7777+ Days: #584 Help Us Reach Next October

The last day of October.  3,596 lovely people have died since October 1 from MBC.  That number times 12 = over 43,000 this year.  Let's start reducing these deaths beginning today.

7777+ Days: #584 Help Us Reach Next October: Champion fundraisers! October 31 Goals The last day of the month and I would be remiss in not plugging the most important goal...

#584 Help Us Reach Next October

Champion fundraisers!

October 31

Goals

The last day of the month and I would be remiss in not plugging the most important goal for me--raising a gazillion dollars for MBC.  Don't worry, I'm not expecting that from you, but a donation to  More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center would turn this pinkish month into a color we can all benefit from—the color of hope. Hope for life-saving research. 

MBC Facts

1. What’s the message from those of us living with metastatic breast cancer for this last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
   Live Life Fully Every Day! Let’s celebrate that we survived another Pinktober! http://bit.ly/16NExkp

Supporters

plus many generous individuals too numerous to mention

who have supported me for the five years, four months I've lived with MBC.  Thank you!

Thanks for reading this month's suggestions of goals and for learning about MBC.  Please pass on the information to others.  Education is one of our greatest strengths.  Also, thanks for hanging in there with  #584 of 7777+ blog.

7777+ Days: #583 Make 'Em Laugh

Since October 1,  3,480 will not be celebrating Halloween this year because of MBC. RESEARCH!

7777+ Days: #583 Make 'Em Laugh: October 30 Goal We all know that laughter is the best medicine so go tell a joke and make someone laugh. Click here--  Did you ...

#583 Make 'Em Laugh

October 30

Goal

We all know that laughter is the best medicine so go tell a joke and make someone laugh. Click here-- Did you hear the one about the...

MBC Fact

Thanks for reading #583 of 7777+ and supporting More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

7777+ Days: #582 Eat, Drink and be Merry With Your Dining Club...

3,364 deaths from metastatic breast cancer since October 1.

7777+ Days: #582 Eat, Drink and be Merry With Your Dining Club...: The table set for food from a movie theme. October 29 3,364 gone from MBC since October 1 Goal Our dining club began nine year...

#582 Eat, Drink and be Merry With Your Dining Club

The table set for food from a movie theme.

October 29

3,364 gone from MBC since October 1

Goal

Our dining club began nine years ago.  Every few months we gather at one of the homes and are treated to a delightful evening based on the host's theme.  We've had a few mishaps but overall it has been quite a rewarding experience. Go to Dining club or other clubs to see how to get started.  

We did the main meal--Beef Bourguignon la Hassan from the movie, A Hundred-Foot Journey. Martinis from all the James Bond movies and wine from Sideways.

MBC Fact

1. Do young women get metastatic breast cancer?
   YES. For young women under 40: 5% of the new cases of breast cancer and 3% of the deaths. Metastatic breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in this age group. For young women under 50: 27% of the new cases of breast cancer and 16% of the deaths. MBCN

Thanks for reading #582 of 7777+ .  Of course I will mention a donation to the More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center would be a perfect gift today!

7777+ Days: #581 Friends--Priceless!

Another day and the number has climbed to 3,248 Americans gone since October 1 due to Metastatic Breast Cancer.  Research will keep us around for our friends.

7777+ Days: #581 Friends--Priceless!: Great buddies being there for each other! October 28 Goal Perfect timing for this goal today.  My good friend, Peggy, is celebr...

#581 Friends--Priceless!

Great buddies being there for each other!

October 28

Goal

Perfect timing for this goal today.  My good friend, Peggy, is celebrating her birthday today and I will be leaving shortly to join a number of friends hiking Picnic Point and then gathering for Babcock ice cream for guaranteed laughter and camaraderie.  Friends--priceless. Click here to find out how your health can improve when..."You've got a friend"

MBC Fact
Is metastatic breast cancer a chronic disease?

1. Not yet, but that is an important goal. As researchers identify more and better treatments, MBC could become a chronic disease like diabetes or HIV/AIDS, where patients can be stable on medications for 20 or more years. MBCN

Supporter

Today's outstanding supporter is our local restaurant , Headquarters. They were relatively new in the area five years ago when we approached them about helping us raise funds. Their immediate response was a yes. Beginning with a percentage of a day's earnings to sponsoring an impressive volleyball tournament, which has continued each year in memory of Maggie--another MBC patient, they have never denied a request to fund research.  A huge thank you to them as they exemplify the meaning of the phrase, "It takes a village...".  

Thanks for reading #581 of 7777+.  Consider the 155,000 of us living with this disease as your friends and donate to make it a chronic disease.  Donate to More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

7777+ Days: #580 Help is On Its Way

As I sat drinking my morning cup of coffee, I thought about the 3,132 Americans who have died from MBC since October 1st.  Let's remember them by supporting research.

