I am a breast cancer patient and had undergone 3 chemo theraphy. I wanted to stop is that possible?
Posts Tagged ‘Breast Cancer Patients’
7
Feb
15
Aug
Breast Cancer, Did Toxic Anti Perspirant Deodorants Kill My Friends?
When was the last time you tried to buy a plain old deodorant? I’m only asking because I can’t find one anywhere, or rather I couldn’t.
Instead, everywhere sold anti-perspirant deodorants and I just wanted the deodorant without the anti perspirant bit.
Why?
Well, in the last two years I have lost three friends to breast cancer and have had my own personal mammogram scare. Fortunately the biopsy was benign but even so it was a pretty traumatic experience and I began to wonder what on earth is going on.
I read in the paper last week that the rate for Breast Cancer is currently 1:9 and that all women aged between 50 and 69 should receive a free breast examination every two years. Unfortunately those ladies most at risk like my mother who is over 70 years of age don’t qualify.
Another thing I discovered is that in a recent study carried out by Reading University in UK on breast cancer patients, every single tumour contained parabens.
Now parabens are common preservatives in several personal care products. They are derived from petrochemicals and personal and skin care manufacturers have a tendancy to call them ‘organic preservatives’ which gives the impression they are safe.
The reason they are able to do this is because the chemical term for ‘organic’ means anything that contains a carbon atom. Since crude oil comes from decaying leaves and living matter which existed thousands of years ago, its DNA contains carbon. Sneaky, eh?
The problem with parabens is that they mimic estrogen, apart from also causing allergic skin reactions and being eye, skin and respiratory tract irritants.
Found in body creams, lotions, body washes, anti perspirants and deodorants, parabens are used in more personal care products than any other synthetic ingredient.
Now deodorants reduce, cover up or eliminate the odours most of us would prefer to remain hidden and anti perspirants slow down the action of the sweat glands. They do this by obstructing the amount of perspiration that can be excreted.
That’s the problem and why I was looking for a deodorant.
You see the sweat retarding agents are based on aluminium complexes and I know from bitter experience that aluminium is a neuro toxin. That means it attacks the neurons in the brain. It doesn’t have to kill them, just disrupt them in some way and you get mental problems.
My son is autistic and you can read all about my run in with heavy metals including aluminium in my book Autism, Amalgam and Me, Jodi’s Journey Continues. Aluminium has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease which has been predicted to triple by the year 2050. It’s a horrible long destructive illness which tears families apart.
But back to the anti perspirant deodorants.
I don’t know if you are aware of it but your skin is often referred to as your third kidney. It is the biggest eliminatory organ in your body and is a two way membrane. It will absorb 60% of whatever you put on it.
Toxins get in through hair follicles and sebaceous glands and are eliminated through perspiration. Now picture the scenario for most women.
We like to keep our underarms devoid of excess bodily hair so we shave. We also like to smell fresh, so we smooth on deodorants or anti perspirants to the area from which we’ve just removed this hair. As toxins enter the body via hair follicles and sebaceous glands they inevitably get inside our bodies but if we then block up our under arm sweat glands by using anti perspirant deodorants, how do they get out?
Seemingly, they don’t and I wonder if that’s why my three friends died of breast cancer and all those women had parabens in their tumours. What do you think?
Apparently a study of 400 American women found that those who shaved three times a week and applied deodorant at least twice a week were almost 15 years younger when diagnosed with cancer than women who did neither.
The answer, therefore, could be to stop shaving and let your natural body odours loose, or find a safer alternative. Thankfully I’ve managed to find just that in a 100% toxic synthetic chemical free deodorant which comes in three different aromas.
It’s organic in the true sense of the word which means it uses only natural substances and methods. I can read and pronounce every single ingredient and as it is Certified Organic to food standards I could theoretically eat it and suffer no ill effects. I don’t intend to try it though. Just putting it under my arm pits, feeling safe and secure in the knowledge I’m not being poisoned is enough.
No more toxic anti perspirant deodorants for me. How about you?
14
Aug
Breast Cancer & Pregnancy
It is of prime importance that the obstetrician’s take a thorough breast examination of pregnant women to detect breast cancer. Often, the diagnosis is delayed because doctors and pregnant women assume that lumps in the breast are due to normal hormonal changes.
