Andrea Rowe

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Genetic Testing: a Family's Experience with Cowden Syndrome In 2007 I learned the name of a lifetime problem with benign and cancerous lesions. Before testing my children in 2010, I had...

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  Genetic Testing: a Family's Experience with Cowden Syndrome

  1/15/2013

  In 2007 I learned the name of a lifetime problem with benign and cancerous lesions. Before testing my children in 2010, I had to decide whether the benefits outweighed the risks.
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  The Ten Cent Ornament

  12/30/2012

  The article discusses how a routine stop by a small thrift store helped save this Christmas.
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  A Color Filled Life

  12/25/2012

  Recently I visited the UAMS gift shop. While there for an MRI test I purchased a cancer awareness bracelet for each cancer that personally impacted my life. I was surprised to find the colors beginning to represent more than the cancers involved.
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  Bump: My Life-long Experience With Cancer

  6/13/2012

  Cancer and cancer scares have dominated my life. I was diagnosed with dysgerminoma at ages 9 and 15. At age 30, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. Because of Cowden Syndrome and this history, every bump that arises is checked for cancer.
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  My Life-Long Battle With Circumstantial Depression

  5/29/2012

  Circumstantial depression is a type of depression that is caused by situations. With treatment, it is usually short lived. I didn't seek treatment for mine until years after it began. My circumstances will not change but I'm living in spite of it.
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  Coping With Autism: My Daughter's and My Own

  5/14/2012

  My little girl was diagnosed with autism at 18 months of age. Early intevention has made big difference. Last year I learned I am also on the autistic spectrum myself.
• Learning to Leave the Light On

  4/20/2012

  I have faced a daily struggle with OCD since the age of 11. This is a little of my story, how I have learned to cope, and how I struggle to reduce dysfunctional anxiety reducing behaviors.
• Love in Spite of Circumstance

  4/17/2012

  I have encountered many family stories from relatives online that would have otherwise been lost. This story is my favorite. It is a romance set in Reconstruction time and is to the best of my knowledge true.
• My First Christmas Completely Without My Mom

  12/20/2011

  This year the Christmas season is marked by it being the first without my mom's involvement. In spite of her absence, we will make it a memorable season.
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  In Her Shoes: Seeing Both Sides of Cowden Syndrome

  12/16/2011

  My children and I share a rare genetic condition called Cowden Syndrome that causes the person to be at extreme risk of various cancers. When my daughter recently had an MRI done to check on a brain mass, I felt the fears as a mom and as a child.
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  The Butterfly Effect: Andy Andrews

  11/25/2011

  In The Butterfly Effect, Andrews tells several stories of how seemingly small acts evolve into larger acts that literally shape and save lives. After reading this book, I saw the truth of this in my own life and share my story here as welll.
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  Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season

  11/24/2011

  I lost my mom one year ago right after Thanksgiving. This is an update for those who followed that story and a write up of what I have learned along the way.
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  Learning to Dance in Spite of the Storms

  11/20/2011

  My trip through looking through the bad and trying to find some good in three cancer diagnoses, children having poor health, the loss of my mom, etc.
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  Room 118: Twenty Five Years Later

  10/16/2011

  Twenty five years ago I was diagnosed with childhood ovarian cancer in our local hospital, room 118. Last week, my dad spent time in the same room with his own cancer scare. Would it be history repeating itself?
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  Three Inspirational Bible Verses:

  10/14/2011

  Three of my favorite biblical verses. Why the bad? Am I good enough? Are we always saved once saved?
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  Benefits to Having Cancer And/or Chemotherapy

  10/14/2011

  The human side of me tends to dwell on the negative. My cancer diagnoses were in the Fall. I've been trying to change the way I use these bad experienes and turn them into something that helps others. Chemo can change more than giving you a longer life.
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  The Fall Season: the Fall of Life

  10/14/2011

  Two of my three cancer diagnoses occurred in fall-- October 1986 at age nine and November 1992. This November is one year since my mom died from cancer. This year fall is especially tough. This attempt at a poem is bleak but a catharsis for me.
• I Did Not Think it Changed Me, But 9/11/01 Changed All Americans

  9/8/2011

  September 11, 2001 woke me up to what is important in life: family, friends, and support through difficult times.
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  Teal Toes for Ovarian Cancer

  9/6/2011

  September is ovarian cancer awareness month. A campaign known as Teal Toes initiates women to the idea of painting their nails teal to spread awareness. For myself, more than my toes are teal. My treatment for ovca ended 18 years ago.
• Loco Ropes at Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas

  8/9/2011

  Recently my family and I went to Mountain View, Arkansas and spent some time at the Loco Rope course. The girls (my daughter, mother-in-law, and I) weren't gutsy enough to try the course but the boys were!
• Blanchard Springs Caverns

  8/9/2011

  We recently visited Blanchard Springs caverns near Mountain View, Arkansas. These are a few photos I took.
• Crocheting: an Inexpensive Fall Hobby that Can Be Shared Through Generations

  8/8/2011

  I learned crocheting at 13 while making a baby blanket for my now 20 year old nephew. Crocheting is memories stitched together and leaves a product reminiscent of those memories. In the fall, crocheting a blanket can keep a person warm as well.
• Rachel Cowden: the First Person Diagnosed with Cowden Syndrome and a Diagnosis We Both Share

