My Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Experience...

Many of you who follow me on Instagram have asked recently if I could share my pelvic floor physical therapy experience and what I do at my appointments. PT is a very common treatment for endometriosis and interstitial cystitis, so I am happy to share my journey with you for my last blog post of the year!

Backstory: 

 My pelvic floor physical therapy experience started before I was even diagnosed with endometriosis when I was only 14. At that point, I had seen many doctors that could not find anything wrong with me, so PT was pretty much my last hope. My PT, who I still go to today, was the first medical professional to validate my pain and ensure me it was, in fact, real. This was huge for me as someone who was constantly told I was making my pain up and just being a dramatic teenager.  When I first started going to PT, I was diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction. Since I was (and still am) constantly in pain, I was always clenching my pelvic floor muscles, making them extremely tight. I actually learned this week at PT that when you have chronic pain, it doesn't just affect the muscles directly where the pain is; it affects all the muscles in the body if you've been in pain as long as I have. This has caused me to have hypersensitivity to touch to the point where I'm in terrible pain if someone simply pokes me in the arm, but that's a whole other topic. 

The first time I went to PT, I didn't go for that long because I thought that since I got a diagnosis, I didn't need to anymore, but I was very wrong. When I had an appointment when my endometriosis specialist this past January, he suggested I go back to PT. I knew it would help me and my pain, but I didn't know if I was ready to do that yet. A part of my PT is using vaginal dilators because my pelvic floor muscles are so tight to the point where I can't even use a tampon without incredible pain. Using the dilators before I found out I had a septate hymen (the skin over the vaginal opening that normally breaks when you're a baby, but it never broke for me) was extremely painful. I didn't think I would be able to put myself through that pain again. However, I knew it would be different this time because I had surgery to take care of my septate hymen over three years ago, so it should be all healed. 

Over the summer, my whole mindset changed when I started reading many books about endometriosis and how it affects so many different aspects of the body. PT was the missing part of the puzzle that I needed to complete to continue helping myself heal. I decided that I needed to go back to PT if I ever wanted to have a semi-normal life in the future. I was too young to understand its benefit the first time, but now I understand it is essential to my future. Well, it's safe to say that I'm very happy with my decision! I started back up in August, and I'm very motivated to get my body working the way I want it to. 

What do you do in pelvic floor physical therapy? 

Obviously, everyone is different, so I'm only here to share my experience. Everything I do in PT is about loosening up the muscles in my body, specifically my pelvic floor muscles, abdominal muscles, thighs, and lower back muscles, as well as keeping my body aligned. 

Like I said before, I use vaginal dilators to loosen my pelvic floor muscles. This is hard for me to talk about because it honestly embarrasses me that my body can't just work like everyone else's. It is hard for me to post this on the internet, but I decided that it's important before so many people with endo also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, and I don't want to be ashamed of it. All I want is to help at least one person like me and show them that they are not alone. The dilators are the most important part of PT to me because, like I said before, I really want a chance of living as much of a normal life as possible in the future. The pelvic floor muscles have three layers. I use the dilators to stretch the first two layers and a curved wand to stretch the deep third layer. And that's all I'm going to say about that because it's getting to the point of too much information, lol. 

To loosen my abdominal muscles, I do a couple different things. When I'm actually in PT, my PT will lightly massage my stomach to start loosening up the muscles. When I'm at home or at college, I use a tennis ball to massage those muscles myself, which is super easy.

To loosen my thighs, I do a series of simple stretches at home a few times a day that I'm going to put pictures of below. These stretches are very simple ways to keep those muscles loose. I also use a tennis ball to massage these muscles. 

To loosen my lower back muscles, my physical therapist does the same thing she does with my lower abdomen and lightly massages it. I keep saying lightly because it is very important to not do a harsh massage because it can actually cause those muscles to kick in and make them tighter, which is not what we want. 

Finally, to keep my body aligned, I do simple self-correction stretches throughout the day that I will show pictures of below. Staying aligned is something my body has trouble with at times, but it's so important that everything is in its place, or it's going to mess everything else up. 

Conclusion:

I would be lying if I said that having to do all these extra things wasn't exhausting because it is, but I'm happy to do it because I know that I'm doing everything I can to help my body. Like I said in a recent Instagram post (@endoisnottheendblog), everything I do with my body is intentional. The way I sit, the way I stand, the way I get in and out of bed, what I eat, what I drink, how I turn my body, and so much more has to be intentional, or it can throw something out of whack. Basically, my number one goal every day is keeping my body aligned.

I would be happy to dive deeper into any of the things I talked about in this post, but this is a general overview of what I have to do every day as a part of my pelvic floor physical therapy. Right now, I have appointments twice a week while I'm home for winter break so I can get some of my interstitial cystitis symptoms to calm down before I go back to school (I plan on doing a different post about what I do in PT to help my IC symptoms). 

I know this was a lot of information at once, but I hope it helped if you have pelvic floor dysfunction like me or just want to learn more. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a very real thing that affects so many people, and it can be embarrassing to talk about, but I want to work on not being ashamed about it and sharing my truth. 

Endometriosis Gift Guide

 With the holiday season upon us, I decided to do something I've never done before and made an endometriosis gift guide! This will consist of products that I think are essential to people struggling with endo or other chronic illnesses that would make great holiday gifts! 

1. HEATING PAD 

Every person with endo needs a heating pad if they don't have one already! A heating pad helps with pain and relaxing muscles and is a great gift for anyone with chronic pain.

Purchase: https://www.target.com/p/purerelief-deluxe-gray-heating-pad/-/A-76550894?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000049427611&CPNG=PLA_Health%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Health&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=c&location=9002443&targetid=pla-653428528000&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYpTZ_BtMEW3PAMIXE_BUBI5Ttui_8777HzoVzIyolToQ2YqneLkfuxoCkyMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

2.  HEATED BLANKET 

I love my heated blanket because my dad always keeps our house so cold! It's vital with endo that we are not tensing up our muscles when not necessary, and a heated blanket is a great way to help with that. 

