An Evening of Surprises at my Seton Hall University Talk

Late yesterday afternoon I drove up to Seton Hall University in South Orange NJ. This would be the second time I would tell my Ovarian Cancer story "Woman of Teal" to the student nurses and staff at the nursing school. I met with my cousin Marion, a Dean of the Nursing School, in her office and we walked into the room where I was giving my talk.
There on the left side of the room was my cousin Judy, her daughter Brittany and a family friend Agnes. They knew my story but came to support me just the same.

Then as we were setting up the computer and projector, in walked a former student of mine from St Joe's. Paul is a junior at Seton Hall and the last time we saw each other was at the Livestrong Challenge in Philly - he rode over 70 miles. He couldn't stay but I was pleased that he took the time to stop by and chat.

Then there was a tap on my shoulder and there stood my nephew Kevin. He and Alycia had moved to Kentucky in July but he travels back to NJ occasionally to work on the medical helicopter and with the Jets ( yes - those JETS!). We've spoken on the phone but this is the first time I saw him since they moved.WOW! And all this before I even started to talk.

I think the talk went well. The students and staff asked questions when I was done. Most questions were medical related and then one of the nursing instructors asked "How do you do it? How do you stay positive when you know the cancer can come back?" I thought a moment and said," I have a wonderful family and great friends to support me and that I truly believe that every day is a blessing " And that is the truth.

LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing. And I had lots of special surprise blessing at my talk.

From 1992 to today

In 1992 I taught math and science at St Francis Cathedral School in Metuchen.

Yesterday, I received a pretty butterfly note in the mail from J., a former student. She wrote that she read the article in the Sentinel newspaper about the teal ribbons and awareness campaign that I had done in Edison and that I was in her thoughts and prayers.

How sweet is that? All these years later to still remember her teacher and to take the time to write. Thank you J.

LiveSTRONG
Dee

Every Day is a Blessing.

KOH Avon Walk with "Carmella's Kids"

These are Carmella's kids- my cousins, my husband and two close family friends. We all got together this morning to participate in the last Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation Walk on the boardwalk in Avon, NJ. The walk raises funds for cutting-edge ovarian cancer research.

I got there early to help register people for the walk. This is my third year helping with registration so things were hectic, with lots of people still registering in person even though we have online registration, but it went smoothly. When I was done I joined my cousins on the walk. I walked around a mile and a half. Many of my cousins walked 5 miles. Hurrah for Erica,John,Jack, Brit, Fred, Chelsea, Morgan and Ali. After the walk we all went to Vic's in Bradley Beach for lunch. Now that is great thin crust pizza! As we walked out of Vic's I met a women who had done the walk and had put up teal ribbons in Metuchen. We had only e-mailed so it was nice to put a face to a name.

All I can say is that I am truly blessed to have my husband , cousins, as well as Marylou and Agnes (two very compassionate nurses and close friends) in my life. They really help me to LiveSTRONG.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing. I was really blessed today by cousins and friends.

Murphy's Trip back to Virginia

When my son broke his collar bone last month, Nick and I drove down to see him. Being in a brace and unable to move his right arm made it difficult for him to take care of his dog, Murphy. Murphy is a beagle / hound mix Matt adopted from the local pound . Being the dog lovers that we are , we took Murphy home with us. He spent the next 4 weeks having fun playing with our neighbors dogs, chasing the bunny rabbits in the back yard and running up and down the steps trying to keep his rope toy and a tennis ball in his mouth at the same time. With tennis courts at the end of our block,we had a steady supply of toys for him. Murph dog was a fun guest to have visit- even if it did meant we had to cut our Rutgers football tailgating short. With Matt healing and feeling stronger we knew we would have to return Murphy to his home in Blacksburg.