  7/21/2011

  I have a rare condition called Cowden Syndrome. Often, I have wondered about the first known case of Cowden's. After some help with access to early research of Cowden's Disease, I learned more about the first person diagnosed with the condition.
• Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind: Why it is My Favorite Novel

  7/21/2011

  When I was a teenager, the novel Gone with the Wind captured my heart. Even at age 34, I reread it each year.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder: My "Favorite Novelist Forever"

  7/9/2011

  Laura Ingalls Wilder captured my heart as a ten year old. Twenty four years after my introduction to her work and many novels by other authors later, she remains my favorite novelist of all time.
• Scars, Marks, and Swimsuits: Why I Don't Wear a Bathing Suit in Public Any Longer

  7/9/2011

  The journey of swimming and bathing suits as seen from a three-time cancer/Cowden Syndrome diagnosed perspective.
• The Little Green House: 17 Years Later

  7/7/2011

  What would you do if every time you stepped foot outside your home you were reminded of a past trauma that left effects lasting to the present day? Why I know we are where we are for a reason.
• Growing Old Gratefully: Having No Fear of the Unknown

  6/15/2011

  Reflections on my 34th birthday and being a 3 time cancer survivor.
• Faulkner: an American Romantic?

  6/15/2011

  My favorite short story author is William Faulkner. Faulkner infuses a Southern U.S. style with American Romanticism--a combination of which I love.
• Life Better Spent

  6/15/2011

  This poem is based on an image of myself going through chemotherapy as a child. It is an attempt to creatively express the radical change in thought I have undergone over the past few years. Written from a mom's POV to her children. .
• Arterio-Venous Malformations: a Definition and Discussion of Treatment Options Available

  5/20/2011

  My seven year old son had an AVM removed last week. As a six year old, I had one removed as well. Being unclear as to what AVMs are, I did some research and decided to share. This gives what AVMs are, treatment options available, etc.
• Five Inspiration Bible Verses

  5/16/2011

  No one has a truly easy life. We all face difficult times. Here are five verses I turn to often in times of trouble.
• Moving Past the 2011 Record Randolph County, Arkansas Flood

  5/15/2011

  An article discussing the 1915 and 2011 record floods of Randolph County, Arkansas.
• Raindrops

  4/20/2011

  In spite of four years in college to achieve an English minor, I have never attempted a Shakespearean sonnet until now. The basic idea is let your drop of water (life) not blend into a faceless, nameless ocean - stand out against the frivolity of life.
• Living Life in a Gray Zone

  4/20/2011

  Aspects of chronic illness, specifically Cowden's Disease that I wish I had understood four years ago when diagnosed.
• Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven"

  4/20/2011

  Edgar Allan Poe wrote "The Raven" three years before the loss of his wife. Since "The Raven" is filled with mourning imagery, Poe may have been writing about his impending loss. "The Raven" has been my favorite poem for many years.
• First Mother's Day Without Mom

  4/18/2011

  Memories of the holiday with my mom who lost her life in November 2010.
• A Comparison Between Experience of Ruptured Brain Aneurysms in Two Loved Ones

  4/14/2011

  In 1994, my father had an aneurysm rupture on his brain. In 2011, my mother-in-law had this happen as well. This article details similarities and differences between their two experiences.
• My Life Through Mario: Why Playing Video Games Isn't Necessarily a Bad Thing

  4/14/2011

  How playing video games helped me to recover from cancer, reconnect with my family many years later, and provided a chance for coping during the most stressed season of my life.
• My Seven Civil War Direct Ancestors and What I Know of Their Stories

  4/14/2011

  I am directly descended from a minimum of seven Civil War soldiers. Here is who they were and a story that united one of those Confederate ancestors with one of the Union ancestors when their children eloped to be married.
• My Five Year Old Daughter May Have a Brain Tumor

  3/15/2011

  We recently learned our little girl may be very sick. This is primarily about my thoughts as we wait our way through this nightmare. I wrote this to deal with my thoughts and share with others why I'm currently publishing less than normal.
• A Picture Journey of My Return to St. Jude Hospital

  3/6/2011

  Last week I returned to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital In Memphis, TN for their adult alumni study St. Jude for Life. I documented my return in photographs.
• My Return to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the St. Jude for Life Study

  3/2/2011

  I was a patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1986-2002. Recently I was asked to take part in a study of about 4,000 long-term childhood cancer survivors. My thoughts on the changes, new experiences, and moving on.
• Repeated Sinus Infections? Black Mold May Be the Problem

  3/2/2011

  Recently we discovered the cause of my family's chronic sinus infections was black mold in our home. Signs and how to rid your home of black mold are discussed in this article.
• Clinodactyly of the Fifth Finger

  3/2/2011

  Last week I learned I have Clinodactyly and that it can sometimes come along with various genetic problems. Clinodactyly of the fifth finger is a bending of that finger (the pinky) toward the other four fingers.
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Cancer Patient

  3/1/2011

  Post-traumatic stress disorder is mostly known for being found in soldiers returning from combat. War is a fight for one's own life and cancer is its own type of war. Former soliders and cancer survivors are each at risk for developing PTSD.
• Dr. Seuss and Read Across America

  3/1/2011

  Our school has green eggs and ham for lunch on March 2, based on Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham". Seuss' books helped many to read. Seuss earned the honor of his birthday being later celebrated as Read Across America Day.
• Losing a Parent: 3 Months Later