7777+ Days: #580 Help is On Its Way:                                 October 27 Goal Volunteer, give back, help. Visit this website to find out why it is so importan...

#580 Help is On Its Way

                                October 27

Goal

Volunteer, give back, help. Visit this website to find out why it is so important for others and for you!  Click here--volunteer

MBC Fact

Several years ago, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance did a study that found that of all research grants, funded by major public and private sources from 2006-2013, only 7% of funds studied metastatic breast cancer, even though metastasis is what causes breast cancer to become a deadly disease. MBCN

Supporter

First Weber Realty has been unselfish in their support for More For Stage IV.  I do believe their mantra is: if you have a need, we will fill it (not their actual words but the meaning is clear).  I can  attest their logo that states, "The human side of real estate",  is an absolute fact.  We have been fortunate to be on the receiving end of generous donations because they care.  Thank you, First Weber, for your benevolence. 

Thanks for reading #580 of 7777+ and volunteering to donate to the More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

7777+ Days: #579 Love You Today and Forever

After 26 days since October 1, there have been 3,016 deaths from MBC. Too many.  Research is our best hope.  7777+ Days: #579 Love You Today and Forever: October 26 Goal Show your love. Click here to find out more--  LOVE  MBC Fact Although the National Cancer Institute colle...

#579 Love You Today and Forever

October 26

Goal

Show your love. Click here to find out more-- LOVE 

MBC Fact

Although the National Cancer Institute collects statistics of patients who have an initial diagnosis of mbc, the NCI does not count metastatic breast cancer recurrences.  Studies estimate that there are over 155,000 women and men living with metastatic breast cancer in the US–and doing our best to live well! MBCN

Supporter

Our super duper supporter highlighted today is our very own coffee shop in Oregon, Wisconsin, The Firefly Coffee House & Artisan Cheese.  Every time we have asked for publicity or using their space for our art show, without even a slight pause in the question, they said yes as well as adding a percentage from their day's earnings.  You will recognize them in town by their super hero capes flowing behind them due to their desire to help save lives by funding research.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Thanks for reading #579 of 7777+ donate to More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center after a visit to the Firefly.  Oh, you don't live here?  Donate in honor of them.  They will be pleased.

7777+ Days: #578 BE KINDThe number keeps growing every single day. 2,900 Americans have died from MBC since October 1. Are you now aware of why research is so important?

 7777+ Days: #578 BE KIND: October 25 Goal  Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.  Nothing else needs to be said.  Read why we should always choose-- Kindness MB...

#578 BE KIND

October 25

Goal

 Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.  Nothing else needs to be said.  Read why we should always choose--Kindness

MBC Fact

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (24.2%, i.e. about one in 4 of all new cancer cases diagnosed in women worldwide are breast cancer), and the cancer is the most common in 154 of the 185 countries included in GLOBOCAN Global Cancer facts

Supporters

One of our many generous supporters, thanks to one of their employees bringing MBC to their attention, is Exact Sciences in Madison, Wisconsin.  They were forthcoming with their donation when Kelsey Umland explained the need for more research for this disease.  Thank you to her and to this philanthropic company.

Thanks for reading #578 of 7777+ and kindly donating to More For Stage IV at UW Carbone Cancer Center

7777+ Days: #577 Write, Write, Write!

Today is the twenty-fourth day since October 1.  2,784 women and men are no longer with us because of metastatic breast cancer.  Please help Kristie Konsoer with her goal to fund more research.

7777+ Days: #577 Write, Write, Write!: October 24 Goal  Write in a journal.  Your children will appreciate your life story--click here to find out more.  Journal writing...

#577 Write, Write, Write!

October 24

Goal 
Write in a journal.  Your children will appreciate your life story--click here to find out more. Journal writing

MBC Fact

The most common breast cancer metastasis sites are the bones, the lungs, the brain, and the liver. The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can be very different depending on the location of the cancer: Breast Cancer/org

• constant back, bone, or joint pain 
• difficulty with urinating (either incontinence or not being able to go); this can be a sign that the nerves in your back are being pinched by a cancer 
• numbness or weakness anywhere in your body 
• a constant dry cough 
• difficulty breathing 
• shortness of breath 
• chest pain 
• loss of appetite 
• abdominal bloating, pain, or tenderness 
• constant nausea, vomiting, or weight loss 
• jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and whites of your eyes) 
• severe headaches 
• vision problems (blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision) 
• seizures 
• loss of balance 
• confusion

                                               Supporter
When given this diagnosis, you tend to seek out others in the same boat as yourself.  It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and work with Kristie Konsoer from Middleton.  Please take a moment to see what her big plans for October entail and then view her impressive TV performance.  Being such a powerful and motivated force, there is no doubt she will get her wish of $50,000 for her nifty fifty birthday.  Thank you from all of us!