Purchase: https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-4646884/biddeford-electric-heated-microplush-throw.jsp?skuid=30982468&CID=shopping30&utm_campaign=BLANKETS/DOWN/THROWS&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=30982468&utm_campaignid=9836151830&gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYu8su8YfkBAw51g7BjFD0Z0UUsQ2aJ6I1w_fjV_ydS06ZqgCzBjPvxoC8hIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

3. TENS UNIT

This is a must-have for any endo sufferers out there. You put the tens unit patches on your stomach, and it basically confuses your nerve endings from feeling pain.  This is great for when you're going to be out of the house for a while away from your heating pad. I'm going to link one with excellent reviews from Amazon, but there are a million different kinds, so make sure you do your research!

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Massager-Lifetime-Warranty-Rechargeable-Stimulator/dp/B079GG3HNX/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=tens+unit&qid=1606504711&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFRRDk1Uzc1SkFBTlEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0NzAwMzIxWTVISVJSVTA4MlY1JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNjQ0NzAyVDY0S0RRQlcxSUhOJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

4. NO, THANKS ENDO MERCH

If you've seen my Instagram lately, then you know I've been loving my new sweatshirt from No, Thanks Endo! The design is so cute, and the fabric is sooo soft. They got my size perfect, and I would wear it every single day if that was socially acceptable! This is a small business founded by one of our fellow endo sisters, so it would be great if you could support her. I got a sweatshirt, but there are t-shirts, stickers, and so much more!

Purchase: https://nothanksendo.com

5. RED BUBBLE STICKERS 

Red Bubble stickers (or any endo related stickers) are the perfect stocking stuffer for someone with endo to decorate their water bottle or laptop with. Red Buddle has a huge variety, and they are very inexpensive. The good thing about Red Bubble is that you are supporting independent artists who post their work there. Plus, the stickers are so cute!

Purchase: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/?query=endometriosis&ref=search_box

6. COMFORTABLE LEGGINGS

The best thing for an endo flare (or every day if you're like me) is a good and comfortable pair of leggings. In the winter, I live in leggings because they're the only thing that feels comfortable on my stomach, and I know a lot of other endo sufferers feel the same. I'm going to link my favorite American Eagle Aerie leggings below because those are comfortable and inexpensive, but I also really like Athleta leggings if you're looking for better quality, more expensive ones. 

Purchase: https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/leggings/7-8-leggings/offline-goals-high-waisted-legging/1701_5091_073

7. SLIPPERS 

A good pair of slippers are a must for comfort, especially in the winter. I'm linking my favorite ones below, and I seriously wear these every day of the year.

Purchase: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/503422?originalProduct=18664&productId=816066&attrValue_0=Brown&pla1=0&mr%3AtrackingCode=7354AF02-BFE7-E511-80ED-00505694403D&mr%3AreferralID=NA&mr%3Adevice=c&mr%3AadType=pla_with_promotiononline&qs=3125148&pcd=THANKS15&gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYs7qEuw_3NQ-HubNm4Pty6Tg1JCz1WPzMeO5Edb7jJ_2V5g2EAQ0gBoCw_YQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&SN=MasterPrompt04_test&SS=B&SN2=FindabilityRecs05_test&SS2=A&SN3=FindabilityProd07_Cat&SS3=B

8. WEIGHTED BLANKET 

I got a weighted blanket for Christmas last year, and it was something I never knew I needed! It's so relaxing and gives you the rest you need. 

Purchase: https://gravityblankets.com/products/gravity-blanket?variant=32408701304906

9. ENDO BOOKS 

You all know that with the extra time from quarantine that I've been loving reading books about endo and learning more about my body. I completely recommend any endo book to an endo sufferer on your list because it is always great to learn more about your body and hear other peoples' stories. My favorite ones so far have been Vagina Problems by Lara Parker, Ask Me About My Uterus by Abby Norman, and Living With Endometriosis by Samantha Bowick, but there are so many options to choose from!

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=endometriosis+books&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

10. A.W.A.R.E NECKLACE 

The company A.W.A.R.E sells necklaces for all sorts of diseases and illnesses for people to wear and be empowered by them. I have my yellow necklace for endometriosis and the company even shared my endo story on their Instagram!

Purchase: https://awarecauses.com

I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season!

*Disclaimer: None of these brands have asked me to talk about them*

Update On My Bladder Problems

 If you follow my Instagram, you may know that I have been struggling with bladder pain and frequency for the last couple of months. It is not really ideal to be going through this while away at college and in a pandemic, however, my body clearly has a mind of its own. I have been peeing 15-20 times a day, which is about once an hour or more, and I sporadically get very intense bladder pain that feels like a bunch of lasers are going through my bladder at the same time. Not to mention also getting up to pee 3-5 times a night, so as you can imagine, I'm exhausted. I finally had enough of this and decided to call the urology department at Boston Children's since that's where I get my endometriosis care and I have nothing but good things to say about them. About two weeks ago, I went to Boston Children's to get some tests done. I got a urine flow test where you pee into a "special toilet" (their words) and they see if there are any irregularities. I also had an ultrasound done to see if there was anything out of the ordinary. The ultrasound came back clear, but the urine flow test showed that my muscles were tensing up when I pee which means that my bladder is probably not emptying fully. 

The day after I got these tests done, I had a meeting with a nurse practitioner from the urology department to talk about what was going on. To help the urinary frequency, she said I should start double voiding (pee, wait 10 seconds, then try to pee again to make sure I am emptying my bladder fully), drink more water during the day and hardly any at night so I hopefully won't be getting up all night, and going to the bathroom a half-hour before bed, then right before bed to help with the previous issue. She also put me on a stool softener and fiber gummies just to make sure I wasn't constipated. After my appointment, she called me back saying that she wanted to start me on a medication that is supposed to treat an overactive bladder. So, I did everything she said for the last two weeks, and unfortunately, not much has helped. 

