Breast Cancer and PH: Similarities In Dealing With Both Ilnesses

How are breast cancer and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension the same? They continue to be never ending. PAH has its tests, doctors appointments and effects so does breast cancer. Both can have lots of doctors appointments. Both have support for anyone who needs it.  I was lucky to find a local breast cancer support group and a cancer center. My doctor had flyers up  for a local PH run to raise funds for research. Online is another good place for support. PAH has helped me understand and use Twitter. Message boards are a good source to.

Eleven years ago I had early stage breast cancer. I had surgery, radiation and took medicine for five years. That medicine had terrible side effects. The hot flashes and night sweats were so bad it made me question taking the medicine. I took the medicine four years and decided I wanted a good nights sleep. Because I also have Cowden's Syndrome a mutation of my PTEN gene I am at a high risk for recurrence. So I have a mammogram or a breast CT every six months. This week I saw two doctors and had an ultrasound concerning the growth I have in the bra line of the  left breast  radiated field. I am currently waiting for tests results.

PH and breast cancer raise money. I am slowly finding what I can do to help others with PH. I have gotten back into art. Last year I entered a bra in our local theme bra decorating contest.  Women helping women a local group in Medina County help local women fund cancer screenings with a theme bra decorating contest. There is a big fancy dinner. All the bras are on display. Votes cost one dollar. There are six categories this year. Last years winners were really good. The librarians entered Fifty Shades of Pink bra. The ladies who work at the oldest school in Medina entered a bra decorated to look like a brick. It was called she is a brick house. The event raised enough money to help 26 women.

This year I used the global genes theme Hope its in the Genes. Global genes is a support organization for people with rare diseases. I have Cowden's Syndrome. Cowden's Syndrome is a rare disease where the   PTEN gene is mutated. That gives me a high risk for many cancers including breast cancer.   My bra is decorated in denim. I think it turned out really good. Hopefully it makes lots of money. 

*Story written by Tami A.*