Well a close of another decade, remember what we were doing the last time, getting ready for Y2K? As we approach the New Year, I have vowed to avoid resolutions as they always fade and then I feel more guilty than I did before I attempted making the commitment. All I can offer or do, is my best at that time. I had three out of 5 kids home for Christmas and that was great. Shortly I will be seeing the 4th and lots of planning ahead for home and work. I will be doing a program shortly to a group of ladies in the Cochranton area and then Thursday evening the 7th , I will be working at the Free Clinic. The Looking Ahead Breast Support Group will be meeting on the 13th at the Family and Community Christian Association on Chestnut street (former YW) and I will attend that meeting as well. In the mean time, a Look Good, Feel Better program will be given at the Institute on the 19th from 10-12 and anyone going through treatment may contact me and we will get you signed up, it is a great time and good laughs and wonderful free samples of make up and tips. On the 27th, I will be presenting a program to the Stephen's Ministry group at the First Presbyterian Church in Meadville and on the 30th I will be at the MARC for the BLACK CUP HOCKEY TOURNAMENT that benefits KOMEN. If you or your group would like me to come and present a program, feel free to contact me at the Institute and of course, there is no cost. (Hence the Free part!) I look forward to 2010 and reaching out and meeting with people all over the area. HAPPY NEW YEAR! s
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Merry Christmas to you all and the Happiest New Year!
This season brings lots of love and hope but for many lots of angst and pain. Families and friends dealing with loss and illness and more. As I review new articles and information about breast cancer I find that there is much we know but so much more we need to learn. It is changing and I can even see since my diagnosis, new paths and directions. The hope that tomoorw brings a cure and a end to all cancer is my fervent prayer. In the mean time, we will do our best to help you and your families through whatever process you are facing. As new information is gleaned I will include it in this blog. Please know that those of you I have met and know- you are in my prayers and all of you out there that are yet unnamed, you are also in my prayers. I am wishing you the best the season has to offer and a better New Year. s What a nice day at the Linesville Senior Center. It is beautiful with and excellant staff and they were busy baking cookies, exercising and making crafts but took time out to listen to my presentation- men and women. I always find a survivor that is willing to share her story and always someone that is need of direction. All in all, it was a good experience.
My next project involves the Bulldog Hockey Team then down the road I am looking to get a bus to go to the KOMEN walk on Mother's Day in Pittsburgh. Anyone interested, please feel free to contact me at the institute as we start making plans for the Breast Cancer Walk. On a personal note, some family issues have surfaced and prayers are appreciated. Hoping that all will resolve and the outcome will be better than what has been presently happening. Suffice, once a mother, always a mother. On a good note, Santa will be here soon as well as the real reason for the season and I am thankful for the blessings I do have. Share your heart and your warmth during the season and all year long. S Well today is a bitter cold day and predicting 5-10 inches of snow. With all the hustle and bustle with the holidays coming, please don't forget that you have a job to do for you. Ladies, do your self breast exams every month, after your period or those of us past that , pick a date and do your exam every month on that date. I happened to pick my birthdate so every month I know to do my self breast exam on that date. Also starting at age 20 and every three years, a clinical breast exam and every year starting at age 40. And last but not least, have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk. Ask you doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk. Having said all that, remember it is your job to take care of you and especially during this busy time. Keep warm and keep smiling!
Today is a cold morning here in PA, the weekends have been extremely busy getting ready for the holidays as everyone is doing the same. I continue to work with patients at the institute and am pursuing other speaking engagements. This time of year becomes slow for outside speaking though and bundle that with those that have had concerns with H1Ni1, it has given me time to work on a new presentation and research the recommendations that were pending and look to our next new endeavor. Early in 2010 I will be working with the Hockey team in their support of breast cancer research,spring will bring the Komen walk in Pittsburgh and late summer will bring Pawsitively Pink and I have already put some appointments on the calender all the way through to October of next year. On the personal side, I have a daughter graduating from college and a granddaughter being baptized. All in all, a wonderful time of the year. I am wishing you and yours the very best the holidays have to offer and as always, MAKE IT A GOOD DAY!
Looking ahead, I will be at the Breast Support Group meeting-at the YWCA in Meadville on December 9th at 7pm. Bring a treat and we will all share. Also on the 16th I will be heading to the Linesville Senior Center to do a program at 11 am. In retrospect, I got an envelope of thank you's from the students at Meadville Area Senior High School after my presentation there. I truly enjoyed their comments and insights. The last thing I do want to address are the recommended changes to the guidelines for mammograms and not only will the ACS, the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute (refer to Dr. Brown's article in the Meadville Tribune on December 1, 2009) and myself will continue to support and encourage self breast exams, yearly clinical exams and mammograms from age 40 on a yearly basis and further follow up for anyone that presents with problems. I look forward to hearing from you and serving the community so please feel free to contact me at the institute.
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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