October Random Comment Winner is....

Patti of NannyMall, she has won a pack of handmade Breast Cancer cards by Alice Shaffer.

She commented on Table Talk Thursday: Nanny Portfolio A to Z

Anonymous October 29, 2009 8:00 AM

I forwarded this on to my Nannies so they can get started on updating and improving their portfolios.

Great idea!

Patti at NannyMall dot com

Thank you so much Patti for reading our blog and commenting! Please contact us by Friday November 6, with your mailing address for your prize. Email at regardingnannies (at) gmail (dot) com


Don't forget that we have a $25 gift certificate to Stuck on You giveaway. Details are here. Giveaway ends November 13th.

Thursday Table Talk: Taking Care of Yourself

Taking Care of Yourself:
Information compiled by Glenda Propst and Alice Shaffer (Regarding Nannies Team)
This month, as we focus on Breast Cancer Awareness, we shared with you the story of professional nanny, Mary Ann Meddish, who walked for in honor and memory of her sister in law, and Phyllis who worked for Homework Solutions shared her personal story of survival and re-enforced the importance of a strong support system from family down to co-workers.

Today we want to share with you some resources for taking care of yourself and your body, and also challenge you to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.

The first set of links are various informational resources that include self exams all the way to what to do if you are diagnosed. The information is for various websites that provide all different levels of support and knowledge in the fight against Breast Cancer.

The second set of links are breast cancer walks and fundraising events across the US and Canada with links so that you can find out how to get involved right where you live.

There are many opportunities to support breast cancer awareness and funding across the country.

We challenge Nannies and Nanny Support Groups across the country to join the fight against breast cancer


What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast divide and grow without normal control. About 85 percent of breast cancers begin in the mammary ducts. However, some tumors can be aggressive, and grow much more rapidly.
It is important to understand the difference between invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (kar-sin-O-ma in SY-too). These are discussed below and you can find more in the Diagnosis and Treatment sections.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis: After being diagnosed with breast cancer, many people describe feeling vulnerable and alone. Breast Cancer Network of Strength is here for you. With our educational and support resources, we truly ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone, and we’ll empower you to be your own best advocate. In this section, you’ll learn about the types of breast cancer and other factors that influence how the disease may be treated. If you would like to talk about anything you read here, please get in touch with us at the YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center. The peer counselors at YourShoes help people touched by breast cancer feel the strength and support they need.

I know someone who was diagnosed: It may be a friend, a family member or even a co-worker who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. But regardless of who you know with this life-threatening disease, you will likely be looking for answers. We'll help you learn everything you need to know about being a co-survivor including basic information about breast cancer, how to find resources, treatment options and how to offer the best support.

Understanding your Risk: All women are at risk for getting breast cancer. As you get older, your risk increases. Assuming you live to age 90, your risk of getting breast cancer over your lifetime is about 12%. That might sound scary, because it means that an average of about 1 out of every 7 women will get breast cancer over a 90-year life span. You can also look at it another way: A 12% risk means there's an 88% chance that you WON'T get breast cancer.
Visit the National Cancer Institute (NCI) web site for a useful interactive tool that estimates your risk of invasive breast cancer.

How to get involved:

Most of you are aware of the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

Race for the Cure® hosted by Susan G Komen for the Cure is a 5K (3-mile) run and walk that takes place across the US each year. This event benefits cancer research, education, and detection programs. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised benefit local programs in the city where it is held, 25% is distributed by the Komen organization.
The cost is usually $20-25 and usually includes a t-shirt..
The standard Race for the Cure® is a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) run and walk.
If you are not a big walker this is a great one, you don’t move fast in the crowd.

The Breast Cancer 3-Day
Bring your energy, your passion, your stories, your humor and your fashion sense to the Breast Cancer 3-Day! More than just 60 miles over a long weekend, the Breast Cancer 3-Day is a months-long journey out of the everyday.
Organize a group in your area to train and walk together. You'll have coaches to help you every step of the journey, helping you challenge yourself and succeed.On the walk, be sure to bring your stories and humor - and plenty of creative accessories!You'll get food and beverages to keep you going, as well as rest.

