In Sandra's Shoes

Today is my one-week anniversary for taking tamoxifen. I have four years and 51 more weeks to go. Tamoxifen is the next phase of treatment following surgery and radiation for me.

Studies have shown taking the drug helps reduce the chances of a recurrence.When told about it, I wondered why so long. Why not two years or three years. The studies have shown the most benefit is gained by taking it for a five-year period, I was told.

And if it decreases your chances of a recurrence, why wouldn't you take it? And I didn't have a good answer for that. Of course, I don't want a recurrence so I'll do everything to lessen the chances of that happening.

So far, I haven't had any side effects. But the doctors have told me I could possibly gain some weight or develop hot flashes or just feel tired. We'll see how it goes.

I surprised myself last night. Not with a gift of jewelry or a new pair of shoes.

But by attending a support group with other women who have been treated for breast cancer.

My surprise? I enjoyed the conversation.

It felt good to talk with other women about what we'd all gone through, the little surprises as you go through treatment like tatoos so the radiation field is accurate or how family members reacted when you told them about the diagnosis.

I wasn't sure what to expect. And even though I'd signed up for the study group on managing stress and cancer, I thought I wouldn't have much to say.

I found we all had a lot to share. And afterwards, I felt more relaxed and feeling even better about what comes next.

How have others felt about joining support groups?

I plan to keep my blog focused on issues concerning breast cancer but found a few facts I wanted to share about other cancers and how they affect diverse groups. Medical organizations are finally getting around to studying how cancer affects various ethnic groups in the United States.

And one of the most startling facts is that African American men have the highest death rates from cancer followed by black women.

And I also learned that African American men have the highest incidence of cancer of any ethnic group followed by white men and Hispanic men.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised but I was. Are you surprised? The physician who presented the seminar also runs the diversity program at one of the local hospitals. Why is a diversity program needed to look at cancer?

The program addresses how cancer affects everybody, she told us at the start of the session. It allows us to focus on who needs us. Cancer does discriminate and we need to know why some groups are affected more than other groups. For example, more cancers are being seen in younger patients than ever before.

Other interesting facts: African Americans have a 20 percent higher chance of developing colorectal cancer. Of those who get it, 40 percent have a higher chance of dying from it. Because some of this information has been gathered, it has helped develop new drugs to treat cancer, she said. And blacks should get their first colonoscopy done at age 45, not age 50 as is the conventional wisdom.

And how do you survive or prevent cancer? Start with the basics. Good nutrition. Decrease fat intake; eat good fat such as olive oil; decrease intake of transfat; increase fiber intake and increase fresh vegetables and fruit in your diet.

And have regular check-ups.

I thought these were startling facts

I did it.

I'm registered to participate in the Susan G. Komen race for the cure on Monther's Day as part of the team for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists.

I am also supporting the team from Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc of which I am a member.

That was the easy part. Now I have to get ready for the five-mile walk. So far, I've only walked about one mile one day last week before the snow and the rain. (I've got lots of excuses.) But I do plan to get out tomorrow morning, especially if it's sunny.

When I finished my radiation treatment, I promised myself that I would do two things: work with students on a convention newspaper and walk on Mother's Day. I've done the newspaper and now it's time for the walk.

My husband, son and daughter and planning to walk with me. And friends and family who can't walk have promised a pledge. (I'll be seeking you all out this weekend.) If you are thinking of registering, you can go to phillyraceforthecure.org.

See you on the parkway.

Every few days now I feel more energetic about living, working and getting things accomplished.
Most of my energy is back and I'm back full-time in the office.
It's a bit of a readjustment.
The hours are long and there are always issues to be juggled. A month ago, I couldn't handle all of it. I needed more time to think everything through. I still need time but I feel I have more mental clarity.
In addition to my full-time job, writing the blog, participating in a support group for managing stress and breast cancer, I'm also mother to college sophomore facing the stresses of taking finals. We talk everyday, several times a day.
Everyday is different and has new challenges.
I've learned some meditation techniques through the support group that helps get me through each day.
What are some other things we can do?

I'm also walking to build stamina to do the five-mile Susan G. Komen walk on mother's day. I'm up to 3 miles. Anyone else working out for the walk?