The threat of breast cancer is upsetting for anyone, particularly during pregnancy, but it is not uncommon. Pregnant women and physicians should become more aware of the risk associated with cancer. The obstetricians are usually more focused on the health of the unborn baby than the mother’s possible illness but should be more aware of the risk of breast cancer. Women should examine their breasts regularly and tell their doctor about any changes they discover.
Not only is diagnosis often delayed, but there is a high rate of false-negative results of a mammography due to the increased density of the breast during pregnancy.
Ultrasonogaphy is the best way to check for cancerous lumps in pregnant and lactating women. Many studies have shown that the tumors in pregnant women are larger and are more likely to spread.
Pregnant women should be encouraged to know that treatment is as successful and safe as in non-pregnant women. Surgery is the best route although there is a small risk of premature labor. Radiation therapy is not offered during pregnancy but patients can be safely treated with certain forms of chemotherapy from three months onwards. This may be continued after the baby is born, although mothers should not breast feed their babies while they are having chemotherapy.
Treatments are planned around the expected delivery date and are administered as close to term as possible, Through the process, oncologists communicate regularly with a woman’s obstetrician.
A substantially greater number of pregnant women have been treated now than ever before, providing a growing confidence in the safety and positive outcome of chemotherapy for pregnant breast cancer patients Carter and baby Emma are perfect examples. Weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces, Emma entered the world with a “full head of hair,” laughs Carter, who says she was “completely bald” when her “miracle child” was born.
Overall survival of pregnant women with breast cancer may be worse than in non pregnant women at all stages however, this may be due primarily to delayed diagnoses. Termination of pregnancy has not been shown to have any beneficial effect on breast cancer outcome and is not usually considered as a therapeutic option. Termination of pregnancy, however, may be considered, based on the age of the fetus, and if maternal treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are significantly limited by the continuation of the pregnancy.
14
Aug
Working Towards a Future Without Breast Cancer
Chances are someone close to you such as your friend, mother, wife, sister or even yourself has been touched by breast cancer in one way or another. That’s why it is so important that we never give up fighting for a cure.
Finding a cure is not impossible, but it is definitely a long, hard battle. Raising funds for the technology for early diagnosis, treatments options, and breast cancer research is vital. Education and support to breast cancer patients is also crucial for survival. That’s why the Royal Canadian Mint has produced its second color circulation coin to help support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
This special 25-cent piece coin entitled “Creating a Future Without Breast Cancer,” displays a colored pink ribbon in its center, with three additional silver ribbons around the border. As the Royal Canadian Mint says, this coin was created as “A tribute to courage [and] a symbol of Hope.” Thirty-million coins began their circulation in Canada on April 1, 2006.
The coins are being circulated across Canada, and Canadian shoppers could receive one as a pleasant surprise in their change at their local Shoppers Drug Mart. They can also be purchased directly from the Royal Canadian Mint’s website.
However, The Breast Site, an information portal on the topic of breast health and breast cancer decided to offer 1000 coins, one to every individual U.S. reader, who didn’t have access to the coins. On June 8, 2006 The Breast Site launched its Pink Ribbon Coin Promotion, offering the breast cancer coin to its U.S. readers for a limited time as a symbol of hope.
Well, I’m happy to announce that The Breast Site has officially sent out its 1000th pink ribbon coin! We’d like to thank every reader who filled out the online form to receive their very own free breast cancer coin. Only 1000 coins were available, so hopefully you were one of the lucky recipients who submitted your form before the 1000th coin was sent today.
Amie Cunningham, a writer for thebreastsite.com who also worked on the team that mailed out the Pink Ribbon coins says, “It was so great to see so many men and women of all ages taking advantage of this special opportunity! It’s too bad that there were only 1000 coins available, because there were many applicants who submitted after the last coin was sent.”
Editors at The Breast Site urge readers to continue to check back for other great promotions that the site plans to introduce in the future. Cunningham notes, “The very first Breast Site newsletter will be launched in the very near future.”
The Breast Site is your online resource for news and information on breast health, breast cancer, bras, breast surgery, and more. Also, be sure to check out the new information on the wonderful innovative online service called CarePages – which helps hospital patients stay connected with friends and family.
12
Aug
10
Aug
Health Tips For Breast Cancer Patients
When you are going through breast cancer, it is an emotionally and physically trying time. Many forms of cancer treatment only add to the problem as they work toward curing the cancer. Radiation treatments, for example, can cause a great deal of fatigue and it can take up to two months for your normal levels of energy to return. Therefore, it is important to follow a few health tips for breast cancer patients in order to minimize these side effects, as well as to help you get well sooner.
