Fighting 4 The Tatas Breast Cancer Organization New Year’s Resolution

It is a new year.  Many around the world use it as a new opportunity to change.  Or at least to vow to change something or someone.  Maybe you have promised yourself that you will eat healthier, get up earlier or be more productive this year.

At Fighting 4 The Tatas Breast Cancer Organization, we think it is time for a change, too – a change in how we think about, talk about and approach aggressive breast cancers.  As our knowledge progresses, our beliefs must change to accommodate new information, no matter how much this challenges long-held beliefs and no matter how much we do not like the answers.

This year, an estimated 425,000 women worldwide will die from breast cancer (NBCC)

As you think about the year ahead and the changes you want to make, dedicate yourself to break free from the status quo that continues to take lives, stop the silence.

THE SILENCE IS KILLING US – NO LUMP, STILL CANCER

Perjeta Breast Cancer Drug

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Just in on CBS this morning!  Perjeta Breast Cancer Drug is considered to be a major shift in thinking.  It’s the 1st drug approved for pre-surgery, shrinks tumors and was approved for late-stage patients in 2012.  We are glad that this drug has come out for Breast Cancer as a whole but what about finding a drug that can get rid of IBC and others Breast Cancers that does not have a lump (tumor)?  We can’t forget about IBC and that there is no lump associated with this type of Breast Cancer and that many women and men are dying from it. #WhataboutIBC #FightingformoreresearchdollarsforIBC

Study Confirms Dangers Of GMO Foods

Good morning Fighting 4 The Tatas family, did you know September is national self-improvement month? I found an article I think you should read from Whole Health Insider.
I thought you guys might want to know because I think it leads to cancer, but read it for yourself
STUDY CONFIRMS DANGERS OF GMO FOODS

Genetically modified organisms.

Even if you didn’t know what this term meant, you’d probably still agree it sounds pretty scary, right?
Well, what’s even scarier is that many of our food staples now fall under the notorious category of genetically modified organisms—or GMO. Even scarier yet, new research is starting to show just how dangerous genetically modified foods can be, and why you should avoid them at all costs.
But before getting into the dangers of GMO, let’s explain how a food is genetically engineered, and why we would even consider modifying it in the first place.

What Are GMOs?

GMOs are a result of genetic engineering, during which certain “favorable” traits of one organism are inserted into another organism’s genes—permanently altering the second organism’s DNA, supposedly for the better. An example of this would be manipulating the DNA of a crop like corn so that it has a built-in pesticide or herbicide component.
This is just one example of how crops are genetically modified. And, in theory, it sounds like a great idea. Less crop loss due to pests equals more crop yields. More crops mean lower cost and fewer people going hungry. So where’s the harm?

Well, consider this: According to Greenpeace, once planted, GMOs are uncontrollable and cannot be “taken back.” This means they can spread and easily contaminate non-GMO populations.1
Furthermore, GMOs are threatening small organic farmers’ livelihoods. Since GMOs are patented by giant agricultural corporations, these conglomerates are known to sue family farmers for alleged patent violations, should they come to “possess” GMO technology as a result of completely uncontrollable contamination.

So what’s a small farmer to do if sued by a multi-billion dollar agricultural bully? Many just quit farming altogether, leaving us with fewer and fewer organic/family-owned farms.
The most disturbing point to make about GMOs is that very little research has been conducted on their long-term safety in animals, much less humans. That is, until recently. A recent study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences showed just how harmful the consumption of GM food is to rats, with the implication that human health could be put in great danger as well by the intake of GM foods.2

In this study, three different rat feedings using genetically modified maize (corn) were conducted at two different labs, on two different occasions.
The rats were randomly divided by body weight and fed three different commercially available, genetically modified corn varieties. One type (NK 603) was modified to be tolerant to the herbicide Roundup (and therefore contained trace levels of this chemical). The other two types (MON 810 and MON 863) were altered to synthesize two different Bacillus thuringiensis toxins used as insecticides. There were also two comparative control groups fed similar quantity diets of non-GM corn.
Researchers measured 60 different measures of toxicity in the rats’ blood and urine after weeks five and 14.

After evaluating results, they found that the most damage appeared to be in the kidneys and livers of the rats, often in the form of tumors. The rats fed the NK 603 maize showed significant damage to their kidneys and livers, particularly in the males. Those fed the MON 810 also experienced significant harm to their kidneys and livers, but this time mainly in the females. These effects were generally detected after 14 weeks of consumption.

As for the MON 863 maize, researchers witnessed an incredible 34 significant GM-related effects in the kidneys and liver, this time equally among the males and females. Other statistically significant effects included increases in glucose and triglyceride levels (up to 40 percent) in females versus controls, and higher overall body weight (3.7 percent).
In addition to liver and kidney damage, all three GM feed groups where found to have problems with the heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system (which is involved in the production of blood). Most shockingly, 50 percent of males and 70 percent of females died prematurely, compared to 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively, in the controls.

