Pink Hope

How many people do you know who have battled breast cancer? I bet you need both hands to count.ou didn't have to think to hard about it. I've had an aunt with stage 4. I've had two friends at work who fought the disease. Most recently, I received a message from cousin that she had just been diagnosed.As a part of the Relay for Life team, I'm writing an article each month to bring awareness on some  form of cancer.  Here's a preview of the article that will run in the Harlan Newspaper soon. A big thanks to Julie Bruck for sharing her story:

October evokes images of orange pumpkins and black ghouls. But for some, October evokes images of pink ribbons–a reminder to be vigilant about the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Breast cancer awareness month comes with renowned fundraising events, famous ambassadors, and most importantly, survivors we all know and admire. Julie Bruck is one such survivor.

Julie’s Story

In March of 2012 Julie went to a routine doctor visit and asked about a lump on her breast. Having had a mammogram the previous July, she wondered if it was really anything to worry about. Then after a mammogram, ultrasound and two painful biopsies, the news was dropped on her: stage 2B breast cancer. And it had spread to the lymph nodes. 

Fear struck Julie as she considered her busy role as a wife, mother, and career woman. Her oldest son was soon to graduate high school. Her three children (Ben–18, Ally–14 and Conner–10 at the time) were highly involved in activities. Her husband, Randy, was on the verge of kicking off a busy planting season. “There was no time to be sick,” said Julie as she considered her circumstance.

Julie, Ally, Randy, Conner & Ben

Telling the family was one of the most difficult tasks she faced.  “I wasn’t prepared to break the news and believe me, they weren’t ready to receive the news.”  It wasn’t long before she realized how much she could depend on all of her family for support. Faith is a huge part of Julie’s life, and praying together and attending “Healing Masses” as a family were activities that meant a lot to her.

Julie endured eight rounds of chemo, once every two weeks. When it seemed as if she was beginning to feel better, another treatment awaited her. Despite the sickness, fatigue, mouth sores, and hair loss, Julie didn’t stop working nor did she give up attending her kids’ events. There were times when she didn’t get out of the car as she watched her kids play ball. But she was there, often accompanied by her mother, as they watched a game from a distance. Keeping her routines and staying busy was important to Julie’s emotional health.

Once the rounds of chemo were completed, Julie had a double mastectomy along with the removal of lymph nodes–an innovative approach with her intense treatment taking place before the removal. After the surgery the tissue was sent to pathology. Before Julie left the hospital she was given incredible news: no sign of cancer anywhere! With the guidance of her oncologist, Julie decided she would not go through radiation. Today Julie is cancer-free.

Julie at the Susan B Komen Race

Risk Factors

Understanding risk factors is an important strategy to battling the disease. Heredity can play a big role–especially if a mutation of the BCRA1 or 2 gene is found. Having this mutation increases the possibility of breast cancer between 45 to 65%, depending on the gene mutation.

Julie tested negative for this mutation. Like Julie, most women (8 out of 10) do not have a family history of breast cancer. However, it’s important to understand that women who have close blood relatives with breast cancer have a higher risk of the disease.

Other risk factors include:

-Being a woman. While breast cancer is about 100 times more common in women, the risk still exists for men.

-Age. The most invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 and older.

-History. If breast cancer is in one breast, the risk for developing cancer in the other breast increases. This risk is even more pronounced for younger women.

-Having dense or “fibrous” breast tissue, which can increase the risk for cancer to 1.2 to 2 times from a woman with average breast density.

-Lifestyle choices such as excessive drinking, being overweight, or lack of physical activity.

Performing self-exams and scheduling mammograms are the best methods for detecting the disease early. Symptoms can include a new lump, swelling of a part of the breast, skin irritation, breast pain, or unusual discharge.

The American Cancer Society is helping breast cancer victims through various programs such as 

-Road to Recovery, providing transportation services to treatments, 

-Look Good Feel Better, offering wigs for those who have lost their hair, and

-HOPE Lodge, providing a place for patients to stay. Ground has just broken in Omaha for one such unit.

The ACS has invested $62 million for 160 research grants specifically for breast cancer. But one of the most important weapons in this fight is education and awareness.

Every cancer victim copes differently. When Julie was battling the disease, she didn’t feel like talking about it. She didn’t want others to define her by the cancer. Now, back to leading a healthy and productive life, she’s a great ambassador for the fight. As she said at the Relay for Life event earlier this year, “We need to find a cure. So keep giving, keep walking and keep fighting until we can say with all the certainty in the world that there is a cure for cancer.”

