Well after a little more than a month of living the FIGHT BACK life I am happy to report that I have taken some positive steps in my life.  I returned from Dallas and immediately scheduled my mammogram.  I am happy to report that my breasts are healthy! 

I have also continued to work on eating better, making healthy choices.  This is certainly an area that is tough for me but I continue to keep trying.  I have made some real PROGRESS in getting active.  In fact last evening my daughter and I took a little walk and it soon became a 7+ mile "evening stroll".  I can tell you that the first 5 miles were beautiful in Northern Michigan, but the last 2+ miles were sure ugly.  Hip replacement here I come!

I continue to support my oldest brother in his fight to stop smoking.  This has been a 40+ year addiction for him, so it is not happening that he should be smoke-free overnight, but he is making some great PROGRESS. I am proud of him and wish him the best.

We continue to fight the battle, yet every week I hear of someone who is newly diagnosed.  This week I learned that my Aunt's good friend Anita was diagnosed with even more oral cancer.  She is in the battle of her life.  My sister's brother-in-law had surgery to remove his cancerous bladder.  And have been following the story of a 3 year old  in Ohio who is battling kidney cancer, please keep BRICEN in your prayers.  So even though we are making PROGRESS we still need to work hard and FIGHT BACK!

I have been in contact with my Representatives s Michigan works towards a balanced budget.  We cannot continue to cut programs and services and still think that we can see decreases in cancer deaths.  We need to FIGHT BACK and hold our lawmakers accountable.  We know that screenings and early detection saves lives, why don't some of our lawmakers get it?

So I continue to FIGHT BACK and make PROGRESS in my personal life.  I continue to be a voice from Northern Michigan speaking out so that my political leaders know that I want ANSWERS.  I love the concept of FIGHT BACK.  Such small words, making such an impact on my life.  Empowering me to be more, do more!  Again the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY has the ANSWERS!

Hugs of HOPE,

MeLissa