Boyd Silver Works Blog

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2011

2011-10-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month again. This particular month has always been a time of solemn reflection for me. I'm grateful for the support that I've had throughout the years and I'm grateful for the many women I've met through my journey and jewelry, yet this month also serves as a sad realization that we haven't yet conquered this disease.

We have come a long way but we're still fighting the fight.

Please remember to tell your mom, your sisters, your aunts, your cousins, your nieces, and your friends how important early detection really is. You can make a difference!

God bless all of you, and I wish you peace always.

Mary Pat Boyd

www.boydsilverworks.com

Cleaning Srrvices for Women Going Through Chemo

2011-01-13T22:19:00.000-06:00

Cleaning for a Reason

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning—once per month for 4 months— while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign-up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. “Cleaning for a Reason” will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Elizabeth Edwards'Funeral

2010-12-09T15:08:00.000-06:00

I cried over the loss of Elizabeth Edwards, as did many other breast cancer survivors that I know. She was a passionate woman who held to her convictions, and she became the face of breast cancer for some. She suffered greatly during her life--the loss of a son, a philandering husband, and a painfully long battle with breast cancer; yet she lived her life with dignity and pride. She will be missed by many of us, and for many reasons.

I'm outraged that the Westboro Baptist Church will be picketing her funeral. In fact, I'm nearly beyond words. I despise people who profess to be Christians and then carry such a hateful spirit. This surely is not a "church" of God. It's a place where hate festers.
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Westboro_Baptist_Church_says_it_will_picket_Elizabeth_Edwards_funeral_111596119.html

Sterling Silver Prices Continue to Rise

2010-12-06T11:17:00.000-06:00

Sterling silver posted an average of $14.67 in 2009, the second highest average since 1980. As of December 6, 2010, sterling silver has risen to over $30.00 an ounce. Wow.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T18:54:00.000-06:00

Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends whom we chose.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I hope all you have a blessed day with your loved ones.
Mary Pat

www.boydsilverworks.com

2010-11-20T09:04:00.000-06:00

Best wishes with your holiday shopping. You can now enjoy free shipping and handling on all orders through www.boydsilverwork.com
Happy Holidays

This is really nice.

2010-10-27T19:01:00.000-05:00

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2207417/best_online_resources_for_breast_cancer_pg2.html?cat=5

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-08T12:05:00.000-05:00

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month that I've
been faithful to for 14 years now because, for some
odd reason, I've come to measure my own mortality
by the passing and celebration of this particular month.

This is a month filled with extravagant galas and expensive
fundraisers; and you can find pink ribbon merchandise
anywhere and everywhere. In fact, a few years ago I saw a pink
ribbon cake at a local grocery store. Personally, the cake
offended me because anyone who has ever had cancer knows
that it certainly is not a cake walk. But, for me, that particular
cake represents how far off track we've gotten regarding cancer
awareness and a cure.
There are millions of dollars raised each year toward awareness
and research. And, still, we don't have a cure.
So, where is the cure?
A friend, diagnosed with brain cancer, bravely fought the battle
to survive because he honestly believed that, if he could just
hang on long enough, there would be a cure. He died 18 years
ago and we still don't have a cure.
I, for one, wish we could celebrate this month differently---
I wish we could use the time to scream out loud "We've finally
found the cure to cancer!"
God bless all of you, and a special prayer to those of you who
are fighting cancer. Some day there will be a cure.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

My heartfelt congratulations to all breast cancer survivors. It's always a privilege to hear your stories of strength and survival.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be offering free shipping and handling on your orders placed during the month of October at www.boydsilverworks.com.
I wish all of you good health and many, many more happy birthdays.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

