Knots

I pray to you,

Please untie the "knots" that are in my mind, my heart and my life.

Remove the have-nots, the can-nots, the do-nots that i have in my mind.
Erase the will-nots, may-nots, and might-nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could-nots, would-not, and should-nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, I ask that you remove from my heart, my mind and my life,
All of the AM-nots that I have allowed to hold me back, from truly living my life.
Especially the thought that I AM not good enough.
Because I AM
I AM GOOD ENOUGH
I AM ENOUGH!
I AM.

(Thanks to Kelly who shared this). (Photo source: Shutterstock).

To register for the World Conference on Breast Cancer visit www.wcbcf.ca

Breast cancer knowledge is a powerful tool

If you have not already registered for the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer now is your chance. Just go to www.wcbcf.ca

This international conference will help to raise awareness and spread knowledge. Breast cancer knowledge is a powerful tool given many women and men affected by this disease, in some parts of the world, will not have access to timely services once the disease is in an advanced state. Identifying breast cancer early and knowing what to do is an important part of survival. You and others will share information and create long standing networks, while you learn about the newest research, lab developments and discoveries emerging worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity.

Update on your blogger (Kim Tempest pictured above with her daughter): Sorry I have been absent from the blog for awhile. It has taken a bit to get on track with treatments. As you probably know, I am at the cancer thing again, with metastatic breast cancer in my bones and liver. The good news is that the treatments I am on are working. The bad news is that they won't be able to completely get rid of it.

Interestingly enough I did not know that I was even at risk of bone metastases. I figured once I had done breast cancer the first time that was it. My treatments had been so aggressive I figured we had got it all. Turns out I am not alone. Many women who have been through breast cancer are unaware that if their cancer does re-occur that it will most likely come back in the bones. I, like others, also did not know that metastatic cancer in the bones also places me at greater risk of fractures which can lead to further complications. Who knew - you learn something every day. With this knowledge I am able to do things to reduce my fracture risk - like bone strengthening medications and exercise.

Take a global stand against breast cancer

As many of you know – I am fighting breast cancer (again) – this time it is in my liver and bones (which really sucks – but then that is a whole different conversation – at least my treatment is working – yeah). As many of you also know I am on the Board of Directors for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. I am very passionate about this cause because unlike myself, many women experience this disease do not have the support or resources they need.

The World Conference on Breast Cancer brings survivors together with people concerned and working with breast cancer, including: scientists, medical professional, researchers, suppliers, Governments, and many more. The intention is to reach people who can make a difference in the global stand against breast cancer. Through the conference we can educate and equip women from many nations, especially those developing and in transition, with the tools they need to make a difference in their communities.

As part of our social media outreach we decided to create an awareness video on the World Conference on Breast Cancer to launch on YouTube. Well it is launched. The video brings three culturally diverse drummers and women (survivors) and their families together to celebrate the stand against breast cancer.

One million women are diagnosed with breast cancer world wide each year, 400,000 of these women will die. Today four million women are living with breast cancer on our planet. Help to raise awareness about this growing global health issue and share this link with everyone you know. Our hope is to go viral. If we are able to go viral, we may attract advertisers who could help to support the sponsorship of visiting delegates.

Please copy the link and share it with your friends, family and colleagues. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2d7toiadc

To learn more about the World Conference on Breast Cancer or to register - go to www.wcbcf.ca

Let's go Viral

Our promotional spot for the World Conference on Breast Cancer is now posted on YouTube. Please share this link with everyone you know. Maybe we can go viral. For more information on the conference or to register go to www.wcbcf.ca

News around the World

As I was surfing the net looking for world developments on the breast cancer front, I came across some articles published by the World Heath Organization (WHO). WHO acknowledges that breast cancer is the leading cancer killer of women worldwide. Here in Canada breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed, but it is lung cancer that is the top cancer killer. WHO also states that tobacco use is one of the main contributors to disease resulting in death.

We have known for some time that smoking is a leading cause of lung, throat, oral and bladder cancers, heart attack and stroke (and numerous other afflictions) but breast cancer was not usually linked to smoking. In my search this morning I also found some recent articles out of the UK that are stating that women who smoke prior to menopause and childbirth, are statistically showing an increase in incidents of breast cancer.

