June 2009 Archives
South Pole physician with breast cancer dies
The same day that Michael Jackson died, Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald, the physician who discovered her own breast cancer while stationed at the South Pole in 1999, died at age 57. FitzGerald became famous for treating her own cancer–including performing a biopsy with only a local anesthetic and ice, and administering her own chemotherapy–after she noticed a lump just weeks after the last flight out for the winter. In October of that year–8 months after FitzGerald noticed the lump–the New York Air National Guard conducted a successful evacuation mission. FitzGerald co-wrote a best-selling book called Ice Bound: A Doctor’s Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole (2001), which provided inspiration for a TV movie starring Susan Sarandon. After her self-administered treatment she went into remission, but in 2005 her cancer recurred.
Her death hits home for me. Like me, born in 1952, she was a professional who endured two bouts with breast cancer. But here I am alive, and she’s gone. I’m taking a moment today to remember the courage of this woman, the only physician at the South Pole during those dark winter months. May she be honored in the midst of this news-heavy week replete with stories of Michael Jackson.
Solution to thinning hair caused by Arimidex
I had a problem with thinning hair after taking Arimidex for five years. My dermatologist suggested Rogaine, but my hairdresser said when you stop using Rogaine, the new hair just falls out again. So I went with her recommendation to try Nioxin thinning hair system, which I got from my local beauty supplies store. It is a kit containing three containers: one with the treatment spray, one with shampoo, and one with conditioner. After 3 months of that I noticed thickened hair, and so did my hairdresser. I ran out of the treatment spray and am now just continuing on with the shampoo and conditioner, and the extra hair has not fallen out. So if you have noticed hair thinning, you might want to try it. I’m happy with the results.
