In an epilogue at the end of my book, "101 Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer" I shared that I had a recurrence of my breast cancer and would give an update from time to time on my blog. My book launch at the end of September into October was a time of celebration and joy. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect time in sharing.

However, that season was to change. What initially seemed like a regional recurrence, where I was filled with hope of snapping the cancer back into submission, turned into a very different scenario. In November I learned instead, that my cancer was spreading.

"Metastatic disease" is what I am dealing with now, where there is no cure but a space where we work to "manage" the cancer with one drug after another, until they stop working. It means that my life will likely be much shorter than it otherwise would have been… but then who knows how long any of our lives are going to be?

So far this journey has been filled with much emotion, highs and lows, many questions, and much uncertainty. It's a place I never really thought I would be, but here I am.

I hope to share some of this journey as I go through it… so stay tuned.

Wishing you love and peace,

Pam

Having fun posing as if I am a celebrity in front of the photo wall at this Hampton's International Film Festival after-party event (see the name of my company by my right elbow) at East Hampton Studio's!
It's fun to pretend, and being the actor I am, quickly had my friend with Athena's Cup snap a picture. Living far from the rich and famous, of which I am neither, I also enjoyed posing with the high end cars on display with Exotic Classics - another game of pretend (as salesman Jeffrey Merritt assisted). And I was interviewed by the fun-loving and wonderful team at Hampton's TV (VVH-TV) which has coverage from NYC to Montauk and was streaming live during the event. You can watch their interview with me here. Being a southern girl far from the big city, they were welcoming and gracious!

This picture and interview were mere fractions of seconds in the scheme of my life, but might appear as if I held a social status that I don't have. As I've told people who asked about how I was able to go there and to the Emmy's, I say, "Have cancer and be an advocate, and you, too, will have opportunities!" tongue in cheek. My friend Jean (to whom my book is dedicated), lived life fully with Stage IV breast cancer, and always said she was a star in her own life and encouraged others to do the same, shining wherever they were planted. She didn't like to travel and woke up every day, dressing as if she was on the red carpet and doing the things she loved. She didn't need Hollywood-she was Hollywood. She loved her life no matter where she was planted.

The fact is, we don't need a red carpet, status, or wealth to be a star. Embracing and savoring life, both the good and the bad, is what makes up the life of a star… the routine moments we often take for granted until a loved one is no longer there to share them-those moments.

So what matters most for me? My husband, sons/daughter-in-law, family, and friends! Opportunities to make a difference and help others comes in a close second, but don't think for a moment that mere seconds in a photograph make up a life. My life is far from perfect, but it's my life!

Facebook or Twitter postings and celebrity photo-ops of others may make us think everyone else is living the "good life" but us. What I know for sure is that behind every picture, Twitter, or FB post, there is a story and a life of relationships, joy and pain, success and failure… and not always what they seem! You need look no further than Demi and Ashton in what seemed like the perfect life.

When the camera stops rolling (as in our work or other roles) and we are home alone with our thoughts (and loved ones), what matters most? Only you know the answer, but one thing is for sure, you can shine wherever you are planted. Choose the life you want, make it happen, and star in your own life!

Shine on!

Wishing you peace, love, and strength,
Pam

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer over 7 years ago, I never imagined that I would be writing my story in the form of a book. It was clearly a labor of love that took two years of extremely hard work. I wanted to quit so often, for so many reasons, I never imagined I would see the day it was complete!

But I was pulled by the desire to make a difference and had always been taught that when much is given, much is expected. I could not keep it all to myself. I was in a position to share what I had learned from leading experts in the field and my own personal and professional experience because not only was I asked to write the book with that title, I had nearly 30 years of professional experience in educating the public around health promotion, disease prevention, and had always been good at simplifying information (was a Special Education teacher early in my career).

To be diagnosed with a recurrence the day I was to submit the manuscript was ironic. I shared in the epilogue that I would continue the story here, which I will… but for now I am happy, healthy, and living life fully, launching a book I hope will make a difference.

I have been blessed by friends from coast to coast who have helped me launch the book and am extremely grateful. I have been in Los Angeles and Berkeley, back home to Raleigh, and off to New York this week again to share my message at the Hamptons International Film Festival. I have used social media (FB and Twitter) and every possible chance to share the message of the book. I won't review details of the book here (see synopsis at the links to the left about the book) but I will share some pictures and links to stories so far, below. My book is from a small publisher so there is no "official tour" …just me, spreading my message of hope and health. Please consider buying a book here on my website and share the message to all those you know and love. It's a resource no woman should be without!

I will be speaking locally at Rex Wellness Wakefield this Wednesday, next week at Rex Wellness in Raleigh on Monday, and back to Wakefield and Cary the following week.

With love for a beautiful fall season filled with all good things,
Pam

Television:
NBC's My Carolina Today at 6:50 mark
WRAL interview with Pam Salsby
Coming this week, another story (to be posted)

The Official Book Launch hosted and sponsored by Embassy Suites Brier Creek and Cary Magazine (more photos to come in their upcoming issue:

A beautiful space called the Flight Deck at Embassy Suites Brier Creek, perfect for a book launch!!! It was a beautiful, fall evening!