The Painful Truth of Growing Older

2010-08-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago, I took up rollerblading and I continued enjoying the sport until a couple of years ago when I fell and broke my wrist. For the next few years, the fear of falling again kept my blades buried deep within my car trunk.
I talked to myself on a regular basis during the self imposed "blade break" about the importance of putting fear aside and grasping life for all that it was. And then, finally one day early this summer, I decided that I would live my life to its fullest potential and with reckless abandon. So I drove to the nearest park, opened my car trunk, and rummaged through the various trunk debris consisting of loose golf balls, candy wrappers, hats, etc., until my beloved rollerblades revealed themselves. The site of the blades evoked such happy memories!!!---I scraped the stale, hardened candy out of my rollerblades, strapped the boots on, suited up in all the protective gear (that I never wore before) and off I went.
I realized that it was a really stupid idea for a 60 year old to blade about 10 feet into the blading process. It wasn't like the days of old when I experienced the feeling of flying while on the ground. This time I didn't glide as I used to, but rather, pushed myself slowly forward in small uncertain steps. The fear of falling was overwhelming. Would my bones turn to dust when I hit the ground? How could I pay my bills if I was unable to work? OMG! This was a dumb idea. I was overwhelmed with the reality of the situation and underwhelmed by the thrill of it.
Needless to say, I won't be blading again, and the reality of aging has set in. I hate it but it is what it is and I'll be walking, rather than blading, from now on.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Rising Silver Prices

2010-04-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

I want to take this opportunity to address the elephant in the room. As you have probably noticed, I've been forced to raise some of my prices. I've really hated doing this but the cost of sterling silver has been going up and up over the past year. A year ago at this time, silver was slightly over $12 per ounce and now it flirts between $18-19 per ounce. I've been slow to introduce this rising cost into my cancer jewelry line but I didn't have any choice. I apologize to all of you who have been loyal customers and I hope that the cost will come down some time in the near future.
Thank you for your understanding, and God bless.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Mery Christmas

2009-12-24T11:37:00.001-06:00

http://ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.html
This is a beautiful Christmas card made by Ashland College. Turn your speakers on and enjoy.
Merry Christmas and wishes for a wonderful new year.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-14T17:18:00.001-05:00

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here! This special month is punctuated with breast cancer awareness gatherings, fundraisers, remembrances of those we have lost to the disease, and celebrations for our survivors.

My mother died of cancer in 1992. My brother has had breast cancer and I have had it twice myself. Four years after Mom died, I found a lump in my breast during a self examination. I was diagnosed as having an aggressive estrogen negative breast cancer and I was prescribed the normal protocol of surgery, chemo, and radiation.

I was a jewelry designer when I was initially diagnosed with the disease in 1996, and it was an easy decision to use my creativity to raise breast cancer awareness. My first breast cancer design was the breast cancer awareness ring and the breast cancer poem. I’ve lost many loved ones to cancer and I know many survivors too—and so I created the ring and poem to honor both those who have lost their lives to the disease and also those who have survived.

My second breast cancer battle began in 2001 when I noticed a change within my breast. Although my doctor was convinced that it was not cancer, I thought it might be Paget’s Disease, a cancer that many women are not aware of but should be. My doctor maintained, even after my surgery, that she didn’t think I had cancer. She phoned a week later with the pathology results—I had cancer, and it was Paget’s Disease.

My husband of 30 years became involved with my best friend during my first cancer treatment, and he divorced me and married her. He reasoned that I had changed as a result of cancer.

In retrospect, my ex-husband was right—I did change with cancer. The disease altered both my desires and my destiny.

Cancer has a unique way of releasing our spirits as it invades our bodies. The disease intensifies our life’s measure because it marks that precarious pause between life and death. Cancer causes wobbly-kneed weaklings to become strong willed advocates, and it breeds a compassion that we hadn’t previously known.

The American Cancer Society is the largest volunteer organization within the world, and I’m proud that I’ve been part of the organization for several years now. I began as a volunteer for the ACS’s Reach to Recovery program and now I’m a Reach to Recovery trainer. All Reach to Recovery volunteers must be breast cancer survivors and they must also be certified through the ACS. The program matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with breast cancer survivors based on age, diagnosis, and other variables. The Reach to Recovery program gathers vital data in the fight against breast cancer and it allows newly diagnosed women to interact on personal levels with breast cancer survivors. The interaction is tremendously important because we, as survivors, represent hope for the newly diagnosed breast cancer patients because we have survived. Please contact your local ACS if you’re a breast cancer survivor to request information about volunteering through Reach to Recovery.

