Hiya all,

“…There will be, ups and downs, smiles and frowns…” for those who listen to Snoop Dogg…but that my dear friends has been my week, pretty much my year, bad urs too I’m sure. Largely a good week though. I went through a verification process to determine whether I am black and guess what I am! What else can I tell u about my week? Not a helluva lot I guess, pretty dull other than that, back on the exercise trail again, I have lost about 6 kilos since in about 5/6 weeks which is a ripper, cos my tummy was beginning to look like I was 9 months pregnant, now it looks like I am 7 months still some work to do. I am sure you are now starting to think this bra is waffling definitely he has nothing to write about today…ou contraire monami (if that’s how u spell it). It was correct up until midnite Thursday and then it hit me, an epiphany. Tomorrow (today) is breast cancer day. Yes the topic has been played out, but there may just be one person who might find it useful.

Just 2 quick facts before I get into the signs and symptoms. Just cos you have a lump in your breast doesn’t mean its breast cancer, secondly the stats are 8 out of every 10 lumps found are benign (not cancerous). Which means keep self examining and schedule regular mammograms. If you have an issue with self examination, ladies I am setting up Yawzies care for the ladies centre soon, and we (I) will be specialising in those sorts of examinations, for the guys, I have a friend called Zahir who will be able to assist….hee hee.

More serious note, some more stats, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in women (second to lung cancer), the stats have changed from 1:20 in 1960 to 1:6 today, that’s a huge shift, but maybe its more because of people being more able to determine the cause of deaths today than they could back in the day. But wait there’s more, for every 100 women that develop breast cancer 1 male will also. The riskiest ages are from 45 onwards in women, with 50% of those diagnosed with breast cancer being over 65 yrs old.

There is a hectic yet uncommon type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer that can (IBC) occur. Its pretty difficult to detect via mammograms cos it doesn’t result in a lump but more an inflammation of the breast as a result of blockages in the lymph nodes. This type of cancer is aggressive and spreads rapidly. The suggested treatment for this is both local and systemic (total body) treatment. This would mean chemo, systemic treatment, surgery and radiation theraphy, possibly more chemo and then more hormone treatment. Fortunately this form of breast cancer is very rare. The symptoms are one larger breast than the other, red/pink skin, wselling, rash, orange like texture, skin hot to touch, pain and/or itchiness, ridges or thickened areas of breast, nipple discharge, inverted/flattened nipples, swollen lymph notes of neck and under armpit. If u have one or more of these symptoms and they it persists for more than a week, contact a physician, better still an oncologist.

Other types of carcinomas (cancerous growths if I listened to my brother correctly) are as follows:
Ductal Carcinoma in-situ – this is early breast cancer confined to the inside of the ductal system (what this means is that the cancer is confined to the walls of the ducts in the breast (the ductal system being anything that transports fluid…thanks Dr Phil)
Inflitrating Ductal – Most common type of breast cancer, lesions are star like in appearance (stellate)
Medullary Carcinoma – description didn’t was a whole lot of waffle, so if u hear it again u heard it here first
Infiltrating Lobular – lesions are generally on the upper outer quadrant of the breast and difficult to diagnose by a mammogram. This cancer can involve both breasts
Tubular Carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma – also another arb description

So when can you get breast cancer and who is at risk?
Well between the ages of 12 and 50 ie the start of the menstral cycle and menopause. Who is at risk and what can cause it? Well the use of fats, particularly polysaturated fats (corn oil and meat). It has a hereditary flavour to it as well, so if your sister/daughter has it you are more likely to have it too. If you have been pregnant there seems to be some protection (nuns are apparently most at risk…no jokes), Boozers also increase the risk of breast cancer, be careful if you go on an estrogen replacement therapy for longer than 10 yrs (even though this theraphy may reduce the possibility of Alzheimer’s, colon cancer and heart disease) lastly there is a link between obesity and cancer.