So on Thursday we left early in the morning and headed to Blacksburg. On the way down we stopped at our usual Mc Donalds at exit 298 off of interstate 81. We went through the drive-up window and ordered figuring we would eat in the car and then take Murphy for a walk. When we drove up to the window to pay they saw Murphy in the back seat and handed us some dog bones along with our change. That was really nice of them. Since it was a nice day we decided that instead of eating in the car we would eat at the outside tables they have. A gentleman wearing a McDonald's shirt walked by us to go inside then came back out and asked if we needed water for our dog. Very nice indeed. Murphy drew a lot of attention as people said how cute he was and how well behaved he was. I couldn't agree more.

Murphy was so excited when he walked into the apartment and saw Matt!



LiveSTRONG
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Looking Forward to the Avon Kaleidoscope of Hope Walk

Saturday is the last Kaleidoscope of Hope Walk. It will be held on the Boardwalk in Avon, NJ. What better place than the shore to spend a Fall morning. I will be helping out with registration again this year and will also get a chance to walk. The past two years I had to leave after registration was done to attend a home RU football game. Those were busy Saturdays.

I'm really looking forward to this year's walk because my husband, cousins and friends will be walking as part of the team Carmella's Kids. Carmella, my cousin, also had cancer. It means so much to me that they honor their mother and support me.

You can still register or donate at www.kohnj.org . Choose the Avon link.

I will also get a chance to see MA again. I met MA in person for the first time today at the Wellness Community Central Jersey's "Patient Guide to Ovarian Cancer "program. My gyn-onc, Dr. Darlene Gibbon, CINJ, answered questions about ovarian cancer from the latest treatments to clinical trials. MA and I met on facebook as members of a group exclusively for ovarian cancer survivors.

LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing! Today I am blessed to have such supportive cousins and friends and to have met MA in person.

Survivor stories and Ovarian Cancer News

September is a busy time for me but I wanted to make sure I shared some important news articles about Ovarian Cancer and two touching stories about survivors.
Diabetes Medication May Get New Life as Cancer Treatment
"In a study in mice, low doses of the drug, combined with a widely used chemotherapy called doxorubicin, shrank breast-cancer tumors and prevented their recurrence more effectively than chemotherapy alone."


FDA Clear's Vermillion's OVA1 Test to Determine Ovarian Cancer in Women with Pelvic Mass

Lab test that can indicate cancer prior to biopsy or surgery. Uses 5 assays in combination to determine whether a women should be referred to a gynecological oncologist.


Tate Creek Junior Donates Hair

The story of a 16 year old young lady from Kentucky diagnosed with Ovarian cancer.


Cyclist Rides to Fight Grim Cancer Prognosis
This is a special story for me. Ken and I were the New Jersey Delegates to LiveSTRONG Day in Washington DC in 2007 as well as LiveSTRONG Summit 2008 attendees. I have written on this blog previously about his Foundation - Cecile and Ken Youner Fund for Cancer Research.


LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

NJ's "super" Super Luncheon

Today I attended the Super Luncheon in NJ. The luncheon was sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) which raises funds for ovarian cancer research.

Survivors and advocates from throughout the state were invited to Drumthwacket, the Governor's mansion for a luncheon . Gov Corzine was not available to attend the luncheon and missed a wonderful event. There were a number of state representatives and state Senators in attendance including Barbara Buono from my district. Susan Bass Levin , ovarian cancer survivor and former Dept of Community Affairs Commissioner and current Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of NY and NJ spoke about her cancer experience , OCRF and the good work done by the "TEAL" organizations in the state to raise awareness and funds for research. We watched a short film from OCRF and then heard my gyn-onc, Dr Lorna Rodriguez, talk about the lastest in OC research and the clinical trials that are ongoing at CINJ. L'Oreal provided gift bags containing Hope cosmetics , a book mark and an OCRF band.

It was wonderful that so many survivors , advocates and representatives from Ovarian Cancer organizations in the state (many of whom are my friends) got to meet each other and celebrate the Ovarian Cancer awareness that has increased across the state. Now for a cure!

Livestrong
Dee

Every Day is a Blessing! Today I was blessed to be in the company of so many wonderful women whose mission is to find a screening test and a cure for OC.

From Cancer Crusader

I get the weekly affirmations from Cancer Crusader and thought I would share this part with you.

