MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'breast cancer news'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:51:09 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029048&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fthank-you-betty.html Yesterday Betty Ford died. She was 93 which is a ripe old age if you ask me. In 1974 she talked about breast cancer, her diagnosis and mastectomy. That was 37 years ago if you do the math. She was the first to bring breast cancer out in public. Before she did, no one talked about it. She deserves a lot of thanks for this. She let her story be told publicly in an article in Time. The results of her going public and tell her story became evident fairly quickly. Two weeks after she talked to Time magazine, Happy Rockefeller, wife of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, did a self examination and discovered lumps and was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. She credited Betty Ford with encouraging her to do a self examination.She did not die from breast cancer even though she was diagnosed with... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029048 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:09:00 +0100 5029048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008550&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-best-evidence-says-mammograms-should-begin-at-age-forty%2F There was much hoopla a few years ago over recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to limit mammography screening to women ages 50 to 74 every other year. But there is less fanfare over new findings coming out of a study in Sweden, which suggests that regular mammograms in women ages 40 to 49 (the age group excluded by the new task force guidelines) prevented up to 30 percent of deaths from breast cancer. People, this is significant! The task force ignored studies like these ongoing in Sweden and Canada for their model, which was based on statistical data. The Swedish mammogram study spanned 29 years and included over 130,000 women. The task force’s answer to recent studies has been to recommend a baseline mammogram for women in their forties to look at breast density,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008550 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:39:24 +0100 5008550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953279&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fshort-term-planning.html I kind of left you in suspense yesterday.I was sitting an exam room, waiting to see my oncologist to discuss whether I could continue my break from chemo. Here's what happened next:We waited.We played a little Lexulous.I knit. My hands shook a little. And then the door swung open and Dr. B. entered the room. Dr. B. is not my oncologist. The cancer centre has a title called GPO (which I assume means general practitioner - oncology) for doctors who work with the oncologists. I hadn't seen Dr. B. in more than a year and without hesitating, we hugged each other - something I've never done with any doctor. She's wonderful and she's the only doctor I trust as much as my oncologist.After a physical exam (liver is where it should be and the size it should be. Chest sounds fine) and looki... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953279 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4953279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902639&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fare-profits-driving-breast-cancer-clinical-studies%2F I got the bright idea this week that it would be great if now and then I could provide information about clinical studies being done on treatment or drugs for breast cancer. I am involved in a clinical study through Sister (the name I give to my younger sister in case you forgot) who is part of a study into the BRCA gene mutation carriers in Canada. Other than that, I have answered questionnaires for various studies. Now as a survivor I wonder if I could be helpful as a participant in drug research and trials. My investigation into this idea brought up a whole other issue however. Large pharmaceutical companies fund many of the studies looking for a wonder drug. The intent is to not only find effective and safe drugs, but profitable ones too. This actually limits the studies being done. Ta... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902639 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:29:25 +0100 4902639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841879&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fnone-of-us-knows-when-we-are-going-to.html On April 25th, Alaina Giordano lost custody of her children. A North Carolina judge ruled that her two kids need to move to Chicago to live with Giordano's ex-husband. She based this decision, in large part, on the fact that Giordano has Stage 4 breast cancer.Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economyI can't be articulate about this story, except to say that I work very hard to make sure that my kids will be all right- no matter what happens. I wish I could protect them and all those who love me from the realities of cancer. But do I think that cancer makes me a less fit parent?Not on your life.Want to read more? I first read about this on BlogHer, where Jenna argued very articulately that anyone who has ever been ill or ever might be should care about this s... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841879 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:52:00 +0100 4841879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677040&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-writing-much-longer-i-hope%2F I only learned tonight that Ann Romney, the wife of Mitt Romney, a presidential candidate wannabe, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I didn’t know that until now, but I was happy to learn that she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer — ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS. Technically, carcinoma in situ is a pre-cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in situ when she was 60; she survived that and then survived lung cancer later. Women diagnosed at that early age are often considered cancer-free after a lumpectomy to remove the tiny tumor. I was not so lucky. When I was diagnosed, the cancer was invasive and had spread to several lymph nodes. That was over six years ago. I survived and I have been writing about it for five years. I never figured that I would sti... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677040 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:52:09 +0100 4677040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636618&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fgiving-in-to-monkey-brain.html HerceptinI think I'm happy with the outcome of the brouhaha over Herceptin in Ontario. For those of you outside the province or outside the loop. Jill Anzarut, a 35 year old breast woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer made the news last week when she announced that the province had to pay for Herceptin because her Her2+ tumour was less than one centimetre (that's about 1/4 inch) in diameter. The province initially refused to budge but eventually caved after a massive campaign played out in the social and traditional media. Access to Herceptin will now much more room for discretion when it comes to providing access to the drug.I feel good about this. It's not that I think that every drug should be funded for every person. Her2+ cancers are very aggressive and, as best put by Stephen... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636618 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:33:00 +0100 4636618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575216&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fnow-this-could-be-fun.html I've written before about the one major limitation of Herceptin - that it doesn't cross the brain-blood barrier. A couple of years ago (after meeting several young women with metastasis that had spread to the brain), I underwent a brain MRI. To my very great relief, there was no evidence of trouble but I think I'll will be requesting another before too long.A few days ago, my friend Deanna posted a link to Breast Cancer? But Doctor...I Hate Pink and to Ann's take on the news that Viagra may help Herceptin to (ahem) penetrate the blood-brain barrier and thus help reduce the size of brain tumours. As Anne tells it:"Herceptin, the wonder drug, has a flaw: it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier was erected designed by nature to protect our brains from dangerous... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575216 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:18:00 +0100 4575216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495383&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpreventing-lymphedema-prior-to-treatment%2F I am worried about lymphedema. This is a condition that can develop with breast cancer treatment and involves swelling in the arm or chest after lymph nodes are removed, which clogs the flow of lymph fluid from that area. It’s something that I have been concerned about every now and then, and as I wrote earlier this week, I am aware of things I can do to prevent it. Lately though, when reading about lymphedema, it appears that it’s something we should be thinking about when we first start discussing breast cancer treatment. Surgery and radiation therapy can cause lymphedema by removing or destroying lymph nodes and vessels draining lymph fluid from the arm and chest. Lumpectomies and mapping of lymph nodes are among the techniques that doctors are using to reduce the risk of t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495383 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:47:08 +0100 4495383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464661&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-new-way-to-help-protect-breast-cancer-survivors%2F During one of my classes, the instructor showed a slide of a woman’s arm afflicted with lymphedema. Until then I had never seen a picture of it. The slide showed the affected arm beside the woman’s unaffected arm, and it was pretty apparent that lymphedema had swollen the arm to more than twice its size. It was the first time I had really seen what lymphedema could do. It jolted me and rekindled my fears about this condition. Having had lymph nodes removed during my mastectomy makes me a candidate for lymphedema. I make sure I tell nurses and doctors to measure my blood pressure using my other arm. When I get fatigued, I notice that my arm feels a little numb, and it reminds me that something else has been affected by breast cancer. I asked my doctor if I should get a medical alert bra... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464661 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:18:31 +0100 4464661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455438&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-new-challenge-thanks-to-breast-cancer%2F My blog has been neglected by the fact that I am in over my head. Here I am in the middle of my pursuit of a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, wondering if I can weather it through. This is tough stuff. It helps to remind myself, though, that if it was easy there wouldn’t be a nursing shortage. There is a lot of stuff to learn, but I think a nurse needs to know all of it. So I am stuck in the middle of the program feeling a little bit challenged. I felt in over my head during breast cancer treatment too. Starting with two surgeries and then 6 months of chemotherapy, there were times I wondered if I could tough it out. The truth is we have no choice, we have to go on. One thing that we must do after we have been diagnosed with breast cancer is to resolve that we will get through it. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455438 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:03:55 +0100 4455438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259133&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-you-afford-to-find-out-if-you-are-at-high-risk-for-breast-cancer%2F Let’s face it: Women who test positive for either of the genetic mutations for breast cancer have an unenviable disadvantage. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer risk among the general population is about 12 percent, while about 60 percent of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 will develop breast cancer — that’s five times the risk. Also, the average age for the general population to develop breast cancer is 60, yet the average age of onset in those with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer is in the 40s. If you are in one of these groups, you need to know it. Genetic testing is the only way to determine if you are in either of these high-risk groups. I am a huge advocate for testing since it saved Sister’s life; she had an early hysterectomy that discovered s... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259133 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:16:56 +0100 4259133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190431&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhen-prosthetic-breasts-raise-travel-concerns%2F The big buzz in the news lately has been about increased airport screening through pat-downs and body scans and its effects on people’s privacy. One report about a cancer survivor and her experience with screening has created a lot of discussion. This past August, in a Charlotte, North Carolina airport, a flight attendant who also happens to be a breast cancer survivor was directed to a private area by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for screening. Two women TSA agents conducted a pat-down and after feeling her prosthetic breast, demanded that she remove it from her bra for inspection. This appalling incident is something I know I can relate to. I wore a prosthetic breast for a couple of years, and I think having to show it to a stranger who was suspicious of me harborin... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190431 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:26:03 +0100 4190431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175917&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fliquid-biopsy-a-breakthrough-for-breast-cancer%2F A new procedure to remove and study cancer cells is making headlines and causing lots of excitement. “Liquid biopsy” is a new and inventive way of biopsying cancer with only a blood test. The theory is that tiny fragments of a tumor break away and circulate in the blood — and it is these that the new test is trying to capture. Although similar technology currently exists, it is only able to trap a minute number of cells. But new technology is being developed that is aimed at capturing thousands and being able to detail treatment for that specific cancer right in the lab before subjecting a person to treatment. We are still not there yet, but initial discussions about cancer treatment using this new type of testing include words like “breakthrough” and “revolutionalize.�... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175917 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:17:42 +0100 4175917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152157&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-breast-cancer-survivors-really-want-another-fight%2F The big midterm elections are over. With the economy here in Michigan in distress — as in so many other states — we all had big expectations. But one outcome I wasn’t counting on was the vengeance with which the Republican Party steamed into power targeting the recent health-care reform bill. I for one am completely blindsided. Weren’t they all running on the issue of creating jobs and rebuilding the economy? Are we now going to have the debate about health care all over again — why didn’t they participate when they had the chance? In my household we have two cancer survivors and a 22-year-old son. The new law would really make a difference in easing our fears about health care. Now we find out that the only thing this new Congress wants to achieve will affect my family in the ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152157 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:02:45 +0100 4152157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119529&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcarly-fiorina-survives-more-than-breast-cancer%2F Carly Fiorina knows what it means to fight like a girl. She had to fight breast cancer after her February 2009 diagnosis, and she is fighting for a Senate seat in the upcoming November election. Like many of us survivors, Ms. Fiorina is also subject to surprise ambushes that come in the aftermath of our battle with breast cancer. This week while on the campaign trail, the candidate was ambushed by an infection related to earlier reconstructive surgery and had to be hospitalized. The source of Ms. Fiorina’s infection is not clear. She had reconstructive surgery in July and her wounds are probably well healed by now. But infections can be present in the body for a long time and may not go away without treatment. After her surgery in 2008, Sister had a chronic urinary tract infection that o... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119529 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:46:35 +0100 4119529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040726&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fletter-of-day.html Yesterday, CBC Radio's Q featured an interview with Samantha King, author of Pink Ribbons Inc. At the end of the interview, listeners asked the following questions (they were also posted to the Q blog): What are your impressions of cancer fundraising and awareness efforts? Are they working? Do you find any aspect of them troubling?My sister-in-law, B. alerted me to the interview (she listens on the east coast schedule) and encouraged me to write a letter in response. This morning, a slightly edited version of this letter was read on the air (I was the "Letter of the Day"):In January 2006, when I was 38 years old an the mother of two young children, I was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer. I underwent a brutal treatment regimen only to learn in November of that same year that the... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040726 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:49:00 +0100 4040726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958033&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fwomen-who-care.html A wonderful book was published this week. Women Who Care features stories of women's health care experiences - as providers and as patients. The book was the brain-child of Dr. Nili Kaplan Myrth:In her third year of medical training - discouraged by how little focus there was on caring - a young woman was faced with a decision: she could throw her hands up and quit or she could risk speaking up and work toward change. She decided to send out a call asking women to share their experiences with health care and caring. Her e-mail inbox immediately overflowed with stories from women across Canada Together, this amazing group of women wrote Women Who Care.The book was published by Pottersfield Press. I'm proud to say that an essay I've written has been included. It's called "Patient Personified... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958033 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:14:00 +0100 3958033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655758&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmedical-bills-mean-bittersweet-victory-over-breast-cancer%2F The most heartbreaking stories I hear are from those who found a lump or have been diagnosed with breast cancer and don’t have insurance. Fear grips us the moment we notice a lump in our breasts; fear can overwhelm us when we are told it is breast cancer. There are no words, however, to describe the horror of realizing that you can’t afford treatment. I had good insurance when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but I shared in previous entries the horror of finding we were without health insurance when my husband’s employment changed and his company didn’t offer us COBRA right away. The battle with breast cancer was bad enough, but knowing we had to pay over 1,100 dollars a month to continue coverage once we were given COBRA was like fighting the enemy on two fronts. Add in th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655758 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:17:50 +0100 3655758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648751&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnew-findings-about-stress-and-breast-cancer%2F This report found an astounding 59% reduction in mortality among women with recurrence who had earlier psychological intervention to prevent stress. Prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer, I had several stressful years that began with my father’s death. My marriage broke up a year later, followed by struggling as a single mother and adjusting to a new marriage and a move to a different country while trying to help my mother battle lung cancer. I felt that many people deal with more than this, and I really thought I was coping exceptionally well. With a BRCA gene mutation predisposing me to breast cancer, perhaps these difficult years were too much for my immune system after all. So what does this mean? Psychological therapy during and after breast cancer to help deal with fear, stre... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648751 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:22:09 +0100 3648751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635983&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbeing-proactive-about-a-healthier-environment%2F As part of my healthy life makeover, I am learning about potentially harmful toxins and chemicals in my home and my environment. I watched Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s special report Toxic America on CNN and was surprised to learn that there are over 80,000 chemicals in use in America, but only 200 have been tested. I was further shocked to hear that carcinogenic chemicals in mascara, nail polish, and other cosmetics that have banned from use in Europe are still being used in cosmetics sold in this country. Having the BRCA gene mutation means that the gene that stabilizes DNA and prevents cells from growing out of control is not functioning properly. Without this mechanism, there is a greater chance of developing a breast cancer tumor. This started me thinking that maybe there is something externa... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635983 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:14:47 +0100 3635983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625729&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-a-breast-cancer-vaccine-on-the-horizon%2F The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio is vaccinating mice against breast cancer — and they are seeing some very promising results. This means that there may be a breast cancer vaccine in the foreseeable future; this is too wonderful to even hope for. The scientists working on the vaccine were able to prevent tumors from growing, but were also able to reduce the size of already growing tumors. They were able to target a protein found in most breast cancers and use it in the vaccine. Dr. Vincent Tuohy, an immunologist and the lead scientist, suggests that human studies could begin as early as next year. It will be a long process to work through FDA requirements and raise the funding for further studies in humans, but this is so promising. Dr. Tuohy was inspired by the vaccines that protect children... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625729 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:37:07 +0100 3625729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573894&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-resource-to-help-understand-health-care-reform%2F With the final outcome of health-care reform being signed into law by President Obama a few months ago, many believe the deed is done. But many others, like me, think the journey for more accessible health care for Americans has just begun. Either way, most of us are still trying to understand just what has been gained through reform that did make it into law. As breast cancer patients and survivors, we especially know how important it is to understand our health care and what is available to us and our families. I have been perusing several resources to clarify the changes to health care and the benefits to the American people. The ones that have helped me the most are the April 5, 2010 issue of Time, the May 2010 issue of Money, and a new book written by the staff of the Washington Post:... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573894 Mon, 17 May 2010 16:39:38 +0100 3573894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552507&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcancer-and-the-environment%2F My editor sent me an article titled: “Americans are bombarded with cancer sources.” Now there is a good wake-up call. The article, which talks about a new report issued by the President’s Cancer Panel, explains that while most researchers believe that two-thirds of cancers are caused by lifestyle (not my contention of course), other factors like radon from the ground, medical imaging, and pollution play a significant role in increasing cancer incidence in the United States. This means the environment we live in. It was President Nixon who declared a war against cancer nearly 40 years ago, and we have not won it yet. The two “soldiers” in this war who released this report, Dr. LaSalle Leffall and Margaret Kripke, were appointed by George W. Bush and have been investigating carcino... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552507 Mon, 10 May 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3552507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545592&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-like-a-girl%2F At the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto this week, a young woman was sporting a great t-shirt with the pink-ribbon symbol and the words “fight like a girl.” Girls really are the best fighters. I don’t mean the kind of fighting with fists or weapons, nor do I mean the kind of bullying that sadly goes on in school playgrounds. I mean the kind of fighting that changes lives. Girls will stand their ground for their rights, go to war for their children, and fight for their lives when faced with breast cancer. This kind of fighting takes tenacity, willpower, and courage. This t-shirt brought to mind the times I advocated for loved ones and especially how I became a warrior for myself. I can honestly say breast cancer brought out the warrior in me. While the conference itself was beyon... