Those words haunt me. I do not remember what was said next, mainly because a wave of fear and dread engulfed my body. The day I was diagnosed with breast cancer my life changed, forever. The greatest change, the greatest loss, is the sense of invulnerability you have when you are healthy, when you are not in pain.

What followed was a rapid fire series of tests, decisions, surgery, chemotherapy. The speed at which I felt my "normal self" being consumed by the world of cancer was overwhelming. Through it all, I kept thinking of all my patients and their families who have battled cancer through the years. I relived every moment of those cancer conversations. The anticipatory nausea I had prior to walking into a room to deliver the results every parent dreads. The shock and tears and anger that followed the horrific news I had just given.

And every time, I watched my sweet patients and their families turn and face their battle with a grace and dignity that astounded me.

Now that I am a cancer patient, I am even more astounded. I am lucky. I have breast cancer. I knew going into treatment that my cancer, Breast Cancer, receives the highest proportion of research funding by both the government and the private sector.

I knew that although my particular type of cancer tends to be aggressive, because of the hundreds of millions of dollars poured into breast cancer research each year that new chemotherapeutic, hormonal, immunologic and targeted agents now exist that raised my survival rate to 99 percent at 10 years. I also knew that amazing new medications exist for adults that make the side effects of chemotherapy far more tolerable than they were previously.Children with cancer are not as fortunate. Pediatric cancer is grossly underfunded. Last year alone, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) spent 96 percent of its budget on adult cancer and only 4 percent on childhood cancers.

The NCI funded $584 million for breast cancer and only $26.4 million for ALL pediatric cancers combined. This doesn't even begin to take into account private sector and pharmacologic company sponsored funding, which largely goes to support adult cancer research. In fact, research and development of new drugs from pharmaceutical companies makes up more than 60 percent of funding for adult cancer drugs and almost zero for pediatric cancers.

Because of this lack of funding, in the past TWENTY YEARS there have only been two chemotherapeutic agents approved by the FDA for the use in children. More than half of the chemotherapies used in children are over 25 years old. I cannot begin to imagine the COURAGE it would take to fight a cancer battle armed with the knowledge that my best weapons are more than 25 years old.Some people argue adults get cancer more frequently than children and that's why the funding is greater. But when you stop to consider productive years lost by a cancer diagnosis, the effects aren't even close to equivocal.

The average age for adult cancer diagnosis is 67 with an average number of years lost to cancer of 15. The average age of diagnosis for a child is 6 with the average number of years lost to cancer of 71 years.

SEVENTY-ONE years lost.

Imagine if we could have the HEART to change those numbers. Children with cancer could grow up, fall in love, and have their own children. Imagine if we used our BRAINS to find new ways to fund childhood cancer research. These young cancer survivors could go to college, create beautiful art, make new discoveries that could change our world and perhaps find a cure for cancer.

It's October and in case you haven't noticed the world has turned pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. I am a breast cancer survivor. This message is for all the women in my life. My patients, their Mommies, my colleagues, friends and family. And, for all the women in their lives. One in eight of you will get breast cancer.

Many women think that because there has not been a case of breast cancer in their Family they do not need to be concerned. This is not true. Only 20 percent of breast cancers are familial. You are at risk for breast cancer if you have breasts. 

If you would like to donate to Cook Children's, please visit this page. Learn how Cook Children's is helping to fight cancer.

About the author

Sandra Peak, M.D., is a Cook Children's pediatrician in Lewisville. She earned a B.A. degree in English and psychology from Baylor University, which helps her communicate with the children she treats today. After Baylor, she followed her passion and attended medical school at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Her pediatric residency was at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where she participated in Angel One emergency helicopter transport service. While there, she also received the Jocelyn Elders Award for excellence in community service. Dr. Peaks returned to her home town of Dallas in 1998 and established a Pediatric Practice in neighboring Carrollton, Texas. She joined Cook Children's Physician Network in Lewisville in 2004.

