“We are asking you to take part in this study because you are at higher risk compared to the general population for developing pancreatic cancer, based on your personal or family history.”

They’re talking to me.  And maybe you.  If you are a carrier of either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, then you too may have an elevated lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer. …

What is it about my children’s weddings that makes my hair grow?  Sounds far-fetched?  I admit it, but during11 years as an Alopecian the only time…

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a proven cause of breast cancer in field and experimental mice.  MMTV was discovered way back in 1936.  MMTV-like…

The gift certificates were pouring in - from all over the country and in various amounts - some as little as $5.00 - with beautiful and caring messages.  I began to suspect that there was something very special going on.   I became very familiar with the name “Carrie” and was impressed by how many thoughtful friends she had.  When Carrie called to redeem  her gift certificates, I commented to her about her supportive network of friends - and then the real story…

As humans, we all have a basic need for growth. The only way we can grow is making positive changes in our lives, and using that momentum to become who we want to be. Many of us get wrapped up in the day to day of living, and lose track of all the areas we…

Being mistaken for a cancer patient is part of the unwanted package that is Alopecia. I get that after 11 years as a bald woman.  I’m accustomed to the stares, assumptions and accompanying comments.  I’ve blogged about it and commiserated with sister Alopecians on the topic.  I’m over it - it’s so last year, as the saying goes - until it happens again.…

Pump Up Your Book is proud to host the authors and publisher of Zumaya Publications at their 5 year birthday bash chat book giveaway! The party will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 starting at 8 p.m. eastern, 7 p.m. central, 6 p.m. mountain and 5 p.m. pacific time) and ending at 11 p.m. (eastern time). Tell your book friends that not only will this give them an opportunity to chat with the authors and editor of Zumaya Publications, but they will be eligible to win lots of…

The Bridal Timeline For Extending Your Wedding Beauty

Have you made your personal peace with the 2009 U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendations that annual breast screening should begin at age 50, rather than the previously recommended age of 40?  Well, not so fast.

Here comes another set of recommendations, this time brought to you by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).  The ACOG is…

I’ve been bald for 11 years.  During that time, …

JUST LISTEN TO MY HAIR LOSS

I don’t have hair, but at least I have good health.  Trust me, I never lose sight of that.  Afterall, I surrendered my healthy breasts and ovaries in an effort to protect my health.  But I still resent it when others respond to my hair…

The Take the Picture! photo contest is a three month contest starting in August 2011, with a different category…

Let me start by saying that while I’m a supporter of efforts to raise awareness and cure the cancers that kill women, my first choice is prevention.  So, when I learned that I was indeed a BRCA2 carrier, I didn’t pause long before choosing to undergo both prophylactic mastectomies AND a prophylactic oopherectomy (meaning I had both healthy breasts and healthy ovaries removed). …

Several years ago at a conference discussing how to help others recover from bad things. The conversations were of hope, vision, and faith and risk and joy. And although these are all thoroughly entwined there are some very unique differences that can move you toward success or leave you languishing behind…and hope is where it starts.

Hope knows that…

I have permanent hair loss, also called Alopecia Universalis.  That doesn’t mean it will never grow back (it has), simply that it will never stop falling out.  Once an Alopecian, always an Alopecian…

It took a lot of doctor’s appointments to finally arrive at…

Moms, kids and kindie rock fans unite! Seventh Generation recently raised the curtain on a new summer music promotion with best-selling children’s performers, the Laurie Berkner Band.  The song  “One Seed” expresses the importance of passing down environmental awareness from one generation to the next and was penned specifically for Seventh Generation.

The video for “One Seed” features Laurie and friends singing the…