Successful Development in Technology to Identify Breast Cancer Earlier

Earlier.org was recently acknowledged in an article in Journal of Women’s Health, Vol.21, Number 00, 2012. The article discussed research results conducted at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN by Carrie B. Hruska, Ph.D., et al, titled, Evaluation of Molecular Breast Imaging in Women Undergoing Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with Tc-99m Sestamibi. This work was funded by Mayo Foundation and a grant from Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test.

The project demonstrates strong validation of success in Molecular Breast Imaging. It will, no doubt, generate further studies. This is one representation of successful development in technology to identify breast cancer earlier using existing opportunities. The women in this study were undergoing stress myocardial perfusion studies. In the conclusion, it states: “The addition of MBI (Molecular Breast Imaging) to clinically indicated stress myocardial perfusion imaging studies in women results in a high diagnostic yield of newly detected breast cancers while generating a low rate of additional unnecessary work up.”

This is extremely notable work with high translational potential.

Read the complete article here.

Our Roles in the Attack Against Breast Cancer

As the Medical Advisory Committee of earlier.org finalizes the grant reviews for this year, I must tell you how much I appreciate each one of the doctors who reviews these grants and how much I hope you too will appreciate them.

Moses Cone Regional Cancer Center: Drs. Huan Ha, Ken Karb, Gus Magrinat and Peter Rubin

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center: Dr. Tim Kute

Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center: Dr. Kelly Marcom

Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center: Dr. Hyman Muss

Central Carolina Surgery: Dr. Chris Streck

East Carolina University: Dr. Rachel Raab

Let me help you understand how remarkable and dedicated each one of these people is in his or her efforts to impact breast cancer. Each one of these doctors listed above is working a full-time, demanding job as a clinician, a researcher or both. Many of them are focused on clinical practices that require dealing with patients all day and that means starting very early and does not always (read probably never) end at 5 p.m. On top of the time, they are not only trying to comfort their patients, but they are also straining their brains to solve the puzzle of the best treatment for each patient that they see. This is not just one day, but day after day after day that these cases layer one after another. There is no stopping place because the need is so ever-present and the challenge is so great.

The doctors who are researchers are straining their brains to understand breast cancer and ferret out the elusive disease so discoveries can be made which can clarify our direction for attacking breast cancer. Breast cancer, as any cancer, is extensive, interwoven and complicated. It must be taken apart in layers. The intellect that is required for this is well beyond my comprehension.

Then, earlier.org comes along and asks them if, in their massive amount of spare time, would they please spend hours reviewing grant proposals from researchers who often speak only the language of research. This means that they probably must dedicate extra time to make certain that they are reading these proposals correctly and understanding them. Oh, then they must determine if the science of the project is meritorious AND if it is in keeping with the mission of earlier.org. As science develops, they must also stay up-to-date and familiar with that. And, by the way, these folks have families and other obligations to attend to, let alone actually do something for themselves. Does this help to understand why we so appreciate their commitment to this project?

When I think about what we ask these wonderful people to do, I am almost embarrassed. Notice I said, “almost.” We cannot allow ourselves the luxury of resting or stopping to take a breath. We must keep pressing this disease. Yes, it is a difficult and elusive disease which makes it that much more imperative that we stay ever active to obtain the upper hand.

The work that our Medical Advisory Committee does could make one consider that the work of raising funds is minimal. Yet, I can tell you, that is not the case. If we are not participating in generating funds for research, then we are losing ground. Until we get the upper hand with breast cancer, there will never be enough research dollars. The private funding is as critical to research as government funding is because it fills large gaps that cannot be addressed. In order for progress to be made, research must be given the opportunity to do more than just “stomp out” the large fires. Researchers must be given the opportunity to build on what has been achieved, whether it is in utilizing something that is in existence or whether it is learning that a direction needs to be changed. If we are not generating those funds, we stop progressing, we stall and we allow breast cancer to gain ground.

So, as our Medical Advisory Committee members willingly and graciously take on the role that is asked of them, it is incumbent upon us to take on the role that we can play.

The Time Is Now. The Opportunity Is Here. The Choice Is Ours.

Do your part. Give to earlier.org today.

Courage!

