I have officially grown out of my home office  (lovingly referred to as Pinxwear West) and will be moving
to more spacious digs this weekend!  Yahoo.

Pinxwear HQ (and trusty staff) will remain on Huntington Drive in San Marino, California.

I am so happy to be moving in such a positive direction.  I am even happier to be working with great people
like designer Jana Stern and the creative marketing masterminds at Counterintuity in Burbank, California.

I am one lucky girl!

I thought this was an incredible story that needed to be shared.  I would also like to dedicate this blog post to two brave men who lost their battle with breast cancer – Brock Bowles and Ronnie Yates.  Brock’s son, Adam, created this wonderful sticker (shown in photo) to remind us all that MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO.  Sending much love and sympathy to their families …

Mother And Son Battle Breast Cancer Together

When Cedric Skillom’s mother, Lynda, 55, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, he was devastated by the news, but he never imagined that the largest killer of women would strike his own health.

While his mother was undergoing treatment at Loyola University Health System, she learned that she carried the breast cancer gene BRCA2. Doctors advised this 29-year-old father of two be tested and found that he also carried the gene placing him at risk for the disease. Doctors later identified precancerous tissue in his chest and performed a double mastectomy.

“Most men don’t fear that this disease will impact their own bodies,” Lynda said. “However, given our genetic predisposition to breast cancer, my son fortunately knew enough to get screened and treated early.”

Slightly less than 2,000 new cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. In 2005, the overall incidence of breast cancer in men was 1.2 per 100,000, compared to 122 per 100,000 in women. Differences in death rates from breast cancer were equally wide at 0.3 per 100,000 in men and 24 per 100,000 in women. The BRCA2 gene seems to be responsible for about 10 percent of breast cancer cases in men, according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime breast cancer risk for men who carry BRCA2 is about 5 to 10 percent, which is much higher than in those who do not have the gene.

“While breast cancer is rare in men, those who carry the BRCA2 gene should know that this puts them at greater risk for the disease,” said oncologist and hematologist Patricia Robinson, MD, who treated Lynda at Loyola. “A double mastectomy is often the best option for long-term prognosis for these patients.”

Like her son, Lynda underwent a double mastectomy to prevent a recurrence of the disease. While she was unhappy at the thought of losing her breasts, she knew that this might add years to her life and give her more time with her loved ones. Skillom moved forward with the double mastectomy and was encouraged with her decision to do so when she learned that cancer remained in the tissue that had been removed.

“The physicians, nurses and staff at Loyola could not have treated me better during my treatment,” Lynda said. “They taught me the importance of making your health and the health of your family a priority.”

Lynda and Cedric are now cancer free and will celebrate their health together this Mother’s Day.

Source
Loyola University Health System

Pinxwear was featured on May 12th in the Lifestyle section of The Pasadena Star News!

By Sandra T. Molina Staff Writer
Posted: 05/11/2010 02:13:24 PM PDT

Read more: San Marino woman turns breast cancer diagnosis into business opportunity – Whittier Daily News http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_15063080#ixzz0nkxFvu8F
Pretty in ‘Pinx’
San Marino woman turns breast cancer diagnosis into business opportunity

By Sandra T. Molina Staff Writer
Posted: 05/11/2010 02:13:24 PM PDT

SAN MARINO – It was one of those “light bulb” moments.
Cathy Meek, leaving the doctor’s office after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, had to go to the mall.
“I needed to run to the mall to pick up a few things before surgery and treatment,” said Meek, 46, of San Marino.
The problem was the department stores had nothing to offer.
“I thought, it’s too bad I can’t adapt the items I would normally purchase at a department store to fit my needs,” she said. “And hey, maybe other women are thinking the same thing.”
So at a time when a diagnosis of stage-two breast cancer would have most women wondering what the next few weeks and months would mean healthwise, Meek was laying the foundation for a new, home-based business.

