DRAGON TALES
November 2011

Dragon Tales by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

There are usually many reasons why someone joins an organization. For Women Alike and its' dragon boat team Abreast A River one overriding reason is that each member is a breast cancer survivor. Other reasons for joining vary. Some join for friendship and support. Others want to acquire more and current information and also learn about the best ways to live life beyond their initial diagnosis.

Since women Alike's beginning in1996 our numbers have grown. We have also realized that breast cancer in the community is something the public wants to talk about. We realized that we had a responsibility beyond that to ourselves. We needed to be able to pass along reliable information to the public, often on a one to one basis. We must be aware of programs, treatments, advances made in research, and how money donated by the public could best be spent. We need to inform ourselves with reliable information.

With these things in mind Women Alike had a representative from the Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cance foundation speak at our October meeting. She spoke of donated dollars that support only the best and most promising breast cancer research here. She noted that the Atlantic Canadian breast cancer research community is gaining international attention for the significant impact of research being done here.

Research seems to hold the interest of the public on a continual basis. In research lies hope as cancer patients, families and friends all look for positive signs of advancements. The public wants to know that their donated dollars are making a difference in the progress of research. I have just received very good news on my progress regarding the recurrance of my breast cancer which had after 15 years arrived on one lung creating havoc. I e-mailed one of my daughters at work after my appointment and her quick reply was "thanks for the news---that is great----it lets one know that all the money spent on cancer research is working." This is very true. There are now so many ways to deal with breast cancer - those new and those recurring.

I talk about breast cancer to whoever asks a question of me.......to whoever wants to listen. One of my women alike friends once said "You never stop do you." I just laughed. I feel women should know about prevention, detection, treatments , and the many ways we can all help ourselves. I encourage women to get their mammograns, advocate for their own health, and be vigilant about cancer beyond just breat cancer. There are other cancers which need attention. Nova Scotian women have a poor record on getting a Pap test. This simple test can save lives. Women must be more vigilant. If a doctor does not suggest it in a check up, women need to ask to have the test. The Well Women's Clinic in Pictou is also a wonderful place where this can be done. Call them!

People need to know that breast cancer is a dangerous disease that needs to be detected early. As Women Alike and dragon boat team members we must also talk about the positive aspect of being a breast cancer survivor. In our organization, we grow well mentally and physically, we support each other and we have GREAT Fun in the dragon boat!

October was Breast Cancer Awareness month. Women Alike had displays and information tables set up in Highland Square and on another day at both the Aberdeen Hospital Lobby and outside the hospital cafeteria. Our members who looked after these displays said the response was very good. Many people were there to ask questions and gain information.

In Other News

Our boat is out of the water and set to "sleep" for the winter. Women Alike, however, won't be resting. Our dragon boaters will be exercising to keep fit for tne 2012 season and all members will continue to work at "eradicating" breast cancer in any way that we can.

For information on The Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation visit www.cbcf.org/atlantic

For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333