The researchers’ written conclusion says it all: “Our data strongly suggests that these GM maize varieties induce a state of hepatorenal [kidney/liver] toxicity. This can be due to the new pesticides (herbicide or insecticide) present specifically in each type of GM maize, although unintended metabolic effects due to the mutagenic properties of the GM transformation process cannot be excluded.”
NO to GMO
This study highlights exactly why altering the genetic composition of food in any way can lead to catastrophic consequences. In 20 or 30 years, we may start to see just how much of an impact GM foods have on human health. But, for now, most people remain completely unaware of the potential dangers lurking in their food.
The easy answer is to avoid GM food. But when you think about exactly how many food products contain the GM ingredient—the top GM foods being corn, soybeans, rice, papaya and sugar beets—you start to realize just how daunting of a task this can be.
First and foremost, you can choose organic produce over conventionally grown varieties. Next, reduce or eliminate the processed foods you buy.
When you do buy processed items, you have to read the labels. If any of the ingredients are not listed as organic, than you can assume they are GM.
Of course, reading labels does not guarantee that you’ll know for sure that every single ingredient in the food item is non-GM, mainly because manufacturers are not required to list every single ingredient used during manufacture.3 The whole process really is an uphill battle, but taking these steps can at least ensure that most of what you eat is relatively safe. Online databases of organic manufacturers exist online to help you out, too.
Genetically modified foods seem to be here to stay—and will likely only get more plentiful. Now more than ever, you have to take total control of your food choices to protect yourself and your family. We urge you to do your homework and say “NO” to GMO—now and in the future.
You can click on this link for additional information:
http://www.wholehealthinsider.com/general-health/study-confirms-dangers-of-gmo-foods/
References:
1. Greenpeace. http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/What-we-do/Genetic-Engineering/What-are-GMOs.
2. De Vendomois JS, et al. Int J Biol Sci. 2009 Dec 10;5(7):706-26.
3. http://www.safe-food.org/-consumer/shop.html.

I’m still free from IBC. Thank God for I can breathe again!

On the 18th of August 2013, my dear friend and colleague Pattie Bradfield was teaching me how to Skype. (I know, I know, its 2013 and I’m just learning how to Skype J).  Once we finally got Skype up and running and Patti could see me, she noticed something alarming on my chest.  I saw that she kept staring at me with a concerned look on her face and she finally said, “What is wrong with your chest.”  I replied, “What do you mean,” and she responded by saying, “Your chest is swollen and red.”  At that moment, I got up and walked to a mirror and there it was.  It was puffy, red and it sat right below my clavicle.    My heart nearly stopped!  The only thoughts that ran through my head at that exact moment was OMG the cancer has returned! 

Determined yet scared, on the 19th of August, 2013, I went to my breast cancer support meeting and afterwards asked the breast cancer navigator, Lori Nuno at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, CA, if she noticed anything strange on my chest.  As she was checking my chest out, three other ladies came over to take a look as well and they all verified what my dear friend had discovered.  At this point, my palms become sweaty and my head started ache.  As I was not trying to show my concern, Lori said that I needed to get to my primary doctor, ASAP.   The very next day, I called my primary doctor to move my appointment up due to the discovery, however to my pleasant surprise; Lori had already contacted my primary, Katherine Platt as well as the surgeon, Dr. Cohane at Arrowhead Medical Regional Center and on the 21st of August I was meeting with my surgeon.   Lori came with me to my appointment and I thank the havens she did so for the support that she gave me.  As the surgeon was checking me out, he did not notice anything, but Lori insisted that I move positions in hopes that the light would reflect on my skin to show the puffiness and redness that everyone saw days before.  Nonetheless, with all of our efforts, the surgeon still did not see anything.  I was able to breathe a little better but still I wanted a second opinion.   On the 22nd of August 2013, I drove an hour and half away from my home to Los Angeles, CA and had a Thermography exam (CRT) with Dr. Cherilyn Lee, PHD.  According to Doctor Lee, I had (5) hot spots in my right breast, but the print out did not show cancer.   On the 23rd of August I had an appointment with my primary and she also did not see anything and gave me a clean bill of health.   

To sum things up, Thank God I am still free from cancer.   The moral of this story is you must be proactive and forge relationships with your medical team, join whatever support groups that are available and speak up for yourself.  Early detection, even if you have already had cancer can still be a life saver.  You never know who is going to move mountains for you when in need.  I was extremely impressed by the actions of all of those mentioned above and not mentioned.   I’m blessed,  for I live to fight another day.

If you want to read more of my stories please check me and my organization out at fighting4thetatas.org and keep referring back to our blog. 