#1 of the Health Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Get Rest
One of the most important things you can do for yourself while fighting breast cancer is to get plenty of rest. Do your best to get a full night’s sleep. And, if you feel tired during the day, take the time to sleep or rest to allow your body time to recover.
#2 of Health Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Eat Healthy
Eat a health diet. The healthier your body is, the better prepared it will be to fight the breast cancer and to recover from breast cancer treatment. Be sure to include plenty of protein in your diet because the amino acids found in protein are used by your body to help repair damage.
Sometimes, eating can be a difficult task if you are undergoing treatments for breast cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medications can adversely affect your appetite and digestive system. You might experience nausea, vomiting, changes in taste and smell, difficulty swallowing and chewing, constipation, and pain. If you are experiencing these problems, you need to take steps to increase your appetite and to make eating easier.
First, try to make mealtime enjoyable by eating with friends and family or making eating as comfortable as possible. If ok with your physician, you might also have a small glass of wine, a mixed drink, or a beer. To add variety for your taste buds and to make eating more enjoyable, try new foods or new recipes. Better yet, eat out more often, even if you just eat an appetizer. If you engage in mild exercise ½ hour before you eat, it can also help increase your appetite. Of course, you should check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise routine. Anti-nausea medicine can also be helpful if you are vomiting or experiencing nausea.
It is also helpful if you prepare meals ahead of time while you are feeling better and freeze them. These meals can be easily reheated when you are not feeling well. You should also keep small snacks on hand to munch on when you are feeling good enough to eat. In fact, it is best to eat small meals or snacks frequently throughout the day than to eat large meals. All foods you purchase should be easy to prepare or should be ready to eat. You should also look for foods that are high in calories and protein in order to help keep your weight on. Even the fluids you consume should be high in calories and protein. If you are having a hard time chewing and swallowing, you should puree your foods or purchase foods that are easy to swallow, such as applesauce, soup, baby food, macaroni and cheese, pudding, and yogurt.
Additionally, there are a number of foods, herbs and vitamins which promote breast health. For information about these, please visit the breast health awareness resource page at Womans-Health.Net.
#3 of Health Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Care for Your Skin
If you are undergoing external beam radiation, you may experience skin irritation or sensitivity. To assist with this problem, you should avoid using talcum powder, soaps, and deodorants. When you wash, be gentle and do not scrub or rub the area. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can also be problematic to your skin.
Therefore, tight or restrictive clothing can also aggravate your skin, as can nylon and synthetic materials. Wear loose clothing made of cotton instead. In addition, if you need to tape bandages to your skin, use paper tape rather than adhesive tape.
By following these health tips for breast cancer patients, you will be able to keep up your strength and be better prepared to beat this disease. In addition, you can actually help boost your body’s immune system and its ability to make you better.
1
Aug
Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
The reason why many breast cancer patients detect their health condition too late is because they can’t feel any pain. As it becomes worse, some of the symptoms of breast cancer become apparent. If the symptoms are too obvious, you need to consult a doctor right away. Several tests are conducted to determine if a certain individual has the illness.
The most common symptoms of breast cancer are the following:
1. Very evident change in the size and shape of the breasts
2. Mass or lump found in armpits
3. The lump or mass is generally painless and firm but with no distinct borders; when touched, the lump or mass feels hard
4. Abnormal nipple discharge; the discharge appears like pus, yellow fluid, bloody, or greenish
5. The nipple changes in appearance, there are itchy sensations, or the nipple becomes retracted
6. Breast pain or discomfort and enlargement but usually on one side of the breast only
7. The nipple’s skin, the breast, or areola changes in color or feel; the veins are more accentuated and there is redness or scaly appearance; the breast is puckered or dimpled
8. The late stages include symptoms like bone pain, weight loss, arm swelling, and skin ulceration
Some people hardly even know that they are already experiencing the breast cancer symptoms. A breast that itches frequently or feels hot/warm when touched are considered dangerous and rare symptoms of the disease.
Inflammatory breast cancer is dangerous and many individuals discover this disease too late. Mammogram or self exams usually don’t detect this condition. Check if your breast is reddish in appearance because this is the very evident symptom of inflammatory cancer of the breast.
There are also women who mistake the orange peel appearance around their breast as cellulites and they are quite embarrassed to consult a doctor. If this is the case, you should not hesitate to visit your doctor right away.
