Post Relay

Mercyhurst University's Relay For Life was a success! We raised more than our goal of $25,000 and we had more participants than we hoped for. It was cold, but we made it through. I am still not as rested as I would like to be, but I am getting there. I slept from 1-6 after the event ended on Saturday, then again from 9pm-11am. I could hardly walk the next day because I was so sore. I also do not remember anything during Friday night/Saturday morning.

At 11pm, a bonfire was started so participants could roast marshmallows. At 1pm, mostly everyone was gone or sleeping in their tents (the few, the brave). I was one of 5 who stayed up all 24hours and it was not because I wanted to. I was forced and I am not doing that again. Staring into a fire for 9 straight hours was not something I feel the need to do again either. The bonfire lasted until 10am the next morning and I think it was the only thing that kept many of us alive.

The heat and a combination of dancing and screaming "Call Me Maybe" at the top of our lungs seemed to give us new life. I can't tell you how many times I jumped around to that song, but it was what kept me going. Besides that song, the best part of Relay 2012 were the hundreds of bagels that got delivered on Saturday morning. When I asked Jo's Brooklyn Bagels to donate they said "sure, we will give you leftover bagels, probably a tub." They came with about 8 tubs! It was crazy, we will be eating bagels for months! Even after fighting the cold and the urge to sleep, I am so thankful I participated in this Relay. The people I met on the Committee are amazing and they have become good friends. We are a wild bunch and I am glad many will be returning for next year's Relay. I am sad to see the seniors go, but hopefully they will come visit. Relay bonding isn't yet, we still get to have a cookout and eat the leftover hotdogs! We are also having a meeting next week to decide on next years theme.

Relay Update #2

Hitting the half way point right now. I'm so tired, I'm so cold, I want to sleep on the sidewalk. I am dreading going in the tent to find my blanket that has been sitting in the wind all night. I really shouldn't be complaining but I am a little person, I get cold so easily. I strategically volunteered for booths in hope that I will stay awake. At this point I think sleep with not be beneficial. Once I'm out I won't wake up, or I will take a nap and be extremely grumpy. Wish us luck.

Relay Update #1

We are 3 hours into Relay for Life, 7 hours if you are on the Committee. It was freezing this morning, but as the sun comes out it feels nicer. It is still very chilly which is making me more tired than I already was. I have realized that while not drinking coffee and pop is healthy, it sucks for today. I have been chugging tea to keep me caffeinated. Hopefully getting some food and water in me will help keep my energy up. Wish us luck.

Weather Update

NO MORE RAIN ON SATURDAY, but still same temperature for Friday.

Paper Lantern: Trial Run

We ordered 36 paper lanterns for the luminaria ceremony, so we decided to try one out. It was a little windy and we didn't know what to expect. It took a couple tries to light, then about 7 people to hold the sides. Finally we dropped the number down to two and waiting for it to heat up. When it took off things got scary. While it was going higher, the wind kept blowing it around. It was scary to watch but it looked very cool.

Also, another weather update: The low for Friday has DECREASED! Not by much, but still! 41 to 38. Also, there is now a chance of rain on Saturday. wah wah wah...

Friday's weather as of Tuesday night

I Thought it was APRIL, why is there SNOW!?

I woke up this morning to find that the weather was in the 30s and it was snowing. My first reaction was to check the weather for the weekend because it HAS to be nice for Relay. Here is the 10 Day Forecast:

Weekend Forecast as of Monday 

So as you can tell by looking at this, it should be 46 on Friday. I'm trying to be positive because it came up three degrees since this morning. I am not particularly fond of staying up all night in 40 degree weather, but I am glad I kept my wind breaker at school. Saturday is supposed to be in the 50s so that should be good, but we will only be outside until noon so it probably wont reach its highest. I will keep everyone posted on the weather situation until Relay.

Relay cannot be rainy or snowy and here is why:

First, cooking and eating burgers with a charcoal fire will not work if its rainy. Also, who wants to stand in the cold and make food for everyone there and who wants to eat a soggy burger? But notice, I said burgers. YAY WE HAVE FOOD!

Second, no one wants to walk around in whipping winds. I will do it for a good cause, but people are not going to be happy about it. I'm thinking we should all get together and make a 300 person snuggie. Any takers?

Blah, Rain.

Third, luminaria bags need candles. Candles cannot burn in rain or wind. The last thing we want are 100 bags catching on fire. Mercyhurst would not be too happy. The luminaria ceremony is the best part about Relay. It brings everyone together in a moment of silence to remember those we Relay for. If you plan on coming to Relay, make sure you are there for the luminaria at 8pm.

Fourth, WE'RE HAVING A BONFIRE! I learned the hard way that bonfires are not the most exciting thing in the wind and rain. Bonfires are also not very fun when you cover them for a minute, then open the lid to see if it is going out and have a giant explosion of flame come out. So I add, please make s'mores at your own risk.

Fifth, WE HAVE A BOUNCEY HOUSE! I'm 99% sure it is frowned upon to bounce in a bouncey house when it is raining. The only positive thing I can see is the bounce house will get your blood going and warm you up.

Those are the major downfalls of bad weather during our Relay, but you also got some surprises to what is in store on the day of Relay! I am very excited, and I hope there is a great turn out. Everyone tell Mother Nature to bring us some sun!

"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road,but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." - Lin Yutang

Colon Cancer Awareness

Colon cancer is the 5th most common cancer. Unfortunately, I do not know very much about the signs and symptoms. In order to provide the most accurate information, I will be pasting most of this blog from The American Cancer Society website.

Start and spread of colorectal cancer

If cancer forms in a polyp, it can eventually begin to grow into the wall of the colon or rectum. When cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels. Lymph vessels are thin, tiny channels that carry away waste and fluid. They first drain into nearby lymph nodes, which are bean-shaped structures containing immune cells that help fight against infections. Once cancer cells spread into blood or lymph vessels, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body, such as the liver. Spread to distant parts of the body is called metastasis.

Types of cancer in the colon and rectum

Several types of cancer can start in the colon or rectum.

Adenocarcinomas: More than 95% of colorectal cancers are a type of cancer known as adenocarcinomas. These cancers start in cells that form glands that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum. When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, this is almost always what they are referring to.

Other, less common types of tumors may also start in the colon and rectum. These include:

Carcinoid tumors: These tumors start from specialized hormone-producing cells in the intestine. They are discussed in our document, Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): These tumors start from specialized cells in the wall of the colon called theinterstitial cells of Cajal. Some are benign (non-cancerous); others are malignant (cancerous). These tumors can be found anywhere in the digestive tract, but they are unusual in the colon. They are discussed in our document, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST).

Lymphomas: These are cancers of immune system cells that typically start in lymph nodes, but they may also start in the colon, rectum, or other organs. Information on lymphomas of the digestive system is included in our document, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Sarcomas: These tumors can start in blood vessels as well as in muscle and connective tissue in the wall of the colon and rectum. Sarcomas of the colon or rectum are rare. They are discussed in our document, Sarcoma - Adult Soft Tissue Cancer.

The remainder of this document focuses only on adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum.

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/DetailedGuide/colorectal-cancer-what-is-colorectal-cancer

Risk factors for colon cancer are age, family history, racial or ethnic background, and lifestyle. If you have poor eating habits and/or are obese you are at more of a risk. Eating red meats or a diet of manly meat also puts you at more of a risk for colon cancer. Below is more information about genetic mutations that cause colon cancer:

Inherited syndromes

About 5% to 10% of people who develop colorectal cancer have inherited gene defects (mutations) that cause the disease. Often, these defects lead to cancer that occurs at a younger age than is common. Identifying families with these inherited syndromes is important because it lets doctors recommend specific steps, such as screening and other preventive measures when the person is younger.

Several types of cancer can be linked with these syndromes, so it's important to check your family medical history not just for colon cancer and polyps, but also for any other type of cancer. While cancer in close (first-degree) relatives is most concerning, any history of cancer in more distant relatives is also important. This includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, and cousins. People who know they have a family history of cancer or colorectal polyps should discuss this history with their doctor. They may benefit from genetic counseling to review their family medical tree to see how likely it is that they have a family cancer syndrome and a discussion about whether or not gene testing is right for them. People who have an abnormal gene can take steps to prevent colon cancer, such as getting screened and treated at an early age. More information on genetic counseling and testing can be found in the section, “Can colorectal cancer be prevented?”

The 2 most common inherited syndromes linked with colorectal cancers are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): FAP is caused by changes (mutations) in the APC gene that a person inherits from his or her parents. About 1% of all colorectal cancers are due to FAP.

People with FAP typically develop hundreds or thousands of polyps in their colon and rectum, usually in their teens or early adulthood. Cancer usually develops in 1 or more of these polyps as early as age 20. By age 40, almost all people with this disorder will have developed cancer if preventive surgery (removing the colon) is not done.

Gardner syndrome is a type of FAP that also has benign (non-cancerous) tumors of the skin, soft connective tissue, and bones.

Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC): HNPCC, also known as Lynch syndrome, accounts for about 3% to 5% of all colorectal cancers. HNPCC can be caused by inherited changes in a number of different genes that normally help repair DNA damage. (See the section, “Do we know what causes colorectal cancer?” for more details.)

The cancers in this syndrome also develop when people are relatively young, although not as young as in FAP . People with HNPCC may also have polyps, but they only have a few, not hundreds as in FAP. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer in people with this condition may be as high as 80%.

Women with this condition also have a very high risk of developing cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Other cancers linked with HNPCC include cancer of the ovary, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, kidney, brain, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and bile duct.

For more information on HNPCC, see the sections, “Do we know what causes colorectal cancer?” and “Can colorectal cancer be prevented?”

Turcot syndrome: This is a rare inherited condition in which people are at increased risk of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer, as well as brain tumors. There are actually 2 types of Turcot syndrome:

• One can be caused by gene changes similar to those seen in FAP, in which cases the brain tumors are medulloblastomas.
• The other can also be caused by gene changes similar to those seen in HNPCC, in which cases the brain tumors are glioblastomas.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: People with this rare inherited condition tend to have freckles around the mouth (and sometimes on the hands and feet) and a special type of polyp in their digestive tracts (called hamartomas). They are at greatly increased risk for colorectal cancer, as well as several other cancers, which usually appear at a younger than normal age. This syndrome is caused by mutations in the gene STK1.

MUTYH-associated polyposis: People with this syndrome develop colon polyps which will become cancerous if the colon is not removed. They also have an increased risk of cancers of the small intestine skin, ovary, and bladder. This syndrome is caused by mutations in the gene MUTYH.

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/DetailedGuide/colorectal-cancer-risk-factors

For early detection, you can get screenings. Like most cancers, this is extremely beneficial for early detection. Another way to find colon cancer early is getting a colonoscopy. It is good to think about getting a colonoscopy if you have a family history of colon cancer and also when you reach your 40s. Blood tests are also available to test for colon cancer. 

I apologize for all of the copied information, but it is better to be well informed rather than me tell you the limited amount I know. For more information, also look at the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation.

Susan Cohan and Family

Crunch Time

Its the end of the year, so naturally I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to finish school, schedule summer jobs, and register for summer classes. On top of all that, I am in a mad dash to get donations for Relay for Life. I need to feed 300 plus people for 24 hours and our dinner plans just fell through. The lovely people at Krispy Kreme and Jo's Brooklyn Bagels are providing donuts and bagels for the morning. I also got some gift cards donated from The Breakfast Place. I still need to get more breakfast food and a HUGE amount of coffee to keep people awake. Breakfast is now the last thing on my mind, considering no one will stay until the morning if we cant feed them dinner. I have received cookies from Eat'n Park, Subway trays, and pizza from Egan Dining Hall. I have also received a discount from Smith's Hot Dogs. Its at that point where I want to scream and hug people when they donate! Aside from main meals, I need to get drinks and a cake for the birthday celebration. Cases of water were donated by Bello's Market and I am hoping to buy a cake at Tops, Wegmans, or Giant Eagle. Since Relay is so close, I am not the only one going crazy. Everyone is doing their part in order to make Relay successful. We only have 2 more weeks until the big day, so wish us luck. Please patronize those who donated and are helping support the Mercyhurst University Relay for Life.

Check Out This Site

http://sevenly.org/

Each week, sevenly.org creates a t-shirt for a good cause. They give half of their profits to the cause. This weeks profits will go towards children with cancer. The shirts are pretty sweet, so check them out and order one! Also, because of a donation, more money will be giving this week! Make sure to go back each week and look at the new designs. They would be great for gifts because your money is going to help people and your loved one will have a cool shirt!

What cancer cannot do: Cancer is so limited... It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot dissolve faith, It cannot destroy peace, It cannot kill friendships, It cannot suppress memories, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot conquer the spirit.

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it. -Bill Cosby

Skin Cancer Awareness

This post will focus on Melanoma, which is skin cancer that starts in the cell. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and although less than 5% of the cases are melanoma, it accounts for the most deaths. Tumors can come from different skin cells. Moles are the most common, which is why it is important to have your dermatologist check regularly. Most moles are harmless, but some signs can show danger. PubMed Health has the ABCDE system to look out for harmful moles or bumps:

The ABCDE system can help you remember possible symptoms of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half.
• Borders: The edges of the growth are irregular.
• Color: Color changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black, and sometimes white, red, or blue. A mixture of colors may appear within one sore.
• Diameter: The spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in diameter -- about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolution: The mole keeps changing appearance.
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001853/

There are many causes of Melanoma, the largest being harmful UltraViolet Sun Rays. Being in the sun without protection takes a large toll on your skin. A way to protect yourself is to have regular exams from a doctor and to check your skin regularaly. Also, make sure to use sunscreen before going outside for long periods of time or on sunny days. A family history of melanoma puts one at a larger risk for attracting the disease. Again, be safe and protect yourself and you won't have as much to worry about.

The American Cancer Society has tips on how to prevent melanoma. Most are pretty obvious, but reiteration can help save lives. Visit this link to read more.

Stay safe in the sun, don't go tanning in electric beds, and check your self regularly for harmful spots. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, but one of the easiest to prevent. Being smart can save your life.

Lung Cancer Awareness

There are two types of lung cancer and I will focus on both in this post.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:

This is the more common type of lung cancer.

"About 85% to 90% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are 3 main subtypes of NSCLC. The cells in these subtypes differ in size, shape, and chemical make-up when looked at under a microscope. But they are grouped together because the approach to treatment and prognosis (outlook) are very similar.

Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma: About 25% to 30% of all lung cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers start in early versions of squamous cells, which are flat cells that line the inside of the airways in the lungs. They are often linked to a history of smoking and tend to be found in the middle of the lungs, near a bronchus.

Adenocarcinoma: About 40% of lung cancers are adenocarcinomas. These cancers start in early versions of the cells that would normally secrete substances such as mucus. This type of lung cancer occurs mainly in people who smoke (or have smoked), but it is also the most common type of lung cancer seen in non-smokers. It is more common in women than in men, and it is more likely to occur in younger people than other types of lung cancer.

Adenocarcinoma is usually found in the outer region of the lung. It tends to grow slower than other types of lung cancer, and is more likely to be found before it has spread outside of the lung. People with the type of adenocarcinoma calledadenocarcinoma in situ (previously called bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) tend to have a better outlook (prognosis) than those with other types of lung cancer.

Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma: This type of cancer accounts for about 10% to 15% of lung cancers. It may appear in any part of the lung. It tends to grow and spread quickly, which can make it harder to treat. A subtype of large cell carcinoma, known as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a fast-growing cancer that is very similar to small cell lung cancer (see below).

Other subtypes: There are also a few other subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer, such as adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. These are much less common."

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LungCancer-Non-SmallCell/DetailedGuide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-what-is-non-small-cell-lung-cancer

Small Cell Lung Cancer:

"About 10% to 15% of all lung cancers are small cell lung cancer (SCLC), named for the size of the cancer cells when seen under a microscope. Other names for SCLC are oat cell cancer, oat cell carcinoma, and small cell undifferentiated carcinoma. It is very rare for someone who has never smoked to have small cell lung cancer.

SCLC often starts in the bronchi near the center of the chest, and it tends to spread widely through the body fairly early in the course of the disease."

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LungCancer-Non-SmallCell/DetailedGuide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-what-is-non-small-cell-lung-cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women. It is also the leading cause of cancer death in men and women. It far surpasses breast, prostate, and colon cancers. One of the most common causes of lung cancer is smoking and other tobacco use. Lung cancer can also be caused from radon or asbestos, which are found in mines and textile plants. 

Cool here...

Lung cancer cannot be fully prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. The first is obvious, don't smoke! If you do, QUIT! There are many places that can help one to quit smoking. The American Cancer Society provides a guide of how to quit and gives you a phone number to call for help. You can also visit smokefree.gov for assistance and guidance. 

As I said before, Radon is a cause of lung cancer. The best way to prevent exposure to Radon is to have your home tested. 

Studies have shown that eating a diet of fruits and vegetables will decrease your chance of getting lung cancer. 

Here, not so much

As always, scanning for any type of cancer plays a large role in early detection. You can also have a CT scan done which has been shown to catch lung cancer more often. Make sure you tell your loved ones to get tested for all types of cancers, and MAKE THEM QUIT SMOKING! Its extremely harmful to your body, and it is gross!! Look at this disgusting list of the active ingredients in cigarettes. Notice Urea? Yeah, that's found in urine. Think about that the next time you go to light up. 

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." Eleanor Roosevelt

Prostate Cancer Awareness

Flipping from breast cancer, which mainly affects women, I will be talking about Prostate Cancer for the men. As previously mentioned, The American Cancer Society has a great deal of information on all types of cancers. The facts blow come directly from the page about Prostate Cancer: 

"Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The latest American Cancer Society estimates for prostate cancer in the United States are for 2012:

• About 241,740 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed
• About 28,170 men will die of prostate cancer

About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. Nearly two thirds are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 67.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 36 will die of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 2.5 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today."

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide/prostate-cancer-key-statistics

Like all cancers, early detection is key. Test can be run to determine if you have prostate cancer. These tests include a blood test or a rectal exam. While these test are not 100% accurate, they have caused the death rate to drop dramatically. The American Cancer Society suggests that men over the age of 50 talk to their health care provider about screening for prostate cancer. To find out more about the early detection of prostate cancer, you can read more through this link. 

Something men should watch for is there PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) levels. Your risk of prostate cancer goes up as these levels go up. The American Cancer Society has posted ways to watch your PSA levels:

"Factors that might affect PSA levels

The PSA level can also be increased by things other than prostate cancer, such as:

• An enlarged prostate: Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that many men get as they grow older, may raise PSA levels.
• Older age: PSA levels normally go up slowly as you get older, even if you have no prostate abnormality.
• Prostatitis: This term refers to infection or inflammation of the prostate gland, which may raise PSA levels.
• Ejaculation: This can cause the PSA to go up for a short time, and then go down again. This is why some doctors suggest that men abstain from ejaculation for 2 days before testing.
• Riding a bicycle: Some studies have suggested that cycling may raise PSA levels (possibly because the seat puts pressure on the prostate), although not all studies have found this.
• Certain urologic procedures: Some procedures done in a doctor's office that affect the prostate, such as a prostate biopsy or cystoscopy, may result in higher PSA levels for a short time. Some studies have suggested that a digital rectal exam (DRE) might raise PSA levels slightly, although other studies have not found this. Still, if both a PSA test and a DRE are being done during a doctor visit, some doctors advise having the blood drawn for the PSA before having the DRE, just in case.
• Certain medicines: Taking testosterone (or other medicines that raise testosterone levels) may cause a rise in PSA.

Some things may cause PSA levels to go down (even if cancer is present):

• Certain medicines: Certain drugs used to treat BPH or urinary symptoms, such as finasteride (Proscar or Propecia) or dutasteride (Avodart), may lower PSA levels. You should tell your doctor if you are taking these medicines, because they will lower PSA levels and require the doctor to adjust the reading.
• Herbal mixtures: Some mixtures that are sold as dietary supplements may also mask a high PSA level. This is why it is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any type of supplement, even ones that are not necessarily meant for prostate health. Saw palmetto (an herb used by some men to treat BPH) does not seem to affect PSA.
• Obesity: Obese men tend to have lower PSA levels.
• Aspirin: Some recent research has suggested that men who take aspirin regularly may have lower PSA levels. This effect may be greater in non-smokers. More research is needed to confirm this finding. If you take aspirin regularly (such as to help prevent heart disease), talk to your doctor before you stop taking it for any reason."

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide/prostate-cancer-detection

Other sites that deal with the detection and treatment of Prostate Cancer are the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. These sites help those affected with Prostate Cancer to cope with their disease. They provide facts, figures, and other information so those affected can be well informed. They also provide stories from others affected by prostate cancer. 

Another good site to check out is Athletes for a Cure. This is an organization that hosts different activities that raise money for Prostate Cancer research. This site uses any type of athletic event to raise money. You can even create your own event to support the cause. 

As I said in my post about Breast Cancer, it is your job to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Ladies, tell the men in your life to be screened for Prostate Cancer. Men, remember to get screened for the benefit of us worrying women.