Here are a few easy to-do’s for Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Form Boobie Squads to encourage friends to get their mammograms and do monthly self examinations. (I found both of my breast cancer through self examinations.)
Watch for any changes within your breasts.
Read about Paget’s Disease because most women aren’t aware of how it manifests itself. Be your own advocate in the fight against breast cancer. Remember that an early diagnosis means a better chance of survival.
Stay updated on the legislation regarding breast cancer and get involved in a grass roots effort.

Together, we really can make a difference.

God bless.

Mary Pat Boyd

www.boydsilverworks.com

This article was published by the courtesy of Chic Galleria

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-01T08:34:00.000-05:00

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in particular, I spend time reflecting on those I've loved and lost to the disease; and I also recommit myself to the battle against breast cancer.
--A breast cancer health specialist recently told me that she was initially shocked to see how many young women in their 20's and 30's were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. However, she told me that she quickly realized that the new advances in breast cancer technology have made these early detections possible. Early detection means longer life of course, so please remember to do your monthly self examinations and get your mammograms too.
As the disease drones on, so does our technology, our awareness, and our commitment to end cancer for good.
I'd like to thank all of you who have written me about your efforts to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a survivor and an American Cancer Society volunteer, I know that your work is truly appreciated. I believe that each of us can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, and your efforts prove that. Thank you.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Enlarged Prostate

2009-07-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged
prostate, is starting to affect more and more middle aged and
elderly men. An enlarged prostate is not
life-threatening, and it is not an early sign of prostate
cancer. However, the condition is very painful, and it can lead to
failure of the bladder, kidney damage, bladder stones, urinary
infections and other problems.

The prostate gland is slightly larger than a peanut and is
located snug in between the urethra and the pubic bone. As the
prostate grows, the bladder has to work more in order to push
urine through the newly thinned urethra. The muscles of the
bladder become overworked and therefore more sensitive. This
causes the person affected to have to urinate more frequently.
As the prostate grows and places pressure on the already
sensitive bladder, the bladder begins to lose the ability to
empty itself completely.

There is not a true diagnosis for what causes benign prostatic
hyperplasia. Some medical specialists have the theory that
androgens, which include testosterone and hormones similar to
testosterone, are the main causes of the development of an
enlarged prostate. Testosterone is the most important androgen,
and is also the most important chemical produced in a man's
life.

The prostate works towards converting testosterone into a
powerful androgen known as Dihydrotestosterone , or DHT. DHT
stimulates the growth of cells inside the tissue lining of the
prostate gland. This is the theory which causes the enlarged
prostate. Another theory is that blood vessels deteriorate in
men as they age. The end result is an abnormal flow of blood and
in return, a loss of oxygen. This also results in an enlarged
prostate.

The prostatic hyperplasia is diagnosed in three ways: a rectal
exam, blood tests, and an ultrasound. A rectal exam is always
tried first, but the doctor may or may not be able to tell if
the prostate is inflamed. The doctor might also require a urine
sample to determine if there is an infection present that has
caused any urinary discomfort.

The chance of prostate cancer is also considered an option and
must be determined before an enlarged prostate can be diagnosed.
In order to determine this, the doctor will order an ultrasound
of the prostate and urinary tract. The blood tests are able to
pick up on abnormally high levels of prostate antigens.

Having your enlarged prostate diagnosed in the early stages is
vital for preventing any permanent damage. The worst case
scenario is urinary retention. As mentioned earlier, if you let
the problems persist, your bladder could eventually stop
contracting allowing urine to flow. The choices for treatment
are medicine or a surgical procedure.