Kristie's October fundraiser:

🎃 Is it the Great Pumpkin? 🎃

No, just me, but I am excited to tell you about an event to raise money for stage IV breast cancer research for UW Carbone. 

Join me at Barriques in downtown Middleton on Sunday, October 27th from 9 to 5 and vote for your favorite jack-o-lantern by making a donation. Place your donation in the jack-o-lantern you like the best. 🎃

All donations go to the More For Stage IV Fund where 100% goes to research.

Bring a friend or two! Stay and enjoy some coffee, tea, or a treat. Buy a bottle of wine for yourself or as a gift. Support Barriques whether you sit for a spell or are on the go. ☕️

I would LOVE to see you!

Barriques is located at 1901 Cayuga Street. 🍁🍂

It will be spook-tacular! 🎃

@UWCarbone @Barriques (From Kristie's Facebook page)

Here's the video link about her goal.  Quite an impressive one, I'd say.
channel 3000

 Thanks for reading #577 of 7777+ and while you are at it, how about a donation for Kristie's fund.  Go to More for Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  Be sure to mention her name in your donation. 

7777+ Days: #576 Ants on Fire!

7777+ Days: #576 Ants on Fire!: October 23 Goal #16 Watch a colony of ants--this article explains an interesting concept about the little creatures. Ants on Fir...

7777+ Days: #575 Backyard Beauty.

7777+ Days: #575 Backyard Beauty.: October 22 A one word explanation about my absence since October 14--GRANDCHILDREN!  Rob and I have been in Seattle cuddling with ...

#576 Ants on Fire!

October 23

Goal #16

Watch a colony of ants--this article explains an interesting concept about the little creatures. Ants on Fire!

MBC Facts

Between 20 and 30 percent of women with early stage breast cancer go on to develop metastatic disease. While treatable, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cannot be cured. The five-year survival rate for stage 4 breast cancer is 22 percent; median survival is three years. Annually, the disease takes 40,000 lives. Fred Hutch

Supporter

La Lingerie has been extremely gracious to us over the past few years donating a percentage of their profits to the More For Stage IV fund during the month of October.  If you haven't experienced their customer service or their merchandise, I would highly suggest you check them out as you will be notably impressed.

Because of their generous hearts, our researchers will again benefit from their donation.  Visit the website or their store...you will be glad you did.  Thank you la lingerie for your continued support in so many ways this month. Their website is http://www.lalingerieshop.com/lajoom/

Thanks for reading #576 of 7777+ and donate to More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

#575 Backyard Beauty.

October 22

A one word explanation about my absence since October 14--GRANDCHILDREN!  Rob and I have been in Seattle cuddling with the sweetest children around and, quite frankly, I had no time to even throw a brief blog together.  My question every night when I finally rested my weary head on the pillow was, "How did I do this when my children were young?"  The answer was simply--subtract thirty plus years from my age--having cancer had very little to do with my fatigue level.   My healthy husband was just as exhausted!  

I'll attempt to finish up the month of October with a blog a day.  The goals are worth trying as least once and hopefully the MBC facts will motivate you to share with others.

                                               Goal #15

Embrace natural beauty from your backyard or a walk in the woods. Click here to find out more--Get outside!  

MBC Fact

Only 2%-5% of funds raised for breast cancer research is focused on research for the already metastasized patient Metavivor

Supporters

 Previously I featured a business donating to our fund. Today will highlight one more example of how  more funding can be provided for our researchers because of a philanthropic company. Our supportive business is Sprint Print--a generous contributor who has never said no when we ask for something to be printed or copied.  Liz, one of the owners, has gone above and beyond our ask; and when I question if it is too much, she simply smiles and keeps on donating.  What a place!  We are proud to not only have her in our back pockets for all our printing needs but as a friend who has our backs.  Thank you Sprint Print.  Visit their website--at Sprint Print is the best!!  It takes a village... and she is the chief!

Thanks for reading #575 of 7777+.  As you breathe in the beauty of nature, think about making a donation to More for Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  

#574 Did You Ever Wonder?

Maggie with her product in Kodiak, AK.

October 14

Goal #14

Learn something new Every. Single. Day.  Nothing more needs to be said. Click to find out more--Learn a new skill

MBC Fact #14

Did you know there are many organizations who generously give to our fund without asking for recognition?  The fact is almost everyone is touched by cancer and many want to be part of the solution.  Please support these businesses and thank them for making a difference.  In no particular order, I will list them in the next several blog entries. Consider this as learning something today!

Emerald Isle Essentials by Maggie Dellemann is the first one to check out.  Visit her website as she has a personal connection to MBC-- also her products are fantastic!

Thanks for reading #574 of 7777+.