An incredibly delicious white cake with strawberry filling sponsored by Catering Works, the talk of the party! And co-founders Sharon Bigelow and Beth Roach with www.navigatecancerfoundation.org whose organization was the beneficiary of an awesome raffle at our launch party! And more delicious food sponsored by Phil and Pat Whitt (proud parents and supporters).

With my biggest supporter, my husband Jerry with a gorgeous sunset behind us (thank you Jonathan Fredin with Cary Magazine for the photo)… and good friends Kristin Dill and Zane Creamer, among many others. Thanks for coming out!


Dad signing in the guest register… and drawing at the end of the evening with my son, Jeremy and daughter-in-law Caroline in the foreground doing the drawing!

Below… more launches/book events:

With my friend Susan Helmrich (Swim Across America.org) at the launch in Berkely and her friends.

With my filmmaker son Dustin and hubby… and awesome friend, Suzanne Lindley (www.beatlivertumors.org) at Debbie Durkin's EcoEmmy's gifting suite.

To a small but awesome group at 24 Hour Fitness in LA (with former classmate Joey Bullock) and another wonderful group at www.weSpark.org in Sherman Oaks (no picture)


Mike's Way to A Cure Day at Jersey Mike's Wakefield (Wake Forest area) where 50% of proceeds went to Komen (food sales)-did a book signing and posed with the manager Marcus and Chris.

I got the first copy in my hands yesterday, and it is still surreal… a labor of love I never thought would come to fruition. I have many people to thank, and have done so in the acknowledgements, but my heart is grateful for the blessings that have come from it already. In the coming days, as it lands in people's laps, I pray that it will make a difference and make the journey easier for survivors or for those around them…and help people better understand their own risk and how to detect it early.

Right after I received the book in my hand, I was running a local errand and an acquaintance bragged about me. The man to whom she spoke, said, "So what is it about?" As I shared what was in the book, he said, "All of that is in there?" to which I smiled and said, "Yes!"... "Well I want to get me a copy of that!" he exclaimed.

It IS a book for everyone, from learning more about risk and early detection, to understanding what its like to be diagnosed through treatment and beyond, to what to say/what not to say in supporting someone, and a guide for survivors around optimal well-being before and after treatment… and much, much more.

After reading a recent interview with NBC's Nancy Snyderman, seeming to champion the decline in mammograms and new USPSTF guidelines, I am outraged once again. How is it possible in this day and time that a Chief Medical Editor for a major news organization can share such inaccurate, potentially life threatening information to millions of women? Even the government backed down from their own guidelines soon after the backlash from experts slammed them. Sadly, most women will read the information and simply believe it must be true-since it is coming from a beautiful, well-spoken, TV medical editor/doctor.

Why wouldn't a woman in such a powerful position in sharing information to the masses seek the guidance of leaders in the field of breast imaging and breast disease? Why, why, why??? There really is NO confusion among experts-because the research is there. Please read the posted comments from Dr. Dan Kopans, from Harvard, one of the top experts in the field of breast imaging, who shares my same outrage following the story (though in much more professional language). I am sharing it here, but will link to it, so you can see the story and other comments.

For those women who believe that mammography is some kind of conspiracy of men to harm women or other sinister plot that serves to harm you, please be informed. There are many dedicated men and women in the field of breast imaging who are trying to save women's lives-their own and their mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

I'll be the first to tell you that mammography is not perfect, but it is the first step and only step we have in getting further imaging (like ultrasound, MRI, or other technology). Researchers are constantly striving to find better screening technologies, but they all agree that we must start with mammography (and at age 40). To get more information and facts about breast imaging (including myths or imaging that doesn't quite measure up) you can go to www.acr.org or www.mammographysaveslives.org. Please don't risk your life by sinking into complacency because these harmful guidelines give you an out to not take the time or effort to be screened.

With love to all women and those who love them...
Pam

Read Dan Kopens' comments here below, that come from the article, "Mammograms plummet among women under 50:

"It is unfortunate when misinformation gets perpetuated. This is the case with regard to screening mammography and Dr. Snyderman's comments on the United States Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines. The USPSTF "recommended against" routine screening for women ages 40-49 and that women ages 50-74 could be screened every two years. Dr. Snyderman suggestion that this was based on detailed scientific analysis is simply incorrect.

1. The USPSTF was not comprised of experts. There were no radiologists with expertise in breast cancer screening on the USPSTF. There were no breast surgeons on the USPSTF. There were no medical or radiation oncologists on the Task Force. In fact, there was no one with any expertise in caring for women with breast cancer.

2. There are no data that show that any of parameters of screening change abruptly at the age of 50 or any other age. The use of the age of 50 as a threshold for screening has no scientific support. This is so apparent, that its continued use as a, scientifically based, threshold is simply lying to women.

3. Dr. Snyderman is incorrect. The data for screening women ages 40-49 are as strong as for screening women ages 50 and over.