At earlier.org, we have some lovely silver bracelets with “COURAGE” stamped on them. It always touches my heart when someone purchases one of these for a friend or relative. I can’t help but think about this person and know that she/he did not sign up to be courageous. This person was merely carrying on with his/her life and, out of the blue, he/she encountered breast cancer.

My point here is that those of us who have dealt with breast cancer are no stronger or braver than any one else. Heck, some of us could even be less brave or courageous, but we didn’t have the option to make a choice. There is not going to be the choice of getting breast cancer vs. not getting breast cancer. I promise I would never have stood in that line if I were given a choice.

The only choice that we have is to take care of ourselves and each other. That means that we must take action on the choice that we do have. That choice is for us to do what must be done in order to insure that breast cancer is detected earlier, more comprehensively and accurately – all consistently. Think about each of the words: earlier, comprehensively, accurately, consistently. Think about what an impact this would have on the insidious disease of cancer, specifically breast cancer. Think about how putting these words into action would empower our medical community, whom we entrust with our health, with greater choices for our care. Think about our choice, our only choice, about this disease. Think about whom you expect to make this change. I venture to say that any of the more than 200,000 women who will be diagnosed this year with breast cancer would much prefer change to the need for courage. Think about what you can do to make this change and then do it. Let’s shift our thinking from passive acceptance to proactive participation. Do you want to be forced to demonstrate that you have courage?  I would choose for you to be able to reserve courage for another time.

As I finished writing this, a friend forwarded a link to me…it was the link to a breast cancer blog that talked about, ironically, Courage. It reminds us, too, that those of whom Courage is required, are not just the breast cancer patients themselves…but everyone around us…even, sadly, our young children…

“I didn’t know about a World Cancer Day. Until today, I’d known only Breast Cancer Awareness October when the world seems to turn pink for an entire month. Since October 30th, when I found the lump on my breast – and, believe me, I am thankful to have made it until the end of the month, blithely unaware of cancer settling in, I swear I have encountered more metaphors of war in the literature about breast cancer, than I ever found in my collection of Wilfred Owen’s poetry. Let me be clear. Within the context of my breast cancer, I show up – indignantly and reluctantly, in truth – for appointments, procedures, and surgeries. I am being treated. Treated. Not battling. Not a warrior in pink. My darling girl is a different story, my only child. Just 14, she’s had to fight so hard already. Fighting to keep the tears from falling, squaring up to confront the fears of her mom dying. She doesn’t want to be the kid with the sick mom. She doesn’t want her teachers to feel sorry for her, or her friends to feel awkward during one of the most awkward phases of life. Fourteen. She is perplexed by some of the cancer-related fads – so many teenage wrists are adorned with “I love boobie bracelets,” and I think she’s afraid the wearers don’t really get it. In a sense, she feels she has to defend me because I was unable, technically, to “keep a breast.” I didn’t know – and I’m sure I still don’t – the extent to which this breast cancer has shaken our beautiful daughter, stirred a fear in her that others dear to her are at risk. So I read the note she posted on her Facebook page on February 4, 2012, World Cancer Day, and I realized our girl needed to let it all out – to tell all her friends at the same time that cancer had come calling and that her mom was sick, to tell them that being aware means you have to do something. She’s the warrior. She’s my hero.”

(Excerpt from a post by Yvonne on her blog, Time to Consider the Lilies, February 4, 2012)  

Yes, she has Courage!

A Letter From Sherlock

Hi All,

I have so many things that I want to share with you that I decided I really needed to write a note for you. 20 years ago this month, I was a worried puppy. My owner and non-biological Mother was in trouble and I didn’t know how to help her. She had breast cancer in her body, but she had already had a mammogram in December, which didn’t indicate a problem. So, here we were, in February, and she was going on with her normal life as if there was nothing wrong. But, there was definitely something wrong and I needed to devise a plan as to how to let her know that. We were doing our regular walks and playing, but I wasn’t being able to communicate my concern to her. I was in a dilemma and couldn’t get my point across to her. You can read the rest of our story on our website.

What I want to remind you about is why I am such a part of earlier.org and why I wear my pink bandana. I am modest, but I have to tell you that Martha thinks that I am the best thing since biscuits. I was really the reason she ever was alerted to take action about a lump in her breast. As a result, she is still with us after her treatments 20 years ago. I am more than just a great friend and mascot to this organization. I am an outward and visible symbol to call attention of their efforts to identify a biological test to detect breast cancer earlier, more comprehensively and more reliably than what can be done right now. I know that I look great with my pink bandana, but it is tied on so that I can get the attention of you humans to connect breast cancer and earlier detection and the research that is going on to help identify a biological test.