I met with her on a Wednesday and the first weekend after that was pretty much hell. I was having terrible diarrhea (sorry TMI, but this is real life!) and the new medication was making me so nauseous. But I decided to stick it out in the hopes that my body would soon get used to it and it would start helping me. After about a week or so, the nauseous died down and now I only get it a little bit after I eat. That brings me to Wednesday of this week. My bladder pain had actually decreased a lot which I was obviously happy about, until Wednesday when it came back at full force and worse than it's ever been. It's now Friday when I'm writing this and the pain hasn't subsided at all, so I don't know what's going on. I had another meeting today with the nurse practitioner from Boston Children's and I originally didn't hear what I wanted to hear. Despite me telling her that the stool softener wasn't helping and it was actually making everything worse, she still thought I was constipated, however, I spoke up for myself because I know my body and I know I'm not constipated, so she took me off the stool softener and I am going to continue with the fiber gummies and try to eat more fibrous foods. Next, she wasn't very happy that the bladder medication was making me nauseous, so she was wary about increasing the dosage since it hasn't really helped at the dosage I'm at. I convinced her to up the dosage and I would start taking it once I got home for break and it would be easier to deal with nausea if I had any because I'm desperate for relief. Then she wanted me to come in to get a special x-ray to rule out constipation. 

Like you may have seen on my Instagram, I really think that I have a disease called interstitial cystitis (IC) because I have all the symptoms (urinary frequency, peeing a lot at night, and bladder pain), and it is very common in people with endometriosis. I was hoping at this meeting that we would finally talk about me having IC, but we didn't. However, I got a call from her a little bit ago that she changed her mind and she thinks we should start looking down the path of IC. She wants me to keep a diary of how many times I pee and how often and she's going to call me on Monday to discuss it. If it doesn't get any better, then we're going to start talking about IC and she's going to put me on an antibiotic that will hopefully help. I was really happy by this news because I have thought I have had this disease for months now, but I felt like no one was listening to me, even when I present with all the symptoms. It may seem crazy to people outside of this community that I am happy to have someone say I probably have another disease with no cure, but after all the medical trauma that I and many other people with endo and related diseases have gone through, it feels so good when someone validates your pain. 

I am not sharing this with you because I want your pity or that I'm trying to complain, I'm sharing this for education because IC is also another disease that people don't know that much about (hence not having a cure). What I want you to take away from my story today is that you shouldn't be afraid to speak up for yourself. You know your body better than anyone, no matter what anyone else tells you. If you have done the research and you feel strongly about something, then PLEASE bring it up to your doctor because you might not find any answers if you don't. I spoke up and I got the answers I was looking for, thankfully. Also, please feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram @endoisnottheendblog if you want to talk about anything endo or IC related because I know it really helps to talk to someone who understands! 

Food Guilt

     Something that I have been struggling with a lot lately is food guilt. I mean this in the terms of eating things that I know will cause me pain, but doing it anyway because it seems like a good idea at the time. The two foods the cause me the worst pain are dairy and sugar. They are both extremely inflammatory foods and cause me a lot of pain almost instantly after eating them. Over the summer, I tried my best to cut out dairy. I don't like a lot of dairy products so I thought this would be easy for me. I haven't had real milk in years, I don't like yogurt, and I'm not obsessed with cheese. This was going well until I realized that all my favorite foods happen to have dairy in them: clam chowder, fettuccine alfredo, and caesar salad. This became a predicament because I didn't want to give up my favorite foods. So, a friend recommended Lactaid pills to me. If you have never heard of them, you basically take the pill with your first bite of food with dairy in it and it helps break down the dairy enzymes better in your stomach. I decided I would get these and take them on occasion when I would eat dairy. This seemed to have worked for me up until now when I have been having some crazy bad pain and I don't know why. I feel so guilty every time I eat something with dairy, but at the same time, I still want to enjoy my favorite foods and not feel guilty about it. 

    Like I said earlier, sugar causes me the most amount of pain which is very difficult because sugar is everywhere. I feel like I don't eat a lot of sugar because I know it will cause me pain, but sometimes I want and deserve to treat myself to a cookie or a piece of Halloween candy my parents got me. However, I feel SO guilty after I eat something with sugar in it. Like with dairy, I can almost immediately feel pain after I eat anything with sugar and I instantly regret my decision. It is my fault that I'm in pain. Why did I let myself have that cookie? That was so stupid of you. I find myself telling myself these things a lot. Food guilt is very real and it is very present in my life right now. Since I've been having increased pain lately, I have decided to completely cut out dairy and sugar (as in desserts, it's very hard to completely cut out sugar) for the time being to see if that helps at all. 

    I recently read Vagina Problems by Lara Parker and she wrote on this topic. She said she too felt very guilty every time she ate something she knew would make her pain worse, but she has learned to allow herself to indulge and not feel guilty about it. That is something I want for myself, but I don't know if I'll get there anytime soon. This disease is so out of our control that you want to control the things you can, like what you put in your body. Well, I know first hand that that isn't easy and it's not supposed to be. So maybe when you're having a good pain day, then you can eat that Twix bar you've been craving all day, but when you are having a bad pain day, maybe hold off on that chocolate until you start feeling better. It's the baby steps that count toward not feeling food guilt anymore and everything in moderation is okay.  

BOOK REVIEW: Vagina Problems by Lara Parker

    I just finished reading Vagina Problems: Endometriosis, Painful Sex, and Other Taboo Topics by my favorite endo blogger, Lara Parker, and I don't think I have ever read a book so fast in my life. I received her book in the mail late last week and I finished reading it on Monday, and keep in mind, I consider myself a slow reader. My roommate saw me reading this book and made a comment about how she wished she had more time to read for fun. I responded that when there isn't a lot of information about your disease out there, you have to read as much as possible to figure out what is going on in your own body. Parker uses 'Vagina Problems' as an all-encompassing phrase to describe the myriad of other medical issues that come with endo. As most of us know all too well, the issues don't just stop with endo and I know firsthand that it can lead you down a long, dark path of further pain and new diagnoses.  

    Lara's book is different from other endometriosis books I have read as it is so real and raw. She doesn't attempt to really educate people who have never heard of endo before but offers her real and unfiltered experience with her fellow endo sufferers to ensure us all that we are not alone. Lara takes you through her endo experience starting from getting a diagnosis, a struggle we all know all too well, to where she is today and the progress she has made. I have followed Lara for a long time on social media and I just love how real she always is. As we all know, there is not a lot of information about endo out there, so it is really nice when we can find people that are willing to be transparent about all their struggles, and Lara is definitely one of those people.