What frightens me most about all of this evidence against smoking is that people still start! What will it take to get everyone to stop lighting up for the first time? I feel horrible for everyone out there who is a smoker because the addiction is so horrific and it is hard (maybe impossible for some) to stop. All I can say to everyone who wants to stop - get medical intervention - you probably cannot do it alone. Trust me, everyone you love will support you in your efforts to stop.

I know that there is huge tax revenue from tobacco and that the tobacco lobby is strong - but how can we allow the tobacco companies to continue to legally produce and sell products that are known to kill. I can't even imagine the cost of treating all of the diseases that are a result of prolonged exposure to smoke. Perhaps that is a rant for another time.

I had a great conversation with my daughter about smoking - she is 13. This is a vulnerable age. We talked about how hard it is to stop once you have started and then asked her why kids start. She said because they are stupid and don't think anything will happen to them. I guess that goes with anything - smoking - drugs - unprotected sex - whatever the risk behaviour.

Unfortunately, when I was 13 and lighting up for the first time my invincibility was not a thought. I did not think of - well - anything. It was just what everyone was doing. There were not the warnings we have now, perhaps it might have made a difference. Boy, was I ever lucky everyone was not jumping into a raging river when I was 13. I cannot remember ever being that stupid.

I guess the greatest gift I can give my daughter now is the confidence to do exactly what she wants, without thought or care about the peer pressures around her. My hope is that she chooses the right path.

Holy C_ _P - was that a truck or Chemo?

Well - lots of developments. Got my port-a-cath; they used staples to close the incision - I am thinking a couple of bolts in the neck and I will be good to go. I did not think anyone used staples anymore, they really do look prehistoric.

Ended up meeting the oncologist on Tuesday. Turns out I am unique (go figure - why can't I just have plain old cancer, why does it have to be fancy). I am in the 25% of the population who's cancer changes. My breast cancer was originally estrogen positive and HER2 positive. The cancer in my liver is still my original breast cancer and estrogen receptive but it has changed to HER2 negative. What they do not know is what is in the bones.

The bone cancer is in my hip, ribs, back, neck and scull. They will give me super duper bone strengthener as there is some proof that it helps to stop the cancer from spreading and reduces the chance of bone breakage.

I also got to start chemo last Thursday or as I like to say, I got to attend a cocktail party at the agency (sounds so much nicer). Unfortunately, the first chemo hit me like a ton of bricks - what not expecting that. Whew! Knocked me down a few notches - I was getting kind of cocky and pretending I was invincible. I think I better listen to my body and try to do a little less.

I cannot help but think of the women world wide and why the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is so important. In less than one month, I have been diagnosed, my cancer categorized and I am into treatment. We are so blessed in Canada. We cannot forget that. We also cannot forget our sisters globally who need our voice.

The Conference is only 130 days a way. I want to be strong enough to raise my voice for others.

Last week was a blur

Well I have to admit last week went by so fast I lost track of all time. I have spent most of it going through medical tests and talking to - well - everyone. The reason is that I have been diagnosed - again.

Yup - it is true - it is back. The doctors are trying to figure out if is a metastasis of my original breast cancer or if it is a new one. Not that it really matters - because frankly I did not want to do this all over again. I thought I was clear. It had been 6 years.

I have to admit that I cannot stop thinking about women else where in the world and that I am so lucky. You are probably thinking - WHAT? LUCKY? Are you crazy?

Yup, I feel lucky because I know that although the news I got is not great - I also know that I still can hold hope because with the technology and available care at my disposal I still have a fighting chance to extend my life. In other parts of the world I would not.

I am glad that I am part of the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation, because I know that the work we all do is working toward giving all women a fighting chance.

152 days to the Conference

It is hard to believe that in 152 day delegates from around the world will be gathering in Hamilton, Ontario for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. Some will be greeting old friends - others will be meeting new ones.

One thing is certain is that it will be five jam packed days of sharing, enlightenment, inspiration, hope and the building of long lasting fruitful relationships.

To learn more about the conference go to www.wcbcf.ca

What do you give thanks for?