Pinxwear was created in 2009 by Meek, two years after her breast cancer diagnosis.
A self-described “gal-on-the-go,” Meek had one simple goal: create a central, online resource to provide high quality items for breast cancer patients who want clothing and accessories that are as fashionable and luxurious as they are functional.
“It was an emotional time,” Meek admitted.
But with the help and support of husband and business partner Eric, 50, and their three children, Meek began her journey battling cancer and building a business.
“She is an amazing woman,” said longtime friend Page Malloy, 42, of Pasadena.
“Cathy would make us laugh and made light of what
she was going through to make those of us around her more comfortable,” Malloy said.
Now, she said, Meek is bringing that strength of character and comforting manner to her business.
Everything in the line is soft, sophisticated and classic, while exuding a sense of confidence and security.
Through Pinxwear, Meek also offers a lighthearted and positive view of managing breast cancer, while providing an honest and insightful approach to the challenges.
“Cathy is determined that those who purchase her clothing keep their dignity,” Malloy said.
Meek was inspired to improve the options that were available to women who shared her experience.
“During that year (2008), I made a list of the essential things I needed and couldn’t find,” Meek said. “There were a few items available on the Internet but I had a hard time finding basics for the `new me.”‘

Pinxwear consumers, who share their stories with Meek, are given a one-stop shop on the Internet that simplifies the process for those who can’t leave the house or don’t have the time or energy to search for good quality basics or hard-to-find items.
Friends and relatives of those with breast cancer can also buy items which will truly make a difference for someone they care about.
The complete Pinxwear line includes sleepwear, loungewear, panties, tote bags, beauty products, books, note cards, an organizer and other must-have accessories.
Meek considered a return to her previous field of home project consulting once she received her clean bill of health in April 2009.
“I wouldn’t have chosen this for myself,” Meek said. “But there was a hole in the system for cancer patients, and I was going to fill it. I am so excited about the future.”

For information call 866-222-1016 or log on to www.pinxwear.com

sandra.molina@sgvn.com
562-698-0955, ext. 3029

The latest research has been showing a link between low levels of vitamin D and breast cancer.  Interesting correlation, we get vitamin D from the sun yet there are many of us that are deficient in it.  Check out the video below.

I took my vitamin after I saw this!  What do you think about this information?

I was so excited to see Pinxwear mentioned on one of my favorite blogs. Shanna Coady, from My Favorite Everything, does an excellent job showcasing two of Zee Studio‘s latest projects…and Pinxwear was one of them. How fun is that? Susie, from Zee, is the brains (and beauty) behind the Pinxwear Website and all design including banner ads, monthly mailings, and more. Check out what Shanna has to say about Pinxwear, Zee Studio, and many other great companies that offer wonderful products and useful tips for items friends and family can use on a daily basis.

A darling blog loaded with simple tips and info — www.myfavoriteeverything.com

Hi all.  After several months of preparation, Pinxwear is finally here!  Yahoo.  I can honestly say this has been fun and totally crazy experience.  I have learned so much about developing a small business and even more about myself!  I’ve discovered some fabulous new products and have met some of the most creative, talented, and generous people on the planet.  I am one lucky girl.

Two years ago (almost to the day of this post) I was sitting in a doctor’s office getting my first round of chemo.  Little did I know then what was in store for me for the future!  Here I am two years later with a new business, a new outlook on life, and a new giant screen computer (so I can actually see what I am typing!)  Through this blog I plan to share my experience, tips and tools for healing, great recipes for comfort food, and last but not least some silly tales and embarrassing stories that will surely make you smile.  I am also eager to connect with other women, hear their stories, and pass on their “pearls” to others affected by cancer.

Special thanks to God (I watched the Grammy’s last night and he always came first!)  Much love to my family and friends who kept reassuring me that this little biz was a good idea!  And, many thanks to the people who make me look smarter and more capable than I really am…To Media Co., Susie Schindler, Ann Miller, Mark Miller and Jana Stern.  Thank you thank you.  xoxo