And now begin to really live. No prissy, half-hearted living like you were living before. That wasn't really living, and that you doesn't exist anymore. No putting off dreams until tomorrow. Carpe diem. Carpe diem. Carpe that diem now.

Go live your life. Become who you know you're supposed to be. No holding back this time.

In the words of Walt Whitman, "Now voyager,
sail thou forth to seek and find."

And don't you dare say it's too late. If you're reading this, it's not too late. It's only too late for the people who didn't wake up this morning.

Live out loud. Be outrageous. Love fiercely. Laugh and cry at the sheer beauty of it all. And thank whatever god you believe in that you have
another chance to get it right.

Every day, you get another chance.

If you want to read more about Roger and Cathy Crowthan and Cancer Crusader check them out online.

LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Ovarian Cancer Bill introduced in House - contact your Congressman

Info from OCNA: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Resolution Introduced in House	Take Action!
Contact your Representative and request their support!
The National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Resolution (H. RES. 727) was introduced in the House of Representatives expressing support for the ovarian cancer community. The lead sponsors of this Resolution are Mr. Israel (D-NY), Mrs. DeLauro (D-CT), Mr. Burton (R-IN), and Mr. Issa (R-CA). We need many cosponsors to sign onto this bi-partisan Resolution to show the strength of the ovarian cancer community and spread awareness to the American public. Ask your Representative to support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by clicking "Take Action" in the top right hand corner or clicking "Go" below. To make the message more personal, please add a sentence or two after the first paragraph about why this resolution and/or ovarian cancer awareness is important to you. LiveSTRONG Dee Every Day is a Blessing!

An Incredible Woman of Teal

Janice and I met three years ago turning Edison teal. ( We were both diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005.) Since then we got together at the Olive Branch to raise funds for her Team JLO and the Sandy Rollman Foundation. We messaged each other on Facebook about hair and side effects of our chemos and the torment of waiting for those scan results. During our chemos this spring, Janice would always leave a message on my wall before I had chemo to say" good luck". We prayed for each other. This year she was in the hospital and unable to join in our annual ribbon hanging but her sons and their wives, an aunt, cousin and friends were there . Last night before going to bed around 12:30am I noticed a missed call on my cell from her son. I was hoping beyond hope that he was calling to set up a time when I could give Janice the Edison proclamation. But that was not the case.

Janice passed away yesterday afternoon. Janice was a wonderful wife , mother, grandmother and friend. She had this great smile and I envied her earring collection. Janice knew how to enjoy life. She delighted in every one of her children and grandchildren. Back in April we agreed that in 2010 we would both be walking together in Fairmount Park with Team JLO. I can't even describe how sad I feel about not being able to plan for that time together.

I was blessed to have Janice in my life.


Dee
Every Day is a Blessing! I have been blessed by the Lopez family.

"Cocktails for a Cause" Celebrating LiveSTRONG Day and supporting the LAF and CINJ

This is a fabulous way to celebrate LiveSTRONG Day ( Oct. 2,2009) in NJ and support the Cancer Institute of NJ and the LAF!

LiveSTRONG Day is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's one-day initiative to unite people affected by cancer in raising awareness of cancer issues on a global level and in communities across the country.

All proceeds will go to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

WHEN: LIVESTRONG Day is Friday October 2, 2009 - 5:00PM-9:00PM

WHERE: The Beach Bar is located at 28 Boardwalk Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

ADMISSION: FREE

WHAT TO WEAR: WEAR YELLOW! If you already have LIVESTRONG t-shirts wear it, if you do not have LIVESTRONG t-shirt and would like to purchase one or more please visit http://www.store-laf.org/ or you can always just WEAR YELLOW - ANY yellow shirt will work.

The Fun Evening will include:

• FREE food and SPECIALS on drinks,
• A remembrance wall to sign to honor those fighting cancer or in memory of someone you lost to cancer,
• Bracelet links to create a GIANT yellow chain around the bar,
• LIVESTRONG wristbands will be given to all who make a donation,
• 50/50 and Door Prizes.