The doctor will probably recommend medicine first, unless your
condition is so severe that a surgical procedure is the
necessary first step. If you are experiencing any of the signs
mentioned for an enlarged prostate, make sure that you make an
appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This is not a
condition that can be put off for a later date.
www.boydsilverworks.com

New Breast Cancer Inhibitor Offers Promise

2009-07-09T14:29:00.000-05:00

There is new drug that offers promise in the fight against hereditary cancers caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2. The new drugs are called PARP inhibitors.

PARP inhibitors work by blocking the action of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, an enzyme that helps repair DNA. In certain tumor cells, such as those from BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, blocking this enzyme can lead to cell death.

People who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are at a higher risk of developing many cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Scientists hope PARP drugs can be used to effectively target the cancer cells in those people without destroying their healthy cells, minimizing harsh side effects.

In a small phase I study, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, England tested the action of a PARP drug called olaparib in 60 patients, 22 of whom were known carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and 1 who likely was a carrier. The patients started with a dose of 10 mg of the drug orally once daily, for 2 of every 3 weeks, then the dose and length of treatment were gradually increased to find the best way of giving the drug.

The study group included 20 men and 40 women with different types of cancer -- ovarian, breast, colorectal, prostate, melanoma, as well as some other types. About half had had more than 4 previous cancer treatments.

Twelve patients with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations saw their tumors shrink or stop growing. These patients all had ovarian, breast, or prostate cancer. The drug had no effect on patients who were not BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers.

Side effects were minimal compared to traditional chemotherapy drugs and included nausea (32%), fatigue (30%), and vomiting (20%).

The findings are so promising they were published recently in The New England Journal of Medicine, which typically doesn't publish results from early phase I studies. An accompanying editorial calls the drugs "a new direction in cancer-drug development."

And PARP drugs appear to be effective against other cancers, as well.

Another study, which was presented recently at the Annual Meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology, found that the PARP drug BSI-201 improved survival in women with triple-negative breast cancer compared to traditional chemo. Because triple-negative breast cancer lacks certain receptors, it doesn't respond to hormone therapy or drugs that target HER2, such as Herceptin.

These findings appear to be encouraging, but PARP drugs are still in the early stages of development and will require more testing.

Cancerversary

2009-07-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

I'd like to share a link with you that allows cancer patients, survivors, families, and friends to connect by telling your own personal story regarding cancer. You can create your own page to tell your story or you can honor someone who lost the battle to cancer by creating a page for him/her. This is presented by a terrific grassroots cancer advocacy group, and I highly recommend it.
www.canceradvocacy.org/cancerversary
Sincerely,
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Farrah Fawcett

2009-06-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

Farrah Fawcett was a courageous woman who raised cancer awareness by filming a documentary about her own cancer battle. The documentary showed cancer in its most graphic and raw form as Farrah went through various cancer treatments---as she vomited---and as she lost her hair.
Cancer is not for the weak of sprit, and Farrah's spirit was obviously strong, determined, and well intentioned.
What incredible courage!!! I am so thankful for her help in the battle of cancer awareness and I am very sad that she lost her own personal battle. Rest in peace, Farrah. You touched the lives of many and we are so thankful for your help.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

I Wish You Enough

2009-06-08T12:28:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my brother, my sister, and I visited. As we chatted about our childhood memories, I was once again keenly aware of the void that exists now that Mother is no longer with us. Time has healed some of the raw pain of course but the wound of losing a loved one never really heals completely, and so, I feel her loss often.
Mother died of cancer; and the last several months of Mom's life were filled with chemo treatments, surgeries that mended her breaking bones, and profound sadness. Our final good-bye is a bittersweet memory that will be forever etched in my mind; and for that, I'm grateful.
The sweet little poem that follows was sent to me by my sister:
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
To all of you, I wish you enough. Our mother would have wished the same.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

