Update: My right breast, revisited

Phew!

I just returned from a six-month follow-up mammogram -- which was prescribed in January, after I had a second set of images taken when doctors found some calcifications in my right breast during my routine screening last November. (Blog entries "Update: My right breast" Jan. 17, and "Gulp, and whoa!" Nov. 8). The radiologist wanted to see whether there were any significant changes since the January session. But, apparently, everything looked good today -- i.e., no change. So, I got the OK to proceed with my regular yearly screening in six months or so.

Back in November, the doctor had originally wanted to perform a biopsy after seeing the irregularities on those images; but I fought that idea, and they agreed to let me go for a second opinion (hence the January tests).

For these last two sets of tests, I used another provider -- a Woman's Health Center -- and I must admit I like it there much better. They seem to "get it." They take the time to allay your fears, answer any questions, etc.

So, I'll be using them for my mammos from now on.

And in the meantime, I'll continue to do the things I started doing back in November, such as keeping up my exercise and healthy lifestyle, plus staying on my regimen of vitamin and herb pills -- based on research about which natural supplements seem to be beneficial for breast health. These include a super-antioxidant formula (vitamins A, C, E, B-2, B-6 and several minerals); vitamin D (which helps the body metabolize calcium); cat's claw; and cranberry (which as a bonus also helps with fluid retention and kidney health).

Update: I'm over the hump

OK, I'll say it: I had a harder time getting over Matthew than I first admitted. Though my "head" realized that the breakup was for the best (he truly wasn't right for me), my "heart" was much more reluctant to go there.

I've had some sleepless nights, some lonely days, and I've bent friends' and family members' ears off talking about it, ad nauseum -- him, us, the breakup, etc. -- the way we women do, when trying to process feelings and change in our lives. I've gone out to social events and even on a few dates, but many times found myself just "going though the motions," as it were.

I really struggled during the Fourth of July weekend, because last year by comparison was such a fun time -- Matt and I were totally into each other. This year, my mom and stepdad came for a very low-key visit, so that provided a bit of a distraction; but still, I felt an overwhelming sadness and melancholy all weekend long.

But, just a couple of days ago, in the middle of the night, while I was in that hazy zone of half-sleeping/half-waking, something clicked in my head/heart. I'm no longer obsessed with thinking about what he's doing (and who he's doing it with!), or wondering "what if" ... he were different? I were different? We hadn't had that final argument? Blah, blah, blah ....

I finally let him go! Yay!

Now, I'm actually looking forward to getting out there, being active, making social plans -- and meeting new fellas! I really DO believe that Mr. Right is just around the corner. And' I'm ready for him!!!

Sunscreen smarts

Have you heard about the latest report from the Environmental Working Group that ranks 1,581 sunscreen products by efficacy and safety?

The bad news: Many of the most popular and affordable products had a dismal rating based on their lack of real protection or their inclusion of harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone. Of the 482 sunscreens tested, brands that rank in the "dangerous to use" category include most of the Coppertone products, as well as generic products from drugstores such as Walgreen's and CVS. Even my favorite brand, the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch line, ranks in the middling range (mostly because it contains oxybenzone).

Yikes! So what's an outdoor lover to do? The best-rated products are, naturally, by far the most expensive. I'm going to buy some of these products -- such as the Badger SPF 30 -- for the most sensitive places on my body (e.g. face and chest), and continue using my favorite products for the rest of my body!

Go Fourth and enjoy!

Happy Independence Day!

Wherever you are, I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, fun, relaxation, pleasure, and peace.

I also hope you take some time to think about and be thankful for the blessings we enjoy as Americans -- from our inalienable rights to our bountiful freedoms. It's a flawed country, to be sure, but I for one think I'm pretty lucky to call it my home!

Update: I refused to be a victim

Hard to believe that it's been four weeks since my house was burgled as I slept in my bed. The thief stole my 37-inch Vizio LCD TV and my new Samsung Eternity cell phone -- plus, of course, my peace of mind.

The police told me it was probably a pro, and the chances of catching him (her?) are slim until he makes a mistake or gets caught (both unlikely). However, I vowed not to let this latest blow get me down. After all, you can't walk around in life as a victim, for that's what you become!

So, I did what any sensible person would do: I beefed up security on the house, went back to using my old phone, and have been using the TV from my bedroom in place of the missing LCD set.

And you know what, things have been okay. Slowly, I've recovered my sense of equilibrium and security. I'm cautious, of course, but I feel perfectly comfortable in the house. My old phone works just fine; I hardly even miss Eternity. And, best of all, I just had a brand new, 40-inch Toshiba LCD TV given to me! It's even better than the other one! I'm watching the Wimbledon tennis tournament on it right now -- in glorious, high-definition, large-screen color!

How we're losing in the Sizing Game

Did you ever walk into a store expecting to buy a new outfit, or blouse, or pair of pants, in a size 12 (your "normal" size) -- and walk out, proudly clutching a size 8 garment?

Guess what: You've been snookered by the strategy of lowering sizes that clothing manufacturers have been using on us for years. In a society of ever-widening girths, clothing sizes are ever-shrinking. It's a psychological "game" -- and we're the losers. According to a great story I found on DivineCaroline:

"SizeUSA, a national survey that digitally analyzed thousands of Americans, found that the average size of an American woman is no longer a 35-inch bust, a 27-inch waist, and 37.5-inch hip -- the industry’s standard size 8. Now the average American woman is more like a size 14."

And the clothing companies aren't even consistent in their number-crunching. We've all seen it: One label's size 10 is another's size 6 is another's size 2. (What's next, NEGATIVE size 2??)

While this game might make us feel temporarily better about ourselves, it doesn't help our society face its obesity problem -- and it sure doesn't make it easy (or quick or convenient) to go clothes shopping!

My love for these isn't a Croc!

Here's shameless pitch for Crocs. These shoes are not only comfortable, versatile and environmentally friendly, but they now come in many styles and colors.

The first pair of Crocs I ever saw was in the summer of 2004, when my sister and I were on a white-water rafting trip on the Nantahala River in North Carolina, and our guide was wearing a pair of the clunky original clogs. She raved about them, saying every one of her colleagues wore them, too. (They were all basically college kids on a fun summer fling -- er, job! -- so fashion wasn't exactly high on their list!)

I didn't care for the style, however, so I held off on buying a pair -- until the cuter Mary Jane style came along. I bought a pair in pink, and got much use out of them. They're still a staple in my wardrobe, especially during the cooler months here in South Florida.

Last spring, I came across a display of Crocs in store that featured the Cleo slide, and I fell in love! So, I bought a pair of the celery green ones and proceeded to live in them all last summer -- they REALLY come in handy if you spend any time on a boat. I loved them so much, I bought a second pair in turquoise.

And recently, a friend of mine was sporting the new Cypress high-heel sandal -- adorable!

So, if you're looking for a hardy, affordable new pair of summer sandals, or two: Check out these links!