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Making Chemo Bearable
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Welcome to Making Chemo Bearable
It is my prayer that you will benefit from my experiences with cancer as you, or a loved one, enter the unfamiliar territory of a new cancer diagnosis. A diagnosis of cancer can be an overwhelming experience which causes emotional feelings of hopelessness, fear, disbelief, anger, guilt, sadness, depression, and loneliness. The "C" (Cancer) word, has such a negative connotation attached to it. However, it's not only about the disease and its effects, it is about the people who love you most and enter into this period of time with you, they are your Caregivers.
Making Chemo Bearable (MCB) exists to provide awareness, education, support and hope to individuals during their cancer journey, specifically targeting those from under resourced, underrepresented and underserved communities.
We believe a knowledgeable, supportive and caring environment provides HOPE to individuals on the cancer journey. Helping Survivors Find Joy in the Journey!
Ragina Ireland
Upcoming Events
Survivor Spotlight: Catherine Smith
MCB: What was your journey like emotionally?
Catherine: First of all, I was not afraid. I just knew the most important thing was (to get it resolved medically), get it out.
MCB: Where did you draw your strength for each “next” step?
Catherine: My strength comes from the Lord. My grandmother was a survivor/warrior, and I drew strength from her.
MCB: What made you smile in the midst of it all?
Catherine: I told myself that I was Beautiful regardless of the physical things that I was going through. Beauty is defined by your attitude, I got this!
MCB: Were you able to celebrate the small victories?
Catherine: For me joy comes from no more treatment. Victory came from the little things. Wearing shoes... putting on eyelashes. No parade necessary.
MCB: What are who surprised you the most?
Catherine: My family was a very strong support system; they were always there for me. My Mother is a Nurse and helped me tremendously. She also explained things medically. The surprise for me was the OCBF Support Group. They understand what you are going through, and you are free to share which creates a unique bond.
Catherine is cancer free! She displays an extraordinarily positive attitude which is felt in the community by supporting multiple organizations including Making Chemo Bearable. She and her Mother are always the life of our events, spreading joy to so many that need it.
Announcements
Survivor Spotlight Series – Linda Lydia
We just posted our third in a series of Survivor Spotlight articles that showcase a spotlight on survivors of Breast Cancer and their stories. Our third Survivor Spotlight is Linda Lydia Smith who is deeply dedicated to her non-profit organization Pink Diamonds, where she tirelessly supports individuals at various stages of their battle against cancer. With a wealth of knowledge and a relentless commitment to defeating... Continue reading→
Chemo Day 2024 Photos
Chemo Day is a partnership with the Celebrating Life Foundation. Bears were delivered to 4 treatment centers and shared with 10 survivors in treatment at a Breast Cancer event the next day.
TIckets Sales/Registration Open for Line Dancing 2024
Ticket sales and Registration is now open for the Line Dancing 2024 Event, September 28, 2024. View Event Purchase Tickets Donations in the name of Survivors or other Sheroes/Heroes are welcome.
Events Gallery
Advocacy
Legislation – H.R. 549
H.R. 549, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act would waive the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits for eligible individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI... Continue reading→
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Articles
Breast Cancer is on the Rise in Women in their 40s
Regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer should start younger, at age 40, according to an influential U.S. Task Force. Women ages 40 to 74 should get screened every other year, the group said. The Task Force now recommends that all women get screened every other year starting at age 40. While the Task Force... Continue reading→
Breast Cancer Gene Test May Lead to Worse Care for Black Patients
Jan. 31, 2024 (HealthDay News) — A common genetic test to determine treatment options for breast cancer could be leading some Black patients to forego chemotherapy that might have helped them, a new study says. The test appears to underestimate the benefit of chemotherapy in some Black women because it doesn’t take into account race-based... Continue reading→
What Are the 5 A’s of Chemotherapy?
The 5 A’s of chemotherapy are a commonly used framework to describe the potential side effects or adverse events associated with chemotherapy treatment. They are as follows: Alopecia: Alopecia refers to hair loss, which is a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs. Hair loss can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair.... Continue reading→