Mammogram Bill in NYS

I've just read some positive news: A bill approved by the NYS Legislature in hopes of increasing the early detection of breast cancer would require that women be given notice in mammography reports if they have dense breast tissue, which makes it difficult to detect cancer.

I just wrote a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo to urge him to sign the measure. Any fellow New Yorkers who wish to email the governor may do so here.

However, it's only one step in the right direction.

I am living proof that even a sonogram may not pick up existing tumors.

I had a baseline mammo at age 34, because of family history. I was vigilant about screening and health care exams. At age 40, during a SBE (self breast exam), I felt something hard, something different. I immediately went to my OB/GYN. Since I had a mammogram months earlier, he sent me for a sonogram. I was relieved, but puzzled, when I was told it was nothing. I did what no woman should ever do: I gave up on SBEs. I should have followed my gut, which was telling me something wasn't right. But the tests showed otherwise, right? Why should I keep checking, only to bother the doctor, to have tests that show nothing? In hindsight, of course, I should have insisted on a biopsy.

Here's the kicker: a biopsy wouldn't have revealed anything. Why? Because in order to do a biopsy, a sonogram must zero in on the questionable spot. If the sonogram isn't picking up on the questionable spot, how can a biopsy be properly performed? It can't!

When I had a mammogram at age 42, the day before Thanksgiving in 2003 (I was given this appointment three weeks after being told they wished to repeat the mammo and conduct a sonogram because of "dense breast tissue"), I was informed I had at least three tumors; at least one was "highly suspicious of a malignancy." I asked the doctor how she knew this already, without benefit of a biopsy; she said that most benign tumors were cylindrical; malignant ones had spidery veins.

It took three more weeks to get an appointment with a breast surgeon; two weeks after that, a needle-core biopsy. Two medical professionals labored for three hours to obtain fluid samples to perform the biopsy. They struck a vein, and blood poured down into my neck and hair as they attempted to stop the bleeding.

About three days later, while I was at work, a nurse called with the results. I held my breath. "Benign!" she said. Huh? Puzzled again.

I saw the breast cancer surgeon for a follow-up on my biopsy. He said whatever they removed during the biopsy may have come back benign, but it didn't match what he had seen in the other reports. He insisted on an excisional biopsy; this took about another month to schedule.

During my follow-up, I was told, "It's not good." He informed me and my husband that I had three malignant tumors that were 5.5, 3, and 2 centimeters in size. I had lobular cancer (something I had never heard of), and that lobular cancer is difficult to detect in mammograms and sonograms.
"Do the women of America know this?" I asked, since I consider myself fairly well-read, and I had NEVER heard of this (which is tough to hear for the first time when it applies to you).

My thoughts flooded back two years earlier, when I had complained of a lump, and the mammo & sonogram failed to pick up on it. I had given up on SBEs, assuming the tests would pick up on it. I was WRONG.

According to the University of Washington Department of Radiation, "Lobular tumors are notorious for hiding within breast tissue."

The only message I can tell women (or men with women in their lives, to pass this message along): you must be your own best advocate. You know your body better than anyone else. You must push forward if you feel that something foreign has developed in your body. The sad news is that at least three exams, the mammogram, sonogram, and biopsy may not even pick it up. The only test that will ultimately discover the tumors is an MRI, which is extremely expensive and not covered by most insurance.

Fortunately, exams are moving along a lot quicker for patients these days. When I think that I saw my OB/GYN for an annual visit in September 2003, and it took until Halloween to get a mammogram appointment, then the day before Thanksgiving to get a repeat mammo and a sonogram, several weeks to see the breast surgeon, two more weeks to schedule a needle core biopsy ~ only to hear the results were benign (meanwhile, I had cancer), and another month for an excisional biopsy ~ to be told on February 4, 2004, that I had lobular cancer, it makes me shudder. I am truly fortunate to be alive, eight years later. I endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Each day is such a gift, and I'm extremely grateful to my doctors for saving my life.

Check out: Breast Cancer Facts Every Woman Should Know.