The breasts usually become tender and increase a bit in size during menstruation. However, if the change in size happened in between menstruation periods, a visit to the hospital or clinic will do you good.
Women are not the only ones at risk but also men. Every year, more than 1600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. The symptoms experienced by men include a lump, breast swelling and that of the nipples or chest wall, nipple discharge, the nipple becomes inverted, puckering or dimpling of the breast skin, and the breast skin appears dry, scaly, and reddish.
The ones mentioned above are the common symptoms of the disease. Again, take note that some of the symptoms are not evident especially during the early stages. It is advised that both men and women conduct self exams to determine if there are mass or lumps around the breast area. This is one of the best ways to detect the possibility of having the disease.
A great number of breast cancer patients die every year because they detected the condition during the late stages. There are various treatments available for breast cancer today. If you suspect you have breast cancer or you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of breast cancer, you must consult your doctor immediately so that the necessary tests can be performed to get accurate diagnosis. Once the right diagnosis is given, the doctor will now inform you about the treatment options that you can employ.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Symptoms of Breast Cancer…
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31
Jul
Breast Cancer Screening Can Save your Life
One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 27 will die of it. Breast cancer attacks mainly women, however there’s 1% of breast cancer patients are men.
As we get older, the risk of getting breast cancer increases. Basically, all women have a certain degree of risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have a family history of breast cancer have a much higher risk of contracting this disease. There are other factors that may attribute to the higher or lower the risk of developing breast cancer, some of them, e.g. Genetic risk factors, aging etc you can’t change, some e.g. lifestyle-related factors, you can.
Good news is that most of breast cancer patients will survive and still live a healthy life if diagnosed early and treated properly. The important thing we can do is do regular screening. It’s a way to check if there are any changes in the breasts that may lead to problems. Screening includes a breast x-ray (mammogram), clinical breast examination (a physical exam of the breasts by a health care professional, CBE for short) and breast self-examination (BSE).
All women starting from age 20 are recommended to do breast cancer screening according to the following guidelines:
For women in their 20s and 30s, take clinical breast examination once in every three years, for women 40 and older, take it once every year.
For women 40 and older, take a mammogram every year. Mammography may have some limitations and could miss some cancers, it is still considered to be the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer.
Starting from age 20, women may choose to do breast self-examination. The benefits of BSE may not be too obvious as it’s probably a little too late when you can notice any changes. It could still be beneficial in that it helps notice any changes in the breasts so you can report them to your doctor.
Those women with higher risk factors of developing breast cancer, for example, women with family history of cancer or with a known genetic mutation of a BRCA gene, need to take extra efforts to promote awareness and take steps for prevention. Consult your doctor to discuss the risk and take necessary steps to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast cancer is mostly curable if found early and given good treatment. Screening is a way to detect it at its early stage. Bear this in mind: breast cancer screening can save you life. Take the time to do it.
Forest Sun is a healthy lifestyle enthusiast and advocate. His blog at http://cancerinfonet.blogspot.com/ offers a lot of information on cancer. Drop by to read more.
Healthcare Reform NOW!
Healthcare Reform NOW!
28
Jul
Celebrities With Breast Cancer
There is no discrimination when it comes to breast cancer. Anyone can be a victim of this dreaded disease; whether you’re rich or poor, young and old. Despite the increasing number of breast cancer patients worldwide, these celebrities with breast cancer can serve as your inspiration because they were able to survive.
Famous survivors of breast cancer:
1. Edie Falco – the breast cancer was diagnosed in 2003; this soprano star secretly battled against this dreaded disease and was able to survive.
2. Melissa Etheridge – her breast cancer was discovered in 2004 and at present, she is doing quite well.
3. Gloria Steinem – a lump on her breast was discovered in 1984; she was an activist and because she is a natural fighter, she was able to combat breast cancer.
4. Kate Jackson – it was in 1987 and 1989 when Kate battled against this disease. She was a star in Charlie’s Angels
5. Richard Roundtree – women are not the only ones at risk of breast cancer, even men can get it like Roundtree. His cancer was detected in 1993 and he underwent chemotherapy and radical mastectomy
6. Olivia Newton John – it was in 1992 when she was diagnosed with the disease. She underwent breast reconstruction and mastectomy.
7. Jaclyn Smith – also a Charlie’s Angels star was diagnosed with the disease in 2002. The treatments given were radiation and lumpectomy.
