L’Oréal Paris - Color Of Hope: Celebrates Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

As part of my commitment to L’Oréal Paris as a Hope Ambassador, today I will be blogging about what L’Oréal Paris and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is committing to help fight and win the battle for many women with Ovarian Cancer and to help promote awareness of this very deadly disease so that this disease will hopefully be found early more often than being found in it's Advanced Stages. Most often it is diagnosed in later stages. 70-75% of the time the cancer has spread to other parts of the abdomen before it is even detected. September is after all if National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

This will not be one of my usual posts of updating how I am doing and what I am doing but it will be more or less dedicated to all women survivors and (kind of?) advertising some great products for which anything item purchased, $1 will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Research. This is a passion of mine and I hope to do something special for Pancreatic Cancer in the near future as well since the cancer which killed Patrick Swayze is the most deadly of all cancers is also the least funded. I still hope you enjoy this post. Thank you so much for your time.

L’Oréal Paris is the leading corporation supporting ovarian cancer research and, as such, has helped raise in excess of $18 million. Integral to its mission is increasing awareness of the disease and educating women about the vague and often overlooked signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Here are the 4 most common early Signs and Symptoms:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. It is recommended that you get an ultrasound in order to detect any tumors and research has suggested that it offers the most vital information for detecting ovarian cancer, according to a recent study conducted at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center-Markey Cancer Center.

Furthering its commitment to women’s health, L’Oréal Paris has supported a variety of ovarian cancer awareness and fundraising initiatives, including its annual Color Cosmetics Collection, “Color of Hope,” and the biannual L’Oréal Legends Gala in New York City. The company’s latest endeavor is an informational consumer call center, in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris’ 12-year charitable partner, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). This September, the L’Oréal Paris OCRF Hope Line, 1-877-OV-HOPE-1, will provide free information and support to women who are faced with an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Each year 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 15,000 women will lose their battle with the disease. The five-year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is currently less than 50 percent, and there is no effective method of early detection. There is a cluster of symptoms—unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and/or urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)—that should be further evaluated by your doctor if they are unexplained and persist for up to two weeks at a time.

In 2009, L’Oréal Paris will continue to:

1. Offer significant financial support to fund critical research initiatives identified by our partner, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (www.ocrf.org).
2. Provide support for women and families currently coping with the disease.
   
3. Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and emphasize the importance of early detection.

THE L’ORÉAL PARIS COLOR of HOPE COSMETICS COLLECTION

This annual makeup collection celebrates L’Oréal Paris’ ongoing commitment to the fi ght against ovarian cancer and helps raise much-needed funds for ovarian cancer research.Featuring products for eyes, lips and nails, the L’Oréal Paris Color of Hope Cosmetics Collection teams up three shades: the universally flattering shade of mauve, vibrant teal—the color symbolizing ovarian cancer awareness—and the on-trend accent shade of rich plum.

FUNDRAISING

L’Oréal Paris will donate $1 from the sale of each item in the Color of Hope Cosmetics Collection to its 12-year charitable partner, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).


PRODUCTS

COLOUR RICHE NURTURING & PROTECTIVE LIPCOLOUR

• Shades: Color of Hope and Hopeful Plum
• This formula features nourishing ingredients like Omega-3 and Vitamin E and is enriched with Argon Oil to condition and soften lips.
• Suggested Retail Price: $8.95

INFALLIBLE NEVER FAIL LIPGLOSS

• Shades: Color of Hope and Hopeful Plum
• Provides six hours of wear in just one step, delivering beautiful, sheer color and high shine with significantly longer wear than the average lipgloss.
• Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

WEAR INFINITÉ EYE SHADOW QUAD

• Shades: Bouquet of Strength and Petals of Promise
• Features a patented, long-wearing formula that is crease-proof and fade-resistant with a smooth, powdery finish. This shadow’s finely milled pigments have exceptional pickup and glide on effortlessly.
• Suggested Retail Price: $8.95

PRO MANICURE NAIL POLISH

• Shades: Color of Hope and Hopeful Plum
• Instantly strengthens nails with a unique Pro-Keratin Complex (derived from natural proteins found in nails) that helps provide stronger, healthier-looking nails. This exclusive formula also contains concentrated color pigments for exceptional vibrancy and shock- proof plasticizers that resist chipping and peeling.
• Suggested Retail Price: $4.99

AVAILABILITY

To coincide with National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, L’Oréal Paris’ Color of Hope Cosmetics Collection will be available for purchase beginning September 2009. The entire Color of Hope Cosmetics Collection will be available at mass-market retailers nationwide, including Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart, while supplies last. The Color of Hope lipcolour and Cosmetics Bag will also be available online at www.lorealcolorofhope.com.

Chemo once a week and side effects...

I hope these cute photos of Tonto and Blue Belle cheer up many or at least make you laugh.

Well I had my chemo on Monday (it was scheduled at 9am, but I didn't get it until after 10:30am, I was done by 11:15am). For the next 3 days I have side effects (I'm noticing this each week); actually 4 days if you include my face breaking out like crazy and then 2 to 3 days I finally start to feel normal for the week. The day of chemo I'm OK until several hours later when I pass out. The following day; I'm useless for most of the day; I usually wake up with extremely bad nausea and no desire what so ever to eat or drink; but the problem is; I have to. I don't have a choice; if I don't drink anything; the chemo can seriously damage my kidneys so I force myself to use the bong and inhale the THC which in turn makes me drink lots of Gatoraide and Cranberry and water; then the next day; like today; I shit all day long (not only do I feel like shit but I shit all day long and can not be farther than 10 ft from a working toilet) and it's diarrhea (oh the unpleasantries of chemo) that really burns my ass; it's really NO fun at all; but those other great days that fall after those inconveniences are well worth it. Hell just waking up each day next to the man that I love is well worth every bit of suffering with this disease. He makes everything I suffer and go through so worth it! I could go through many years of this with him and with him only!)

