4"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe5GYjqLLX4</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. This is a great story about a young couple given the dreaded "deadline" and how the help of perfect strangers makes dreams come true! Small world moments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/bride-with-breast-cancer-has-dream-wedding--planned-by-the-internet-163234183.html"><span style="font-size: large;">http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/bride-with-breast-cancer-has-dream-wedding--planned-by-the-internet-163234183.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday!</span>M. Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761258828346878351noreply@blogger.com0