Unit 7 post

There are so many things that I have found intriguing while researching my chosen topic of DCIS (and breast cancer as a whole). I believe the most enlightening aspect of the research has been the link to third shift work in women with breast cancer. This seems to be related to the production (or lack thereof) of melatonin from the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin is responsible for one’s internal clock that tells that person when to sleep. Most individual’s “internal clock” or pineal gland produces melatonin at night telling them to sleep when it is dark. Women and men who work third shift do not sleep as well as first and second shift workers, no matter how many years they stay on the shift. One can cover the windows of the bedroom to block out all sunlight, but somehow the body seems to know that this is not the natural time to sleep and therefore sleep patterns are often interrupted. This weakens the immune system, leaving the body open to invasion of foreign toxins, as well as leading to the body’s mutation of normal cells to cancerous ones. Mentioned in the same article claiming the high rate of breast cancer in third shift workers, was the claim that extended periods in darkness actually slows down the rate of growth of lesions. I have not been able to substantiate this claim with further research, however.

It has been suggested to me that the lack of vitamin D may also play a role in the development of breast cancer in third shift workers, though I have not been able to find a direct link in research to date. I am hoping by the time our final paper is due I will be able to further my knowledge on the topic and answer a number of questions that I still have on the topic.

Unit 6 Post

As I have taken the past few weeks to research the topic of breast cancer, specifically DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ), I can see that research on this topic could be turned into an in depth study on different aspects of this disease. I have found that industrial countries are more at risk than other countries. Surprising to me, I have found that third shift workers are more at risk than ones who sleep at night. This fact was quite intriguing, as I have recently changed from a third shift life! Scary stuff!! I have been surprised to find that heredity does not play as big a role in this disease as one might think. I have been unable to find information on how radiation treatment could affect one’s health later in life. I would like to find information on and continue my research into the long-term effects that radiation plays on pulmonary and cardiac function. I cannot see how radiation of this area could NOT affect the function of systems in close proximity to the treatment. Although not required, I plan to continue this research on my own, as it will only be beneficial to me and my family members. My family history spurs me to become as familiar with this disease as possible and to educate the other members of my “clan” to be as diligent at self-examination and mammography as I am.

Unti 5 post

I am thankful to say that school has had a positive influence in my life. The challenge that school has offered has allowed my thinking to move in many different directions, yet still stay within a field of choice - medical issues. Along with expanding my intelect, attending school has helped to build my confidence, which has been a challenge to me for many years following a very abusive marriage. This marriage ended 20 plus years ago, but the scars it left behind are still very noticable in my life. The experience of attending school has given me the opportunity to show (if to no other but myself) that I can succeed, I can excell, I can be agressive in pursuing what I want out of life.

The online atmosphere of our classes has allowed me to be vocal, where I probably would not be in a traditional classroom experience. This has helped in and of itself to boost my self perception.

The best addition to my life that the school experience has added is the benefit of being able to speak to people about what I'm doing, and my reasons for returning to school. I am focused in completing this endeavor to further my ministry field for the Lord. I am a motorcycle missionary who travels extensively to rallies all over the United States. My education will allow me to contribute to the income of my family, allowing for more ministry opportunities, and the field I've chosen of medical transcription can be taken on the road with me via access to the internet that is available most anywhere.

I'm very thankful for the opportunity I have been given, and plan to make the best of this opportunity by continuing with high scores and keeping up my GPA (this overachiever wants to hold onto her 4.0 to graduation)!

Hi Everyone!

I thought I would add the "OWL" (Purdue University's online writing lab) as a link to my blog. I have found this site to be of great help to me. I hope you find it to be just as helpful!

Unit 4 Post

The internet is a wealth of information if used correctly. However, I believe the possibility of blurred lines of “legally owned” are prevalent. Anyone can post to cyberspace, as we are experiencing through these blogs. Reading something in one place then posting to another site without giving credit to the original author is a concern we should all consider. As I have been taking notes for our CC II research paper, I have made a point to rephrase distinctively and always cite in text even though it is not a necessity (except as a way for me to remember where I read the information). This cuts down on any possibility of intentional or unintentional plagiarism. It keeps me honest by always knowing who to give credit to for their original works.

How many times have you shared something you read in an email, or saw on a web site without thinking of this act being a form of plagiarism? I think is safe to say that we have all done it. I know I will stop and think twice before passing something along now, and to give credit to those due!