Health and Fitness : Laugh With Kathy - What Can I Do?

Virginia Gay Surgery Department dresses in pink as a show of support on my surgery day. Tuesday, October 16, 2012: I am surrounded by positive and proactive people. The first thing that most of them ask is, "What can I do to help?"� This question exhausted me at first, but with the help of a couple of friends, I have come up with a reply. First and foremost, you can make sure you are current on your mammogram and do self-exams. They work"�trust me; I know. Even men can get breast cancer, so they need to check themselves as well. Your health is important to me, and statistically, one in eight women and one in a thousand men will develop breast cancer in her or his lifetime. You can send me funny or encouraging e-mails and notes in the mail. I will find a basket to collect all of these so I can read them as I go along. Years ago, I created a "Feel Good"� file, where I store the many nice notes people have sent me. On days when I wonder if I'm really making a difference in the world, I pull it out and remind myself that I have touched others. If you live close enough, you can visit or meet me for lunch. When you see me, you can hug me like you mean it. I don't hurt or feel bad at this time. I feel remarkably good, in fact. I won't break. You can ask Gene and the kids how they are doing. You can pray, send positive thoughts, stay positive, and support me as I do this my way. And finally, if you are so inclined, you can wear something pink for me as a show of support on October 29, my surgery day: nail polish, socks, underwear, shirt, tie, jewelry (oh yes!), or a stinkin' big pink bow in your hair. Send me your photos and make me laugh. (Don't send me photos of your underwear. It would simply be too much to bare!) www.laughwithkathy.com *In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dean and Val have asked me to share some stories from my book Laugh With Kathy, Finding humor in the journey through breast cancer. Each week day during October, I will post an excerpt from my book on Vinton Today. Our hope it that these articles will give you a glimpse into what it takes to beat breast cancer. Proceeds from books sold in October on Amazon and from my website will benefit the Survivors of Benton County. Please note that I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, had two years of treatment and I am now living cancer free.