I'm happy to report that in addition to Julie, my aunt and coworkers survived. My cousin is determined to beat it. While the breast cancer certainly lurks, there is much hope out there. Pink hope. Spread the word.

Breaking the Silence: A Beloved Advocate’s Legacy

Teal isn’t just another pretty color. For many, it’s a reminder of a deadly killer who strikes without warning. The family of Nadine Kenkel knows this all too well.

Last month I was asked to join the Relay for Life committee to write monthly articles to shed light on cancer awareness. I was excited about the request—tapping into my writing hobby to do some good. With September designated as Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, I knew the first person I wanted to interview. And after sitting down with a sweet, young pregnant woman named Jenna Hucka who lost her mother to cancer, I misjudged one thing about myself. My emotional capacity to withhold tears. Impossible.

Jenna and Nadine

The following post is a version of the article that will run in the Harlan Tribune next week.

Jenna, along with her father (Steve), brother (Tony), husband (Todd), and toddler daughter (Priya Nadine) continue a tireless journey to raise awareness and funding for Colleen’s Dream Foundation in which 100% of the proceeds go toward ovarian cancer research—there are no paid employees. This year, the Annual Breaking the Silence Tournament, started by Nadine in four years ago raised over $18,000 for the cause. Myrtue Hospital sponsored a bake sale and raised $1,500. Next Tuesday night's HS volleyball game will sponsor a Teal-Out to raise even more money. Without this level of community support, there would be no research going on.

Ovarian cancer is not only the fifth leading cause of death, but the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths among women according to the American Cancer Society.  September has been designated as Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, so break out your teal and listen up.

When detected early, 93% of women survive five years. However, fewer than 15% of cases are diagnosed early because currently there is no effective screening or early detection test. For women who discover the cancer in its later stages, less than 50% survive past five years. Awareness is critical.

Nadine Kenkel died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56. Her story is a blend of tragedy, inspiration, and a dose of humor– for anyone who knows Nadine, that's no surprise.

Nadine and Steve

In 2010 the vibrant nurse began having some seemingly mild symptoms: bloating, weight gain, feeling full quickly. Eventually a fever convinced her to seek help. Her practitioner, Jill Ferry, discovered an infection and prescribed medication. Unable to knock the fever, Nadine returned a few days later. Ferry found fluid around her abdomen and sent it for a biopsy. By the time Nadine arrived home from the clinic, she received a disturbing call. Less than a week later, Nadine was in surgery, having a football-sized tumor removed.

Nadine endured three full rounds of chemotherapy, 18 weeks each, over 4 year time frame. She experienced fatigue, loss of hair, and nausea. But that didn’t stop Nadine from pursuing a cause. It also didn’t stop her sense of humor. Always trying to get her stoical oncologist to crack, on one particular visit, she boasted of her new "tattoo" on her leg. He cracked.

Speaking to over 1,000 women after her diagnosis, Nadine elevated the “Break the Silence” campaign, urging women to be vigilant and watch for signs including:

• Bloating
• Pelvic and Abdominal Pain
• Feeling Full Quickly
• Urinary Symptoms (Urgency or Frequency)

Common symptoms, no doubt. Differentiating these from normal monthly symptoms can be tricky. “Don’t be afraid to see a specialist,” said Jenna. “These doctors understand the disease and know what to look for.” Without a screening tool available at this time, being aware is the best method for early detection.

Ovarian cancer risk factors have been identified. Women should consider:

Family History and Genetics: Having a mother, sister of daughter with the disease increases risk. Genetic mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 have also been linked to increased risk. A test can identify these mutations.

Age: The average age of diagnosis is 63 years.

Pregnancies: Women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk.

Menstruation: Increased risk occurs for women who experienced early menses or frequent cycles.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Women who have used HRT to alleviate menopause symptoms have an increased risk. 

Nadine worked diligently the last few years of her life to spread vital information. The medical clinic always knew when Nadine had spoken because appointments would fill up with women experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms. Certainly, her message had impact.

On August 25th, 2014, Nadine lost her battle–four years after her diagnosis. After her death, her oncologist admitted to her family that after he had removed Nadine’s difficult tumor, he didn’t think she’d live a year. But her sense of purpose, good humor, and sheer determination proved him wrong. Not only did she survive longer than expected, but she survived to make a difference. Now her family carries on her legacy.

Nadine and her Princess: Priya Nadine