OMG! What's in the Water?

Tonight the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) held a community awareness forum in our neighborhood. WOW! We found out that 2009 data shows Williamson County had the highest incidence of young breast cancer in Texas.  More recent data shows Williams County has the highest incidence of breast cancer for all ages compared with other Texas counties. What's driving the rate so high?  Tonight we talked about many environmental factors that may contribute including: benzene in drinking water (shocking to find out an elementary school in Leander was built on a former benzene processing plant site), other carcinogens in drinking water (like those used to extract oil from shale or clean-up quarries for limestone), drinking hot liquids from styrofoam cups, smoking, estrogen in vaginal creams (which goes straight into the bloodstream), excessive alcohol consumption, diets (especially if high in fats and sugars), early onset of menturation (a possible result of homones in foods), parabens or sodium laurel sulphate rubbed on the skin... The list goes on, but the reality is these risk factors just show some correlation but no single factor is a guarantee. The information was interesting, but a bit overwhelming for Shermance who is fighting for her life NOW, and can't really advocate or lobby for prevention or immunology at this point.

It was good to come together with other survivors and concerned neighbors.  Before the talk began we spoke with the presenter, who gave us some chemo tips like drinking a very cold drink (like an Icee) during chemo infusion.  This prevents the drugs from infultrating the soft tissue in the mouth, though it doesn't reduce the changes in tastes that is a side effect Shermance is already noticing.  In fact, she now likes spicier foods more than ever before since most foods taste bland.  She also recommended drinking lots of water before, during and after chemo infusion to encourage urination; and going to the restroom often to dilute the toxins as quickly as possible. The BCRC is a great resource for all information regarding breast cancer and for emotional/financial support for those affected.  They will even go to chemo appointments with patients...AMAZING!

Though Shermance has just gone through one treatment cycle, besides her hair falling out and the change in tastes, she noticed a change in smells, some changes in body chemistry, and some changes in appetite.  For everyone it's different but for sure no one makes it through this experience unaffected.  In the next chemo phase which includes Taxol she is expected to have increased energy and could even become somewhat compulsive...we shall see :)