  2/28/2011

  An article describing thoughts and feeling I've had while in the grieving period of losing my mom. Much of this is raw and perhaps not the best written of my articles but it comes from the heart.
• How Our Nintendo Wii Became "We"

  2/28/2011

  There are certain things I have been averted to since my experience with chemotherapy---the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, Sprite soda, Hawaiian punch, and video games. This is how my children helped me to try some of those things again.
• Memories of Easter Celebrations Past--the Good and the Bad

  2/28/2011

  While reviewing Easter celebrations in the past several stood out to me. Although there are the typical, happy childhood memories of Easter the holiday inevitably raises some feelings of loss but hope in the hereafter.
• My Earth Day Promise to the Planet

  2/28/2011

  A letter I wrote to planet Earth promising to do better with recycling, not littering, etc.
• I'm Almost 34 Years Old but I'm Going Back to St. Jude Hospital

  2/28/2011

  I became a patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 1986. After a 1992 relapse, I remained a patient for an addition 9-10 years. I'm returning to take part in the St. Jude for Life study this week and here are some of my thoughts.
• First Person: Snow Hits Northeast Arkansas

  2/9/2011

  Southerners have a different way of dealing with snow. Details of my experience with most recent storm warning.
• My Meant to Be Love Story with My Husband

  2/7/2011

  It seems impossible my husband Shawn and I have been together (including dating time) for 10 1/2 years. Here is the story of our meant to be meeting and a surprise we learned a few months after we were married.
• Guide to Arkansas St. Patrick's Day Celebrations 2011

  2/5/2011

  A brief guide to events being held around the state of Arkansas for the 2011 celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
• Autism and MMR Vaccinations Not Necessarily Linked

  2/1/2011

  Recent research has uncovered the study that started the debate between vaccinations causing autism contained falsified information. How much damage has the Wakefield and colleagues 1998 study done?
• Profile of Coping with Chemotherapy (Sandra and Owen Giddens)

  1/30/2011

  Details what chemo is about, gives advice on how to make it easier, and informative of what the cancer patient needs. Truly one of the most detailed books I have read in a while and this was in only 105 pages.
• Hospital Stays: My Experience with the Bad

  1/25/2011

  Details certain experiences I've had in the hospital going through 3 cancer diagnoses and how my nightmare experience was with someone else as the focus.
• Losing a Parent: The Anger Hits

  1/24/2011

  Continuing a comparison of Kubler-Ross stages of grief with what I am experiecing with the loss of my mom.
• Owen and Hannah's First Geneticist Visit for Cowden Syndrome

  1/24/2011

  At the ripe age of 5 1/2 and 7, my children will recently face baseline scans of their thyroid, ovary, brains, and other places PTEN issues tend to present a problem.
• Early Childhood Cancer Survivors: Pros and Cons

  1/24/2011

  Until the 1960's, survival from childhood cancer was rarely heard of. In 2011, I can personally vouch for the fact that many of these survivors are now attaining gray hair. In spite of time passing, keep up with new info is critical.
• Remembering Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger Explosion: 25 Years Later

  1/24/2011

  Those on board the Challenger gave the ultimate sacrifice. Christa was my hero. She was a teacher who never wanted to stop growing and even now, at age 33, she remains one of my heroes.
• Coping with Cowden Syndrome Part 1

  1/24/2011

  A more in depth version of my story with Cowden Syndrome and the common feelings I had when finding out. I wrote this for my special PTEN gene kids and for others who may be as lost as I was when originally learning what happened to cause my problems.
• The Widowhood Effect and Elderly Suicide

  12/20/2010

  When my father recently lost my mother, I began thinking of how when one part of a couple dies the other too often joins them within the first year. This article is a result of my thoughts and research on the subject.
• Elisabeth Kubler Ross' Grieving Model

  12/20/2010

  Elizabeth Kubler Ross was right in her stages of grief. This explores what my mom went through with a terminal colon cancer diagnosis and what I went through with an ovarian cancer diagnosis I did recover from.
• Coping with the Loss of a Parent Two Weeks Later

  12/16/2010

  I lost my mom due to a pulmonary embolism just two weeks go. I felt the need to write about the experience and this article is the result.
• Coping with Infertility

  12/3/2010

  Two questions were asked me as a 9 year old ovarian cancer survivor-did you lose your hair and the more painful-can you have children? I did lose my hair and after a long progress became mom to a little boy and a littel girl.
• Taming the Menstrual Migraine Monster

  12/2/2010

  For many women, migraines in the days before menses are common. There is treatment available to help cope with the symptoms.
• More Than A Medical Oddity

  11/23/2010

  I was born with a disease that had a name for only 14 years at the time. It took until I turned 30 and had a genetic test to find out what the disease was. One in twoi-hundred thousand people have Cowden Disease. I am one of those people.
• Best Kids' Television Commercials from the 1970s

  11/22/2010

  A sample of popular toys I remember from being a young child in the late 1970s. The commercials were a special treat from YouTube.
• 1980s Commercials as Remembered from a 1980s Child

  11/22/2010

  The following commercials are ones that stand out in my mind as being memorable. I turned 3 in 1980 and 13 in 1990 so my childhood literally spans this decade.
• Can Little Girls Have Ovarian Cancer?