Shakespeare's Pre-Globe Theatre Unearthed

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaelogy (MOLA) have discovered the remains of The Curtain theater, built in 1577, an early playhouse used by William Shakespeare's company where "Romeo and Juliet" may have first been performed, before the Globe theater was built.

2012 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize

I just learned about a writing competition, and the deadline's around the corner. But if you've got an unpublished story that's no more than 1500 words, any genre, and are willing to spend $10 on the entry fee, you may want to consider entering it into the 2012 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize. Spilling Ink Review is a quarterly e-journal (@spillinginkling on Twitter).

The guest judge is Richard Beard (@BeardRichard on Twitter).

Deadline is May 31, 2012.

Check out all the rules ~ and good luck!

Arrest in Etan Patz Murder

Thirty-three years ago today, Etan Patz disappeared along the two-block route to his bus stop, the first time he ever walked it alone.

Today, Pedro Hernandez, age 51, of Maple Shade, New Jersey, was arraigned for the murder of six-year-old Etan Patz.

I've written an in-depth post about the case on Women of Mystery, including the difficult revelation that the evidence was within reach of the original investigators, yet they chose not to pursue it.

Happy Birthday Gotye

Gotye, the Belgian-Australian recording artist who sings "Somebody That I Used to Know," turns 32 today. 


A few weeks ago, my 14-year-old son introduced me to the fascinating song; he said it was the number one song on iTunes. I was immediately hooked; I quickly learned the rest of the world is crazy about it, too! The song, a slow-building duet with New Zealand singer Kimbra, is achieving phenomenal success. 


Richard Smirke of Billboard describes it: "The song, which mixes sparse, shuffling percussion; spooky tremolo sounds; and an earworm melody played on a xylophone, has since topped the charts in more than a dozen countries..."


Michael Martin (@Michael_Kronicle) of @HuffPostEnt interviewed Gotye last month, and among the topics discussed is Gotye's experience in writing the song. A video of their interview (just shy of 24 minutes) appears on @HuffPostEnt. 


To date, the video of the song has been viewed more than 218 million times. In Australia, "Somebody That I Used to Know" has been certified 8x Platinum! 


Another video gone viral is a cover version of the song, performed by Walk Off The Earth, in which the five band members play one guitar ~ it's super cool!


I'm addicted to it ~ the haunting melody, harmony and the intensity of the singers' emotions ~ as if they truly were scorned lovers. The song certainly has struck a chord with worldwide listeners. What about you? Have you heard this song before? Like it? Love it? Hate it? 

The Wisdom of Da Vinci

On this date in 1519, the world lost a genius, Leonardo Da Vinci. Whenever I read his quotes, I'm in awe of his wisdom ~ yet it doesn't come as a surprise, coming from an artist of his magnitude.

Here's a few of my favorites:

"Art is never finished, only abandoned." (This reminds me of a Hemingway quote I once read, of which I'm paraphrasing: "Writing is never done; it's just due.")

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."

"Although nature commences with reason and ends in experience it is necessary for us to do the opposite, that is to commence with experience and from this to proceed to investigate the reason."

Think you know a lot about Leonardo? Check out this fun trivia quiz.

Did you know that Leonardo was an inveterate procrastinator? The Last Supper was only completed after his patrons threatened to cut off his funds; Mona Lisa took 20 years to complete! By the way, the Writing Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers excellent advice in assisting writers who suffer with procrastination.

Visit Biography.com for vital info and a video on the life of the gifted painter of The Last Supper and Mona Lisa. An article by Jeanna Bryner on LiveScience reveals 25 Secrets of Mona Lisa.

It's in Italian, but there's a Twitter account devoted to the Vinci, Italy museum @museoleonardo.

My daughter, Miranda, had the privilege of viewing the Mona Lisa when she visited the Lourve last summer during her 21-day tour of Greece, Italy, and France with the People to People Ambassador Program. (On Twitter: @PeopleToPeople). She was deeply moved by the experience. I dream about visiting France and Italy someday.

As a part of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen, from now through June 10, 2012, visitors to Bristol can view an exhibition of ten Da Vinci drawings.  In addition, Da Vinci-themed workshops, family events, lectures, guided tours, and more are being offered.