I am so blessed to have him in my life and taking care of me that I will never ever take any of what he does for me for granted. Yes, we have problems like most couples but we cherish each day that we do have together like nothing else. I'm also happy for others who also get to experience this type of love and have met many other cancer patients who also have their other half who is with them for better and for worse, richer and for poorer, and in sickness and in health; no matter what they still tough it out and it's not just toughing it out; it's part of life and living. Most people go through hardships no matter what; ours just seems more prevalent lately (we have been having lots of hardships this summer) but hopefully things will get much better. I hope one day that I will be able to stomach and digest real food just like everyone else. I also hope that we can take a small vacation together just to get away for a little while; maybe for a weekend; but the feeding apparatus will have to be gone before we can do that. Don't we all wish for more in life?)

While I was getting my chemo, I saw the cutest couple in front of me where one of them was getting chemo and the other was just there for support. I thought they were cute because they were so appreciative of one another and the care giver was incredibly accommodating to the other. They were two older gentleman (yes I live in CA somewhat close to SF), but yes they were gay and were totally sweet to me. Both had very warm genuine smiles when I looked over at them; we didn't talk; I just watched them; I still had my TV and was able to watch Animal Cops SF and Phoenix; but I have to say it was more entertaining to watch them. I could just see the love in the room as they seemed to have a grand time no matter what. I didn't have anyone else near me as I got my chemo. I never ask my husband to sit there and wait with me while I get my chemo. He used to in the beginning but most of the time I would be asleep from the Benadryl or whatever else they gave me that konked me out. Since then, I have always felt that chemo isn't that exciting enough to sit around but then seeing those two together made me think otherwise. They really were making the most of it.

Anyway, back to this couple, they were both Asian, the one getting chemo was bald and very thin and very tall; his partner was somewhat short and stocky but he was with his partner every step of the way; making sure that he was comfortable; he opened up the case for the computer, brought the computer over where his partner could see it perfectly, spent the time to hook it up and set it up and then the two watched a hilarious movie together; I could tell by the two of them laughing like crazy. They seemed to enjoy every bit of time they had together as they smiled warmly at each other and kissed a few times. My little drip was only an hour and I was there nearly 2 and half hours; they were there way before I was (I knew this because it does take forever for someone to come over and hook up your chemo or get the IV started); he didn't have a port because I could see that he was getting his IV right when I sat down. He got his chemo before I did but his drip was much longer than mine; so I assume his cancer may just be more aggressive or fast growing than mine is. My cancer is slow growing but very persistent and it seems to grow all the time; I feel I may have more time than most who battle however my cancer tends to be more resistant to treatment but we will see. We have about a 10% chance that the chemo will work. I'm praying this treatment is working and not sure if it's just psychological but my husband and I are noticing that my tumor might be shrinking.

Yes, there are still others in this world who are far worse off than I am and maybe can't even eat at all or maybe don't have the time that I have. I've had too many of those weeks where I can't even eat ice chips and now I am so thankful that I can at least eat ice cream, small amounts of very cooked pasta, hate the baby food, soup, some breads, not liking the yogurt or the smoothies all that much. Yes, that's my diet; I'm hoping to include sushi next week and each time I do try to add something new; it's usually hit or miss. I suffer sometimes just for a few days as it tries to make it through my difficult system and sometimes it works and I don't have that many problems; but I still get pain most of the time in my stomach when I am digesting and it gets old.

We are planning to discontinue the intravenous feeding once I get up to 125 and can maintain the weight at least for a week. It really is a challenge now planning around my feedings since I am taken off the drip at lunchtime (when it's convenient) and I get only 6 hours of freedom; that's it! . I can't do any of this myself since flushing requires two hands. The real challenge will be maintaining the weight after I get off the intravenous feeding. I don't have much energy to cook but will just have work on it and do my best. My honey is willing to learn to cook for me; now that is love!)

I'm actually saddened by the loss of Ted Kennedy and I knew it would come soon. I loved him dearly as a politician and he had so much fighting spirit. I want to fight my cancer as he worked hard as a Senator for our country in getting so many great laws passed that help the common people; including Civil Rights. I wish his family the best and I hope the Kennedy family continues to do good things for our country.

I did finally get all the paperwork needed for Blue Belle to be my legal service dog. Check out her new sporty vest; she loves it and feels pretty wearing it!) I am so thankful for laws that protect the disabled. Pets really are therapeutic and can serve a vital purpose for many. I can't get over the smiles that I get when I walk Blue Belle into any public building. She really is the Peace Dog and my neighbor bought me a Tied Died Shirt that says Peace Dog. I wish I could wear it every day now that it is my favorite shirt ever. It used to be my T-shirt that says "Music is my Religion".

Remember next month (September) is "National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month". I will be writing a few posts next month to commemorate this special month and hopefully we can raise some funds for Research. L’Oréal Paris has asked that I be a Hope Ambassador. I feel very honored to do this; so look out for these upcoming posts next month. Peace and Love to all!