  11/22/2010

  I was first diagnosed with dysgerminoma at age nine. Six years later a nightmare brought it to the realization; cancer was back and instead of stage I, I was stage IV.
• Top 5 Toys Relevant to Little Girls in the 1980-1990 Period

  11/22/2010

  A list of some of the toys I received for Christmas as a child complete with YouTube links for the previous commercials.
• Small Kids Say the Cutest Things

  11/20/2010

  When my children were a little smaller, they said some of the funniest things. These are some that I specifically remember.
• I Don't Look Forward to Christmas This Year

  11/18/2010

  My mom, my closest confidante was diagnosed with adenocrcinoma this past May. Average survival states 8 months and we will be blessed to have her for Christnas,
• A Sampling of Christmas Events in the Eastern Arkansas Area

  11/8/2010

  The area of Eastern Arkansas allows for diverse events to celebrate the 2010 holiday season.
• In Rural Areas, Cemeteries Provide an Excellent Aid in Family History Research

  11/6/2010

  This article is a suggested write by my dad at the atrocity of losing yet another cemetery in the Randolph County, AR area.
• Why the Bible is My Guidebook: 5 Truly Inspirational Verses

  11/4/2010

  Turning to the Bible for inspiration became a daily thing for me at age 9 when I was diagnosed with the first of three cancers. These are my favorite scriptures. Sorry such a long read. I am passionate about my Bible.
• In Arkansas, 2010 midterm results mixed for both parties

  11/3/2010

  Results for U.S. House, Governor, and other Arkansas state elections. Included are other results specific to Randolph County, Arkansas as well.
• Spotting Signs of Suicide Before it Happens

  10/15/2010

  Over 75 percent of people who commit suicide leave warning signs. Learn these signs and put them into practice before you lose a loved one to suicide as the author did in 1993. She and her friend were only 16-17 years old.
• Drug Induced Psychosis and Schizophrenia -- a Family's Story

  9/30/2010

  Detailing what my family went through with my brother's mental handicap and how mental illness and drug induced psychosis can overlap.
• First Person: 31 isn't too young for breast cancer

  9/29/2010

  Cancer survivors each have unique stories and different situations. In my case, I have heard others say if I could beat cancer, then so could they.
• Essential Supplies Needed for College Students Upon Returning Back to School

  8/7/2010

  I am going by long-term memory here but these are supplies I could not have lived without during my years of college.
• Kindergarten Time--Tips to Help Your 5-6 Year Old Through It

  8/7/2010

  Last year my son attended Kindergarten and graduated this Spring. This year my daughter begins Kindergarten. This article includes tips that made the transition easier for us.
• Can Prayer Benefit Health? Studies Are Mixed

  8/6/2010

  Scientific study about whether prayer can be benefical to one's health is often inconclusive. How can science, which depends on human activity study the effect of something depending on God activity?
• Essential Supplies for Back to School: Elementary School Edition

  8/4/2010

  With a daughter beginning Kindergarten and a son beginning first grade, I am highly versed on what they will need when school begins two weeks from now.
• Video Games Should Be Kept in Moderation to Avoid Ruining a Child's Attention Span

  7/19/2010

  Children who play too many video games may become obsessive and do nothing else.
• ABC and the New Show HUGE--Politically Incorrect, Appropriate, or Ahead of Its Time?

  7/19/2010

  ABC recently launched an interesting television show named HUGE that follows several teenagers at a weight-loss camp where they learn more about who they are outside of their overweight bodies.
• Correcting Damage Done to One's Body

  7/16/2010

  Many behaviors we participated in when we were younger or perhaps continue to can damage the body. I have listed some of the most common behaviors that damage the body as well as ways to prevent that damage.
• What to Expect when You Go Through Chemotherapy

  7/8/2010

  Analysis of similarities between how my friends, mother, and I felt when going through chemotherapy. A good article to show what to expect.
• When You Lose Someone You Love to Cancer

  7/7/2010

  Both personal experience and ways of coping with losing a loved one to cancer (especially colon) are noted in the article.
• Why Doctors Do Not Know Everything in Regard to Human Conception

  6/15/2010

  Tips on how we conceived our son and daughter in spite of my health issues. Don't worry about this article saying "just relax and it will happen." I know those are the most annoying words in the word when trying to conceive.
• Colon Cancer: What it is and Why You Should Be Tested for It

  6/15/2010

  Colon cancer tests are critical, especially if you have a family history. If my mom had been tested earlier than she was, her prognosis would be better. I've had cancer 3 times and survived only because of catching it early.
• The Ten Things I've Learned Since My Mom was Diagnosed with Metastatic Colon Cancer

  6/11/2010

  My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread this past May. She's not doing well at all but through this process I am learning a lot and appreciating every day I can with her.
• When it Comes to Blood Donation---Yay for Anyone and that Includes Gays

  6/11/2010

  My opinion of why the ban on homosexuals being able to donate blood should be repealed.
• Birthdays

  6/7/2010

  Just some thoughts as I celebrate my 33rd birthday. Mostly positive with the exception of my mom going through metastatic colon cancer at the time of this writing.
• A Reflection on Mental Awareness During Mental Awareness Month

  5/14/2010

  A brief description of how psychology has developed over the past 200 years along with personal experience in real life and education.
• In Honor of Father's Day....My Dad

  5/14/2010

  He survived a son with substance abuse problems, a daughter with a problem that gave her cancer three times and a lot of scares, in 1994 he survived a burst brain anuerysm when the doctors said he shouldn't have--meet my other hero and miracle, my dad.
• My Mother-My Hero

  5/13/2010

  The woman who gave birth to me gave me so much more. Through more pain than most people can imagine she taught me how to love without question, always be honest, and always know family is where it is at. Meet my mom--my hero.
• Should Autistic Children Be Tested for the PTEN Mutation?