The Avon Walk in two days you will journey 39 miles helping to forever alter the lives of thousands affected by breast cancer worldwide. Together, we will unite with one purpose and one goal - to end this deadly disease. The money will provide women and men the breast cancer screening, support and treatment they need regardless of their ability to pay, and so that leading-edge research teams across the country can be powered by the funds they need to fuel their quest for a cure - all because of you!
Are you In It To End It?
Take the first step today.1.888.540.WALK


The 2 Day Walk
The Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised $6.6 million over the past six years and awarded 107 grants to local breast cancer organizations in the Atlanta area. In 2009, the 2-Day has awarded a record $1 million to local breast cancer organizations providing diagnosis, education, support and research to thousands of Atlanta area women affected by the disease.
Our goal is to give back at least 70 percent of the funds raised to provide awareness, education, mammograms, genetic testing and research, transportation, translation, patient advocacy and support services to thousands of women and their families right here in our community.
It’s The Journey and the Atlanta 2-Day Walk are a beacon of hope for every family in our community and we will continue to be that source of strength each and every day because of you. Register now to join the fun and be part of the OCTOBER 2ND & 3RD, 2010 Atlanta 2-Day Walk!

In New York and California there is
The Revlon Run/Walk is held in New York City and Los Angeles to benefit women's cancer charities. The event is a 5 kilometer (3 mile) course you may run or walk, plus a Health Expo. Celebrities often attend. The aim is to raise awareness and critical funds for women's cancers research, counseling and outreach programs.

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walks are challenging and exciting events held in Canadian cities. Walkers are challenged to walk approximately 20 miles or 30 kilometers a day for one day or two days. They camp out Saturday night in a tent city. All meals, snacks, and trail support are provided. Each walker must raise a minimum of $2000 for a two-day walk or $1250 Cdn for a one-day walk in donations to participate. Net proceeds go to cancer research centers in the host city

Other ways to get involved:

If you are not a walker, or a runner, that’s ok. You can still participate by collecting the pink lids from Yoplait Yogurt. This is something that your whole family can do together.

Susan G Komen ways to participate

Network of Strength (formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization)

Bowling for Breast Cancer: What a great way to get your nanny support group together, your friends and office mates to raise money while having a fun time with the entire family!

Week End Round Up

Just in case you missed something this week on Regarding Nannies:

Monday Moxie was a report from Nannypalooza 09 where professional nannies from all over the country met for a weekend of networking and education.

Tuesday Tips Deb Smith from Nannyclassifieds taught us how to spot a nanny scam online.

Wednesday Creative Nanny, Alice shared a fun craft with contact paper you can do year round.

Thursday Table Talk, Phyllis who works with Kathy Webb at Homework Solutions shared her journey in her battle with breast cancer.

Financial Friday Alice taught us how to do spreadsheets for our budget.

Next week on Regarding Nannies we will be sharing another great website for creativity with your kids, and we will also celebrate our 100th Post!

Table Talk Thursday: A Story of Survival

My name is Phyllis and I want to share with you my story of survival.

I’ve been blessed every step of the way on this journey that began more than fifteen years ago with annual mammograms. In 1998 suspicious spots were noted on my mammograms. They were monitored from year to year. In 2003 there was a spot on the left breast that required a biopsy. The biopsy came back negative and my Dr. placed a marker for future reference. In May of 2008 the mammogram of the right breast showed a change and my cancer journey began.Through out this journey there was rarely an easy decision to be made. My test results were usually border line and offered 2 options. I prayed that the doctors who examined me would have their eyes opened and provide a clear path. Getting a second opinion for the breast surgeon and the oncologist gave me the answers I needed. God always answered my prayers, but not always in the way I’d hoped. My next challenge was a mastectomy of the right breast with reconstruction and 4 sessions of chemotherapy. My last session was in January 2009.

Early detection has provided me the best possible outcome for the future. I look forward to my daughter’s wedding; my son earn his degree in sequential art and embark on his life long dream of being a cartoonist; and to celebrate many more anniversaries with my husband. My hair fell out, but I own some beautiful scarves and hats, most of them given to me by friends along my journey. My biggest challenge was how to tie my scarves and how to coordinate them with my outfit each day.

