Moving

Have thought about moving for a while now:

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH BREAST CANCER. New and improved...

Will You Raise YOUR Voice?

It's certainly no secret that an election year is upon us. I say this over and over - one person can make a difference! One voice can echo, and cause other voices to rise in unison. As we face the election of new officials it is important to raise our voices so that our healthcare needs are met. We need to make certain that each and every person has access to quality care!
Though it seems like a daunting task, any person can become an activist - even a lobbyist.
The first step in calling attention to the issues is to learn more about them. One of the biggest issues for me is an issue highlighted in the Wall Street Journal (click the link to read the article). It details the story of Shirley Loewe, a woman who was caught in a legal loophole, who lost her battle.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act (BCCPTA) is a wonderful thing in theory, yet it has a major loophole that is causing women like Shirley to be denied treatment simply because of where they are screened. Did you know that 21 states still have the most restrictive options for women when all states were given the option to provide more coverage? It has caused women to be denied treatment because where they were screened. Seriously...the physical location of where the screening occurred! It is unethical to screen a woman for breast cancer and then provide her no viable options for treatment.
Do something to help...look up your elected officials and urge them to provide every person in need with access to care. Urge others to do the same - one person can spark action.

Products For Breast Cancer Awareness - Think Before You Buy!

Every day wives, mothers, sisters and friends will learn they have breast cancer. Many organizations are providing money for the search for better treatments, earlier methods of detection, and for a cure.
It's a common question among breast cancer advocate...How do I know this product and company really benefit breast cancer awareness, research, or whatever else they claim? It is easy...RESEARCH.

These days it is easy to slap a pink ribbon to something and make the statement "for breast cancer initiatives." How does do you decipher the fine print etc...? I recently read "50% of the profits will go to support the fight against breast cancer." There was no organization mentioned, no break down of multiple organizations they support...nothing! These are the products that make me feel uneasy - just because there is a pink ribbon on it, doesn't mean I am going to purchase it! It can be maddening! Everything from Tic-Tacs to paper towels have pink ribbons (which are legit by the way). I have researched and have my personal favorites! It is unbelievable how many people ask me about the products I support. Below are a list of products that are not only great products - but support initiatives on behalf of many great organizations (they are personal favorites of mine!):

Yoplait I love Yoplait yogurt! I have tried many other kinds, but always go back. I have also collected lids for as long as I can remember. "Every lid matters, because every lid gets us closer to our donation goal for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. During our annual collection drive, for every lid we receive, we'll donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen, up to $1.5 million. And we guarantee to donate at least $500,000."

Karen Neuburger I cannot say enough about KN. I fell in love with these PJ's many years ago. Nothing feels as good and wrapping yourself in these products! My entire team was outfitted in these PJ's for camp in 2006- it was awesome. It was great to introduce ladies to a product I love!"We have helped to share comfort and hope for eight years, celebrating survivors and those on the journey through our KN Pink Ribbon Signature Collection ™. In honor of mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, neighbors and friends, we support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and community education and awareness activities across the country. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the BCRF goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. The Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for five consecutive years."

New Balance After many 3-Day event, New Balance remains my favorite shoe. They also have a fantastic line of pink ribbon apparel. "Over the past 18 years New Balance has been proud to partner with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight to eradicate breast cancer. Three national components make up New Balance's commitment to Susan G. Komen for the Cure: The National Series Sponsorship of the Race for the Cure® and Breast Cancer 3-Day, as well as our in-store retail promotion, 'Lace Up For the Cure®'. "

Clinique and Estee Lauder The two most fabulous make up lines work to eradicate breast cancer. How can you NOT pass up Cliniques' "DDML" or any Estee Lipstick? These two items are staples for most women. Since they are both under the Lauder umbrella, they are advocates for Evelyn Lauder's Breast Cancer Research Foundation. "Clinique will donate $10 per Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion sold to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Price: $35.00 - While Estee Lauder will donate $500,000 in connection with the sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation."