  5/13/2010

  Autism and PTEN gene mutations share some of the same traits-including delays and macrocephaly. This article provides research in an attempt to answer that question.
• Memories of My Grandfathers : a Tribute

  5/13/2010

  My grandfathers each died in late 1976-early 1977 only three weeks apart. Recently the Cowden Syndrome connection with my paternal grandfather became clear and I've thought of him a lot lately.
• Prenatal Genetic Testing-Should You Consider the Triple Screen?

  5/11/2010

  Summary of what the triple screen test is during pregnancy, what factors can affect it, and of my own personal experience.
• What Your Doctor Needs from You when You Visit

  4/20/2010

  Brief overview of what a doctor expects from his patient when the patient arrives for an appointment.
• Which Came First the Depression or the Insomnia?

  4/19/2010

  Research found several years ago that depression can cause the inability to sleep. Recent developments in research show the inability to catch shuteye over a period of time can also cause depression.
• Building Muscle Mass the Quick and Fun Way

  4/19/2010

  Suggested are some ways to build muscular mass consisting mostly of lifestyle factors but with some activities.
• Five Servings of Fruit and Veggies a Day May Not Be Enough to Keep the Cancer Away

  4/16/2010

  Recently it has been discovered fruits and veggies do not protect against cancer as much as previously believed. If you are concerned about this new study, please read this article written by a three-time cancer survivor (I'm 32 by the way)
• In the Carb Battle-Which Side Would You Choose?

  4/16/2010

  Good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates contain a lot of differences. Good carbohydrates help with energy while bad carbohydrates typically do not.
• Childhood Cancer Patients May Face a Shorter Life Expectancy Than Their Peers

  4/15/2010

  Whether due to secondary cancer diagnoses, long-term effects of treatment, or even suicide nearly 24 years after the fact, recent research shows childhood cancer survivors may live much shorter lives than those in the average population.
• Trying Things for the First Time

  4/15/2010

  Due to growing up with bad health, I didn't get to experience many normal cildhood things. Yesterday I experienced a new situation. Read on. You'll probably laugh at me just like the guys standing around did.
• ADHD and Long-Term Side Effects of Treatment

  4/14/2010

  ADHD has been an overdiagnosed condition for decades. The problem is in not knowing the effect long-term treatment will have on these children.
• How to Keep Depressive Acts from Reoccurring

  4/14/2010

  I should have been diagnosed with clinical depression at age 12 and was not. The stigma was the reason behind my not getting help until my little girl was a baby. Here are some tips on how to cope with depression and its setbacks.
• True Miracles of God Healing Those in Need

  4/14/2010

  Sometimes God heals people and we don't even realize it. Other times God heals people and we can't help but be blown away by how he does it. This is a story of two such cases. One of which I am proud to be the subject.
• Doctor Shopping for Medication and 10 Ways It Can Be Minimized

  4/13/2010

  Doctor shopping has became a rampant practice among those addicted to prescription medications. This articles presents ten of the author's ideas on solutions to the problem from both a personal history of the practice and a psychological background.
• Arkansas is One of the Leaders in Assisted Living Care in the Nation

  4/12/2010

  Laws the govern the use of Medicaid in assistance living centers vary by both center and state. I have focused on the state of Arkansas because that is where I live.
• I Am on Cloud 9 Even Though Things Aren't Perfect

  4/12/2010

  A series of bad events last week left me to again feeling sorry for myself, or, well, my children. Some of these events turned out to be less bad than anticipated so I am back on track with the positive thinking.
• What Not to Do on a Fishing Trip

  4/10/2010

  This was hands down the worst fishing trip ever today. Some tips on what I did wrong.
• The Big Bang or a Power Behind the Big Bang

  4/10/2010

  Much of this article involves my experience of coming from a belief in creationism to a belief in the evolutionary theory back to belief in creationism.
• Autism Awareness Month is April 2010

  4/9/2010

  Autism. The word continues to carry a stigma. What exactly is autism? Can children who face autism, Asperger's Syndrome,or PDD-NOS experience a positive quality of life? The differences of the autism spectrum are discussed within the article.
• Assisted Living is a Life Saver for Many Handicapped and Elderly People with Special Needs

  4/9/2010

  Exploring what behaviors may lead one to learn a loved one needs assisted living and the differences between assisted living and nursing homes.
• Judging Quality of Life and Ethics Due to Genetic Testing-where Should We Draw the Line?