I have been blessed with an incredible support group. From the moment I announced that I had breast cancer, my office workers rallied around to support me. Prior to surgery they listened, prayed and supported me without taking pity. They knew I wanted to maintain as normal a life as possible and they respected that.

As I prepared for my surgery, they organized a meal brigade. My husband and I were treated to delicious dinners for 2 weeks after my surgery. When bringing us meals, they visited and helped me feel cared for and connected. They went the extra mile, and I know that I have been blessed with incredible support.

During my absence, my co-workers picked-up my workload without a complaint. Upon my return, they watched me like a mother hen to ensure that I did not do more than I should. During chemo, when I tired easily and was usually nauseous, they continued their support. They brought me books on how to cope, scarves for when my hair fell out and were known upon occasion to send me home.

Not content with all they had done, Angel M. and Kathy W. announced that they were going to participate in the Avon 2 day Walk for Breast Cancer in my honor. They set up their websites and emailed co-workers, family and friends of their participation and asked for donations. Within minutes of the emails, pledges for $275 were received – mostly from our co-workers. Between the two of them they raised $5720.

Every step of my journey from diagnosis through surgery and recovery, my co-workers listened, prayed, offered words of support, cooked meals, helped with my office duties, walked in my honor, supported those who walked and truly came together as my support team. I know of no other office where everyone would willingly pledge this level of support. I am blessed to work in a company that truly cares for their employees.

I know that the amazing support that surrounded me is why today I can say I am a survivor

Financial Friday: Regarding Nannies Giveaway for October

During the month of October you will have the opportunity to win a great handmade item in honor of October being "Breast Cancer" Awareness month.

We are asking that you post your comments on the individual blog posts here at Regarding Nannies for you to be eligible. You must have your contact info in the comment section or in your signature. This way we can contact you if you are the lucky winner! Anonymous posters will be ineligible

We love that you post comments on facebook, but not everyone has facebook, so they miss out on your thoughts and contributions. Feel free to copy and paste your facebook comments to the blog post comment section.

What it Means to Me - The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk

By MaryAnn X. Meddish
2009 INA Nanny of the Year

I'm involved with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day and I want you to know what it means to me. I've lost family, friends, and a child I babysat to cancer. I have family members with tumors and cancer and we fight, pray, and wait. About two years ago my sister-in-law, at age 35, was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. At this point, I had reached enough and I joined the fight against cancer. I went to The3Day.com, registered, lead and joined training walks, worked on fundraising, attended workshops, and prepared to walk 60 miles in 3days thinking, "How hard could it be?"

3-Day 2008: I was at the starting point at 6am and walked my first 20 miles, I arrived at camp, looked at my tent and asked myself how I was going to get down there, but once I did, I was sound asleep until my cell phone rang at 4am. My sister-in-law was being rushed to the ER and it didn't look good. Day 2: I crawled out of my tent on legs like jello and started walking the next 20 miles. That evening I walked into camp with an Ace bandage around my knee, a rash around my ankles, and a plan to take the Sag van to lunch the next day, leaving me only to walk the last 7 miles, if that. I fell into my tent exhausted again that night. My phone rang in the middle of the night, my sister-in-law was gone. I cried myself back to sleep and woke up the next morning on a mission. The medical team wanted me to take a van to lunch. I told them, "My sister-in-law had died last night and she was a fighter. People fight cancer every day; they never get to stop, neither will I." They took a step back and with that I started walking. I limped into the holding area for closing ceremonies with a full blown case of cellulitis, feet the size of shoe boxes, and the knowledge that I was the last to arrive, but I also knew I walked every mile. I had learned just how hard it could be!

I have met amazing people though the 3-Day Walk and I have learned that there are people that I already know who are fighters and survivors, they just don't usually talk about it. Breast cancer alone strikes 1 in 8 women so it could be affecting about a dozen at any nanny conference. Eat healthy, use sunscreen, and get a mammogram, it's worth it.

3-Day 2009: This year I wanted to smile during the 3-Day. Walking outside with a bra over my T-shirt, pinkies in the air, yelling, "Whooo hooo, hook 'em up ladies." and hearing people 'Whooo hooo' in response. That's the icing on the cake!

This article appeared in the September issue of the INA Newsletter.

Reprinted with permission.