Elizabeth Edwards Interview

2009-05-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

I was mesmerized by the Oprah interview with Elizabeth Edwards. For me, it wasn't mere curiosity.---It was a story that I relate to; and I relived the raw pain of my husband's betrayal as I watched the interview unfold.
My husband, who is now my ex-husband, was my high school sweetheart. We were married for 25 years when I was diagnosed with my first breast cancer. Shortly after my diagnosis, he began an affair with my "best" friend. My dad had committed suicide earlier in the year while I was going through chemo, and I was personally dealing with issues that no one should have to deal with.
The affair began in 1996 and my ex filed for divorce in 1999. They married shortly after the divorce was finalized. I'm still unsure why--or how any of this happened but I've come to accept it for what it is. With that said, the scar of this hurt is much deeper than any of the scars from my breast cancer surgeries.
This is another road that I would have preferred not to travel but I hope that it has given me a more compassionate view of the obstacles we must all face.
Mary Pat Boyd
www.boydsilverworks.com

A Letter at Christmas

2009-05-05T13:40:00.001-05:00

I'm sharing this letter that was sent to me by a friend who has Stage IV breast cancer . Her letter is an important reminder that, at this time of the year in particular, when we're all feeling stressed with too much to do and grumbling about the little annoyances in life, we should count our blessings and be grateful for each day.
Happy Holidays and God Bless You.
Mary Pat

Dearest Mary Pat,

I too have been thinking of you and just trying to get into that writing mode. I was touched when I saw your email. How are you Mary Pat? And what are your plans during this beautiful time of the year?

We are attending George's Christmas work party this Saturday in Napa, should be lovely. I have had mixed feelings about attending, a little heavier, loss of hair, brows and eyelashes are scarce. Not sure if it's my appearance what is bothering me or is it that now I look like a cancer patient. May I add there is no shame for me, but I feel sometimes some people look at you differently...anyway we will attend and I guess even looking forward to a couple of dances with my hubby. I purchased a pair of black slacks, evening black pointed shoes (yikes, I usually wear flats) a little bling faux jewelry and I had a purple shade top made and a scarf will be my head cover. More than likely I will not purchase a wig...I didn't last time and I almost enjoy scarves, I can get a little creative.

Sunday morning we will drive to San Diego and we will be with the whole family for Christmas. I'm very excited. Monday we will go to Julian, CA about 10 of us close family members and end up and my niece's and her partner's home for chili. After dinner the kids (of all ages) will decorate Christmas cookies. I am very excited, should be fun. Then for Christmas Eve we will be doing "it" Mexican style. Tamales, enchiladas, etc. I think I will volunteer for 1 appetizer, rice, and dessert. Rice is the scary one. My eldest sister is an excellent cook and also plates the food quite lovely, so she will be the one to impress. I just think it's fun to try something different. I will be making Flan and the traditional Mexican Wedding Cake cookies also know as, Tea Cakes, and many other names. George and I will stay for 1 week.

We have had lots of company. It has been nice but I have been getting overly tired. Recently I have hired someone to help me keep the house up. I have never done this before but I think it was a wise decision. Lucy, is her name, and she is doing an excellent job.

I am on Cycle #4. Which there are 3 treatments in a cycle. So 4 treatments down 8 more to go or 2 1/2 cycles more to go. My side effects from the Avastin have been the most difficult, yet bearable. Sort of bloody mucous nose bleeds. The Taxol can be very tiring. I have had some complications with steroids and I was given way too much benedryl, all things that we are working on with easy solutions. Mary Pat, I have missed out on nothing. I just plan bed rest when I can and pick myself up when I need to. I will have a pet scan 1//5/09 to see if the treatment is working...I am so hopeful. But, if not we will go to Plan B and supposedly according to my oncologist there are plenty of Plan Bs. After I complete my cycles if all is well, I will supposedly be on some sort of Avastin follow up...not sure how that will work...but will cross that bridge when I get there. Mary Pat, I sometimes find myself feeling overwhelmed, yet there are many other times that I smile and thank God for one more precious day...LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Mary Pat when you have a minute let me know how you are. I have not forgotten our list of names to pray for and I have continued to pray. Thank you for being a blessing in my life.