  4/8/2010

  The propsect of using genetic testing to remove what society deems as less than "normal" people terrifies me. Written from an author who has a genetic illness and has two children who do as well.
• Three of the Creepiest Commercials from the Last Few Decades

  4/7/2010

  Commercials say a lot about how our society has changed throughout the years. Included are three commercials that received a genuinely "yikes that's scary" reaction on YouTube. I concur with those remarks.
• Bullies and Me

  4/6/2010

  I was one of many children bullied while in school. I've assessed a couple of possible causes of the bullying and important information for chidren who are bullied as I was many years ago.
• A Letter to My Son and Daughter

  4/3/2010

  On March 30, 2010, I found out I passed Cowden Syndrome to my two children. Serious health concerns due to extreme risk of various cancers will be a part of their entire lives.
• Health Coverage and Me

  3/29/2010

  A condition known as Cowden Syndrome caused me to have cancer three times and the expenses of the screening process took some of my dreams. If my children have CS, the new laws may allow them to keep theirs.
• Fishing Day--It was Beautiful. Owen and Hannah's First Catches

  3/19/2010

  Though I took a photo of Hannah with her fish it didn't stick but there are some of Owen. Nice day--mom and dad went with us.
• Elderly People Deserve to Be Treated like Heroes-Not Zeroes

  3/19/2010

  Elderly people are too often ignored, neglected and abused whether by family members, those involved in a nursing home, or hospital, etc. What causes abuse among the elderly and what can be done to stop it?
• Choosing the Perfect Container for Your Container Tree

  3/19/2010

  Many options exist in choosing containers for trees--some benefit more from lighter colored containers that do not absorb sunlight because they do not need to be overheated, for example.
• Container Trees: Some Examples You May Enjoy

  3/19/2010

  Container gardening can be fun as it provides a way for those who have little land to appreciate flowers, fruits, vegetables, and even trees they would otherwise be unable to enjoy.
• Five Good Trees to Use for Patio Trees

  3/19/2010

  What I consider to be five perfect patio trees--from the smallest of patios to the largest, there should be at least one for everyone's taste.
• Why You Should Go for that Checkup Even If Nothing Seems Wrong

  3/19/2010

  Sometimes we are not the best judges of what is going on in our bodies, it is important to keep an annual exam with a physician to be as certain as possible we remain healthy.
• The Small White Room (a Poem)

  3/17/2010

  A poem about thoughts swimming through my mind as I spent over and hour waiting on the doctor in a patient room
• A Wonderful Surprise When I Went to UAMS Little Rock Today

  3/16/2010

  I was surprised to see these while walking into the Outpatient building at UAMS. Apparently Little Rock is far enough south of us it has tulips already blooming. Be back on tomorrow for due articles and viewing. Beat today.
• Fishing with an Open Faced Reel on the Ides of March (my First Time with This Reel)

  3/15/2010

  Today I thought it was a brillant day for fishing. It was in the 50's outside but windy. My dad no longer owns a push button rod and reel so I thought an open faced reel wouldn't be a problem. I was wrong.
• Arkansas Fishing Licenses and Regulations

  3/15/2010

  How to make your life and the game warden's a little easier on fishing trips.
• Memories of Mrs. Tommie

  3/14/2010

  A lovely church lady and relative of mine died last week. I learned this morning and remain a little surprised and a lot sad.
• The Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel

  3/13/2010

  My experience with the first time I tried home microdermabrasion. Why I will repeat the process if given the opportunity.
• A Dark Day--poem

  3/13/2010

  I do not write poetry but have had a terrible day. I know poems don't always have to rhyme and some of mine rhyme pitifully but I wrote this while in tears earlier over a very problematic day. It's meant to be expressive--not impressive.
• Corey Haim and Michael Jackson: Addicts or Truly Searching for Some Sleep?

  3/12/2010

  Corey Haim and Michael Jackson were both admitted drug addicts at one point in their lives. Both men claimed severe insomnia before their deaths. Was it a ploy to get "downers" or true cries of help for insomnia?
• What Do an Android Phone, Candles, a Laptop, and Sirens Have in Common?

  3/11/2010

  Tornado warnings were in effect for many parts of Arkansas last night, including our own. We had an experience but were safe. Everyone in the path of the storm wasn't as lucky as us.
• We had a Beautiful Day This Past Saturday

  3/11/2010

  First trip on paddleboats. Blurry ones are from my crummy phone. Clear ones are from the husband's
• Spring is on the way--Proof other than crazy twisters!

  3/11/2010

  My children brought me home some of the first flowers of the season yesterday after visiting their grandparents. I looked outside this morning and saw we have a few blooming as well. Time to clean the flower beds!
• Telling Your Child He or She Has Cancer

  3/9/2010

  I have been a child who was told she had cancer. I was very confused. This article blends my experience with what I learned about child development in college.
• 3 Easter Sunday School Lesson Options

  3/9/2010

  Easter Sunday is the most important day for Sunday school lessons. I have included a plan that follows an outline from LifeWay, one that follows an idea generated by a previous article I have written, and an idea about an outside lesson.
• Fun Easter Games for Churches

  3/9/2010

  The Easter egg hunt is the most common Easter activity for children. Enjoy Easter longer with the egg hunt as well as these other activities.
• Help for Those Facing Cancer or a Possible Cancer Diagnosis

  3/9/2010

  This article was written based on personal experience with people misunderstanding common words used in regard to cancer (including some I confused myself).
• My Experience with Sleeping Medications

  3/9/2010

  Because I have suffered from being unable to fall asleep on my own for many years, I have experienced the effects of many different types of sleeping medications. Here is my review of those medications.
• Lhermitte-Duclos Disease

  3/9/2010

  A brief introduction to what Lhermitte-Duclos Disease is and signs to watch for in case you have it.
• Clark Gable: Rhett Butler and More

  3/9/2010

  A biography about the King of 1930's Hollywood--Clark Gable.
• Gone with the Wind: What You May or May Not Know About the Actor/Actresses Real Lives

  3/9/2010

  After a few days of extensive research into the biographies GWTW actors/actresses, I learned a lot and formed some of the interesting bits of information into a 20 question quiz.
• Marion Berry Retires from U.S. Congress. Who Will Take His Seat in 2010?