York Peppermint Patties York is my favorite candy hands down. I cannot resist a peppermint patty! "Hershey partners with the Young Survival Coalition to help raise money in an effort to encourage young women to become educated about breast cancer. Through Hershey's Pledge For Survival Program, they are donating $300, 000 to YSC. They also have York Mints Designer Tins where "100% of the proceeds from sales of York Mints designer tins will go to the Young Survival Coalition.Price: $25.00"

These are just a handful of products that are legitimately working hard for breast cancer initiatives. They happen to be at the top of my favorites list. Just remember, before you purchase an item that claims to support breast cancer programs...think before you pink!

A Picture Says So Much

Lately I have been discussing photography projects with individuals. I come across photos that mean so much without saying one word. Somebody directed me to this picture, and it just spoke to me.
What a beautiful woman...she shines in the face of adversity. I also see the beauty in her spouses kiss.
A friend of mine said, "You just rise to meet the challenge no matter how hard it seems. You drop the trivial stuff in your life, and hit the important details head on. I was scared as hell, and knew WE were in for the fight of our lives. I never expected to have to go through it once, but when it came around twice...I was scared as hell." HE was talking about his wife and her battle.

Tax Hike For Breast Cancer?!

"As America marks Martin Luther King Day and reflects on equality for all, a new survey shows that nearly sixty percent of voters are willing to raise taxes to ensure all women have access to quality breast cancer screening and treatment, including 71 percent of registered Democrats and 46 percent of registered Republicans.
The survey was commissioned by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance, the new policy offshoot of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer organization, and conducted by KRC Research."

Click here to read more about this amazing research by Susan G. Komen.

The Tie That Binds

It is amazing how something like breast cancer can bring people together. "You are a supporter too?" "My Mom is battling the disease for the second time." I didn't know you had a lumpectomy - you're so young."
It is so hard to believe that it is so EASY to find someone that has a connection with breast cancer. It is scary, yet provides a sense of comfort to one another. It is a strange bond to explain. I had a person explain it as the pink letter C as in the Scarlet Letter A. Though Hester Prine wore it as a badge of dishonor...the pink letter C is worn as a badge of courage.

4 Days of Therapy

Being with my friends for 4 days straight is better than any type of therapy. When I am with 3-Day sisters, crew and staff I am rejuvenated body, heart and soul...well, maybe not body. Below is a barrage of memories, and a really quick slide show. For those of you that understand what I mean...ROCK ON!

Two half brains are as good as a whole, mental moments, going to the 'Happy Place,' Starbucks makes everything ok, Gummi Bears, Jr. Mints and Chick-Fil-A, 'Surprise!" Delayed arrival to Crew Day, making friends with Po-po Heinz, 'No Whining,' hooking up with old friends, 4:30 AM! Are you for real?, Mitiz's sushi fix...not for beginners, 'Peace Up/A-Town Down,' setting up like the pros that we are and beating the 12 city record, Susann is our fearless captain, Cedric the dancing machine, 'Yes they're fake - the real ones tried to kill me,' ROCKSTAR, Eric and his bullhorn, 'Take the oranges - you don't want to be clogged up on the 3-Day!!!!' Lavone's Sexyback withdrawal, problematic underwear, poker in Karen's tent, the 8th hole, PJ disaster, annual stop at Walgreens, Glute stretch that will make you smack yo mama, Pink wig, tattoos, Lavonne needing a daughter - BAD! Love, laughter, life, celebrating it all, showing breast cancer just HOW WE ROLL!

Missing My "Sisters"

Sisters are those who share the same mother, or in my case the same spirit. I have this extraordinary group of women who I met through all of my work with breast cancer. Each of us refers to the others as "sister" - we are all fellow advocates, we are survivors/co-survivors, and we all have this unwavering support for one another. We are women strong and steadfast - when faced with adversity and the unknown we rise!

It is hard to explain the bond we have - oddly enough those who have been there understand what I mean. One of my sisters said "cancer can invade our bodies, but it cannot invade our souls." We are all from various walks of life, and have experienced many things both alone and together. I have been missing these women lately as we are all scattered around the south. Yesterday I was going through some pictures and found myself overcome with emotion...mostly a complete and utter belly laugh. How powerful connections can be.

I love each an every one of you - oh how you have touched my spirit! And don't think I have forgotten YOU, our Mister Sister!

