The Unique Experience

Overcoming Leukemia: Jalena's Story

Leukemia [https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/understanding-leukemia-basics] is a blood cancer [https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/types-and-differences] caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in your body.  Those white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells [https://www.webmd.com/heart/anatomy-picture-of-blood] and platelets that your body needs to be healthy. The extra white blood cells don’t work right. LEUKEMIA SYMPTOMS Different types of leukemia can cause different problems. You might not notice any signs in the early stages of some forms. When you do have symptoms, they may include: * Weakness or fatigue [https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/why-so-tired-10-causes-fatigue] * Bruising or bleeding easily * Fever [https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/fevers-causes-symptoms-treatments] or chills [https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/why-do-i-have-chills] * Infections that are severe or keep coming back * Pain [https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/default.htm] in your bones or joints * Headaches [https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-basics] * Vomiting [https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-nausea-vomiting] * Seizures [https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/understanding-seizures-basics] * Weight loss * Night sweats [https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/8-causes-of-night-sweats] * Shortness of breath * Swollen lymph nodes [https://www.webmd.com/cancer/rm-knowledge-about-lymph-nodes-quiz] or organs like your spleen [https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-spleen]

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Yvonne's Journey

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men.html], too. Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. Some warning signs of breast cancer are— * New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit). * Thickening or swelling of part of the breast. * Irritation or dimpling of breast skin. * Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast. * Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. * Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. * Any change in the size or the shape of the breast. * Pain in any area of the breast.

Living With A Mental Health Illness - May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is mental health month.  Nearly 20%—or 43.8 million American adults—have experienced some form of mental illness in any given year, which can present itself in a wide variety of disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, substance abuse, eating, mood, and personality disorders.1 For about 9.8 million people—or 4% of the population—these disorders are so severe that they impair their ability to function in major life activities.1 Further, untreated mental illness increases the risk of homelessness, substance use disorders, legal issues, and suicide.1 The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-6264, info@nami.org. NAMI operates an emergency mental health hotline Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Operators can provide information about mental illness and refer callers to treatment, support groups, family support, and legal support, if needed. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. Crisis intervention and free emotional support are available, which is helpful when you need confidential assistance during a time of emotional distress for you or a loved one. The helpline is open 24/7, and a live online chat is available as well.

Are You Prepared?

Tanesha asks the question if we are prepared for the situation we are in.

Who's in Your Circle?

Tanesha touches on the people you should have in your circle. Also how you should conduct yourself when entering a new circle.