    

    There are two moments in the book that really stood out to me. The first being Lara comparing the diagnosis of chronic illness to the stages of grief. I had never really thought about it before, but I have definitely grieved about my diagnosis and still do every day. We grieve the life we had without pain and all the things we may not get to do or accomplish in the future because of our pain. We grieve the times of missing out on what our friends are doing because we can't get out of bed, let alone go out and try to have fun even though we really want to. We grieve about how our lives are harder now that we have to make every decision based on what we know our body's response is going to be to it, and so much more. However, the stage that Lara says she experiences the most, and I do as well, is anger. It is infuriating that this had to happen to me. I am angry a lot of the time with my body and why it can't just work properly. Is that too much to ask? I am angry that my friends get to have fun without a care in the world but I have to stay home because my body doesn't want me to have a social life today. Although, like Lara reminds us, this isn't anyone's fault. It isn't your fault that your body doesn't work normally, and it isn't your friends' fault for still having fun when you can't. I try not to be angry, but it is hard sometimes and it's something I'll probably always have to work on. 

    The second moment that really stuck out to me was toward the very end of the book when Lara wrote a very powerful letter to all the doctors who didn't believe her and her pain (pg. 202-207). This is something I know all too well. Lara and I were around the time age when we started having pain and started searching for answers. Having endo as a teenager is its own battle in itself. I was told by many doctors that my pain was all in my head and that I was just being a dramatic teenager. Lara had a similar experience. I don't want anyone else having to think they are crazy because "teenagers can't have endometriosis", but unfortunately, more and more young girls with very real pain are told this every day. In the letter, Lara shares how she still has trauma that she has to go to weekly therapy for from all these doctors that didn't believe her. She says that she has tried to forgive them but she doesn't know if she'll ever be able to even with years of therapy because of how bad they mentally messed with her head. This is something that no one should have to go through. One of my goals when starting this blog around this time four years ago was to make sure other people like me know that they are not alone and that their pain is real and I believe them even if no doctor will. This letter Lara wrote was again very powerful, but I wish she didn't have to write it because she was taken seriously the first time. 

    If you can't tell by now, I very much recommend this book. When Lara announced a while ago that she wrote a book, I could not wait to get it, in fact, I was counting down the days. I knew from following Lara for so long that this book would be amazing and would be just the thing I need to make me feel better about my own pain. Some of you may know that I have been having worse pain than I have had in a long time right now, so this book came out at the perfect time to help me feel a little better. I have said this a million times, but endometriosis is a very lonely and isolating disease, so I read. I read every book I can get my hands on about endometriosis and peoples' personal struggles with it so I know I am not alone (this means you have many more book reviews coming, so get ready;). With the holidays coming up, I think this is the perfect book to get for anyone in your life that has endometriosis or wants to read a first-hand experience on it that doesn't leave out any details. I commend Lara for sharing so many private and intimate moments of her life on social media and in her book because that isn't an easy thing to do but I know she did it to help all of us suffering, so go buy her book and support her!

Follow Lara Parker:

Instagram: @laraeparker

Twitter: @laraeparker

Buy her book!

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Vagina-Problems-Endometriosis-Painful-Topics/dp/1250240689

 

Going Back to College During a Pandemic

 Before going back to college this semester, I was a little nervous, but mostly excited. In the spring, I went home for spring break and never went back to school. That week before spring break, I remember one of my professors saying that we might not be back to school in person after the break and I thought he was crazy. At that time, the coronavirus hadn't really reached the United States yet. It was when it was really bad in Italy and all our study abroad students were sent home, but we never imagined we would be sent home too. Fast forward to August, I was ecstatic to return to school. People kept asking me if I was nervous and I was a little, but my excitement greatly outweighed the nerves. I wasn't very nervous because my school created a lot of protocols, some of them being wearing masks everywhere outside your room, twice a week COVID testing, no visiting other dorm buildings, a mixture of online and in-person classes, spaced out classrooms, the list goes on and on. After being here for about seven weeks, I feel very safe. We received new data this week that said there have only been eight positive cases since we started testing on August 24th and those positive cases were immediately sent into isolation. However, I understand that I'm very lucky in this situation. I go to a smaller school without Greek life or other big places to party. My school is also a community that cares about the wellbeing of each other and I really think our society as a whole needs to be more like that, especially now. Personally, I get tested twice a week because I'm apart of two singing groups at my school. Don't worry, when I'm rehearsing with my singing groups we still wear masks and are spaced at least fifteen feet apart if not more. Even being immunocompromised, I feel very safe because I know my core group of friends is following all the rules and none of us have been in close contact with any of those positive cases. I really hope my school continues to follow all the rules so we can stay here for the rest of the semester. I wanted to make this post because I know a lot of people are curious about what colleges are doing and if it's even safe to be back, and in my experience, yes it is. However, you have to keep in mind that I go to a small school that has the money for extensive testing and other measures to keep us safe. 

Thank you all so much for supporting my blog! This pandemic has given me the time to consistently upload blog posts since March and I hope to continue with this schedule of every other week! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments through my Instagram: @endoisnottheendblog !

Me on the first day of school!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and although this post isn't about endometriosis, the two are very much connected. People with endo have a higher chance of getting Breast Cancer, so I want to make sure everyone is educated and knows what to look for. My family has been personally affected by Breast Cancer and I think a lot of you can say the same, unfortunately, so I want to use my platform to spread awareness about all women's health issues.

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.

How common is Breast Cancer?

Unfortunately, Breast Cancer is very common. 1 in 8 women have a lifetime risk of getting Breast Cancer.

How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Specific treatment depends on the stage one has, but treatment usually consists of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. 

Are there different types of Breast Cancer?

Yes, these are the two most common types:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma: the cancer cells grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma: cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

What can I do to reduce my risk?

Keeping a healthy lifestyle is always helpful, but one thing you can do is an at-home breast exam (pictured below):

Make sure doing a breast exam every month makes it on to your schedule because early detection is so important and could save a life. This is something quick and simple you can do at home to make sure you are healthy. Please feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram @endoisnottheendblog if you have any questions or if there are other women's health topics you want me to cover!

