Giving

(Click on picture to find out about donating to the YSC)

The link I've included above is to the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). If you're so inclined to donate any amount to this worthy cause, please do so. I know we're all pretty strapped this time of year, but keep it in mind for after all of your Christmas bills are paid. I've always got a link to YSC over in my sidebar in the "Breast/Cancer Links" section.

This organization is near and dear to my heart since it is specifically geared toward women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20's, 30's, and 40's. I have found a lot of support there as have many other young women and their families/friends. The realities that we are faced with are very different (and somewhat more harsh) than the ones of our older peers with the same disease, such as:

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 15-54.
• Young women’s cancers are generally more aggressive and result in lower survival rates.
• Young women with breast cancer struggle with many issues that their post-menopausal counterparts don’t face, including: the possibility of early menopause, fertility/pregnancy after diagnosis, generally more advanced cancers at diagnosis, and higher mortality rates.
• Only 50% of women diagnosed under the age of 40 will live 10 years past their initial diagnosis.

Yee-ouch...that last one is pretty dang scary and unfortunately, accurate.

Basically, YSC helps younger women feel like we're not alone and not such freaks of nature.

I know, I know what most of you are thinking...she's still a freak. True, but at least now I know that I'm not the only one.

~*~

Update on Me: The steroid side effects are in full swing, but they're helping me so it's okay. Just trying to get a few things accomplished before Michelle gets here at around 1:00. Paying bills, cleaning house...you know, the lovely necessities of life. It's a good feeling to get them done though, and to know that I am still here and still able to do so.