4. The USPSTF and Dr. Snyderman ignored much of the scientific evidence (1).

5. The USPSTF own computer analyses show that the most lives are saved by screening annually beginning at the age of 40. Hendrick and Helvie (2) showed that if the USPSTF guidelines are followed for a group of women ages 30-39 today, 65-100,000 lives would be lost that could have been saved by annual screening beginning at the age of 40. The USPSTF made the subjective decision that they (the Task Force) did not think screening women ages 40-49 was worth it.

6. There are no data from the randomized, controlled trials (RCT) to support screening based on risk. None of the RCT stratified by risk so there is no proof that screening based on risk will save any lives.

7. Since at least 75% of women who are diagnosed each year with breast cancer are not at increased risk, screening only high risk women will miss the vast majority of women who develop breast cancer.

8. All women (and men) should be informed of the risks and benefits of any medical intervention. It is nonsense to suggest that women ages 40-49 may want to understand these pros and cons, but somehow this changes at the age of 50.

Those who report to and advise the public need to be very clear on the facts, particularly when lives are at stake.

Daniel B. Kopans, M.D.
Professor of Radiology Harvard Medical School
Senior Radiologist Massachusetts General Hospital

References:
1. Kopans DB. The 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines Ignore important Scientific Evidence and Should be Revised or Withdrawn. Radiology 2010;256:15-20.
2. Hendrick RE, Helvie MA. United States preventive services task force screening
mammography recommendations: science ignored. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2011
Feb;196(2):W112-6."

I am so excited to share the launch of a fabulous national campaign that will save women's lives: Mammography Saves Lives. Last year, the USPSTF came out with guidelines that were not backed by major cancer organizations and confused women (see this link for more information). Sadly, women's lives will be lost unnecessarily, if they do not get annual screenings starting at age 40. Hopefully, this campaign will reverse the damage done and encourage women to get their mammograms!

Go to www.mammographysaveslives.org to hear the stories, see the public service announcements, and to sign up for annual reminders. If you are a cancer survivor, share your story as well! The PSA's will be seen over the next few months on television stations across the country.

It was a blessing to meet the women who shared their stories. I helped to find two of the women in the PSA, Lidia and Robin, who are here in North Carolina. I fell in love with them and their incredible spirits (including Sunny from DC)! We had a wonderful time the night before at my house, where they also filmed us having dinner and discussing our stories (not uploaded on the website, yet).

Please consider sharing this website with those that you love and schedule YOUR appointment, today.

Stay tuned for the release of my book this fall, "101 Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer" .

When I saw the headlines in USA Today on Tuesday morning (Nov. 17), "New focus in breast cancer screening-Report: most don't need tests until 50" I was in shock. I was in Washington DC attending a cancer event and caught the headlines on the way out the door. I was outraged, to put it mildly, and couldn't believe what I was reading. It went against every expert opinion or study I had come to know and trust.

After my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2004, I spent a lot of time researching how we detect breast cancer, because I had four large tumors that were not visible on a mammogram AND I was not at risk. I spoke to leading researchers at major institutions and created a web site to share what I had learned with their help. Before I go any further, just let me say that the mammogram picked up important changes that led to self breast exam, which led to further imaging with ultrasound, and eventually MRI. You can read more of those details in my story, but for this blog I just want to share what I've learned this week from those experts.

In summary, the American College of Radiology, made up of professionals in the field of imaging, are calling for the guidelines from USPSTF to be rescinded (see statement here). A great interview with Dr. Daniel Kopans from Harvard Medical School on CNN (transcript here), said he knew all the experts and researchers in the field around the world and he didn't know any of these "experts" who developed the guidelines. Personally, I want to know how this could happen. How can we let people who are not the experts in detecting and treating cancer, set guidelines that have such far reaching importance?

Lest you think it will all be resolved because major cancer institutions, organizations, and oncology professionals are against them, the damage has been done. Women were canceling mammography appointments at 3x the normal rate and one woman canceled her surgery for removing a breast cancer, because she somehow felt it must not have been significant because she was in her 40's!!! ?????? Makes no sense, but that's what happened as reported on ABC (see video of report here). ACR reports that thousands of women will die needlessly or have to go through aggressive treatment because the cancer was not detected early, because of these guidelines. See their response here that discusses in detail the problems with the USPSTF's new guidelines. It includes their statement about the recommendations making "unconscionable decisions about the value of human life".

Dr. Etta Pisano, a leading researcher in the field, discusses the issues quite rationally in thisYouTube video.

What can you do? It will take years and much work to reverse the damage done. More than that, your right to have a mammogram in your 40's could be impacted if insurance companies decide to take on these guidelines. Call your congressmen (or Health and Human Services Secretary office) to ask for these guidelines to be rescinded. It only takes a one minute phone call. You can find your representatives at these links for the senate and house SENATE and HOUSE .

Addendum to this blog as of Sunday Nov. 22 : If you don't think it's possible for this to become law, listen to This Week on ABC. The details of the bill are spelled out and debated on the show. To see the full piece (not their edited version for web-which left out the most important part) click on Watch: Exclusive Health Care Debate in the scrolling on the top, then click on the 11-22-09 show. It wouldn't let me do a URL for the video.
Main link is here Once it loads, fast forward to -8.00 minutes to hear.

To learn more about the importance of partnering with your doctor to detect cancer early click here ...