8. Suzanne Somers – actress and author was also diagnosed with cancer but she did not choose the standard medication; instead, she opted for holistic medicine and alternative therapies
9. Sandra Day O’Connor – she battled against this disease in 1982 and underwent mastectomy
10. Anastacia – in 2003, she was diagnosed with the disease and was able to survive; now, she is helping other patients in fighting against this disease and she is also raising the awareness of the public about breast cancer.
These are only ten of the survivors of breast cancer. Other survivors include Rue McClanahan, Linda Ellerbee, Jill Eikenberry, Ann Jillian, Lynn Redgrave, Cokie Roberts, and Shirley Temple Black. These breast cancer patients used conventional treatments as well as alternative treatments. Oftentimes, the type of medication or treatment given is dependent on the extent of the cancer. If the cancer is detected at an early stage, the chance of survival is also high.
It is vital that you conduct self examinations. If you feel any lump on your breast, it’s time to consult a doctor; by doing so, you can get accurate diagnosis. After thorough examinations, the patient will be given a treatment plan. Some breast cancer patients forego with conventional medical treatments and tend to go for alternative medicines or therapy.
As you can see, even celebrities are not exempted from developing breast cancer. If celebrities can get it, then so can you! There are millions of non celebrities suffering from breast cancer. Let the stories of these celebrities who survive breast cancer serve as inspiration especially if you’re also suffering from this disease.
Early detection is important so you must regularly check your breast area for any lumps or unusual bumps. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you’re suspicious about certain lumps in your breast. There are lots of celebrities with breast cancer; if they can fight this disease, then so can you.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Celebrities with Breast Cancer…
25
Jul
Breast Cancer Signs: Distinct Indicators to Facilitate Diagnosing the Disease
Understanding and being able to detect breast cancer signs are crucial for early detection of the disease and higher success rates. As the most common cancer amongst women in the U.S., breast cancer is a brazen reality and on the rise. Fortunately, it’s also a disease with a high cure rate, particularly if it’s detected early.
To learn about known breast cancer signs and symptoms and how to detect them in your own body, keep reading
Lump
Most instances of breast cancer are diagnosed after a woman discovers a lump in her breast. This is the most common method of detecting breast cancer and the clearest sign or symptom of the disease.
Whether during a routine self breast examination or simply by accident, a woman will notice or feel a bump that feels significantly different than the surrounding breast tissue. To learn how to do a self breast examination, try the Breast Self Exam (BSE) tutorial on the Komen website, komen.org.
Changing Breast Shape, Skin Texture or Size
A drastic change in a breast’s skin texture, shape or overall size can be a clear indicator of breast cancer. Many breast cancer victims also see a dimpling or wrinkling of the skin.
Soreness and Skin Irritation
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare form of breast cancer, but it does occur in about 1% of women diagnosed with the disease. The symptoms typically present themselves through itchiness, swelling, soreness, redness and a heat that resonates throughout the breast.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast
Paget’s disease is what is considered a secondary or complex symptom of breast cancer. Essentially, the skin of the breast and/or nipple feels and appears as though it’s afflicted by eczema. The skin is flaking, itchy, irritated and red.
Loss of Appetite
Not all breast cancer patients experience a decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss, but many do. Cancer is a disease that can often affect the entire body, even if it’s localized. Often, patients’ diets are adversely affected.
Anxiety, Stress and Depression
Though not as thoroughly documented as other physical symptoms, many breast cancer patients report experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression even before they were diagnosed. While most doctors won’t make a positive determination on this evidence alone, it can be a helpful indicator.
Family History
If any of your immediate family members or several members of your extended family have been diagnosed with breast cancer, then you need to let your doctor know. You should also commit to monthly self breast exams and annual mammograms.
From Symptoms to Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing any or all the above symptoms, then you may want to consult with your doctor. Remember, the sooner breast cancer is detected, the better your long-term prognosis.
The American Cancer Society recommends conducting a monthly self breast exam and an annual mammogram to detect breast cancer signs like a lump or skin changes. A self exam is simple, quick, and an effective means of catching a potentially serious problem early.
Breast Cancer Tweets- Breast Cancer Prevention Drug Shown to Decrease Bone Density and Structure in Postmenopausal Women: Exemestane, ... http://t.co/KetFDtwe
- What Breast Cancer is, and is not!: http://t.co/ixDAlF2a via @youtube
- RT @SuzWebz: Come out & support the PHS softball team @ 7! All the proceeds are going to an organization that helps women struggling with breast cancer.