This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. Many families gather to enjoy the bounties of the harvest and to give thanks for our many blessings.

I was in a coffee shop yesterday and the staff had put out a sheet of paper and pen encouraging customers to answer the questions, "What do you give thanks for?". Customers had written things like, "My health", "My Children", "Having good friends", "Enough food to eat". As I looked at the list, I recognized the significance of Thanksgiving. We often take the simple things for granted when we have them.

My mind jumped to those living in other places in the world who face all kinds of adversity. For many of these people having the simple things is not only a blessing - it is a miracle.

I am so blessed. If I were to start listing all of my blessings I would be sitting here for days.

So I will pose the same question to you that I read in the coffee shop, "What do you give thanks for?"

World Conference on breast Cancer Winnipeg

You know it is breast cancer awareness month due to the flashes of pink everywhere. Pink ribbons, pink papers, pink - pink - pink. There were waves of pink running in most major cities across Canada on Sunday as it was the Run for the Cure which benefits the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, a long standing sponsor of the WCBCF.

Back in Winnipeg at the 5th World Conference on Breast Cancer we had our own share of pink waves. Check out some of the fabulous images from the conference by watching this wonderful photo montage.

Last Day of Summer Holidays

It is hard to believe that our summer is slipping into fall. All the kids go back to school tomorrow after two and half months of parks, beaches, camping, foreign lands, iPods, texting and in our case - transforming into a teenager.

My daughter is going into high school. A very exciting, but scary time. She and four of her gal pals decided they wanted to go shopping yesterday to pick up that last minute perfect outfit for the first day of school. I eagerly agreed to take them and was looking forward to seeing what kinds of clothing they would pick. That is when I realized my daughter was looking at me like I had a third eye.

"Mom, we will be OK, you can just drop us off" - I got the 'dis' (that would be the dismissal). I when from cool to embarrassing overnight. I knew it was going to happen - I just was not prepared. I did not think it would be this early.

Stay tuned - I think we are in for a bumpy ride! Gulp.

In my next entry I'll tell you about the 'dinner conversation' we had the other day - I managed to slip in some breast health topics.

Makes you go 'Oooooo - Ahh'

Last night we had the honour to see the Celebration of Lights fireworks display put on by Spain from a friends boat. Being on the water (even though it is my greatest fear), made the experience nothing short of amazing.

It was not just the fireworks that made the night special. There was also a two year old, named Alexis, on board who made the evening an event that I will fondly remember for quite some time.

We spent hours making faces at each other, giggling, rolling blueberries across the rocking table and of course practicing our 'Boom' - 'Oooooo', 'Ahhhhh'.

By the time the fireworks arrived I think she was out of 'Oooooos and Ahhhhh' and the 'booms' were a little bigger than she anticipated, so kept a little low during the performance.

I'm not sure what was more fun - the fireworks, tackling my fear of the water or playing with Alexis. Bet you can guess - yup the two year old bundle of fun. A very good reminder to 'Oooooo and Ahhhhh' more often.

No Regrets

A friend writes a blog and she posted a video that you have to watch. Check her out her entry called 'NO REGRETS'. http://dhana.ca/blog/?p=415.

I was sitting at my computer watching this - grinning like a fool. It is great!

Free Hugs

I thought this was wonderful - I needed to share.

Click here - Free hugs.

I need to get a tissue - I feel so happy.

WCBCF to Meet with G20 African Leaders

Our President, Leila Springer, has been invited to attend a G20 Business Seminars with African Leaders.

At a recent International Support Links meeting, it was agreed that the WCBCF needs to maintain our commitment to the African continent while looking at including other underdeveloped countries. It was also agreed that we need to find out from the individuals we will be working with what was important to them and what help they needed to provide us with information which would enable us to enhance and plan an appropriate programs.

Attending this G20 meeting provides an opportunity to not only meet with the political leaders, which is important to plant seeds of possible change for the women working in these countries and raising awareness, but also meet some influential people who can be advocates for the women working in the health care system and in the communities back home.

The WCBCF has managed, through work with countries throughout the world, to get a solid sense of what barriers many women face: such as access, resources and cultural. The WCBCF is committed to making the needed connections to remove these barriers and the G20 Business Seminar is a step in the right direction.