You certainly can be a part of this effort. Any donation helps us get funding to focused research for this specific purpose. I am a visible symbol to remind you that this is not just talk, but action with a special purpose. I love compliments as much as the next Lab does, but more than that, I love it when you understand me and support our efforts with a donation.

Thanks for paying attention. You can go have a nice treat now.

Football, Breast Cancer and the Status Quo

Well, it happened again.

With the ringing in of the New Year I was reflecting on my life, my time spent and my future direction. I couldn’t help but question what I am doing with all of this effort, work and worry about breast cancer. I mean, after all, it sometimes feels that I am pulling a 1,000 pound rock up a very steep hill, often times with a heavy headwind. Begging people for money is hard work. Running events big and small is hard work. Making, buying and selling “stuff” is hard work. It all takes a lot of energy and it often seems that I should be using some of that energy more wisely for myself, like earning money for our family, spending more time with our granddaughters, maybe just resting a bit more.

Then, as I was watching the 2012 Sugar Bowl, ESPN ran a feature about the University of Michigan’s Senior Center, David Molk. After a stellar career at Michigan, David is projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He was talking about his mother Gail, diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at 31 years of age. He talked about how his 7th grade team set him up, as a lineman moved to tailback for one play, so he could score a touchdown as his parents looked on at what would be his mother’s very last football game. Here is David’s story:

(Reprinted from The Michigan Daily by Stephen J. Nesbitt, Originally published October 26, 2011):

LEMONT, Ill. — With the early strains of The Star-Spangled Banner hanging in the brisk autumn air, Dave Molk glanced over his shoulder. His mother and father were settling into lawn chairs on the grassy hill next to the Lemont High School football field.

Gail Molk looked back, watching her 12-year-old son prepare to play the final game of his seventh-grade season in the Lemont youth football league.

It was the last game Gail would see.

After battling breast cancer for 12 years, the cancer had spread to her brain in the fourth relapse.

Years of off-and-on chemotherapy had sapped her strength and left her bald. She wasn’t wearing a wig that November day at the football field.

“The whole game, all I could do was turn around and look at my mom,” Dave said 10 years later, blinking back tears. “It was so scary. The cancer was fully in effect. That was right near the end of the season, when it was the worst.”

Late in the game, Dave’s team rumbled down to the five-yard line.

“Molk,” coach Jeff Christiansen barked. “You’re in at tailback. Go ahead and score.”

For the two-way lineman, this was a first. He lined up four yards behind the quarterback and took the first-down handoff — stuffed. Second down — stuffed.

On third down, Dave knocked straight through the line and fell into the endzone.

Without a second thought, he picked himself up and kept running. He ran through the gate at the back of the endzone, around the cement sidewalk and all the way up the hill. Glassy-eyed, he handed the football to his mother.

“This is for you, Mom.”

Gail never let that football go.

A month later, Dave and his older brother Steve gathered around their mother in the family room as her life left her.

Tom Molk, their father, sat alongside his wife. As a family, they didn’t want Gail to pass away in the hospital. They’d conceded that the cancer had finally won, but they wouldn’t let it dictate how she would leave them.

On December 12, 2001 — three days before Dave’s 13th birthday — Gail passed away in the Molk family room, surrounded by her boys and husband.

It obviously fired my spirit again, because here I am writing about breast cancer and how we just must not accept the status quo. We MUST keep pressing forward to find a better way to detect breast cancer far earlier than existing technology provides for us today. We must not settle for young mothers being stolen from their families when we can do so much better! We must keep pushing science with our own resources to create something better for us and our families.

As this all happened to unfold, it could have been a coincidence…that I just happened to be in my kitchen, cleaning and watching the Sugar Bowl, rather than running up and down the stairs putting away still more Christmas decorations. It might have been a coincidence, but I always go back to the quote, “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” I am certain that I am going to learn this lesson at some point and just stop questioning ‘why’, however, it seems that in those periods of questioning, I find confirmation.

As we embark upon the journey of 2012, I hope that you, too, find some moments to question, some reinforcement in answers, and a deep desire to challenge – and firmly NOT accept – the status quo.