More info about Breast Cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm

SHARING YOUR ENDO STORIES: Part 5 Jonnie

“Hi, I am Jonnie (pronounced Johnny). I am 30 and divorced without a uterus. I was diagnosed with endometriosis while I was in college. At age 24 and by a miracle I became pregnant with my daughter. I had a textbook perfect pregnancy and an uncomplicated delivery in November 2015. It is normal for the body to bleed while healing from pregnancy and delivery but my body deteriorated. I bled for days, weeks, every month for the next four years postpartum. In 2019 the lower back pain was debilitating and I had to request a medical note for work so the administration wouldn’t get mad at me for sitting at my desk while teaching. In tears, at the age of 29, I asked my OBGYN for a hysterectomy. He gently reminded me a hysterectomy would not cure endometriosis but I was seeking relief. Only 22 days after my 30th birthday I had a hysterectomy and only my left ovary was not removed. The pathology diagnosis found Adenomyosis on my uterus and my right ovary was covered in endometriosis scars and a chocoholic cyst. Post-operation my hair stopped falling out, my face no longer looked grey, and I lost all my bloat that I had caused my then-husband of accusing me of gaining weight. Four months after the hysterectomy, my then-husband (who accused me of exaggerating my pain and symptoms for attention) asked for a divorce partly because he didn’t want to live with someone who has a chronic illness and couldn’t give him a second child.” -Jonnie 

Instagram: @jlarson.lchs

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Jonnie!! 

BOOK REVIEW: 100 Questions and Answers About Endometriosis by Dr. David B. Redwine

Like I said in my last book review, I have been reading a lot of books about endometriosis to better educate myself on the disease I live with every day. 100 Questions and Answers About Endometriosis by David B. Redwine, MD, FACOG was recommended at the end of another endo book I read, so I thought I would give it a read. Like the title indicates, Dr. Redwine goes through all the commonly asked questions about endometriosis, making this book a great resource for women just diagnosed with this disease they've never heard of. The book is broken up into eight different parts with patients' experiences sprinkled in. I am now going to go through all the parts of the book so you can get a good idea as to why I recommend this book (all of the following information can be found in the preface at the beginning of the book). 

Part 1: The Basics- 

• What is endometriosis?
• What is the endometrium?
• Can endometriosis occur in males?

Part 2: Symptoms and Diagnosis-

• What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
• Do I need to have surgery for diagnosis?
• Are scans useful in making the diagnosis?

Part 3: Symptomatic Treatment-

• What is symptomatic treatment?
• What are medical therapies based on?
• What if medicine doesn't relieve my pain?

Part 4: Surgical Treatment-

• Does hysterectomy cure endometriosis?
• How is intestinal endometriosis treated?
• Why do women with endometriosis seem to have so many surgeries?

Part 5: Other Causes of Pelvic Pain-

• What is adenomyosis?
• What is interstitial cystitis?
• What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Part 6: Fertility Issues-

• Can endometriosis cause infertility?
• Does pregnancy cause endometriosis?
• Does pregnancy cure endometriosis?

Part 7: Heredity-

• Is endometriosis heredity? 
• Is there a gene for endometriosis?
• Will my daughter get endometriosis if I have it?

Part 8: Final Thoughts-

• What treatments for endometriosis will there be in the future?
• Can endometriosis be prevented?
• Will the confusion about endometriosis ever end?

I recommend this book to anyone who was just diagnosed with endometriosis or has a loved one who just was. This is also a great resource to anyone wanting to learn more and become more educated on the subject, like me. This book answers every question I could ever think of having to do with endometriosis, and it is written by a doctor who specializes in endometriosis, so I know it is coming from a trustworthy source. If you are interested, you can buy the book using the link below and let me know what you think! 

Link: https://www.amazon.com/100-Questions-Answers-About-Endometriosis/dp/0763759236

SHARING YOUR ENDO STORIES: Part 4 Caroline

“Hi, my name’s Caroline, I’m 19, and I have endometriosis. I remember my first period being very painful, but I’d been told that periods were generally uncomfortable. At 11 years old, I didn’t realize the difference between pain and discomfort. I went about my life for the next few years having cyclical pain, until my freshman year of high school when I was put on birth control. What followed was several years of changing birth controls, skipping periods, and being miserable. Something wasn’t quite right with my body, but when I suggested endo to the gynecologist, she brushed it off. I had several episodes of what I thought was appendicitis that landed me in the ER, but each time they found nothing, I grew a little more hopeless. Finally, during my senior year of high school, I went to the adolescent gynecology clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital and I had a laparoscopy with ablation that confirmed endometriosis. I thought that after that surgery, I’d finally experience relief. I didn’t. The pain was still there, the IUD they’d inserted was horrible, and I was beyond confused. At some point, the doctor prescribed Synarel, which is a nasal spray that essentially medically induced menopause for the duration of the treatment. I suffered through seven months of that with no relief. When I started college, the pain and other symptoms hit an all-time high, and I was desperate for something, ANYTHING that would ease my pain. I called my doctor and told him I felt like the endo was coming back, that I needed help. He told me it was impossible because he’d done the ablation and I was on Synarel. Probably I was just constipated and should go see a gastroenterologist. I was crushed. I felt ignored and disbelieved all over again. The next day, I randomly came across an article online that a girl with endo wrote, and she had the same exact story as me. I messaged her, asking what to do, and she pointed me in the direction of a Facebook group called Nancy’s Nook. I stayed up all night pouring through the posts and articles, tears streaming down my face as I was finally finally validated in my experience. I learned about the difference between ablation and excision, why Synarel is not a good treatment option, and why I was still having so much pain. To make a long story somewhat shorter, I found a new doctor, and I had an excision surgery on June 5th. I’m still recovering and I have a long road ahead, but for the first time in my life, I feel like the endo is finally out of my body. I feel like I have a second chance at life. Endo is a horrible, debilitating disease, but as Taylor says, endo is NOT the end. Thank you for reading :)” -Caroline 

Instagram: @spunkycaribou23

Thank you so much for sharing your story and helping your fellow Endo sisters, Caroline!! 

