My Month, My Numbers

· I am one in 2,500.

· I am one in 75.

· I’m 1 in 3.

It is MY awareness month. And you get a two-for-one with me. September is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Awareness Month. It’s also Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. Yes, I have both conditions and I want to raise awareness of both so you can look for signs and get yourself or a loved one checked out if needed.

CMT is a form of muscular dystrophy named after the three individuals who discovered it – Charcot, Marie and Tooth. One in 2,500 people have this condition. It’s one of the most common, inherited nerve disorders – even though very few folks I know have heard of it. It was in the news this past year because Alan Jackson, country music star, shared that he has been dealing with it for years. Read up on Alan Jackson’s journey.

CMT is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects ones nerves. I was officially diagnosed about 15 years ago. I’m lucky it has remained the same for a while now. Damage to my nerves causes the signals to my muscles to be slow or weak. This causes muscle loss and neuropathy in my feet, legs and hands. My hands shake a bit, and I walk slowly with a minor foot drop. It’s annoying but manageable. I’m not in pain. Many are. I’m lucky to be mobile – thank God!

If you’re experiencing neuropathy, foot drop or weakness in your hands, go get it checked out! Don’t wait until you are falling often or dropping things to find out what’s going on with your body. Want to know more about CMT? Check out this great site.

It’s also Gynecological Cancer Month

I happen to be dealing with a recurrence of fallopian tube/ovarian cancer. Three and half years ago, I went to the doctor for a cough and eventually was diagnosed with stage IV fallopian tube cancer. Why a cough? Fluid with cancer cells had moved from my fallopian tubes, ovaries and abdomen up to my lungs. It took over a week for them to figure it out. I had to advocate for myself and explain this wasn’t just post nasal drip! My stomach was distended, I was full after two bites of food, and I was coughing a lot. It was hard to walk, and I would run out of breath easily. I was treated for the cancer with chemo and surgery and was in remission for two years, but now it’s back. I am working through it again.

I want women to be proactive, learn about the signs, symptoms and prevention of gynecological cancers. 1 in 75 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 1 in 3 women will have some form of cancer in their lifetime. I find these statistics staggering. Growing up, cancer was something other people got. Now, not only do I have it, but I know of so many people who are on their own cancer journey.

I urge you to find out more  about the 5 most common gynecological cancers: Cervical · Ovarian · Endometrial/Uterine · Vaginal · Vulvar. It’s mind-blowing to know that every five minutes, a woman is diagnosed with one of these cancers. I know I’m sharing a lot of links, but this beautifully designed brochure can help you to know the symptoms and reduce your risk.  

Finding the Ability to share and help spread awareness.

Lisa’s Beautycounter Spotlight Product

Balm for All!  I recently had customer going thru her own complicated cancer journey and she had very specific criteria for what she could put on her skin.  It needed to be good for sensitive skin with no fragrance.  Balm for All met her need. This balm is also great for babies.  It is a multipurpose balm that moisturizes and nourishes skin of all types and ages. It is gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin.  It can even hydrate delicate areas such as lips, eyelids and cuticles.  It is fragrance-free.    

• Gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin
• Hydrates delicate areas like lips, eyelids, and cuticles
• Fragrance-free

Check it out for you and your family – Balm for All.