Love, Norma
www.boydsilverworks.com

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act

2009-05-05T13:39:00.001-05:00

The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act, H.R. 1078 and S. 2790

The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act (CCCIA), H.R. 1078 and S. 2790, bears that name because it aims to ensure cancer patients access to care that combines primary therapy with symptom management. The Act itself is also comprehensive because it offers an aggressive and thorough set of recommendations for reform of the system of cancer care.

Over the past twenty-five years, the number of cancer survivors has increased from three million to eleven million. The growth in this population is due largely to progress in the treatment of cancer. However, this system of advanced treatment has often failed to provide survivors with care that addresses the side effects of both cancer and its treatment, which have a significant effect on their quality of life. Cancer survivors may not receive appropriate management of pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and depression, and may not have access to psychosocial services. Many cancer patients do not receive a treatment plan at the beginning of therapy, or a summary of their care and plan for monitoring and follow-up care at the end of treatment.

The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act (CCCIA) includes a number of proposals that would advance a system of integrated cancer care and improved communication between patients and their health care teams regarding treatment options and follow-up care. By reforming Medicare reimbursement, enhancing training of professionals who treat cancer survivors, and testing and expanding model systems of integrated care, the Act would advance a system of quality, comprehensive cancer care.

www.boydsilverworks.com

Battling Cancer

2009-05-05T13:38:00.001-05:00

An Interview with Mary Pat Boyd of Boyd Silver Works

Posted in Cancer Survivor's Spotlight • Tags: Breast Cancer, Cancer Awareness, cancer survivor, volunteer • Author: Lesly Maranan

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I’m very happy to have to the opportunity to share with you an interview that I recently had with Mary Pat Boyd, owner and creative genius behind Boyd Silver Works, a unique custom jewelry design service specializing in cancer awareness pieces. Mary Pat is a two-time breast cancer survivor and a tireless advocate for cancer awareness and prevention through her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. When I first came in contact with Mary Pat, I was intrigued and inspired by her stories of grace and strength under very trying circumstances. We’ve since become fast friends, and I’m so glad that she’s agreed to share her story with Batting Cancer readers.

How does your spina bifida affect your daily routines?I was 3 days old when I had the spina bifada surgery and there was early concern about hydrocephalus. Aside from the possibility that the early radiations may have caused my cancer, my adult life has not been affected by the spina bifada.

Your business, Boyd Silver Works, is focused solely on creating beautiful cancer awareness jewelry. How did you first start making your works of art? I’d been working with metal for some time before my first cancer diagnosis, but my cancer awareness jewelry line began with the Silver Ribbon Ring that I designed while going through the first cancer battle. I began making awareness jewelry because I wanted to share hope through jewelry design.

Have you always been in a creative profession?Always. I’ve worked in various mediums throughout the years but I really enjoy the metal working a lot.

Before you were diagnosed with breast cancer the second time, you had difficulty convincing your doctor that something was wrong. What advice would you give to someone who is currently having trouble communicating with their doctor? My first cancer was estrogen negative. The second cancer (in the same breast) was Paget’s Disease. The mammogram for the second cancer didn’t reveal the tumor and my doctor didn’t think that I had cancer again. I know my body though; and a nagging feeling hung over me so I sought a second opinion. Women need to realize that we’re entitled to more than one medical consultation. If you doubt what someone is telling you, seek advice from someone else. And if you don’t have a good rapport with one doctor, then find a different one. This is your body and you need to be an advocate for yourself.

Describe your volunteer work with the American Cancer Society.I’m proud to be a volunteer through the Reach to Recovery program that the American Cancer Society offers. We’re certified volunteers who interact with cancer patients and survivors. The ACS attempts to match volunteers with patients based on cancer similarities, etc. It’s a wonderful outreach program.