Now that’s me for this week but before I go. I think 2/3 years ago I had a bee in my bonnet about helping out those less fortunate than us over the December period. We raised quite a bit of money and got some tinned food and clothes donated to a home for street kids. Some of the money was used to buy some more food for the same home and the rest was used to buy formula and diapers for some infants in another orphanage out in Edenvale Joburg, Charl helped me purchase these and Jacob helped me distribute them. This year I want to try and do something of a similar nature, but I will give you more information later. I tell you this because once its communicated I cant go back ,I tend to get lacklustre at times and sweep it under the carpet. What I want from you is some charities but not the big ones that the whole world supports. Its Christmas time guys, lets give a little …
Speaking of which I received this email this week which I thought was a good gesture too have a read and if you can get involved get involved. The government doesn’t have to do everything we can also do our little bit. What is R100/month, 10 beers, 2 nites at Teazers/Mavricks J have a read

A group of black professionals intend setting up a charity Trust that will raise funds to provide resources and facilities to schools in previously disadvantaged communities. The Trust will raise funds from any member of the public who is prepared to sacrifice a bit of his/her income to assist the less fortunate. The Trust would be apolitical and non religious. The idea is to obtain initially 300 people who would commit to contribute R100 monthly to the trust for a period of at least 12 months (i.e. R1200 per annum). In addition, 10 companies would be sought to participate at R500 per month (i.e. R6000). This will yield a guaranteed annual income of R420 000 in the first year of operation. These people and companies will become the founding members of the Trust and will enjoy special voting rights. They will decide on contents of the Trust Deed, how funds are to be distributed and will elect the first group of Trustees. A draft Trust Deed has been prepared. Once the Trust is launched, members of the general public will be encouraged to donate a monthly income of not less than R20 per month for a period of at least 12 months. Companies can also participate for a monthly amount of at least R200 for a similar period. We have also approached a number of retired / unemployed people who are prepared to volunteer their time to become Trustees and administrators. These must be people who are beyond reproach and trustworthy. We believe there is sufficient interest. The founding members will vote and decide on these Trustees / administrators. The idea is to ensure that a very small percentage of the total funds gets utilised for administrative purposes. We are working on soliciting support of a few personalities who would assist build the Trust’s profile. Once enough donors are secured, a reputable law firm and an audit firm will be approached to assist with the set-up of the Trust. It is critical that the Trust is set-up in a transparent and corruption/fraud proof manner. The audit firm will also assist with auditing the Trust. Depending on how big the Trust becomes, the financials could be published in a national newspaper. No monies will flow until the founding members are comfortable that all the necessary mechanisms are in place to safeguard the Trust’s funds. We believe that the Trust will take off and become a huge success. Please indicate whether you can become a founder donor of the Trust. If you know of anyone who might be interested please let us know.

Several people, including the President, have made calls to those fortunate, especially Blacks, to sacrifice a bit of their resources to assist the less fortunate. This is a lifetime opportunity to assist in building our country in a convenient but powerful way. Our motto in life should be to strive to matter in every manner, possible. For those who are touched and troubled by the plight of our people, this is an opportunity to make that difference. For those who believe in Black consciousness, this is an opportunity to help fellow black brothers and sisters. For those who believe in God, this is an opportunity to take heed of the second greatest commandment to love one another. The Trust will bring together people who will to make a difference regardless of their motive. We are looking at securing the numbers in the next three weeks. There appears to be a strong interest in the idea and a few have opined that the amount is negligible. If you would like to play a particular role in the formation and life of the Trust, please advise accordingly. Recommendations/suggestions are welcomed. Vuyo Mvoko has an article in today’s (20 October 2006) Business Day (page 12) on how some grannies sacrificed their pension money to build a school in their village. This is a challenge to all of us. Mncedisi Xego Tel: 011 883 0275 Cell: 083 384 3142

To close off here is a quote for this week got it from my meeting this morning:
" Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some other object other than their own happiness, on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way"

Birthdays this week
23 Pearl, Saami
24th Philip
23/24th Eid Mubarak

Maximum respect see