The Vitamin D Link

Since what seems like forever we've been told to stay out of the sun, to avoid skin cancer. However it's also noted that people in northern climates have higher cancer rates which has been linked to a lack of Vitamin D from the sun.

Now a four-year study out of Creighton University in Nebraska found that women who regularly took vitamin D3 had a 60 per cent reduction in cancer infections compared to a group taking placebos.

This is not to say that we should be going back to tanning oil and sunbathing rather 10-15 minutes of sun on the face and hands three times a week is probably a good thing.

Now get outside and get some sun.

Follow up appointments

Pace saw her oncologost yesterday and try as I might to distract myself, it was an anxiety filled day. My intuition screamed at me to call her about 8:30. Aprehensively I picked up the phone and called her. It turned out to be a classic case of having no control over a section of your life. Pace was touched that I was worried about her but this is a maintenance appointment at the dctor, no big deal.

Regardless, she had talked with Dr. Rami about her pains in the outside of her breast. He told her it was probably a buildup of scar tissue, of she wanted she should call the plastic surgeon. He has scheduled a series of tests including MRIs and mamograms to be sure all is well.

Pace asked about the potential for metastasis given the aount of women she has met recently that are dealing with cancer reappearing. Dr. Rami told her to that the surgery was successful, the chemo was effective, and she's going to see her little girl grow up. Cancer is behind you.

Whew!

Pace and Jean's Winning Design

We were informed yesterday that Pace and Jean Ledoux, a family friend and graphic artist, have been selected as a top design and finalist in the Design 4 a Difference Contest. Jean contributed to and executed Pace's creative direction emphasizing hope and the metamorphosis of surviving Breast Cancer.

Design4ADifference is a T-shirt design contest and fundraiser to raise money for cancer research and patient care through the The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

The Design4ADifference will be held on Wednesday July 11, 2007, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at Namelings Gallery 147 Church Street, Toronto. Tickets are $10.00 at the door.

We'll be there, hope to see you there too!