Going Down in History

There are many talented individuals out there who are working toward a cure for cancer. Can you imagine a world without cancer? What a world that would be. I am not talking about breast cancer alone, but for all of the cancer in the world. It is the hope of millions of people.The other evening I saw a report about a doctor who has been working for six years on a variety of medical research. London's famed Imperial College invited him to exchange ideas with scientists on the cutting edge of medical research. All of this may seem run-of-the-mill to you...that is until I tell you that he is now 13!

His name is Akrit Jaswal, and he is from India. He is actually listed as the smaretest person his age with an IQ of 146 (my heaven's). He is the youngest person to ever attend college in India. At seven years old he performed his first surgery on a young girl whose family had no means to pay for medical treatement! He developed a passion for science and anatomy very early (no kidding). As a lover of Shakespeare I was completely impressed to learn he was not only reading, but understanding, the great writer when most children are simply learning their ABC's. I love the fact that doctors in his area recognized his gift and allowed him to observe surgeries - at age 6 no less. I completely understand Akrit is rare and unusual, but wonder what would happen if more professionals took interest when children showed great promise, or developed an affinity for something. What baffles me even more about Akrit - he NEVER studies! He simply reads and retains (and plays Cricket). Who wouldn't love a gift like that?

Young Akrit has said that he has millions of medical ideas in his mind, but is focusing on a cure for cancer. "I've developed a concept called oral gene therapy on the basis of my research and my theories," he says. "I'm quite dedicated towards working on this mechanism." Akrit used to see people who could not afford treatment that were in agony with cancer. "I get very sad, and so that's the main motive of my passion about medicine, my passion about cancer."I am so impressed by this young boy who is showing great promise... who would not be impressed? Not only does this young man have a brilliat mind, he has a tremendous heart. Just remember this name - Akrit Jaswal - he may just go down in history as the person who finds a cure for cancer.












(Akrit on the Oprah Show.)

Virtual Cheer

Today is the day my awesome friend, "A" gets her official results/diagnosis from her biopsies. I use the plural context because as she told me - they just kept going and going getting more and more clusters. With calcifications present, everyone kept telling her this is early...it's good that it is so early. I know she wanted to scream "I don't care if it IS 'early'...I don't want this to be happening to me!!!!"

A comment she made to me over the phone, "I realize that attitude is a large part of how I handle all of this." I was amazed at how ok she was, and how much we laughed as we talked through the seriousness of it all. The next day she emailed me saying her emotions were all over the place. Well, of course. I replied - "You have to right to be whatever you want to be right now."

When the sun came up this morning, all I could do was think about her. Everyday the sun rises and sets, and every day a woman has the fears of breast cancer. I feel so far away from her right now, and all I want to do is take her beautiful flowers, a bottle of wine and say, "let's let it all hang out." Since I cannot jump on a plane just yet, or drive like the wind to land on her doorstep...I virtually say to her, "let's let it ALL hang out, peanut." A, you are fabulous!!!!!

Great Message

Each new message I see from Susan G. Komen for the Cure continues to call me to action. I love this - it is powerful.

LIVE From The Breast Cancer 3-Day!

Share the love!!! The Breast Cancer 3-Day has a new, fun addition to their 2007 season. It should be loved and appreciated by all involved: participants, supporters,and even those considering the journey themselves... The 3-Day Web Cam !

It is only a very small glimpse into the event. The cam is set up at the "3-Day Cafe" in camp, and will be available for viewing between the hours of 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday during the event. (Video only. No audio.) I proposed this during the last season, but Iwas a little late in the planning stages to make it happen. I love it when things actually come to fruition! Don't forget to tell your friends, and family if you are participating. It is a really cool way to stay connected.

A really funny side note - just as I was posting, and on the 3-Day site to get the link....I saw my friend, Jordan! Of course I was cheering because she had completed Day 2 of her 4th event in the 2pm timeframe. HOLY COW! I even had to get her on her cell phone to let her know I saw her (So much fun from a participant perspective). It was also awesome to see some of the 3-Day staff family that I haven't seen in quite a while.

*TOO FUNNY*Another big FYI for participants - make sure you are aware of the camera. I had so many laughs while watching. People apparently have no clue they are right in front of the camera. I saw plenty more than I was hoping for at the moment...LOL.