CONTACT: For more information, contact Lori at Lori_Ditzel@horizonblue.com

LIVESTRONG!

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

Wylers Light - Supporting NOCC

Jelsert , the people who make Fla-Vor-Ice and Wylers, is supporting the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition by placing the NOCC seal and contact information on all its packages of Wylers Light. A portion of every purchase will go to support the NOCC and its mission. There a lots of flavors in canisters and single paks.

Looking forward to seeing more products displaying TEAL!

LiveSTRONG
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

1.877.OV.HOPE.1 - Free Counseling for Women with Ovarian Cancer

The CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Elizabeth Howard sent this letter:

Today, 1 September 2009,a free counseling and referral service for women with questions about ovarian cancer is in operation. The telephone number is:

1.877.OV.HOPE.1

(877.684.6731)

This new service, named the L’Oréal Paris Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Hope Line,is a unique partnership between OCRF, our corporate partner L’Oréal Paris, and CancerCare,a national non-profit organization that provides counseling20and support services for thoseaffected by cancer.

The L’Oréal Paris OCRF Hope Line will be staffed by CancerCare’s professional oncology social workers, who provide emotional support and practical guidance to assist the women

and their families who are coping with a diagnosis or living with ovarian cancer.

We are grateful to L’Oréal Paris for their ongoing support and for all they do to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, and we look forward to working closely with CancerCare as they initiate this new service.

LiveSTRONG
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing.

Thoughts I shared at the Edison Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Press Conference

This morning for the third year in a row, Mayor Jun Choi called a press conference to proclaim Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Edison. Below is a draft of the speech I gave at the press conference.

Thank you Mayor Choi, for giving me another opportunity to talk about ovarian cancer. I am pleased to see Edison be part of the Turn the Towns Teal campaign for the third year in a row.

Why do I come back each year to hang teal ribbons?

My answer is - Sharon, Lyn, & Thelma.

Sharon, Lyn, & Thelma are three friends who lost their lives to ovarian cancer since last September. Then there is Gail - KOH founder and a driving force behind the Turn the Town Teal campaign. Sadly she passed away last year after an eleven year battle with OC.

Then there is Janice and I.

Janice and I are Edison residents and survivors of recurrent ovarian cancer. OC affects not only the women who are diagnosed; but the families and the communities these women are a part of. Janice is unable to be with us today because she is in treatment. Raising Awareness is the reason why the Lopez and Sparacio families and friends return each year to hang Teal ribbons.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In 2005, I along with over 21,000 other women in the United States was diagnosed with OC. Of those ~21000 almost 700 women were diagnosed in NJ.

OC causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer and it has no screening test. A Pap test does not test for ovarian cancer but rather cervical cancer. It is this lack of a screening test that makes OC awareness in Sept so important.

Research has shown that there are subtle symptoms associated with OC but they are vague and mimic other disorders and diseases. When women see these teal ribbons they should think about these symptoms

Bloating

Abdominal or pelvic pain

Difficulty eating and

Urinary urgency

If those symptoms occur daily for more than a two weeks women should see a doctor, preferably a gynecologist.

I had some weight gain before I was diagnosed but the most predominant symptom was abdominal pain. I mentioned the pain to my gynecologist at my annual physical and after reviewing the results of tests I had she sent me to the gynecological oncologists at Cancer Institute of NJ in New Brunswick. In July 2005 I had surgery and was diagnosed with stage 3 epithelial ovarian cancer. Two weeks later, I entered a clinical trial at CINJ and after 9 cycles I was told I has no sign of disease.

Last October after more than 2 and half-years in remission my cancer returned; this time on my liver and Spleen. Last November I had surgery and in January began chemotherapy finishing in April after having 6 treatments.

Over the past 4 years I became active with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the northern NJ National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and became a board member of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, which raises funds for ovarian cancer research.

Members of KOH, NOCC their family and friends are making a difference by hanging teal ribbons and raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer throughout NJ.

LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing.