Dear List: I hope you will forgive sending this message to all -- delete if you do not wish to read it. If it saves one life, that is all that matters lz Dear Nell: Glad you have been diligent. I hope the next biopsy is clear and you have good health for many more years. Fighting breast cancer is one of my causes. I remember almost 30 years ago when I was teaching in high school and we had a breast cancer awareness event. The stats were 1 of 12 women would eventually have it; I had a class of sophomores with 12 girls in it (plus boys) and thought statistically one of these kids will be diagnosed. They are now in mid 40s and I do not know who may have been diagnosed. But stats now are 1:8, due in part to more diligent screening and early diagnosis. We are celebrating clean bill of health for Elaine who had a lumpectomy about a year ago, some chemo and is well again -- her hair is back and her spirit, which was always upbeat and comic, is almost strident now she is so happy to be a survivor. I am not sure where you are, but we have one of the Komen Races for the Cure here in Tyler. Tyler Junior College fields one of the largest teams of walkers and runners and I encourage students to participate with us. Last year we walked (many ran) in a soft spring rain -- I had the names of some friends and relatives on my back and felt their courage as I walked along with others. It is one of the most emotionally powerful events I have ever experienced. If your community does not have a Komen Race, I will be happy to connect you to Komen folks. As you may know Susan Komen was a young Dallas woman, sister of Nancy Brinker, who died of this disease. Nancy has devoted her considerable energy, money and organizational and communication talents to making the Komen races major events. We had the first one outside Dallas, but now they are in many cities across the country and have raised millions of dollars for research, education and treatment. Equally importantly, they have raised awareness, courage and energy to help those already diagnosed. The most important message is HAVE AN ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM and see that every woman you love does too. Some are too scared -- go with them and hold their hands. Best wishes and let us know your progress. love and prayers, Linda Kilgore Zeigler >>> nblumel@attglobal.net - 10/29/01 7:54 AM >>> To All the Kilgore Women, If you have not had your mammogram this year please make an appointment and do so. For the past several years I have had an annual mammogram with negative results. This year I was not so lucky and was shocked when the mammogram showed an unidentified shadow and after having it repeated it was still there. Self breast exam and the annual physical exam did not pick it up as there was no nodule present. A biopsy identified carcinoma insitu in the ductal system and after the specimen was sent to Cornell University there was found no invasive cells outside the ductal system but after two consultations with local oncologist it has been recommended another biopsy be done and widen the margin to be sure. If no invasive cells are found I will be followed by the medical oncologist and go on tamoxifen for 5 years. Had I not had the mammogram this year next year would have been too late and the treatment would have been much different with radical surgery. Please remember me in your prayers as I have the second biopsy this Wednesday and please have your mammograms. For those over 40 yearly mammograms are recommended. I keep watch on the Kilgore Clan via of emails and enjoy all your comments. Thank you Gail for keeping it afloat and many thanks to Randy for giving so much of himself to all of us. Nell ==== KILGORE Mailing List ==== "How can a tangled web that appears so open be so impregnable when we try to pierce it as when we delve into genealogy!" -Jerry A. Penley-