Facing The Unknown

Facing the unknown is such a difficult thing to do for just about every person. it could be as simple as starting a new job, or walking into the door of a classroom. Other times it can be something more monumental - awaiting the birth of a child, or the news from a biopsy.

I have a precious, wonderful friend who has been waiting for "news" about some masses found in her breast. Her doctors worried her, and had that look of "you'd better be prepared." She faces a new form of biopsy tomorrow,and I wish I could be there to hold her hand. I want to hold her hand through good news, or not-so-good news. She's held my hand through other issues, and I have loved her support and understanding.

As we talked the other morning, we went through various scenarios. I am never one to cause fear in a person, but I am also not one to turn away from possibilites. I wish more women talked the way we did the other day, as well as sitting silently in order to listen and understand. I will be there to hold her hand for anything she may need.

I adore my friend, and I hope as she reads this she will feel comforted in knowing that I am here as she faces the unknown.

An Advocate At the Office

October is around the corner. So many pink items are introduced at this time to heighten awareness about the disease. In my opinion, every month should be breast cancer awareness month. For people who work to spread the message of early detection, one month just doesn't suffice.

I always look for new ways to spur on a conversation. It was much harder to discuss my advocacy in the corporate world without an open window. Well, Avaya Communications has certainly helped in that area! They have unveiled a workplace office phone that is sure to draw attention. The Pink Deskphone faceplates also showcase the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer(R) pink ribbon, and will provide $5 from the sale of each faceplate towards the Society's breast cancer awareness, research, patient service and advocacy programs through December 2008. The Avaya Pink Deskphone faceplates are among the first breast cancer cause-related marketing programs that are entirely oriented towards the workplace. KUDOS to Avaya!!!!

Powerful Connections

You never know what will happen when you blog. Many people read blogs, but never comment (I have to admit I am one of those individuals.) The other day I received a comment from a complete stranger across the US. I was touched, and blown away. She, too, has a blog...AND is a fellow 3-Day walker. You can read Kim's blog here.
I love connections...I eat them up! It can be so powerful to know that your words do not fall on deaf ears. I am making a new promise to comment on a piece that impacts me instead of just "lurking." Perhaps I can make the same powerful impact Kim made on me.

I AM THE CURE!!!

I continue to be blown away by the new messages of Susan G. Komen For The Cure! In 2007 their fight became even more serious...a new breed of activism and education. I love the new Race For the Cure colors, and battle cry:

(From www.komen.org)

I AM THE CURE.™ Say the words over and over. I AM THE CURE.™ Live them. Believe them. I AM THE CURE™, the new rallying cry of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, empowers you with the knowledge that early detection truly makes a difference and urges you to take an active role in your own breast health.

Komen for the Cure has developed a compelling educational initiative called I AM THE CURE.™ This program empowers people with the knowledge that early detection truly makes a difference. More importantly, it motivates people to take an active role in their own breast health. These words, and the simple steps that lead to early detection, will come to life as thousands of Komen Race for the Cure® participants make I AM THE CURE.™ their rallying cry on Race day.
© 2007 Susan G. Komen for the Cure

I love it! the cries get more and more powerful, and it causes me to want to continue on with my own initiatives. I am the cure!

Happy Birthday Jordan!

Throughout life you meet the most amazing people. Some of those people are with you for only a short amount of time while others stay around for years and years. You just never know when your actions or words will make a difference in a life, or when another person will impact your own.

I really believe it is Divine intervention when people come into your life. Sometimes you can only scratch your head with the wonder of it all. I remember a day (over a year ago) when I was first introduced to Jordan Carlson. I received a phone call from a co-worker about a 17-year old who wanted to walk all 12 of the 3-Day events (that is 720 miles folks...over a short span of time). I was asked to assess the reality of the endeavor. When the email with her contact information came across my desk you could hear the 'thud' of my body falling out of the chair! 704...that is MY area code! Over the years I have gotten to know many NC walkers, and become friends with many. Jordan was the most unique to say the least.