You’ve had to face a number of personal struggles in your life — what do you consider your greatest sources of strength?I talk to cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones often so I know that my own story is very unremarkable. Their stories touch my heart and humble me. I draw a lot of strength from those that I’m in contact with and I’m proud to be a voice in the war against cancer. I honestly believe that we can make a difference, and that belief gives me strength and propels me forward.

What would you like to share with readers who are currently undergoing cancer treatment? Statistics clearly show that an early diagnosis will prolong one’s life or save a life, so it’s important to do monthly self exams. And get that mammogram! A mammo can’t detect all cancers, but it’s a terrific tool against the disease. Also, a cancer patient often feels alone and isolated, but she doesn’t need to carry her cancer fears bottled within. There are many volunteers and caring people who will listen to her concerns, so I think it’s important that she reach out to others for help. Talk with your family, friends, and medical experts. You’re not alone in this battle.

Some individuals find that their relationships with friends and family members undergo a great strain after they are diagnosed with cancer. What advice would you give to caregivers and friends of cancer patients? My husband of 30 years had an affair with my best friend during my first cancer battle. He divorced me and married her, and that was devastating to me at the time. Sadly enough, I’ve come to realize that this type of thing happens far more often than most of us realize. I wish we wouldn’t let cancer have this type of power. Our lives and our perspectives may change because of cancer, but cancer shouldn’t be allowed to destroy our relationships. Cancer is scary and often people don’t know what to say to the patient, so they don’t say anything. Be a friend to the cancer patient—talk to her. Let her know that you care. Listen to what your friend has to say. Defy the destruction of cancer by forging a deeper understanding and a bond with your friend.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Battling Cancer readers?Keep hope in your heart. God bless.

I’d like to thank Mary Pat for being such a wonderful reader and a great inspiration. You can read more about Mary Pat’s story and learn about her jewelry at Boyd Silver Works.

Prayers in Pink

2009-05-05T13:36:00.002-05:00

There’s one particular Bible verse that has spoken to me very clearly during the difficult times in my life and I’d like to share it with my readers because the verse offers us great hope. It’s Jeremiah 29:11, and I’ve relied on that verse during the most trying times of my life such as my first cancer, my divorce, and then again when I faced cancer the second time.

This is an excerpt from that verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity."

I’ve come to realize that I am where I am supposed to be and I have been delivered from the grief of my past.

I get many letters from cancer patients, families, and friends who ask that we keep them in our prayers. I believe in the power of prayer, and I am starting a prayer chain because of the touching letters that I receive.

If you would like to be part of this prayer chain, please contact me at prayersinpink@yahoo.com

Please, also feel free to send any prayer requests that you have and I’ll gladly send your requests to our prayer network.

Happy Spring Days to All of You,

Mary Pat

www.boydsilverworks.com

Water's Music

2009-05-05T13:36:00.001-05:00

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of standing near a stream of rushing water, you know the wonderful music that the water creates as it splashes and slaps against the stones. And when a single stone is removed, the water’s music changes ever so slightly and a different melody emerges.

Our mother was a kind and funny little woman. She spent her entire life tending to wayward children and nurturing ailing animals. Once she rescued a sick piglet and nursed the animal back to health. As time passed, the piglet matured into a very large hog that Mom allowed to sleep on the front porch. The hog, confusing himself for a dog, escorted my siblings to the school bus in the morning and he greeted them at the bus in the afternoon when they returned home from school. Mom loved that fat old hog, and the hog probably loved Mom. Our mom was just that kind of a lady---loved by all.

Mom was diagnosed with cancer in her early 60’s and she endured grueling surgeries and chemotherapy until her frail little body could not take any more. At the age of 62, she passed away, leaving behind a large grieving family and many loving friends.

The water’s music changed on that day in December when Mom’s stone was removed from the stream. Today the cascading waters and remaining stones continue to create beautiful music together; but if you listen very carefully, you can hear the lull of a silenced voice in the stream that once housed our mother’s stone.

Mary Pat Boyd

www.boydsilverworks.com