  3/8/2010

  A focus on the Democratic candidates running for Marion Berry's House of Representatives seat.
• Where to Visit the Easter Bunny in Pocahontas and Jonesboro, Arkansas

  3/7/2010

  Two locations the Easter bunny never misses are mentioned as well as another possibility. I will update the article as soon as I have more information.
• Christ and the Easter Bunny

  3/5/2010

  My exploration into how Christ and the Easter Bunny relate to each other. I learned Easter does have pagan roots but it is not beyond saving to more fully reflect Christian ideas.
• How to Talk with a Friend when They Receive Bad News

  3/4/2010

  When a friend receives bad news, it may be tempting to avoid the problem or the person altogether. It is best to speak with the person even if it feels awkward or has a result different from what you hope. Show you care.
• Forcing the Glass to Look Half Full

  3/4/2010

  Life experience article with gradually changing my thought patterns to see the sunnier side. Even in the worst cases, there is always a positive.
• Lost Season 6 Episode 6 (my Review of Sundown)

  3/3/2010

  Lost Season 6, episode 6, brought answers to some questions but was it enough to justify ABC's promo for the episode?
• State Parks in Northeast Arkansas

  3/2/2010

  An overview of location, costs and activities at my three favorite Arkansas state parks.
• Earthquakes from Someone on New Madrid Line's Point of View

  2/27/2010

  The recent earthquakes in Haiti and now Chile have brought back some of the major fears I had of earthquakes living in the New Madrid fault line zone as a child.
• Figuring Out the FAFSA

  2/26/2010

  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for college students seeking financial help.
• Fun Ways to Involve Your Kids in Spring Cleaning

  2/25/2010

  Lessons from my own experience on cleaning kids enjoy and information I have gathered online about additional ideas.
• Hopefully This is an Example of the Shell Stitching Tutorial that Comes Next

  2/25/2010

  This is hopefully me showing off what shell stitching looks like. When I get to that point with the green and black blanket, I will submit another video showing how
• Spring Cleaning Before Planting a Beautiful Spring Garden

  2/25/2010

  A list of ten cleaning things to do before planting a new Spring garden.
• First Steps in Learning to Crochet a Basic Blanket

  2/25/2010

  Try to ignore the no makeup face - I am sick with a cold today. Hoping I don't post the same video twice. I'm new at this.
• The Book and Movie Gone with the Wind Versus Its Place in Historical Context

  2/24/2010

  I have read reviews that say some blacks were offended by Gone with the Wind. I wrote this based on what I thought they may have found offensive and wonder if attitudes remain the same 71 years later
• Johnny Depp Supports the West Memphis Three

  2/24/2010

  In 1993, West Memphis, AR was stunned by the killings of three 8 yr old boys. Three young men were found guilty but questions remain as to if they are the right men. Many celebrities have taken up the case to have them freed--recently Johnny Depp.
• Jesus Heals 10 Men from Leprosy: Sunday School Lesson and Craft Idea for Kids

  2/23/2010

  Jesus heals ten men from leprosy--why we must remember to thank Jesus for healings.
• Not a Good Time for the GOP: Two Icons Hospitalized

  2/22/2010

  Bob Dole is recovering from knee surgery and pneumonia in a Washington D.C. hospital. Dick Cheney is also in a Washington D.C. hospital being evaluated for chest pains.
• President Obama's Health Care Plan

  2/22/2010

  What I took from the announcement of President Obama's health care proposal today.
• Health Care and Christianity: Where is the Line?

  2/22/2010

  Random thoughts I've had on healthcare and Christian friends who do not believe it should be something everyone should be given.
• A Brief History of Ash Wednesday

  2/22/2010

  Ash Wednesday is the day that marks the beginning of Lent. As Christ himself went into the desert to fast and pray for forty days prior to his death, we attempt to also fast, pray, and reflect upon our own shortcomings.
• Now We See but a Poor Reflection.

  2/19/2010

  A verse from the bible and how it helped me through a tough day today.
• Tiger Woods Apologizes to Family and Fans

  2/19/2010

  Tiger Woods gave a press conference today (February 19, 2010) about events following his November car accident and mistresses claiming affairs with him in the months following the accident.
• The St. Jude Life Study: Long-term Cancer Survivors Are Being Invited Back for Examination into Chronic Health Problems

  2/19/2010

  Because most adult childhood cancer survivors have some type of chronic medical problem, St. Jude hospital is providing a functional assessment and exam to their alumni patients in an effort to understand these problems.
• Resources to Support Those with a PTEN Mutation or Cowden Syndrome

  2/19/2010

  Those who have a PTEN mutation are a rare bunch. I am counted as among them. Here are some resources I have gathered to help assist those who many be looking for information and personal experiences in regard to the mutation.
• The Treatment of Women for Hysteria and PMS During Victorian Times