Jordan is an amazing young woman. There are several people who have walked all 12 of the events in the past, and there are walkers who are doing it this year. Jordan is unique in the fact she is so young, and filled with personal motivation. 14 years of her life has been filled with the pains of breast cancer. She was introduced to it early when her mother, Jan, was diagnosed...twice. The story is best understood in her own words - http://www.jordan720.com/ I go to Jordan's blog daily to read her updates along the road. Today was the first day of her third event, and she makes it seem so easy! I know firsthand it is NOT easy to do one event. She has prepared, she has worked, and she has so many people walking with her that are armed with such determination. If you are a fellow walker that comes across Jordan...introduce yourself to her. She is the reason I am walking in San Diego for 2008. I want to be there to see her as she completes the goal she has set for herself. Can she do it? You bet your walking shoes!!!

Jordan turned 18 this week. She is wise beyond her years, and holds a special place in my heart. Her entire family has become a part of my own. You just never know when, or how, people will come into your life and add to it so greatly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN KEAY CARLSON!

All Roads Lead to One

I've been looking back on my "career" and relationship with this disease called breast cancer. As my road begins to fork, and I am facing numerous options I have to look back at the road that led me to my destination.

I've walked with the Breast Cancer 3-Day so many times, I've crewed, and worked to pull the events together as an employee. So many people ask me why? I could go on and on about the statistics, or how I want to make a difference. The truth is...the disease entered my life in a very personal way. I remember the three most important calls of my life:

"Sally, your Aunt Patricia has breast cancer. She is having a mastectomy this week."

"You should walk with me! It will change your life, and you can do something for mom and countless others. I'll be right there with you."

"Welcome aboard the 3-Day, Sally. We are thrilled you accepted the position."

In several short years my aunt faced the disease and won! My cousin, Shelley introduced me to the 3-Day and all of it's glory! I stepped on board as a 3-Day employee, and saw the event from a totally different perspective! I also had a lump removed from my own breast.

All of the women in my family have made incredible strides with the fight to end this disease! My cousin works diligently in her area, and makes unique gifts to help her raise funds, and my aunt continues to be a part of Relay for Life. My mother has done so many things to support me, as well as other patients she has come to know. She has always walked every 60 mile adventure with me in spirit. My daughters even understand what it means...my 13 year old has fundraised, and my 3 year old points out every pink ribbon she sees.

All roads lead to family...they are the bridge across generations, and the keepers of precious memories. There will be an end in the road we call breast cancer...one day, we all hope and work so hard.

How Is the Comander-In-Chief Going to Fight Cancer?

As we get into the huge campaign season, cancer has been added to the list of topics to discuss. It does not matter what political views you may have - what matters is the eradication of cancer becomes a part of the government's agenda.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation is hosting the first-ever LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum to make sure our next President knows that Americans across the country expect cancer to be a national priority. Forums like this provide Americans with an opportunity to ask the candidates “What's your plan? And where does cancer fit into your policies?”

Elizabeth Edwards just joined Susan G. Komen For The Cure at the Iowa State Fair. She called on political leaders and presidential candidates to make breast cancer a national priority in the 2008 presidential campaign and increase funding for breast cancer screening programs for low-income and uninsured women.

You, too, can take a stand! Just like Komen's public policy rallying cry states, "THE POWER TO CHANGE MINDS IS THE POWER TO SAVE LIVES." ( ActNowEndBreastCancer.org )



"Organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure that are raising funds for breast cancer research are making all the difference in the world." - Elizabeth Edwards

Risks of the Diet Pill "Alli"

I found an interesting article written by Brad Linder, a Nutrition and Fitness Consultant based out of Dallas, TX. Brad earned a B.S in Health and Physical Education and a Master’s degree in Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies. He then earned his certification as a certified professional fitness trainer after completing his Master’s degree.
The information he provides about the diet aid, Alli, is frightening. Just the other day I noticed displays that were basically empty in more than one store. It is of great concern to me. I wonder when people are going to realize there are no short cuts to a healthy life. Below are the excerpts about the problems with Alli...