I will make it to Bristol one day ~ my grandfather was born in London in 1911, and his maternal ancestors (his mother, Beatrice Needham, was born in Fishponds), lived in Bristol for hundreds of years. I've done extensive genealogy research, and have even found relatives online -- and I can't wait to visit.

How about you? A favorite Leonardo Da Vinci quote? Have you experienced the viewing of either Mona Lisa or The Last Supper?

The "5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly" Blog Tour

National Poetry Month is drawing to a close, and it's been such a wonderful opportunity during the "30 Days of the 5-2" blog tour to celebrate the poetry that is published at "5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly" presented by Poetic Justice Press (@PJPress on Twitter). I'd like to thank Editor Gerald So for allowing me to participate in this fabulous tour!


The poem I'd like to profile is called, "Twelve Apologies" by Ray Succre. For an extra bonus, click below to listen to Ray reading this entertaining piece of confessional poetry. 

TWELVE APOLOGIES 

Mr. Arnolds, my neighbor five years ago: It was me. I'm the one who ran over your cat. I didn't even see it. I'm sorry that I suggested your daughter may have done it. I'm sorry.

Jan Arnolds: See above. I'm sorry.

Grandma J.: The coat you bought me last year? The one I always say I've just taken off whenever you call? I drunkenly lit it on fire five months ago. I'm sorry.

Amad, my old friend: Remember when I threw that monstrous party and you passed out, and by morning, some measly person had stolen your cigarettes and poured soup on your crotch? They gave me some of the cigarettes not to say anything, and the soup was my idea. I'm sorry.

My ex, Andrea: When I lost my job because of corporate cutbacks? That was a lie. I told my boss that if she talked to me that way again, I'd piss on her head. She fired me. I'm sorry.

Bookstore On the Bay: It was me. I stole all those books. I figured out how to remove the magnetic strips, and would do so while chatting up your clerk. I did this daily. He thought we were pals. I read all of the books I stole, at least. One a day for almost an entire summer. I'm sorry.

Little Lisa: We only went out for a single day in the third grade, and we broke-up because I wouldn't give you my pen. Listen, I told everybody we did it. I'm sorry.

Laurel, a waitress in Olympia, Washington: That guy who stole my wallet off the counter while I was in the restroom, which made me unable to pay for my coffee that one time? I didn't own a wallet. I'm sorry.

Safeway of America, Inc.:  I was the one who stole Eraserhead. I gave you the wrong phone number which truly was an accident because I'd just moved into a new place with a new number, but you didn't check my I.D. and when I was about to sign the little rental agreement, I noticed the phone number I'd given had pulled up the first name "Esther", so, quickly and unfortunately for Esther and your company, I signed it "Antonio Banderas" and never returned the video. I'm sorry to you and I'm sorry to Esther and I'm sorry to Mr. Banderas, as well.

To a certain couple: Red fruits don't cause Alzheimer's disease. I made it up. You can start eating strawberries again. I'm sorry.

To Aaron from sixth grade: Though it’s been twenty years, I've still got your Nintendo game, Bionic Commando.  I convinced you I had given it back and that you had lost it, but I just hadn't beaten the game yet. I moved to the other side of the country with it. I'm sorry.

To Kat, a neighbor in a high-rise apartment building I once resided in: Sixteen years ago, I needed to make a local call and my phone service had just been disconnected. You had offered to let my use your phone for local calls. I knocked but you weren't home. Later, I found the telephone service grid on the second floor, so I spliced into your line with my room's phone, thinking that it wouldn't really matter as long as I switched it back when I was done. When I picked up to make my important call, you were home and you were ordering something on it. The salesclerk couldn't figure out what ordering number your item was supposed to have, so you had to explain to him (and though you didn't know it, to me) that it was the jelly-apparatus on some page 36 . The Rhino II, I think it was called. I didn't mean to overhear it. I hope everything worked out and I'm sure blue was a wonderful color. I'm sorry.

I think that confessional poetry might be fun to experiment with; how about you?