#573 Metastatic Breast Cancer Day

Maggie and Heather speaking at the Die in

October 13--MBC Day

Goal # 13

This is not necessarily a goal but an extremely moving video on the only day dedicated to metastatic breast cancer--October 13. Click to view--The Die in video--not to be missed. It is worth the time to watch it in its entirety.  The three of us speaking at the event were all diagnosed within months of each other and I am the only one left to continue advocating for more for Stage IV.  Heather and Maggie were wonderful young women who had so much to offer--but time ran out.  Their daughters now inspire me to continue to raise more funds for MBC.   Please donate for Heather and Maggie's daughters at More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center . 100% of all donations go directly to the researchers.


                                        MBC Fact #13

To learn more about National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 and to access resources specifically for people living with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, visit www.mbcn.org.

Thanks for watching and reading #573 of 7777+. 

#572 Ha! Ha! Ha!

October 12

Goal #12

 Laugh--just laugh!  I have friends and certain family members who can induce snorting noises at the silliest things. The phrase, "laughter is the best medicine," tends to be an accurate description for those of us needing a lively chuckle every once in a while. Visit this site to find out how a good belly laugh will help you--laughing at a joke  

MBC Fact #12
There are no definitive prognostic statistics for metastatic breast cancer. Every patient and their disease is unique. MBCN

Thanks for reading #572 of 7777+.  This is no joke--

while you are laughing go to More for Stage IV at UW Carbone Cancer Center and donate.

#571 Get Up and Go!

Exercising and socializing!

October 11

Goal # 11

Exercise and enjoy it. Check out this site for ideas and why it is so important to move. Exercise for you!

MBC Fact #11
Metastatic breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Although most people will ultimately die of their disease, some will live for many years. MBCN

Thanks for reading #571 of 7777+ as you do your pushups!  Go to More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center to donate and keep us living for many years.  

#570 Best Fam---EVER!

                         

Missing a couple key players in this photo but they are in my heart.

                         October 10

                                      Goal #10  

 Ahhh!  The family.  Love them or love them more.  Those are my choices.  If you are fortunate to have landed in a special group of people who have your back and will hold you up no matter what, hang on to them. I LOVE my family.   Families are number 1

                                 MBC Fact #10 
Metastatic breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Although most people will ultimately die of their disease, some will live for many years. MBCN



Thanks for reading #570 of 7777+ and send your family one big hug today while you donate to More for Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  

#569 Travel!

                           

Seeing the world!

                              October 9

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine, quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

                                         Goal #9

Travel expands your mind and brings the world a little bit closer. Read this fascinating article on the benefits of getting on a jet plane (or other modes of transportation).   Sign me up for traveling!

                                    MBC Fact #9
Treatment choices are guided by breast cancer type, location and extent of metastasis in the body, previous treatments and other factors. MBCN


Thanks for reading # 569 of 7777+ and seeing the world.  Please consider a donation to More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

#568 Read

                           October 8


                                       Goal #8

This is day 8 of my goal setting blog.  Keep up the good work!

Read--join a book club or visit your library for the latest and greatest hits. Have you read a good book lately?

                                                         MBC Fact #8

Like early stage breast cancer, there are different types of metastatic breast cancer.   

Thanks for reading #568 of 7777+ and finding a good book.  I would be remiss not to remind you to  donate to More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

#567 Shake it Baby!

                              October 7



                                       Goal  #7

 "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.  It's about learning how to dance in the rain."  Go Dance!

                                  MBC Fact #7 
Young people, as well as men, can be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. MBCN



Thanks for reading #567 of 7777+ and dance around the room while you donate to the More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

#566 Sing!

                              October 6

Fa la la la la!  Tell me you have never sung along with the radio while driving or burst out in song while in the shower.  There are benefits to this activity so put it on your to do list of something that happens every day!

                                                              Goal #6

Sing as if no one is listening unless you are the next Adele. The benefits of singing

                                                              MBC fact #6

20% to 30% of people initially diagnosed with early stage disease will develop metastatic breast cancer. MBCN

  Thanks for reading #566 of 7777+ and singing your heart out while you donate to More For Stage IV at UW Carbone Cancer Center!

#565 Play Tag (or anything) With Your Favorite Kid

                                                        

Not a child but a cat who would love to play with one!

                             October 5

Being a retired teacher and now a full time grandmother, this one embraces my heart.

                                                           Goal #5

The theory of making connections with children has numerous articles on the importance of engaging in play with your children.  It works both ways--seeing such abandoned joy in the simplest things does wonders for the experienced (okay, so older) person's heart.  Being around youth does keep us young and alive. Spending time with children can-benefit-your-mental-health

                                                           Fact #5 MBC

Early detection does not guarantee a cure. Metastatic breast cancer can occur 5, 10 or 15 years after a person’s original diagnosis and successful treatment checkups and annual mammograms. MBCN

Thanks for reading #565 of 7777+ and reach out to a child.  To further protect your loved ones, consider a donation to More For Stage IV will save lives.