I collect snow globes of cities I love. When my stepson, Sage, was little he would love to watch us shake them and watch the snow swirl violently around settling gently on the miniature cities. Shortly after starting kindergarten, I found Sage sitting on our couch holding a snow globe and looking really sad.

When I asked him what was wrong he held up the globe he was holding and shook it and in the softest voice said, "Look Sand... It's 9/11." I sat down next to him, took the Globe with the pre9/11 New York City skyline and sat it on the table. He put his hand in mine and we sat there watching the snow swirl around the miniature city.

I realized he thought the snow was paper and that he must have seen footage of that day somewhere. We have to talk to our children about 9/11.This day makes us feel sad and angry. Our hearts ache. The images haunt us. The pain is still so fresh.

How do we possibly explain this day to our children, most of whom weren’t even born when the towers fell. We want to protect our children and shield them from evil. But, no matter how hard we try, it is there. It will ALWAYS be there. The planes crashing. The towers falling. Our illusion of safety demolished.

First we must listen. Children are taught about 9/11 in school as a part of national history. They may want to express their thoughts and feelings. Let them talk. Listen to what they have to say.As you talk to your children, be age appropriate in your discussions. You do not need to tell your children graphic details.

Be honest. Answer the questions they ask. Correct any misperceptions they have.Try to focus your discussion on stories of resilience and hope. Talk about how the entire world responded to our country with support and love. Talk about the heroes of 9/11. If you lost a family member on that day, tell stories about how wonderful that person was and their importance in your life.Children want to know they are safe. Remind them about all the changes that have been made to make sure we are safe.

For younger children; it is important their world feel secure.Monitor TV and the Internet. On the anniversary of 9/11, many news outlets will show memorial coverage. Try to limit the coverage they see. There are many graphic images on the Internet as well. If your child sees an image that is upsetting, let them talk to you about their feelings. Tell them it upsets you as well. Remind them it is Ok not to watch or look at things that make them feel sad. Again, reassure them that they are safe.Discuss with your children that today should be about reflection and remembering, but also a day to tell those we love how much they mean to us. Take a moment today to reach out to others and teach your children to do the same.Walk in peace today and give thanks to those who are protecting us.

We will never forget.

About the author

Sandra Peak, M.D., joined Cook Childrens Physician Network in Lewisville in 2004. Dr. Peak enjoys gardening, yoga, and boating and in her spare time can be found at the lake with her husband Jay, stepson Sage and the world’s most amazing Lab, Sugar Mae.

We cannot give into fear. We need to be prepared. Know the signs. Have a plan.

Before the storms even start it is important that you have a plan for your family’s safety.

You need to pick a safe room in your home where your family can gather. The safest place is a basement or storm cellar but these are pretty rare in North Texas so you need to pick an interior space in your house on the bottom floor like a closet, bathroom or hallway where there are no windows. You want to put as many walls between you and the storm. The biggest source of injury in a tornado occur from being struck with flying debris so if you can pull a mattress into your shelter space or cover with heavy blankets or sleeping bags you will increase your protection. Contrary to popular belief you do not have to pick an area in the southwest corner of your house. Just pick the safest area in your house. Also you do not have to open or crack windows to equalize the pressure in your house. You are just increasing your risk of getting hit by flying debris.

If you live in a mobile home get out! People are 15 times more likely to die in a mobile home than any other location. Try to take shelter in a permanent structure if you can. As a last resort if you cannot find a permanent structure for shelter then go to a low lying area like a ditch and cover your head.

If you are at work, take shelter in an interior room, stairwell, or bathroom on the first floor and away from windows. Your office should have an inclement weather plan and remind employees of it twice a year.

If your child is at school they will be instructed to follow the school’s tornado plan. Schools will go on lockdown mode and move the children to the safest area possible. Follow your school’s tornado and inclement weather plan. It is the best way to ensure your child’s safety as well as your own. Your child has gone through numerous safety drills at school and knows to follow the schools plan. Reassure them that this is the safest thing to do. Remind your children to follow what their teachers have taught them. The best way to reassure your child is to help them understand the importance of following the direction of the adults who are caring for them.