National Aboriginal Day

Today is National Aboriginal Day in Canada. In 1996, June 21st was officially declared as National Aboriginal Day. June 21 was chosen because it is the summer solstice and, for many generations, Aboriginal Peoples have celebrated their culture and heritage on this day.

This celebration of Aboriginal cultures within Canada aims to bring about awareness to the rest of Canadian society, of all aspects of art, music, oral history and traditional games.

I thought it especially important to recognize this day because of what work the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation does. We reach out to all who want to hear or speak about issues related to breast cancer to raise awareness. We strive to provide delegates with tools so that they can share information and create support infrastructure back in their communities.

We talk about nations that do not have access to services and about cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking assistance when they find they have a lump in their breast or learn they have breast cancer.

You do not have to travel outside of Canada's boarders to find women in this situation. Sandra Ahenakew, who is on the WCBCF Board of Directors and leads the Aboriginal Outreach Commitee told me that Aboriginal people are uncomfortable talking about cancer, let alone breast cancer. There are the same stigmas with male doctors, for Aboriginal women as there are in other cultures throughout the world. She also told me that women who are diagnosed often do not have access to services and feel very isolated.

Today, if you are in Canada, take a little time to learn more about our First Nations people in your geographical location. If you are elsewhere, learn something about a different culture. Understanding our cultural differences will help us understand and deal with barriers associated with raising breast cancer awareness in all cultures.

In my region the Aboriginal people are the Squ-HO-o-meesh (the Squamish people) and fall under the modern name of Coast Salish. I learned that the people in this region, after contact with European settlers, decided to come together as one band in 1923. The intent was to protect and fight for their land, which was being taken by railroads and settlers. They were and are governed by 16 Chiefs and successfully stopped others from taking their land reserves. They are a water people. The Squamish Nation was a co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

eNews Coming Your Way

I finished up our second edition of the WCBCF eNews. There are some good updates on the Annual General Meeting and a great story from Tanzania. If you want to be added to the distribution list just pop an email off to info@wcbcf.ca and ask to added to the eNews letter distribution list.

I did not talk much about the new Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee - probably should have said more because this is one of the first of it kind for this type of conference.

I have to admit this conference and Foundation are different from anything I have ever seen - it brings survivors - medical - scientists together into one place to share.

Gives me goose bumps just thinking about the power of the exchange.

Culture

Tomorrow is 'Culture Day' at my daughter's school. This is an opportunity for the school to gather and to share each of our cultural heritages with each other. We have been asked to wear our tradition dress and to bring a food dish from our country of origin.

This poses a very interesting dilemma for us because frankly - where do you begin. We are Canadian, so my daughter, with her parents collective lineage, is a little of everything (including First Nations).

We decided to look at which nation represents the highest percentage of our blood lines. Although not certain we agreed it is probably British (which given the family is from the North of England they are likely descended from Vikings).

So now here is the challenge: do we dress up as Cockney flower girls, British Bankers in bowlers, Yorkshire sheep farmers or Royalty?

Food is easy, because my Yorkshire Grandma made dinner every Sunday when I was child: well done roast beef, over cooked vegetables, sitting in a pool of greasy gravy, with Yorkshire puddings.

Hmmmmm - maybe we should stay home?

Connecting to the World

I am starting to put together the Summer WCBCF E-Newsletter.

I got an amazing article from Dr. Alfred Kangolle from Tanzania. He writes about the challenges they face in dealing with Cancer in his country.

A key challenge is resources. Tanzania is a country of about 45 million people, has only one hospital, the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), specialized in treating cancer. There is one oncologist.

Awareness is another huge challenge, especially with the numbers of cancer diagnosis on the rise. 75-80% of women who seek attention at ORCI have advanced breast cancer. We know the key to beating breast cancer is to catch it in the early stages. With so many women seeking treatment so at such an advance state of disease, you can imagine the outcome for thousands of women is not good.

World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation has been working with countries like Tanzania to help them connect to resources so that they are better equipped to deal with many of their challenges.

To sign up for the WCBCF e-Newletter click here