BOOK REVIEW: Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life From Endometriosis by Iris Orbuch, MD and Amy Stein, DPT

    Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life From Endometriosis by Iris Orbuch, MD and Amy Stein, DPT is different from other books on endometriosis that I've read becuase they take a different approach with their patients. Orbuch is a gynecological surgeon and Stein is a doctor of physical therapy. Together they work to treat the whole body from endometriosis, not just cut it out and move on. They believe a mixture of surgery, medication, and pelvic floor physical therapy is the key for women with endo having the best quality of life possible. Beating Endo is the first book I've read that has explained why I have so many other issues because of my endometriosis. Before reading this book, I didn't realize the other pain I was feeling was related to my endometriosis. For example, after reading this book, I think I may have interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome, so I will definitely be bringing that up to my doctor. 

    The fourteen chapters of Beating Endo go through how to heal the whole body in order to help your endometriosis pain. These chapters include:

1. What is Endo? The Disease Process of Endometriosis
2. The Goal: Regaining Quality of Life
3. Endo and the Body's Care: Why Physical Therapy Plays an Essential Role
4. Endo and the Bladder
5. Endo and the GI Tract
6. Endo and Sex
7. Pain, Disease, and the Central Nervous System: A Multimodel Strategy for a Multidimensional Disease
8. Endo and Nutrition
9. Endo and Your Environment
10. Endo and Your State of Mind
11. Excision Surgery
12. A Special Case: Endo and Teens (but This Chapteer Is Not Just for Teens!)
13. Endo and Infertility
14. Reclaim Your Life

    I have never learned so much about my own body from just one book, so I 10000% recommend this book to anyone with endometriosis or to those who have a loved one suffering from the disease (my mom is reading the book right now and is learning so much)! Because of the knowledge I have gained from this book, I have decided to go back to pelvic floor physical therapy because I believe this is essential to my healing going forward in my life. I strongly recommend reading this if you have endometriosis because you will learn so much about your own body and the disease you suffer from. You can buy Beating Endo using the link below and let me know what you think! 

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Beating-Endo-Holistic-Treatment-Endometriosis/dp/0062861832/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_0/133-6770605-4264700?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0062861832&pd_rd_r=450d6b68-7a30-4be8-8af9-c058f6ae5483&pd_rd_w=iW9Pg&pd_rd_wg=3qbVg&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=3R4BFD6S76XBWJZT4JC3&psc=1&refRID=3R4BFD6S76XBWJZT4JC3

BOOK REVIEW: Living with Endometriosis by Samantha Bowick

Recently I've been reading a lot of books about endometriosis (more book reviews coming soon) to better inform and educate myself about the disease I live with every day. I think it is so important for us to do our own research about this disease because unfortunately there isn't a lot of information out there and we can't always trust everything our doctors say. Living with Endometriosis: The Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options by Samantha Bowick is different from any other endometriosis book I have read because Bowick isn't a doctor, she is a real woman who suffers from endometriosis, and I think that makes her more qualified to share her life with endo than any doctor. 

Reading about endometriosis from a sufferer's perspective is so different than reading a book by doctors. The books I have read written by doctors feel impersonal and like they are just stating one fact after another. Bowick makes sure her audience knows she is not a doctor and reiterates multiple times that just because a treatment worked or didn't work for her, that doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience, which I believe is something doctors lack when writing about this disease.

Bowick begins her book by telling her endometriosis story to ensure the endo sufferers reading her book do not feel like they are alone. After she tells her story, she has nine more chapters: Endometriosis Explained, Surgical Treatment Options, Non-Surgical Treatment Options, Alternative Medicine Options, How to Find the Right Doctor, Lifestyle Changes, Related Illnesses, How Endometriosis Affects Those Around Us, and Awareness. I could easily tell that each chapter was thoroughly researched and they were all extremely informative. A little touch the Bowick added that made the book so much for personal for me was sharing her experiences with everything she talked about. This is one of the aspects that makes her book more informative than a doctors book because doctors cannot contribute those real-life experiences like Bowick can. 

If you are an endometriosis sufferer or have a loved one who is, I 100% recommend this book! It is the perfect mixture of informative and personal that makes an endo sufferer, like me, feel not so alone and that there are many things I can do for myself to make my quality of life the best it can be. If you read this book, you will see that Bowick's endo journey was anything but easy and she still persevered and used her knowledge to help other women like her, so thank you, Samantha!  

SHARING YOUR ENDO STORIES: Part 2 Ellie

“Hi I'm Ellie, I'm 24. I was 12 years old when I started my period and 13 years old when I started on the pill. For me starting the pill was because my periods made me pass out in pain. So to start the pill was such a relief. Yet regardless of the pill, my story didn't end. Unfortunately, due to other health conditions, my concerns for my abdominal pain was never in the limelight. As a result, it was only at age 21 where I learned about endometriosis. Despite all my symptoms. Fast forward and I still have a journey to go down with endometriosis. Though the relief to know what it is, is amazing! I'm no longer on the pill. However, that has meant a year of bleeding - For example, I have spent the last 2 months with only 3 days where I wasn't bleeding (and heavily). I even ended up in A&E as a result. Due to everything I have been through and are going through. I find it immensely important to spread the word. Endometriosis is 1 in 10. Yet in the medical world, it still falls through the cracks. But I will fight until our voices for endometriosis are heard and the help we need is found!” -Chronic Illness Blogger 

Instagram: @lloydielife

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Chronic Illness Blogger!

SHARING YOUR ENDO STORIES: Part 3 Hannah

“Hi, I’m Hannah and I’m 20 years old! When I was 11 years old I got my first period. I was so excited to tell my mom that I was “finally was a woman”, not knowing what was coming next. All throughout middle school I was handling everything fine and had no issues. When I began high-school I started to have the worst pain of my life when my periods would come. I would stay home from school curled up in bed crying with my heating pad on the highest setting. Sometimes I would become physically ill and vomit, while also almost passing out. I did not start birth control until the summer before my freshman year of college, therefore battling endometriosis on its own for 4 years. My doctors always told me it was “bad periods that I needed to learn to power through.” I just knew this wasn’t right.  Once I started on the pill things were okay, but I was still held back from living a normal life. Next, we tried the implant Nexplanon. This was a big fail. I ended up having my period for 4 months straight, terrible! I had that removed. Finally a year ago in May, I was referred to a surgeon. I had my referral and a week later he was ready for surgery. Of course, endometriosis was found. An IUD was put in place and I was started on Orilissa, putting me into medically induced menopause. I am currently in the best place I have been in years. I no longer have chronic pain every day and I am able to do everything I enjoy without worrying if I will need to go home and relax from all the pain. Of course, I always have concerns about my future and starting a family, but one day at a time I feel stronger and better than ever. If you or anyone you know is struggling please do not hesitate to reach out! I am always willing to talk! I am currently in nursing school while forever battling endometriosis, so I have some extra knowledge and would be delighted to help anyone in any way I can!” - Hannah

Instagram: @hannah.cassidyy

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Hannah! Your future patients are so lucky to have your special knowledge of Endometriosis! 

