My Doctor Follows Me and is a Fan

Just a mere 10 years ago I would have to call my doctor’s office to schedule an appointment. If I had a question or concern I would leave a message and wait for her call back. Now everything is handled on line. I make my appointments, I email my concerns and I sign up for the Practice’s newsletter.

For health care professionals it is somewhat of a dream come true. Even if most patients don’t read the whole newsletter the practice can alert their patients when flu shots are available, introduce a new practitioner, and other health related events.

Events are also a new phenomenon in the doctor/patient relationship.  Free workshops for new parents, nursing mothers, diabetics, and high blood pressure patients are normal practice.

8 years ago my Oncologist’s group invited their patients to a seminar highlighting what was presented at the National breast cancer conference. The first year about 150 showed up. Last week about 350 people showed up to hear the news! This is just one oncology practice!

I asked my oncologist why he thought their event is growing and such a big success. His answers are:

1. Free Food
2. Free Parking
3. Cute or funny graphics dispersed in the power point slides
4. A clear synopsis of the data that is easily understandable
5. Cancer people crave knowledge from a reliable source

My company had an informational table at last week’s event. We were there with various support group organizations, cancer foundations, exercise groups and other specialty clothing companies. I listened to the conference and I agree with my Oncologist 100%. What’s new in the world of breast cancer? I can tell you now with authority. Social media has helped reach a group that 20 years ago used hushed tones.

Here are a few points from the Conference:

1. Daughters should get their baseline mammogram 10 years before their Mother/Aunt/Grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer
2. Start at age 40 to get a yearly mammogram
3. Breast Cancer prevention not only through lifestyle choices but also available through drug therapies for high-risk women
4. Have a risk assessment for breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence

My doctor actually follows my company. She and my oncologist are wonderful supporters of Haralee.Com, and distribute my brochures to many of their patients.

Have you attended a health event sponsored by your health care providers?

10 Cool Tips for Staying Cool This Summer

If you are inwardly, silently cringing at another day of warm sunny weather because you are having hot flashes day and night, you are not alone. Here is my tip list to keep your cool and still look great.
1. Sandals
Keep your feet exposed to the open air to keep cool. Can’t wear sandals for work because of some health issue? Try wearing open toe or peek-a-boo toe shoes and absolutely no hose or socks.
2. Sleeveless Tops, Blouses or Dresses
You may think your arms are not what they once were but really, no one would be looking at your arms if sweat is pouring down your face if you wear sleeves.*

3. Wicking Clothing
Seek out tops and short and pants for casual wear that wick away the moisture so you can stay dry. *
4. Portable Fans
Do not overlook the chance to quickly cool down with a small quiet fan strategically placed on your desk, in your bathroom or on your nightstand.
5. Underwear
Wicking bras and panties are in investment in coolness.
6. Iced Beverages
They can cool you down and you can use the ice cubes down your bra, or your pants.
7. Hats
Hats are very fashionable. Wear a big brim hat while outside. It will shade your face and shoulders while you end up looking very cool.
8. Scarves
This year scarves have been a great fashion accessory. Put them away for the summer.
9. Hair
If you have shoulder length hair, put it up into some fun styles. If you have short hair, shorten up the back or go for an asymmetrical look for the summer.
10. Sleepwear
Invest in wicking sleepwear for a cooler tomorrow. If you are sleep deprived because it is just too hot to sleep, summer can drag on for what will seem like forever.*

* Items available at http://www.haralee.com/

Musings from the Entrepreneurial Menopause Woman, or WHAT WAS I THINKING???

I decided last week to paint my office. I thought, I have painted
before, I run a successful business, and I can do this over the week-end. It's
only a 12' X 10" room. How hard can it be? That is what I was thinking when
I blindly started this project.

First Clue that I was Clueless:
I went to the local paint store to pick out white paint. Who knew there are
a gazillion whites, and all the brushes, rollers, and trays to buy?

Second Clue that I Missed:
I spoke with a good friend about my week-end plans. She talked about how the
repetitive action with immediate results is so satisfying. How she finds
painting relaxing. She also makes her own mayonnaise.

Third Clue that went over my Head:
My husband volunteered to help take things off the walls and move furniture
to the middle of the room. He then scattered, disappeared, MIA, didn't
answer his cell phone.

Reality 1: Took 3 coats of paint to cover. I had to buy more paint and
brushes.

Reality 2: My shoulders, neck, and thighs hurt. I did not find it
relaxing.

Reality 3: Stepping over cords and squeezing between desks makes the
job harder.

Mid way through the project I called my 86 year old Mother and told her what
I was doing. Her reply, "Are you Crazy?"
I called my sister and told her "I hate painting". She said, "You are just
finding that out now!"

Was this act of craziness on my part the entrepreneurial spirit gone wild?
Was it a menopausal hot flash that fried my brain cells? Did I have an
estrogen drain that depleted my better judgment? Can you relate??? But look
at the picture, it sure is BRIGHT!

CornCobs in Your Ears and Other Ways to Cope with Cancer

I was recently asked to write something about cancer, so here it is: One thing I know about cancer is that you as the patient must cultivate a sense of humor. The disease is so serious, the doctors and staff, all so serious with that forced cheeriness, something or someone has to crack and that is You! Joke to yourself. Not everyone will see the humor in cancer, but I guarantee after going down that path myself, you will be entertaining your self and that is all that matters.

Suggestions to find humor in the Cancer Process:
Breast Cancer patients who went for breast conservation, (That is what it is called):
Count the number of times you show your breasts to people. It will be in double to triple digits easily. Tell your people at your whim.

Bald Head: Buy an outrageous henna tattoo and apply it to the top of your head. Take that wig or hat or scarf off and enjoy the aftershock.

The Wig: Whip it off and stuff it into your purse, shopping bag or coat pocket. Do this while driving in traffic, or stopped at a light, on the bus or subway or walking down a busy street. Smile as you imagine or see people’s reactions. (Extra if you have the henna tattoo on your head).

Eyebrows: Use a brown pencil on one brow and a black, or blue, or green on the other. Draw in very thick eyebrow lines, or make artistic designs on the ends. These eyebrow dramatics look great behind sunglasses. Look in the mirror at yourself and get a good laugh.

Chemo Brain: This is real and affects people differently. I had a first letter correct, wrong word, chemo brain problem. Example, I planted pansies, but said I planted petunias. I said I put leftovers in the mirror when I meant to say microwave. The bottom line is that with Chemo Brain as your excuse, you are never wrong, confused, or forgetful. Others may be annoyed, but you are amused.

Radiation Tattoo: Of course this is not your image of your first tattoo or any tattoo you imagined. In your head or on paper, design a glamorous or outrageous tattoo that incorporates the radiation dots. You can choose to tell people your idea for extra giggles.

When people say unhelpful, but they think helpful things over the phone: Tell them your treatments are giving you stuffed ears so you can not hear well. If they persist, tell them it is like you have corn cobs jetting out of your ears and just holding the phones hurts your ears. Trust me; they won’t be able to get past that picture of you in their mind.

The bottom line is Cancer is not funny. It is a very serious disease. We can survive with what works best for us. For some it is spiritual, religious, physical, or connecting. For me it is humor, what works for you?