If you are outside, try to find shelter in a permanent location. If you cannot find structural shelter get in a low lying area and cover your head with your hands and arms. Try to pick a spot away from trees and other potential projectiles.

If you are in your car and cannot get to a structural shelter, the American Red Cross recommends staying in your car. They recommend pulling off the road. Leave your seat belt on and crouch down away from the windows. Try to cover your face and head with a coat or blanket is possible. They do not recommend trying to take shelter under an overpass or bridge. Do not try to flee a tornado that is moving toward you. They also note if your car is near a low-lying ditch or culvert it may be safer to leave your vehicle and get to the lowest point possible. Always remember to cover your head with your hands and arms.

It is important to know the difference between a TORNADO WATCH and a TORNADO WARNING.

TORNADO WATCHThis means that the conditions are present that make a tornado possible over the next several hours. This does not mean a tornado is about to occur. It is a caution to be vigilant as you go through your day.

TORNADO WARNING

This means an actual tornado has been spotted or that meteorologists have picked up rotation on their Doppler radar. Your city’s safety alert siren will sound if a tornado warning is occurring. This is a sign to go to your safe area.

I highly recommend you get the American Red Cross app for your phone. This is a free app that will alert you if a TORNADO WARNING is occurring in your area. It also has excellent tips about tornado preparedness and the ability to set up a blast message you can send to friends and family to let them know that you are safe. It will send the message via email, Message, Twitter, and Facebook.

It is a good idea to create an emergency- preparedness kit. The American Red Cross recommends you include the following basics:

• Water – at least a 3-day supply. One gallon per person per day.
• Food – at least a 3 day supply of nonperishable easy to prepare food
• Flashlight with batteries
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• First aid kit
• 7 day supply of all necessary medications
• Copies of personal documents
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra set of clothing and study shoes
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

You have a Plan.You know the signs. Be safe. Have Faith.

Sandra C. Peak, M.D.

Learn what you shouldn't do during a tornado here.

In the state of Texas, it's illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to use an indoor UV tanning facility, even with a parent's permission. But recent studies show that the use of tanning beds can become an obsession and parents need to make sure their child is not finding a way to work around the law.

Why?

The dangers of cancer:

• Ultra-violet (UV) light in tanning bed is known to cause cancer.
• Every year, more than 170,000 cases of skin cancer related to indoor tanning are diagnosed.
• One indoor tanning session increases your risk of getting melanoma skin cancer by 20 percent.
• Melanoma is the second most common type of invasive cancer in teens and young adults and is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 30.
• One indoor session increase your riks of getting squamous cell carinoma by 67 percent.

"While all tanning is bad, tanning bed usage exposes people to ultraviolet A rays," said Sandra Peak, M.D., a Cook Children's pediatrician in Lewisville. "UVB rays cause sunburn, but UVA rays penetrate much deeper into the skin."

Other icky health risks may also be found at your local tanning salon, including bacteria that can lead to staph infection. Regular trips to the tanning bed can also change skin texture and cause sunspots, which probably aren't what your teen is after.

So what if your child begs you to go? It's time to talk.

"Parents should sit down and discuss the risks of indoor tanning with their children," Dr. Peak said. "Melanoma has become the cancer of young people."

Instead encourage your children to use a self tanner to get that summer glow, and urge them to always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 before heading outdoors, even during winter months. Dr. Peak recommends staying away from spray tans, since the chemicals can damage delicate mucus membranes.

About the author

Sandra Peak, M.D., joined Cook Childrens Physician Network in Lewisville in 2004. Dr. Peak enjoys gardening, yoga, and boating and in her spare time can be found at the lake with her husband Jay, stepson Sage and the world’s most amazing Lab, Sugar Mae.