SHARING YOUR ENDO STORIES: Part 1 Amrita

“From the time I got my period at the age of 12, everything was normal. I’d have regular periods with hardly any pain or discomfort but life was normal. In June of 2011 at the age of 19, I started experiencing extremely irregular, heavy periods. Over the next few months, they became even more irregular. I experienced sometimes 3 weeks of continuous bleeding and excruciating pain followed by a few days of relief and then it would begin all over again. After the 3rd time in less than a month, I approached my mom who is a nurse, and told her what was happening to me. She suggested we go to my family doctor. From there began 7 years of frequent visits to the doctor with the same complaints- excessive bleeding and debilitating pain. Countless ultrasounds and scans later, not a single thing showed up beside a few cysts here and there. She tried multiple different forms of birth control in an effort to stop the bleeding and give my body a chance to rest. With all the different changes also came many side effects. Dizziness, fatigue, fainting spells, nausea, hair loss..you name it. 7 years of speculations later, we decided to get a second opinion in the fall of 2017 when my illness was getting to an all-time low. I spent countless days calling out of work and laying in bed. After 3 months off of work and multiple ER trips with the same result, “everything looks good. Maybe just a rupture” MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans. My new doctor suggested a laparoscopy. In March of 2018, I had my first laparoscopy where they found endometriosis as well as a deviated septum. I had about a year of relief before things started going downhill again at the beginning of this year. Two trips to the ER later only more excruciating pain than ever before. I was prescribed Orissa but after doing my research have since stopped. I’ve now been bedridden for weeks at a time between Feb and present-day and awaiting my second laparoscopic procedure. I currently have lost muscle strength in both of my legs from being bedridden and am struggling to live even simple quarantine life with severe bleeding, back, and muscle pain. Life has and will never be the same before endometriosis took over and affected my ability to do the most mundane tasks. don’t stop asking questions and demanding answers. Only you know how you feel.” - Amrita 

Instagram: @ritzvn

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Amrita! You are so inspiring to the Endo community! Please feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram (@endoisnottheendblog) if you want to share YOUR Endo story on my platform! 

HOW TO HELP: Full List of BLM Resources (SHARE!)

This week I decided to take a break from the endo content because there are more important things going on. I have seen a lot of different links and other content across all social media on how to help the Black Lives Matter movement and I thought it would be nice to have them all in one place. This is a world issue and it takes people from all backgrounds fighting for the common goal to make a difference. I strongly encourage you to share this post and do what you can to help the BLM movement. If you don't have the ability to give money, there are so many other ways to help! There are many things we all can do and if we all choose things off this list, we can start to make a difference.

ALL BLM RESOURCES: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/?fbclid=IwAR0Sw4sPWpxDI3tORdHjznp_mLD5kJivrZVnXcPo70bVbd-PH3Vb_FjYPR0

CAMPAIGN ZERO: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/?fbclid=IwAR0u57xhD7nN0c4MIIVadqbDVx_ouQL0qvQNMrKYLsj0T_5Sd8_g1AvTH-g

SCAFFOLDED ANTI-RACIST RESOURCES: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrAq4iBNb4nVIcTsLcNlW8zjaQXBLkWayL8EaPlh0bc/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR3y0s7vXEjsX0MNjXs_q4cGR_wk7tGHFsfY7kt6uUAE2-UU89JtAw2dB-k

NATIONAL RESOURCES LIST: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjZMORRVuv-I-qo4B0YfmOTqIOa3GUS207t5iuLZmyA/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR2R_7rstuCBml_kRn_wu0jfR-IZaENUngAJb77Y298Sxm1urxo8litO5uQ

DONATIONS:

ALCU: https://www.aclu.org/?fbclid=IwAR0Qt_m4TInwjQmlhAhz49AC4LuwHzHyF2ahl3n7Sw1HC1Xq-ZRW4LH3Er4

RECLAIM THE BLOCK: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2?fbclid=IwAR0HlslX9-mhz47ZxtE6z2I1-L6_bm2dDxV8SptntbI1yha2xV0EpsDMw1I

RUN WITH MAUD (AHMAUD ARBERY): https://www.runwithmaud.com

JUSTICE FOR BREONNA: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor?fbclid=IwAR28k8mUryon4PWg3-I77G9IuNlI-aTnS_Kq_sEqdNgmF6ocYvMgw6tAuEY

THE BAIL PROJECT: https://bailproject.org/?fbclid=IwAR0geSABqyKGMaLzBxMF3VZUlHZxQ5JnLLroUnTh_fbSfjcMlkF-Hh2HaUI

CAMPAIGN ZERO: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/?fbclid=IwAR0B4LSaT_iUvyla09kepeXWBT0eKAIfnE_yCZX3LY9TnTrbhs-ubU2dgG4#vision

PROTESTS: If you are interested in protesting, you can easily search protests near you on social media or the internet.

