Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation in modern times, died April 7th, 2010 of Pancreatic Cancer. Mankiller had chronic illnesses including Mysthenia Gravis, Lymphoma, Breast Cancer and a Kidney transplant. She was only 64 when she died.

Although she had many difficulties with her health, as chief from 1985 to 1995, Mankiller she focused on health care, housing and other social and family issues within the Cherokee Tribe and she helped membership triple.

She was known as someone who not only cared, but who did something about her concerns. Her role as an advocate and leader began when she joined a 19 month long occupation of Alcatraz Island which demonstrated the US government’s recognition of tribal sovereignty.

After a car accident in 1979, which almost killed her and required 17 surgeries, Mankiller, still decided to campaign for chief and won in 1985. Through her health struggles, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988 and continued to work for the Cherokee and Native American people.

Dermatologists are an important part of a patient’s medical team because they can diagnose chronic illness. Although many people consider seeing a dermatologist to look younger, for acne treatment or for skin cancer screening only, seeing this type of doctor regularly can help you get diagnosed with serious chronic health conditions in a timely manner.

For example, coarse, scaly skin can be a sign of Lupus, a purplish rash on the stomach can signal Lymphoma, yellowing of the skin is often a sign of liver disease, as is severe itchy skin. Rashes, flaking skin and other skin problems can be assessed by a dermatologist who works closely with your primary doctor and specialists for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dermatologists can also help to treat chronic illnesses. Botox is used to treat migraines. Laser treatment is used for Psoriasis and warts caused by immunosuppressants are removed. Once you become familiar with and comfortable with your dermatologist, it often occurs that you will seek out other types of treatments. After all, who doesn’t want to look good? I’d love to avoid waxing my eyebrows since Sjogren’s Disease has made my eye area sensitive, finding a dermatologist who does laser hair removal in Florida would make my day. Although I can’t get botox treatments because of having Myasthenia Gravis, I know a number of people that be thrilled to have a Botox Florida treatment center for migraines.

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What a fun way to show support and raise money for the organization Stand Up To Cancer or SU2C – a video featuring Jim Parsons from Big Bang Theory. Watch and enjoy, then go ahead and learn more about SU2C and shop and give money to this non-profit.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that has as its main cause exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is no longer used in construction in the United States, but there are some older buildings that may still contain it. Due to research about this form of lung cancer, asbestos is now removed with workers using equipment that protects them from breathing in the dust and particles and bringing any of those home to contaminate others or their own dwelling.

In the past, however before the danger was known or before employers made workers aware of the risk of working with asbestos, many people and their families were affected. Some types of workers in these situations are:

• Drywall Installers
• Elevator Mechanics
• Military Workers
• Pipefitters
• Steel Workers
• Ship Yard Mechanics
• Welders

There are many other employees including teachers and other people working in schools, tile workers, painters and carpenters. Quite often the diagnosis did not occur until years after their work ended either through retirement, leaving their job to work elsewhere, bankruptcy, etc. The sad part of this scenerio is that the asbestos manufacturers were aware of the danger but did not produce evidence until OSHA made this information available in 1971.

People who have been diagnosed are entitled to compensation. Family members of those who have died are also entitled. Since this type of law suit is so specialized it is imperative to procure a Mesothelioma Lawyer who is knowledgeable, experienced and has an excellent track record in these type of cases. You don’t want to deal with an attorney who will cause you more stress in an already stressful situation.

If you take immunosuppressant drugs or are immune compromised due to chronic illness or cancer, should you be concerned about the Swine Flu? If you live in the US, right now the answer seems to be no. This flu is hitting healthy people. It is hitting people who have visited Mexico or have had contact with someone who were in Mexico recently. (This may change quickly though.)

Stay informed with the CDC Swine Flu website. The What’s New section is updated minute by minute. You can also follow CDCemergency on Twitter for instant updates.

Now, we know to take precautions all the time any way. We use good hand washing, avoid people who are sick and avoid large crowds. I am not ashamed to move away from someone who is coughing or sneezing. If it’s someone I know, I explain myself. If it’s a stranger, I may just move away quietly or I may say something like, “I’m coming down with something so I need to be careful.” Do what feels comfortable for you. If you think that you need to wear a protective mask, do so. If you feel like you’re not well and need to stay home, stay home. No need to stress over this.

I caved in and called my doctor for the second mammogram and ultrasound results. I was surprised that I didn’t get a call from them because they call with results of all tests, positive or negative. Even though I figured everything was fine I didn’t want to take a chance to find out that my tests slipped through the cracks.

I was told that all that was found was cysts but that I need to go back for more testing in six months. I am not sure why but I’ll follow through with her request. I will see her before the six months so I can ask for more details.

No matter how much I said, thought and wrote that I wasn’t worried, I actually was. Breast cancer can scare the heck out of you.