For public speaking engagements or for public appearances please send your request to Joshlyn.earls@fighting4thetatas.com

Joshlyn Earls will be awarded by the Nonprofit Sector Foundation on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Event brought to you by Crocs Cares and Oprah Magazine

Greetings All!  We have exciting news and would love for you to Save the Date for this Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 6pm to 8pm.  Founder/President Joshlyn Earls will be awarded by the Non-Profit Sector Foundation, Croc Cares, and Oprah Magazine for her outstanding and selfless community services efforts.  Joshlyn along with the other CA winners will be honored at Moss Bros, 12630 Motor Way, Moreno Valley, CA 92555. Event is Free!  For more information visit our webpage at http://www.fighting4thetatas.org and to RSVP visit www.nonprofitsectorfoundation.org/RSVP 

Congratulations Joshlyn your Awesome!   Image

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Special Guest Joshlyn Earls on Lady J’s Wild World of Sports reviewing IBC!

Here is the link to the show yesterday: www.ustream.tv/recorded/26078431

Know your body!  IBC is real! 

IBC FACTS:

The next time your child, teenager or young adult tell you they think they have a lump or something is wrong with their breast LISTEN to them!  If your family doctor tell you that it is impossible, they are too young.  I would suggest you go to a different doctor in order to save your child’s life.  Please read story below

12 Year Old Girl with IBC

1972: Nichini, FM. (1972). Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast in a 12-year-old girl. Archives of Surgery, 105(3), 505-8. No abstract available.

Carcinoma of the breast in the female child and adolescent is extremely rare. Approximately a dozen cases below the age of 20 can be accepted as truly proved. The case presented here is of further interest, since we believe it to be the first so-called inflammatory breast carcinoma described in a child. The lesion progressed rapidly locally with skin erythema, edema, and

fixation over half the breast. The affected breast was enlarged and generally replaced by tumor with fixation to the chest wall

Report of a Case: A 12-year-old girl consulted her family physician for a cutaneous eruption of the whole body, which was diagnosed as a viral exanthem. Results of physical examination at that time revealed a mass in the upper part of the left breast above a partially retracted nipple, and a definite enlargement of the left breast relative to the right.

Neither the patient nor her mother was aware of any abnormality in the breast at the time of the consultation. Two days later, a biopsy was performed and the mass was reported as an infiltrating carcinoma.

The skin over the whole left breast was erythematous and edematous, with all the clinical signs of an inflammatory carcinoma … It should be pointed out that the patient had been menstruating, albeit irregularly, since the age of 11.

MAMMOGRAM CAN’T DETECT”

AND

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A LUMP

 

 

 

DONATE TO HELP US EDUCATE

WHY are African American women dying more than white women with INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER?

 

I am a black women with Inflammatory breast cancer and I want to know WHY I am being told because I am black my life expectancy is shorter than my white counter part with the same Inflammatory breast cancer.

I have always thought of myself as being a healthy person I walked, exercised, went to the doctor for check ups and yearly mammograms. Never drank alcohol, never used drugs, never smoked, never slept around and no breast cancer in my immediate family. With all of that said; May 29, 2011, I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

June 6, 2011 I started chemotherapy, a very aggressive chemotherapy.

November 2, 2011 I had bilateral breast cancer (I lost both of my tatas)

November 10, 2011 my drains were removed (Hurt to have them removed)

December 15, 2011 Radiation started

February, 2012 I started taking a chemo pill that I will take for the next 5 years of my life. Hopefully! I say hopefully because from all studies black women have poorer 5 year survival rates with Inflammatory breast cancer.

 

You may ask “What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?” 

Well, Inflammatory Breast Cancer is the most lethal form of primary breast cancer a breast cancer often misdiagnosed with mastitis, misinterpreted and/or treated incorrectly compared to more common breast cancers.

 

At this point you are probable thinking, “I thought there was only one breast cancer”.  For those of you like me I was under the same assumption  until I was diagnosed with the worse breast cancer ever, according to my doctor, Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

 

Then I found out that Black women die more than white women with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, WELL this is GREAT.  Oh Oh, I can not forget to tell you that Inflammatory breast cancer comes back on you faster than any other breast cancer.

 

Understand breast cancer does not discriminate, so back to my question, WHY do black women die more than white women.

 

The answers I am getting and what is written is:

□       Black women do not go to the doctor for early detection.

Are we speaking of all black women I ask?

□       Lower socialeconomic standards

Let me understand, are you saying researchers, all Black Americans have lower social enonomic standards WOW.

□       Screening – Black Americans do not get screened (mammograms)

□       An unequal access to improvements in cancer treatment. 

 

Please join me for this important survey

I need to know how do you feel about what I have written.  And Why do you feel black women are dying more than white women with breast cancer?  What inequities have you , friend or a family member experienced?

Visit my organization at http://www.fighting4thetatas.org 

 

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