BOSTON ACTIVIST CALENDAR: https://www.facebook.com/ActivistCalendar/?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARBCxavm9SAy_dLY7pPYnpwwndUZVIKZUW-WHLF12pxWmjr2OSRevZsqtSY82uGZyuoOnpHxg3w7FYPq&fref=mentions

SIGNING PETITIONS:

JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22414602_en-US%3Av7&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial

JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR: https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22077589_en-US%3Av4&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial

JUSTICE FOR AHMAUD ARBERY: https://www.change.org/p/liberty-county-distric-attorney-justice-for-ahmaud-arbery?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_21863962_en-GB%3Av1&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial

HANDS UP ACT: https://www.change.org/p/us-senate-hands-up-act?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_14077526_en-US%3Av2&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN ON RACISM THROUGH THE SCHOOL SYSTEM: https://www.change.org/p/board-of-education-educating-our-children-to-understanding-racism?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22511331_en-US%3Av8&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial

CHARGE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS WITH MURDER: https://www.change.org/p/change-org-the-minneapolis-police-officers-to-be-charged-for-murder-after-killing-innocent-black-man?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22409600_en-US%3Av3&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial

RENAME GEORGE S. BENSON AUDITORIUM: https://www.change.org/p/harding-university-rename-the-george-s-benson-auditorium?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22567074_en-US%3Av7&recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uAKJYWAEAAAAAXtk%2Fz99S2iUzMGFhOGNlMw%3D%3D

CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGAL CONDEMNATION OF POLICE BRUTALITY: https://www.change.org/p/congress-the-senate-police-brutality?recruiter=1055411747&recruited_by_id=dffbe860-6980-11ea-8949-dfbf4a525933&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uAPLyVwEAAAAAXtlANasRxuhlOGZhNjdhNQ%3D%3D

READING LIST TO EDUCATE OURSELVES:

• Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh (https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf)
• Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Davis
• Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
• The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (READ ANY AND ALL JAMES BALDWIN!!!!)
• Citizen by Claudia Rankine
• Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
• Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
• Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
• I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
• The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
• Beloved by Toni Morrison
• So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo 
• Road Map for Revolutionaries by Elisa Camahort Page, Carolyn Gerin, and Jamia Wilson 
• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
• Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 
• Your Silence Will Not Protect You by Audre Lorde
• Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward
• They Can’t Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, And A New Era In America’s Racial Justice Movement by Wesley Lowery
• Beloved by Toni Morrison
• When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir
• Book by Asha Bandele and Patrisse Cullors
• Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi
• This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell
• The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
• White Rage by Carol Anderson
• Conversations in Black: On Politics, Power and Leadership by Ed Gordon 
• An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz 
• Chokehold: Policing Black Men by Paul Butler 
• What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays by Damon Young
• Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Tatum
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Whistling Vivaldi by Claude Steel
• White Awake by Daniel Hill

WATCH LIST TO EDUCATE OURSELVES:

• When They See Us - Netflix
• 13th - Netflix (I had to watch this for my sociology class and highly recommend it!)
• See You Yesterday - Netflix
• American Son - Netflix
• Dear White People - Netflix
• If Beale Street Could Talk - Hulu
• The Hate U Give - Hulu
• Little Fire Everywhere - Hulu
• Just Mercy - Amazon Prime (Streaming for free thru June)
• Black Power Mixtape
• Clemency
• Fruitvale Station
• I Am Not Your Negro - Kanopy & Prime Video
• Selma
• Green Book
• Hidden Figures
• Lee Daniels: The Butler
• Mudbound
• Fences
• The Color Purple
• 12 Years a Slave
• 42
• Blackkklansmen
• Moonlight (HAPPY PRIDE MONTH Y'ALL)
• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (HAPPY PRIDE MONTH Y'ALL) 
• Us
• Get Out

TUNE IN LIST TO EDUCATE OURSELVES:

• 1619 - NYT, Spotify
• About Race - https://www.showaboutrace.com/
• Seeing White - Spotify
• Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast - Spotify
• Code Switch - Spotify, NPR
• The Diversity Gap - Spotify
• Intersectionality Matters - Spotify
• Pod for the Cause - Spotify, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Pod Save The People - Spotify

ORGANIZATIONS TO FOLLOW AND BLACK VOICES TO TUNE INTO: 

NAACP: https://www.naacp.org/?fbclid=IwAR1BxC_7u-BhZwGivJ5awS8vUrzdPoCDE5btuYllfa0rPGcPAKMVg5UmBHU

THE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ON CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS: https://civilrights.org/?fbclid=IwAR1j1mtO4cL6jSFiHbThv2J9c6lK82TH9UdjtAQxH4KtpsUFRfOpPIfz4CU

COLOR OF CHANGE: https://colorofchange.org/?fbclid=IwAR14dvivsvE0kcUupeGwczedaU7hjZlkZvYHPjehAp8I2CBFMGK3JqMFoxQ

EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE: https://eji.org/?fbclid=IwAR1btNd_1J_fM-j7RK1zzZe4xwdEiSvBRtH0QcTQrYpJyoC8SWUO72-fudM

UNITED WE DREAM: https://unitedwedream.org/?fbclid=IwAR0HwyrDafgH2GgmRCMf6X5O4d7ONzxhDiirSamMjb6btNkeTP9lLiaRJ9Y

SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: https://www.instagram.com/showingupforracialjustice/?hl=en&fbclid=IwAR2h20rK-C7CTKVhx7Y8Y2mALpfO8i2enlgmRhFNWiz3aAxl84bQFCsaQho

VOICES:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CA6uC66gF_q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&fbclid=IwAR2HLTj2odgBw5sp3HaOAmVoVpHj01NU-wHkgcVeS65MSAdPtRcGO9kq_W4

https://www.bet.com/news/national/2020/03/12/future-40-kenidra-woods-menta-health-warrior.html?fbclid=IwAR1CtI_nNftum_ESdqTkFtaCWPlFGz1QYfI5TmW0cS9IZClg2dticF-0D2E

MAKING PHONE CALLS/TEXTING/SENDING EMAILS:

TEXT:

• FLOYD to 55-156
• JUSTICE to 668366
• ENOUGH to 55156

CALL:

• Leave a message for Louisville Mayor and demand Justice for Breonna Taylor - (502)574-2003
• This link provides step-by-step information on how to contact your local government to discuss racial justice in your area and to help you express to your Reps what you want to see and what legislation they should be pushing for and introducing: https://www.vice.com/…/basic-guide-to-finding-and-calling-y… 

EMAIL: 

• Email your local superintendent and principals to see what sort of racial justice curriculum is in place in your local school and have a conversation about how that can change to be more inclusive and helpful.

There are so many ways to help the Black Lives Matter movement and it is up to all of us to do our part to create a safe, just, and compasstionate country. DON'T WAIT, DO YOUR PART TODAY!!