The Problems of Alli
First off let me state that taking the pill alone will do nothing for the fat that you already have stored. This means that if you have fat already you still have to get rid of it by using a lower caloric diet. That is what the full Alli plan is about, pill+diet program=fat loss. The diet plan is no different then all the other diet plans that are out there right now. Too low of calories and here low fat. The recommendations range from 1200-2000 calories a day depending of course if you are a man or woman. Most important though are the fat intake guidelines. You have a certain amount of fat to take in at given points and time. That isn’t really anything new and not eating too many fat calories isn’t going to stop you from going overboard on calories in general. Didn’t we learn anything about the low fat craze? What is new or more fun even is what happens if you go past those fat guidelines. If you take into much fat you get what is known as “Treatment Effects”.

What are “Treatment Effects”?
The popular treatment effects that you may have already heard about already mostly have to do with your bowel movement. The simple and short reason is because your body cannot break down and digest fat, your body is going to put that fat on an express lane. Since fat is oil, when it gets to the final stop it is still in a liquid form. It becomes a great lubricant for the movement of stools you have stored already in the body. This could lead to leaking, wet gas, diarrhea, and a sudden event where you could at any moment “go”, without being in control. To add more fun to this, the moral of the story is, the more fat you have in your diet, the more likely this is to happen. This is actually part of their behavioral modification aspect of Alli. They teach you that if you eat too much fat, your punishment is an accident in your pants.What about the other side effects?
Orlistat has been used for years now in a prescription capacity to treat obesity. Meaning that until now you could only get this ingredient by prescription from seeing a doctor. The good news is because Orlistat has been around already for a while I don’t have to wait for my logic to tell you what scientist has already gotten a chance to test.What they have found is quite interesting but apparently not interesting enough to reveal to the advisory board that is responsible for giving the okay to this being an over the counter product.
Neal Benowitz, a professor of medicine and biopharmaceutical sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, had this to say about the results I am going to share with you. “This was not in any of the documents that we reviewed,” he commented about the aberrant crypt foci issue. “Unless it gets reported by the manufacturer or FDA, or someone brings it up who gives testimony, we may not know about this.
So what was it that has been found out about this drug that would lead to this kind of hiding? What are the other side effects of Alli? What is the aberrant crypt foci issue?
A study done shows significant increase in the incidence of aberrant crypt foci. These crypts are widely believed to be a precursor of colon cancer. This is also not a bias study done by a competing drug company either. The National Cancer Institute has done these works and they have established a healthy link between ACF and colon cancer.
That is kind of a big problem to leave casually out of a report.
Another scary problem that could exist is the chance of breast cancer. “In the seven randomized, controlled clinical trials, there were 10 cases of breast cancer in the treated groups with only one in the control groups. The relative risk of getting breast cancer while taking Orlistat (compared to placebo) was calculated several times by both FDA and the sponsor and found to vary between 4- and 7-fold, depending on the analysis.”That is some pretty startling results, so much so that it causes a FDA Medical Officer to take back his original approval.
Let’s say that this wasn’t an issue or that you just don’t care about the cancer aspect of Alli. Do you care about your hair, nail growth, skin aging process, good cholesterol? Then Alli may not be for you.
When you block fat from being absorbed in the body, you are blocking the valuable nutrients that fat can provide. We have already learned from study after study how valuable and important fats are for the basic needed function of the body. Since you have to take in a low fat amount (remember you don’t want to have an accident) as it is and of those fats a certain quantity of that intake is going to be blocked, in a day your percentage of fat from you diet is going to be too little to provide the best of basic function for your body. The negative effects of that will wage war from things ranging from your hair and skin to your HDL levels.
To add one more insult to injury. Because you can’t absorb the fat and you don’t get all the calories from the fat you are taking in, you already low calorie diet, becomes even lower. Low calories diets as we have learned lead to weight re-gain, hormone dysfunction and unhappy bodies.

Does Alli’s Benefits Make Up for the Risk?
As simple as I can put it, no. Give it a few years and you are going to see the local lawyer firm advertisements that go “Are you or a loved one suffering from the effects of taking the drug Orlistat?” When you see that pop up I hope you are smiling because you read this report and you decided that bowel movement diet therapy wasn’t for you.
Not to mention it isn’t even easy. You still can’t eat well, can’t eat certain foods and on top of that have to worry about running to the bathroom in embarrassment. How this program got as far as it has in the first place is beyond me. One thing is for sure; its shelf life is short, both in consumer desire and in government allowance.