This month has been a hectic, emotion-filled, blessed 31 days. I started the month speaking to med students at Nova Southeastern. There were about 100 young , eager, dedicated 2nd year students at my talk. They wanted a patient's perspective to the diagnosis of breast cancer...I tried to give them so much more: the mother, wife , daughter and oncology nurse's view of this journey. I tried to fill all the shoes that most women diagnosed with breast cancer wear.

I think I must have succeeded because several of them stayed behind to ask questions and to talk about the survivors in their own life's. They were truly interested in how they could do a better job heping their patients cope with this illness. I was impressed with their dedication and willingness to learn. I hope they will remember me and treat their patients with compassion and empathy in the future. I Bless them all on this journey!!!

Be Well,
Ines

When a friend is diagnosed with cancer we are often at a loss as how to help them. I can tell you from my own experience that simply letting them know that you care and are there for them is a great start.
After that find out what your friend needs and help organize the people who can meet these needs. I was unable to drive for several weeks after my mastectomy and tram flap reconstruction. My incredible friends setup a car pool schedule and picked-up my children from school everyday until I could drive again. They also did groceries, ran errands and helped out in anyway I needed. The peace of mind their help gave me was invaluable in helping me recover.
I am eternally grateful to them for the gift of their kindness and time.
Providing frozen casseroles and home- made dinners is also a great help. Chemotherapy treatments can be very tiring and having premade meals is a true convenience.
Lastly, be prepared to listen when needed, comfort when required and sit in silence at times.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult but good friends can make it so much more bearable.

Be Well,
Ines

In January of this year I found an incredible organization dedicated to bringing support to people receiving chemotherapy. ChemoAngels is an organization that pairs volunteers with patients receiving chemotherapy. The volunteer then sends cards and small gifts on a weekly basis to their assigned "buddy".
I have been an "Angel " for several months now and can tell you that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This group is wholeheartedly dedicated to bringing comfort and hope to cancer patients but they also extend that same warmth to all their members. Their daily e-mail digest is filled with such goodness and concern for fellow humans that it brightens my day. People doing good for the simple pleasure of helping someone in need...it is a beautiful thing.
I encourage you to sign-up anyone you know who is receiving chemotherapy. The simple act of receiving get- well wishes from complete strangers will lift their spirits. I also hope that some of you will join me and become "Angels". I promise that you will never regret it!!!

Visit www.comfortsandblessings.com and www.chemoangels.com for more info.
Blessings,
Ines

I have always loved to save cards. Yet they usually end up somewhere were I can never see them on a regular basis. That is why I was so excited when I found the hand-made Blessing Rings we offer at Comforts & Blessings.
I can place my favorite cards on the 5 inch ring and create my very own wreath of love and blessings. Mine now sits on the doorknob in my bedroom. Every night before I fall asleep I glance at it and remember that I am loved.
Women going thru cancer receive many cards. Perhaps sending a Blessing Ring will provide them with a beautiful place to store these heartfelt messages. Just a thought...

Blessings,
Ines

Sometimes the" faces of breast cancer" are so different from what we imagine. After I was diagnosed ,I was so surprised to see how many young women are affected with this terrible disease. Now more than ever we must educate the young women in our lives. Help them become knowledgeable and comfortable with self-exams . Early detection SAVES LIVES.

This link was sent to me by a dear friend. Here is the poster It is a poster created by the Young Survivors Coalition. It is beautiful and sadly true. The young faces of breast cancer.

Be Well,
Ines

October is truly a month were I can do what I love best. Speak to women about the need for increased education and overall awareness about breast cancer. I hope other women will join me in this quest tell everyone you know "Girlfriends make Girlfriends Self-exam and Mammogram". Let's save lives !!!!!

Blessings,
Ines

" You have breast cancer". I don't think any woman on earth is prepared to hear these words. I certainly wasn't. I was 39 years old. The youngest of my children was only 2. I was young. I was healthy. I was NOT READY!!!!!
No one ever is. Isn't it amazing that at that very instant you learn the true meaning of equilibrium. Your knees truly do buckle....and the floor really does drop from beneath your feet.
For an instant it is difficult to breathe and you can only think ....what about my kids...my husband...my parents. Oh GOD. Please, please not me.
Invariably, you realize that you must focus on the doctor who is rambling on about size, grade, treatment options, surgery.
And you unbeknownest to him are trying desperately to once again understand the English language. I have breast cancer.

Ines