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Read More:
“Why Doctors Are Rethinking Breast-Cancer Treatment.” Time Magazine, October 1, 2015.
“Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer.” Peggy Orenstein. The New York Times, April 25, 2013.
I appreciate this article because it is thought-provoking. The links tp other articles in Missy’s blog were well-written and also got my attention. I believe each woman needs to educate themselves about this and make the decisions that are appropriate for them. I was diagnosed with DCIS when I was 44 after going in to check out a small lump under my nipple. The small lump turned out to be nothing and went away, but DCIS was detected in another area of my breast after the mammogram I was given showed a tiny little calcified bit of cancer in my milk duct. I was immediately told that I needed to have surgery but that a lumpectomy would probably be the best option. Seven days later I had a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed. The oncologist, who I only spoke with after the surgery, insisted that I should have radiation, even though everything I read suggested that it would not play a significant role in my long term survival. I am still glad that I declined. Now, 7 years later, I am dealing with ongoing lymphatic drainage issues due to the nodes that were removed. My arm and breast are constantly swelling up. I do self-lymphatic massage and also go frequently to a lymphatic massage therapist. I am grateful that the DCIS turned out to be a minor issue. Would I have done things differently if I had foresight? Absolutely. I would not have had a lumpectomy. I would have waited. In the rush/push to have surgery, I feel that I did not have time to completely research the available statistics on DCIS and I did not fully understand what it even meant. Now I would do differently. I strongly encourage women to educate themselves. I started working with a well known Naturopath who was experienced in working with breast cancer. He educated me on nutrition and supplements that are being shown through research to prevent cancer. He had me test my vitamin d levels. Turns out, my vitamin d 25-hydroxy level was about as low as it could be. I now take 10,000 units of vitamin D, melatonin, vitamin C and a few other herbs. I also learned that sugar feeds cancer. No doctor told me that. I found it out through my own research. Individuals will do what is best for them. My experience has taught me that it is okay to second guess your doctor. They do not know everything and in fact, they sometimes give information that is incorrect or based on old research (as in my case). Ask a lot of questions, get a second or third opinion, do research, get support, and see someone who is an expert in nutrition and prevention. I so much appreciate having the opportunity to have this conversation. Thank you to all who shared their stories.
I will not rant and rave, we have much too much of that these days. Science has been around for an awfully long time. Medicine does its best, that’s right, its BEST, to save and improve lives. We’re not perfect, but we’re getting there. Anecdotal, uneducated editorial pieces like this are exactly why there are outbreaks of almost-cured diseases like measles. As a healthcare provider, I stand up for my patients every day. I refrain correcting uneducated people for fear of being offensive. However, mis-information is becoming an epidemic. I will not stand silently by any longer. I choose to no longer support T-Nine as a business, and will share this to my social media.
I applaud Missy for her bravery to speak out against the money making machine, especially when a good portion of that money goes to support abortions at planned parenthood. She has done her research and not just followed the crowd like everyone else. She should not be vilified for speaking her mind. Our society has become one of attacking those who don’t agree with the status quo, instead of having an open mind and trying to look at things from a different angle. Everyone has the right to come to their own conclusion. Doctors do NOT know it all, despite their claims. Where would we be if Galileo had just shut up when he discovered that the earth orbits the sun, instead of the sun orbiting the earth, as was commonly believed? Sometimes people who seem to be wrong turn out to be right. WAY TO SPEAK OUT MISSY!!
Being fearful is terribly scary, dying frightens me more! False positives are a common occurrence but false negatives are a law suit waiting to happen. If you choose to opt out of a mammogram that’s your decision but preaching to others that’s a different story.
Maybe a more productive way of channeling your energy would be to help. Devise a program that would send charity dollars directly to research.
My husbands grandmother’s life has been saved TWICE by mammograms.
People will stop wearing pink when there is a cure. For the ladies who are going through this disease or will be diagnosed, please know this…..you are supported, it may not be perfect and some do abuse the beauty of this campaign, but we are out here for you. The good is still out here. Don’t get bogged down with these horrible comments.
Missy, you did a disservice to women, this isn’t about a black and white issue, right or wrong, this is about extreme decisions and they’re are always dangerous. All we can do is take care of the audience that otherwise will only follow in your footsteps because of your influential role, without regard to their personal needs. some will die because Of this and that’s the fact. I’m 46 one mammogram, lucky so far!
Lady, you got problems when you begrudge the pink, really, nothing is perfect, but it takes the village! I have 2 boys and I make sure daily they have a good role model and you can never begrudge anything so good even if it’s being abused at times! You are part of this problem.
Amen, Missy! We need to put money towards the research, NOT towards the big, pink, money-machine. I was just telling my son an hour ago, as we passed our local landscape maintenance people that are now all in pink shirts, how ridiculous all of it is. I applaud your courage in speaking out about it.
Missy Parker should stick to what she does best, selling clothes. Sending out this email was at best, irresponsible. I actually agreed with much of what she said about “awareness” dollars but to then take the leap to suggest to women that they should not have a mammogram. Ridiculous. That is a decision that should be made between a women and her physician. This email is why I have opted out of Title Nine. Thanks Missy.
I agree–halfway. I think we do too many mammograms, the regularity of the procedure obscuring the danger of repeated exposure to X rays. I think too much money is spent on promotion rather than research. But I am convinced that mammograms and monitoring are basically positive and that some cancers are discovered through this procedure. I have a mammogram about every 3 years, cutting my exposure.
I no longer participate in the Race or support the Komen foundation.
I am a breast cancer survivor, double mastectomy. I believe mammograms are essential and I hope that there are not others out there that decide not to get get mammograms. If I had not had mine, I would most likely be dead. This posted opinion scares me to think that someone might opt against them and lose their life because of it. Missy is entitled to treat her own body how she wants and make her own decisions on it, but what a huge statement representing Title Nine ! This certainly scares me more than awareness. So many have read this now that love Title Nines clothing……makes me heart race.