  2/19/2010

  Medical science has made many advances over the past one hundred years. Hysteria is a diagnosis rarely made nowadays but many years ago it was a common one and the treatment was interesting to say the least.
• Tiger Woods Will Break His Silence at a Press Conference Friday

  2/18/2010

  Tiger Woods has been keeping a very low profile since his car accident in November of 2009 and the subsequent allegations of affairs. He will speak out about what happened on February 19, 2010.
• Where to Buy Affordable Prom Dresses in Jonesboro, Arkansas

  2/17/2010

  Listing of places prom dresses are for sale in and near Jonesboro, Arkansas.
• Asking a Boy to the Prom: 10 Helpful Ideas to Increase the Odds of a Yes

  2/17/2010

  When I was in high school, I asked a boy to the prom. It was successful but only after my friends made his life miserable for about a week. Here are some better ways to ask and hopefully hear an enthusiastic yes.
• Clout 8 Would Be Great but Clout 7 is Heaven

  2/17/2010

  Just a silly little fifth grade level poem I wrote while trying to avoid housework.
• My Biggest Sports Moment: My Peak was at 6 and it Wasn't Much of a Peak

  2/16/2010

  Story of my finest moment in sports. It should give you a good chuckle.
• Dreaming and REM Sleep

  2/16/2010

  When I was in college, many of my papers involved rapid eye movement sleep as I find it and the process of dreaming completely fascinating. I drew upon what I learned in writing those assignments and papers for this article.
• What Passover Means to Me

  2/16/2010

  As a Christian, Passover to me once meant Easter was approaching. After studying more about the Jewish faith, it now means a lot more.
• Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit: a Review

  2/16/2010

  I felt a bit odd purchasing a kit to help with acne since I'm in my 30's but I did and here is the result.
• Butterfly Flower from Bath and Body Works

  2/16/2010

  A review of the lotion, bath gel, body spray, and eau de toilette
• Passover--What it Means to Me as a Christian and a Brief History of What it Means to the Jewish People

  2/16/2010

  I have made a point to study more about Jewish beliefs recently and found this article fun to write about.
• Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Gel Cleanser: a Review

  2/15/2010

  My experience with Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Gel Cleanser--the pros and the cons.
• Benefits of Micro-Dermabrasion

  2/15/2010

  Micro-dermabrasion is a recommended treatment for discoloration caused by sun damage, papillomas and trichilemmomas from Cowden Syndrome, and just a way to acheieve brighter and more healthy looking skin.
• Olay Regenerist: Daily Regenerating Cleanser and Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-aging Salicylic Acid Acne Moisturizer

  2/15/2010

  A review of Olay Regenerist: Daily Regenerating Cleanser and Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-aging Salicylic Acid Acne Moisturizer discussing how both have helped my skin.
• BeautiControl Microderm Eye-X-Cel Cream

  2/15/2010

  Because of too much time spent in the tanning bed and a chronic condition that affects my skin, I have tried numerous skin care products. This is my review of BeautiControl Eye-X-Cel cream.
• Jesus Chooses His Disciples: Sunday School Lesson Plan for Kids

  2/15/2010

  Jesus chose 12 disciples. This lesson plan is for children to learn about those disciples and how we can all be disciples for Jesus.
• Gone with the Wind: the Book Versus the Movie

  2/15/2010

  Several differences noted between Gone With the Wind the book and Gone With the Wind the movie.
• February 15th--My Off Chemotherapy Birthday

  2/15/2010

  Seventeen years ago, I was preparing for the last IV infusion of bleomyacin, etiposide, and cisplatin. At 15 years old, I couldn't envision living into my 20's. I'm 32 now and I continue to celebrate this day.
• Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Limited Box Set Collection on Blu-Ray

  2/13/2010

  The classic movie Gone With the Wind has long been my favorite. My husband recently purchased the 70th anniversary box set for me and this is my review of it.
• We Are the World 1985 Versus We Are the World 25

  2/13/2010

  Comparison of We are the World 1985 to We are the World 25 (2010)
• Arkansas Congressional State Representative District 80 Race 2010

  2/13/2010

  A brief review of candidates for Arkansas Congressional State Representative District 80 for the 2010 race.
• Genetic Testing Concerns: One Family's Personal Experience

  2/12/2010

  Personal experience in thoughts about genetic testing with my children beginning with a higher than normal triple screen and ending with testing for Cowden Syndrome--a condition I have and they have 50-50 odds of having as well.
• An Old Lady, Unexplained Cigarette Smoke, a Blonde-Haired Baby Girl, Phone Ringing on Its Own--True Unexplained Occurences in My Home

  2/12/2010

  Why I would believe my house is haunted if I believed in ghosts.
• LuLu My Cuddling Kitty Cat by FurReal Friends

  2/12/2010

  Our adventures and misadventures with a toy we bought our daughter this past Christmas.
• My Serious St. Patrick's Day Limerick

  2/12/2010

  I am Irish and even I couldn't think of a limerick that wasn't somewhat insulting. Guess I inherited my dad's British ancestors' wit even though it is way further back there.
• Weiner, Arkansas School Consolidation Plan Fails

  2/12/2010

  Weiner, Arkansas is facing a situation too many rural schools have faced in the recent past--consolidation. Their plan to merge with the Delight school district failed and many citizens are nervous about the future of their town.
• My Favorite Movies to Watch on Snow Days

  2/11/2010

  A list of the movies my family usually watches when it snows and school/work is cancelled.