It’s November…Do We Remember?

October is over and we can now move on from pink and get busy with our lives. Except…oh, wait…breast cancer does not move on or go away. For the women who are breast cancer survivors, it is forever a part of their lives. For the more than 200,000 women who will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the coming year and the approximately 30,000 to 50,000 who will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, i.e. theoretically localized and contained, breast cancer will become a permanent part of their lives. No, breast cancer does not take a vacation. Right now, it is a relentless disease striking steadily on.

I recently participated in a panel discussion about breast cancer and was asked an interesting question. “What do you wish you would have known about breast cancer before you were diagnosed?” What an interesting and provocative thought. My immediate response was a more practical one to say, “Don’t feel that you need to go to appointments alone. Don’t let yourself think that you don’t want to bother anyone else.” After having a longer time to think about this, I would add another dimension. I would request that each person would control her/his thoughts to never even wonder what she/he might have done to cause this. If we knew that, we would have eradicated this disease years ago! Don’t waste a single moment or ounce of your energy on this line of thinking. If you are the person who now must deal with breast cancer, this is not productive thinking. You must use all of your energy to get through whatever processes you must go through for treatment. And, if you are the person who just heard about someone who has been diagnosed, this line of thinking cannot separate you from breast cancer. You too are vulnerable. There is just no way that we know of today to distance yourself from this disease. There are lots of theories, possible ideas, etc., but there is nothing definitive at this time.

This is a difficult challenge for many people because we want to have answers. We want to have them immediately even if it means that we must take the responsibility and guilt in order to have a solution and an answer, even if it is incorrect. Unfortunately, breast cancer is just not that easy.  It is a very complex set of diseases that occur. We do not have the luxury to find a source to place blame so that we can move on, sad for our friend or loved one, but with some comfort for ourselves individually. No, we are in this all together and for the long haul.

So, as we breathe a sigh of relief that we can move on into November, December and January, just be cognizant of the awareness that you obtained in October through Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer doesn’t just occur in October. It doesn’t stop for the holidays; it doesn’t take a summer vacation. Challenge yourself to ask what does awareness without action do to change the picture of breast cancer? If you really want to do something about breast cancer, take action.

We can’t treat breast cancer if we can’t detect it. We must help ourselves by assisting research to find a better method, like a biological test, to detect breast cancer earlier. Think about how this would change the picture of breast cancer. Rather than doing the same thing over and over again like we are doing now, think of what would happen if we could attack this disease at a much earlier point in its process. We would be taking a logical, realistic, and rational step toward actually impacting the disease as research moves further into designing treatment. We can at least provide ourselves with this gift.

The time is now. The opportunity is here. The choice is ours.

Take action. Visit earlier.org now.

Your Opportunity to Change the Picture of Breast Cancer

I ask this question all of the time… How early is early enough? With most cancer, the traditional position is for “early detection.” “Early” is an amorphous word. On the continuum of detection, what is considered early? If we can’t detect cancer, we can’t treat it; it grows, metastasizes to other organs and wreaks havoc on bodies. So, I ask again, “How early is early enough?” Do you think 5 to 8 years being in a body is early? Do you think approximately 1 MILLION women walking around with breast cancer right now without the technology to detect it is early? With this in mind, do you think it is fair to expect our medical community to detect breast cancer for us with these limited tools?

With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it seems only appropriate that we pause to question what our expectations are of our friends and family members who are working diligently in medicine to try to help us when we are not giving them the technology that they need. Just imagine what our opportunities will be for our health when we finally decide to take one specific step to support research to identify a biological test to detect breast cancer. Just imagine providing the technology to detect breast cancer before a tumor is ever formed. Just imagine that we each take a bit of the responsibility for this task. Yes, it is a challenge, but do we stand by, wringing our hands, regretting the death of one more woman who was a friend, a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a grandmother, saying “They should do something about this?” Or, do we take action? Who is they?  They is US. If we, who recognize our responsibility, choose to wait for it to happen, we have relinquished our opportunity to be a part of science. We have relinquished our opportunity to change the picture of breast cancer forever! Recognize your opportunity, make the choice to take action and join with us. Become a specific and consequential part of the research to change the picture of breast cancer.

Visit Earlier.org and make a statement for research to identify a biological method to detect breast cancer far earlier than is now available.