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545592 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:11:09 +0100 3545592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515578&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstaying-abreast-of-better-health-practices%2F Steven Narod, MD, is a foremost authority on BRCA cancers. I met him after my genetics team at the University of Michigan referred Sister to him in Canada. Dr. Narod is affiliated with the Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto and is what you would expect from a passionate researcher — quirky and optimistic. Sister has been proactive about her diagnosis and is involved in a study in Canada where she is tested twice yearly; she receives a mammogram in January and an MRI in May. Her goal is to keep her breasts, and aggressive monitoring will identify any sign of a breast tumor early. She also stays abreast (pun intended) of continuing research and findings regarding genetic breast cancers. A hysterectomy two years ago reduced Sister’s risk of both breast cancer and ovarian canc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515578 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:35:30 +0100 3515578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490826&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Freally-random-news.html 1. According to an article in the Globe andMail, women and men respond very differently when they are on the recieving end of an apology:“Women who are starved of an apology for rude or hurtful behaviour suffer an increase in blood pressure which can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke, a study found,” The Daily Telegraph reports. “But those who hear a well-timed ‘sorry’ calm down more quickly, with their blood pressure returning to normal 20 per cent faster, the research showed. Conversely, a man’s blood pressure takes 20 per cent longer to recover after an apology – suggesting men become more worked up after hearing an admission of guilt.” 2. My sister sent me an article from the CBC web site this morning, about a colossal cookbook typo with the subject line "Oops.... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490826 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:03:00 +0100 3490826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472003&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffiber-does-good-things-for-my-family%2F Fiber is big news in nutrition. Every time I look into eating better and ways to improve my health or lose weight, I find another article on fiber — and I’ve gotten a lot of great information right here on EverydayHealth.com. Lately I have been looking into claims that increasing fiber in your diet can reduce the risk of colon cancer and even other cancers, including breast cancer. I can’t confirm these claims with what I have learned so far, but I can’t imagine that it would hurt. The one thing that I can tell you for sure is that fiber has done great things for my family. My boys have grown up with whole-wheat bread in our house, and in the past few years, I have bought only cereal, crackers, and baked goods made from 100% whole-wheat flour. My husband got on the fiber b... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472003 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:34:23 +0100 3472003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463795&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-is-the-winning-story-at-the-masters-tournament%2F In May 2009, Amy Mickelson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has been battling the disease for the past 11 months and has been bedridden for much of that time. Amy is a mother of three children and the wife of Phil Mickelson, the winner of the 2010 Masters golf tournament. Like many people, I tuned in to watch the Masters this past weekend because Tiger Woods was playing. I am not a huge fan of Tiger’s, but like a lot of people I was disappointed when I learned of his lapse in character and integrity over the past years. I am hoping for his family’s sake that Tiger can get his career and personal commitments back on track, so I tuned in hoping to see him do well. I can relate to his wife, Elin Nordegren, since I was betrayed by my first husband in a similar way. For obvious reasons... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463795 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:56:58 +0100 3463795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456849&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-one-owns-the-breast-cancer-gene-anymore%2F About 10 years ago, a cousin of mine introduced me to the Human Genome Project. He was very excited about the science and process of identifying all the human genes and their sequences. The potential for scientific and medical breakthroughs was staggering. As I got interested in the research and began to follow the project, I was appalled by the business interests involved. Specific business groups began the process of patenting some of the genetic components and findings. It would be like you owning your home and property only to find that someone else owned and had the rights to all the earth on your lot. Although companies argued that by being able to profit from their findings they could continue research and development, it is pretty obvious that individuals and stock holders would b... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456849 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:23:55 +0100 3456849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449091&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmartina-navratilova-faces-a-new-opponent-in-breast-cancer%2F The tennis champ Martina Navratilova announced just recently that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ, which is the earliest form of the disease. Ms. Navratilova has elected to have a lumpectomy followed by several weeks of radiation, which is pretty standard treatment for DCIS. But that aside, we breast cancer survivors know all too well the shock and fear Martina has had to deal with after getting this diagnosis. So much for diet and exercise preventing breast cancer, as suggested by researchers at a conference in Spain recently. Martina Navratilova has to be one of the most fit women I know of. I truly admire all her accomplishments. Like Martina, so many women really do take care of their bodies and health in every way and still get hit with this... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3449091 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:31:09 +0100 3449091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429404&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-just-happy-to-be-alive-after-breast-cancer%2F Every time I reach for chocolate or order french fries, I am reminded that I need to be more vigilant about my health. When I do give in to temptation (which is pretty often), I feel guilty. Which brings up my next thought: Why do we feel guilty about doing something for ourselves that makes us feel good? I know the answer is that we should feel more compelled to make the best choices for ourselves, even if they don’t make us feel great at the time. But let’s face it — the occasional indulgence is good for the soul. Last week’s report from Europe on breast cancer being avoidable through diet and exercise does not help my case. It reawakens all the guilt many of us feel over getting breast cancer in the first place and all the questions we ask ourselves about what we may ha... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429404 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:56:22 +0100 3429404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420717&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-and-my-unique-security-problem%2F I travel across the border between Canada and Michigan almost once a month to visit my family in Ontario. Thanks to breast cancer, I have an interesting problem — I have three pieces of ID that I use, each with a picture of me sporting a different hairdo and hair color. In this age of increased scrutiny and tighter border security, having this distinction is not a good thing. Several times I have had border officers look at my passport, then my permanent resident card (”green card”), and after noticing that I am blonde in one and brunette in another, ask for a third piece of ID. It doesn’t help that I then give them my driver’s license, which shows me with a third hair color. This happened because I got my driver’s license when I was wearing a wig during treatment for b... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420717 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:39:52 +0100 3420717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411264&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-many-breast-cancers-be-avoided%2F The Internet was abuzz yesterday with this news out of Barcelona, Spain: Experts at a conference there claim that a third of all breast cancers in the western world can be avoided. This is really a shocking claim. We are all aware that lifestyle can affect breast cancer risk; this isn’t news to us in the US. What is new is that this announcement actually indicates that as many as one-third of all breast cancers can be avoided by eating less and exercising more. Researchers at the conference pointed to better screening and new treatments as working to decrease deaths from breast cancer, but now it is time for women to do their part by losing weight and choosing a healthier lifestyle. I truly have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I get that we need to take better care of ourselv... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411264 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:50:49 +0100 3411264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395332&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fstepping-in-right-direction.html On the Saturday evening of the 10th Annual Conference For Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer, a group of participants went out for dinner.Many of us had not met before that evening. We came from Texas, California, Massachussetts and Georgia. I was the lone Canadian. It was a truly lovely evening. The food was great and the conversation flowed - from the trivial to subjects of greater import, from the general to the intensely personal.About half-way through dinner, the subject of health care reform was raised. I said that, as a Canadian, I couldn't understand why anyone would oppose universal health care, especially anyone who has had a life-threatening illness.Most around the table agreed with me, while one woman stated that she was resistant to any more government interference in peopl... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395332 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:53:00 +0100 3395332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395334&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-reform-a-breast-cancer-victory%2F I am sitting in my family room this Sunday evening listening to the final debate in the House of Representatives over health care reform. It is overwhelming to think that finally there will be a solution to the huge lack of accessible health care for millions of Americans. I am relieved to know that finally in America health care will be a right, and not a privilege. This is an important step in the quest for a cure for breast cancer. No matter what treatment researchers find, it won’t be a cure unless all women have access to it. Those of us that have fought and won our battle with breast cancer won’t be denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition. More women will survive breast cancer because they have screening at a critical early time; Ensuring that all women in America ca... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395334 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:48:42 +0100 3395334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354532&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fremembering-farrahs-brave-cancer-battle%2F The Oscars are always fun to watch. This year’s awards couldn’t pass without a little controversy though. During the In Memoriam segment, Farrah Fawcett was not included among the actors shown and I was a little perturbed when the segment ended and her face was not shown on screen with the other actors that had passed away during the year. Farah lost her battle with anal cancer and I wrote a blog to commemorate her just after her death. I think she was such a big icon during my life, and especially when I was a young woman, that I almost feel snubbed that they forgot her. Her battle with cancer was chronicled by herself and was terrifically brave.  Her death reminded me that although I beat cancer once I still need to be vigilant against this foe. In my life it claimed a breast, i... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354532 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:59:10 +0100 3354532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3307045&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-breast-cancer-with-pomegranates%2F I love a lot of different fruits. Oranges are my favorite, but I love strawberries and blueberries too, but pomegranates are a special treat. When I was a little girl, every now and then my mom would buy one, which was a big deal when you consider we were living in a little tiny mining town in northern Ontario at the time.  She gave my sister and me each half and sat us outside to pick through the juicy seeds.  I’m sure part of her plan was to keep us occupied for a very long time. Since then I lost my patience for that delightful fruit until this fall. I couldn’t get enough pomegranates, I ate pretty much one a week until early this year when they went out of season. I also love pomegranate juice. I keep a little bottle in my fridge all year round. When I am out to dinner or a speci... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3307045 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:51:32 +0100 3307045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939509&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-favorite-breast-cancer-program%2F One of my all time favorite programs for Breast Cancer Awareness month is Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives. Just after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I came upon the pink lidded Yoplait yogurt in my super market and took a few home. I loved the yogurt so it became a staple in our home. As I finished each container I rinsed the lid and placed it on the window sill. As the little pile of pink lids accumulated, my two boys, 11 and 14 at the time began to ask about them. I explained that I was saving the lids so other women wouldn’t have to go through breast cancer treatment like I did. That the more lids I saved the more money could go towards research to cure breast cancer. A few days later I noticed that my little pile of pink lids had grown and that I was running out of Yoplait y... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939509 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:03:18 +0100 2939509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920446&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdr-kristi-funk-on-breast-cancer-and-genetic-testing%2F I was so blessed to get some time to talk with Dr. Kristi Funk in a phone interview. In my last blog I shared the first part of our interview when I asked her about choosing a lumpectomy over a mastectomy. While she was willing to put forth her thoughts on my questions, Dr. Funk is very supportive of her profession as a whole, indicating that a woman needs to discuss all her options with her own surgeon. Genetic testing for the BRCA gene mutation is one of the biggest advancements recently that we have made in the battle against breast cancer in my mind. So this was definitely an issue I wanted to explore further with Dr. Funk. I know that genetic testing is now being examined by oncologists to help determine the types of treatment to prescribe for a patient with breast cancer, but I wante... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920446 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:29 +0100 2920446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908851&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fadvice-with-benefit-of-hindsight.html Last week, the Centretown Buzz (an Ottawa community paper) asked me to write the article that "I wish I could have read when I was first diagnosed." It's on the front page of this week's issue, and begins like this: On December 1st, 2005, I found a lump in my breast, as I was getting undressed. One month later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 38 years old, with two young kids and a very hectic life. I felt completely blind-sided. Almost four years later, and with the benefit of hindsight, I share some advice for others who find themselves in my situation. As I looked back on the last few years, the following key points best summarize my advice: Bring someone with you to appointments, especially in the beginning. Be your own advocate. Be nice to the admin staff and nurses. Do... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908851 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:34:00 +0100 2908851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2901809&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdr-kristi-funk-a-true-soldier-in-the-war-against-breast-cancer%2F There are a lot of commendable efforts and a number of special people involved in making a difference in the war against breast cancer. This October I wanted to highlight some of those efforts and at least one of those special people. When I heard about Dr. Funk, I knew I had to get to know more about her. You can’t help but notice that Dr. Kristi Funk is a beautiful woman. You only notice that for an instant though because the moment she starts talking you realize she is a brilliant doctor passionate about battling breast cancer. She is someone I want in my army! Fortunately, Dr. Funk has placed herself in the front lines of the army against breast cancer for all of us. She founded Pink Lotus Medical Center in Beverly Hills which has the distinction of being a women’s medical ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2901809 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:26:34 +0100 2901809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786243&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fct-results.html "It's good news!" said the voice on the other end of the phone. She sounded ecstatic. When you are nurse working in oncology, relaying good news must come as a welcome change."You're kidding!" I exclaim. Then, "I don't know why I always say that."She laughs. "Well, there is no change. It's stable." Seriously, she sounded giddy. We giggled some more.She said, "You have a wonderful week end." She really sounded like she meant it.Suddenly, I'm in the mood to celebrate. I already have dinner plans. And I probably would have had a beer anyway (they have Beau's. How could I resist?).Now, I may have two. But I doubt it. I will just enjoy the beer, the food and the company (six people I love), even more. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786243 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:17:00 +0100 2786243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2758066&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fted-kennedy-another-casualty-of-the-war-on-cancer%2F This past August has proven to be the deadliest month in the entire war in Afghanistan, but still there is no comparison to the casualties from another war that America has been fighting for almost 40 years; the war on cancer. Since 1971 when president Nixon declared war on cancer we have seen better and more effective treatments, we have seen less people dying from the disease and others living longer than was initially expected. What we have not seen is a cure. We have even forgotten that we are still at war. We lost a champion for universal health care and a man who worked to initiate the war on cancer when Senator Ted Kennedy died last week. He especially understood how this war was continuing to rage and found himself in the midst of battle when he was diagnosed with an incurable brai... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2758066 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:38:04 +0100 2758066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737980&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-cure-for-breast-cancer-in-two-years%2F So here I am sitting and listening to the late night local news. The newscaster suddenly announces that a potential cure for cancer may be only two years away. At first I am stunned as he explains how researchers in Britain have isolated molecules that allow cancer cells to spread which could lead to drugs to turn off the process. Then I realize that he used the word “cure” and not “treatment.” This makes me cry, bawl in fact. A real cure for breast cancer could be imminent and I had no idea how emotional I would be about this possibility becoming a reality. I have been watching TV for most of the night and I should consider the night wasted, but instead I am elated. I was caught up with the show “America’s Got Talent” because of a young woman named Barbara Padilla. This ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737980 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:03:52 +0100 2737980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614045&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-isnt-always-just-about-you%2F When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, I was newly married and had just relocated to a new country. My mother was battling lung cancer and my eldest son was going through intense issues of his own. My having breast cancer just made everyone mad. My mother was mad because I couldn’t be there for her, my youngest son was mad because I couldn’t spend time with him like he needed to get used to his new home. My eldest son was mad because that was his thing at the time and my husband was just mad. It seemed that breast cancer wasn’t about me, it was about how it affected their lives. Today it is evident that my family is still rebuilding after the cancer bomb. My youngest son is still a little resentful of time missed with mom and my husband needs extra attention. My... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614045 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:25:04 +0100 2614045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584364&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdepression-and-tamoxifen-what-you-need-to-know%2F Depression is a condition that many women develop either during or after treatment for breast cancer. It is often serious and usually cannot be ignored or told to go away. It is something you need to discuss with your doctor if it is prolonged and/or interfering with the quality of your life. In past years there also has been some concern about women who take antidepressants and the effect these drugs might have on breast cancer recurrence. I wrote about this in 2007 after a study indicated that women on antidepressants had an increased risk for breast cancer and that there were some findings that antidepressants might interfere with the efficacy of tamoxifen, a highly prescribed drug designed to lower estrogen levels and reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. According to Dr. Ed Zim... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584364 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:39 +0100 2584364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556324&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhen-do-you-quit-the-fight-against-cancer%2F “You are not finished when you lose, you are finished when you quit.” That is a quote that has stuck with me for years, but I can’t tell you where it comes from. It is timely as I think about the death of Farrah Fawcett. Farrah may have lost her battle with cancer, but she never quit. During high school, all the girls wanted to look like Farrah. Some of the girls succeeded in copying her tousled locks, and some of them - like me - didn’t no matter how hard we worked at it. Then at college, almost 4 out of 5 guys had her poster on their wall. She was an icon for my generation and so it is disturbing to lose her to a horrible bout with cancer. Her battle with anal cancer is well known and also well documented by Farrah herself in a documentary she worked on during h... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556324 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:24:20 +0100 2556324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2528111&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-trick-for-not-worrying-about-cancer-recurrence%2F No one gives you a warranty after breast cancer treatment and tells you you’re cured. Personally I don’t think very much about a breast cancer recurrence. It does come to mind now and then, but it doesn’t worry me much and for that I am grateful; I have enough to worry about. I know it is something that is possible and I also know that many breast cancer survivors worry about this a lot. Their fear isn’t unfounded, but neither should it be all consuming. Chances are you will not get another bout of breast cancer. The part I don’t like is that no one and nothing can guarantee that. So we worry. Some of us a lot and some of us a little. We can get statistics from our doctor of our risk and we can also try to compare ourselves with other women who have battled th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2528111 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:54:49 +0100 2528111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399145&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemo-brain-and-stress%2F I’ve been focusing on stress a lot lately in this blog.  As if stress isn’t bad enough, couple it with chemo brain and I’m having a bad week! I have written about chemo brain often over the past three years of blogging. Those of us that experienced it after chemotherapy treatments are finding that there are lingering symptoms of fuzzy brain, forgetfulness and mixed up words and thoughts. At my middle age it’s easy to write it off to age, but because these symptoms assaulted me right after I went through chemotherapy, I have remained suspicious. These past months, maybe because I am managing the symptoms better, I found they were lessoning. Lately though as I have been dealing with stressful situations, I have found stress has exacerbated the cognitive problems. I have to wonde... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399145 Fri, 08 May 2009 17:37:13 +0100 2399145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349550&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fhooray.html (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349550 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:16:00 +0100 2349550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326683&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fshape-im-in.html Chemo has left me uninspired.Here is a link to a story ("Cancer labs no closer to national standards: Despite fresh doubts about tests in B.C. and damning report on Newfoundland scandal, efforts to set quality benchmarks are stalled.") from today's Globe and Mail that made me grumpy.The quality and accuracy of cancer testing can be so uneven and no province has been exempt from error. The feds don't feel they need to take any responsibility for resolving the problem:Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq declined to be interviewed for this story, but her press secretary said in an e-mail the federal government will not become involved because "the regulation of pathologists and laboratories is a provincial and territorial responsibility."If I weren't already feeling queasy, I would be no... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326683 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0100 2326683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260476&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fexplaining-the-threat-cancer-poses-to-our-nation%2F Did you hear the president say that we are going to find a cure for cancer during his speech Wednesday night? This was one of the most important speeches regarding the goals of this nation and President Barack Obama included finding a cure for cancer. Kennedy said the same thing about getting a man on the moon and we were successful. President Obama’s declaration is significant. In 1971 President Nixon declared war on cancer. Since then we have been winning battles but we just can’t win the war. It takes renewed commitment to finally win the longest raging war ever and for America, I believe that this is it. President Obama lost his mother to ovarian cancer. He knows how great a foe cancer really is to the welfare of Americans. His children lost a grandmother and America lost a woman g... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260476 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:35:15 +0100 2260476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260478&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpresident-obama-gives-hope-to-healthcare-reform%2F “At last.”  This is the theme song it seems for President Obama, and it is the sigh of many Americans this morning after hearing the new president’s speech last night. He has committed to addressing healthcare reform – at last. The fact that America is the only developed nation that does not provide universal healthcare has not changed, the fact that over 47 million Americans are now uninsured has. The number of people uninsured has vastly increased and is continuing to grow weekly. The economic crisis has highlighted the need for a better system of healthcare insurance coverage. Leaving the collection and management of healthcare dollars in the hands of free market profiteers at a time when this nation is trimming waste and excess is like leaving the roast for a starving ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260478 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:09:57 +0100 2260478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260485&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer-welcome-to-my-new-home%2F Breast cancer is a point of transformation and change for most of us that have been diagnosed with it. Someone sent me a quote with an e-mail last week and it had a profound effect on me. “The caterpillar thought her life was over; Then she turned into a butterfly” -Unknown There is something wonderful about change and the newness it brings. Even those of us that resist change are often pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I am not one that likes change, but I have had huge changes in my life and have learned to embrace them all and eventually relish my new direction. Our world is upset and redirected as we battle breast cancer and then try to get our lives back. That quote affected me for that reason. A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t speak about starting a new life; it threatens to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260485 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:22:11 +0100 2260485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2157005&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F5bnC90TGmwk%2F More news on the breast cancer/hormone replacement therapy (HRT) front. According to a study published in the most recent issue of the journal Cancer (March 1), postmenopausal women who take estrogen and progesterone - compared to women who don’t take the combination HRT - are an increased risk (75%) of developing invasive ductal breast cancer and more than twice the risk for lobular breast cancer. Ductal breast cancer beings in the milk ducts and lobular breast cancer begins in the milk-producing lobules. The risks did drop two years after the HRT was stopped. For women who take estrogen-only HRT, the risk was much lower. The risk of breast cancer appeared to be higher among "lean" women, but the overall risk wasn’t raised as it was with the combined HRT. The researc... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2157005 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:36:55 +0100 2157005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132599&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2FX-s5_3Z2xrs%2F As in all studies, this finding doesn’t hold true for everyone, but it is very hopeful for quite a few women (or men) who are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer that hasn’t become invasive yet. Researchers in Australia reviewed studies for a total of almost 4000 women that looked at patient outcomes following traditional lumpectomy or combination lumpectomy with radiation. They found that radiation after lumpectomy decreased the risk of recurrence or invasive cancer appearing in the treated breast by 51%, You can read more about the findings in this article, Radiation Lowers Relapse Risk In Noninvasive Breast Cancer. ~~~~ Tags: breast cancer, cancer blog, DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ, radiation after lumpectomy, noninvasive breast c... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132599 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:22:32 +0100 2132599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033848&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-cure-without-access-is-not-a-cure%2F I read an article the other day stating that by 2010, cancer will overcome heart disease as the leading killer in the world. I believe that by 2010 we will have a cure for many types of cancer, but no one will be able to afford it. Oh, Canadians and most Europeans will be Ok, as will Australia and other countries that offer universal access to healthcare, but the United States of America and most third world countries will still see many of their people die from cancer because people cannot afford the healthcare to get treatment. In our battle against cancer, access to diagnosis and treatment is key! This is why there is a whole division of the American Cancer Society that is working to promote universal healthcare for all Americans. What good is a cure if not everyone can receive it? I co... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033848 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:29:45 +0100 2033848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960881&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fwhat-he-said.html "I think we are asking the questions that will get us funded, not the questions that that will solve the problem."- Lovell A. Jones, PhD, MD Anderson Cancer Center(This was part of the closing key note to News You Can Use, organized by Living Beyond Breast Cancer. The conference was excellent but this last session, entitled "Helping Promote A More Equal Approach to Health Care", just blew me away.) (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960881 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0100 1960881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947737&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fplastic-bottles-and-cancerdeciding-if-plastic-water-bottles-are-safe%2F Sister bought me an aluminum water bottle to use this summer and made me promise to never buy water in plastic bottles. Her concern was over the press about the estrogen and carcinogens people were exposed to from the plastic in the bottles leaching into the water. We use a pitcher with a filter for tap water at home. I found it all very confusing and stopped buying bottled water, (except for my son’s energy water) to appease sister but mostly because I believe we should be somewhat sensitive to the environment. Those ads about water bottles piling up at the dump got to me. I make the Big Guy take his energy water bottles to the recycling center and was relieved to find that the plastic PepsiCo uses is safe. Lately there has been some real clear-headed info about which bottles are sa... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947737 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:23:11 +0100 1947737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1945510&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F0BYAeiqVmu4%2F It’s not common to wish for side effects of medications, particularly because some of them are so nasty. But, researchers have found that women who are taking Tamoxifen or Arimidex after completing breast cancer treatment and who have side effects, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and joint pains, have a lower rate of cancer recurrence than women who don’t have such side effects. According to the study findings, the only 14% of women who developed joint pain within a few months of beginning Tamoxifen or Arimidix treatment saw their cancer return, while 23% of women who didn’t have joint pain developed cancer recurrence. Researchers aren’t quite sure why this happens, but they do know that these medications block estrogen production, which stops some tumors from gr... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1945510 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:33:23 +0100 1945510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1945511&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F2utH6Q3KVlk%2F As my migraines are increasing in frequency again, it’s hard not to feel sorry for myself. For quite a while, I was down to one or two per month. But, since there’s nothing I can do about them, maybe I can cheer up with some news. According to Dr. Christopher Li of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, women who have a history of migraines may also have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Li’s findings will appear in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. While researchers don’t quite understand why this may be, their theory is that it has to do with estrogen levels. ~~~ Image: iStock Tags: cancer blog, breast cancer, migraines Share This (Source: Cancer Commentary) Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1945511 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:22:57 +0100 1945511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933466&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2FyApFq9YWZIY%2F Ok - exercise helps us keep a healthy weight, maintain a good blood pressure, helps our mental health, and can be a social and fun thing to do. And - now - we are learning that vigorous exercise can also help reduce our risk of developing breast cancer, perhaps as much as 30%. It’s not yet understood why this happens, although researchers are theorizing that it may have something to do with the fact that exercise reduces estrogen. ~~~ Tags: cancer blog, breast cancer, reduce breast cancer risk Share This (Source: Cancer Commentary) Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933466 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:11:12 +0100 1933466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802965&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdark-thoughts-about-cancer%2F Breast cancer continues to shake up my world. A dear member of the family had a recent scare almost 20 years since having a mastectomy to remove a small cancerous lump. This time the mammogram on her remaining breast looked suspicious so she was called back for a second test. Thankfully that proved that there was nothing indicative of a new breast cancer. The great part was that she was at a clinic that gave her the results immediately after that second test so she didn’t have to wait it out in fear and trepidation. “The waiting is the hardest part” is not only lyrics to an old rock song, but is a reality for women who have found a lump. I was fortunate enough to be at a clinic that did an immediate ultrasound when my mammogram showed a suspicious lump. The doctor could t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802965 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:58:01 +0100 1802965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1775775&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealing-words-writing-about-your-breast-cancer%2F If you have never tuned into a Webcast on HealthTalk, you are missing out! I was invited to participate in a Health Now Webcast last week and had such a great time with Judy Forman, the host of Health Now. The topic was on journaling and how it can help people deal with disease, pain and other conditions. Judy is really terrific; I have enjoyed her webcasts in the past, but having the opportunity to talk to her directly was really special. Her guest was Dr. Pennybaker, who has done extensive research into the effects of writing down your thoughts and feelings to deal with medical conditions. Dr. Pennybaker’s wife is a breast cancer survivor so he could really relate to my story; thankfully she is doing well and has also written extensively about her battle and the disease. Judy was a... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1775775 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:51:14 +0100 1775775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1764337&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchristina-applegate-ups-the-ante-in-the-fight-against-breast-cancer%2F Last week when the young actress Christina Applegate announced that she had battled breast cancer by having her breasts removed, I was elated that she turned her battle into a crusade to promote MRI screenings and genetic counseling. I was saddened more so by the fact that such a young woman has to be struck with it in the first place. She has been diagnosed as a BRCA II carrier with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. I can write a blog post every day about it, but you know that if a young Hollywood actress is talking about it millions of people are listening. This makes me ecstatic about the possibilities that this may open up, now that Hollywood is taking a stand against cancer. A while back, two Hollywood producers were introduced to each other through their oncologist while eac... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1764337 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:30:18 +0100 1764337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739550&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flife-circumstances-that-distract-from-your-breast-cancer%2F Elizabeth Edwards has a lot to deal with these days. Her husband, in the past month, was exposed for having an affair, their presidential bid is definitely over and maybe his political career too. I wonder how much of this matters in the light of her dealing with metastasized breast cancer. If she is like most of us, breast cancer has taken a back seat to her family issues. I think the media has proven to be more sensitive in the way they are handling John Edward’s confession, perhaps in part because of Elizabeth’s condition. However, yesterday I heard a radio program where a comment was made about these political wives stupidly standing by their man for their own gain. Who thinks of this stuff? If you love someone enough to marry him, why is it so far-fetched that you would lo... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739550 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:34:35 +0100 1739550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686620&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthere-are-worse-things-than-breast-cancer%2F A vibrant, happy, responsible 18-year-old boy was killed in an unlikely boating accident late yesterday. He was a friend of my son’s and my husband, and I know his father. We watched him play football with my son the past two seasons, and he had just graduated from high school with all the excitement and optimism all 18-year-olds have. It is hard to think of anything worse than a cancer diagnosis when you are faced with it, but this is worse, much worse. Just last week I wrote a blog about another teen who suffered from the tragedy of a motorcycle accident. It is getting to the point where I want to lock up my own teens for a decade. We are still having challenges with my older son who took a lot of the emphasis off of my treatment four years ago with his issues and behavior. I found tha... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686620 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:08:19 +0100 1686620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500419&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fi-think-hillary-clinton-could-have-cured-cancer%2F Maybe I should say that she would have been commander of the final battle that beat cancer if she became President of the U.S. Allow me to explain further. I am blown away by the tenacious spirit of Hillary Rodham Clinton. I didn’t start out last fall as a supporter, but she has earned my respect and I have been inspired by her. Imagine that vigor and focus directed towards finding a cure for breast cancer. I think she has shown us what a woman can do when she is determined. It is the same determination we as breast cancer patients have all had to demonstrate during treatment. We experience one victory in overcoming the effects of chemotherapy just to have to get up the next day and start all over again. We lose our hair, our charm and our ability to take life for granted, but we do not ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500419 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:30:23 +0100 1500419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1488839&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftell-us-about-your-breast-cancer-event%2F This week in Detroit they had the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The American Cancer Society has been hosting their community events as well. All these efforts are to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. One thing that my sister and I would love to do is the three day walk. They are also having a Race for the Cure in Detroit this fall. This event is a little steep though, with participants having to raise over $2,000 in personal donations. Planning for this may take me to 2009.Our cure is coming and it is events like these that are fueling the battle. When you get close to a victory it is not time to relax, but time to press on with even greater efforts. Each year I like to give a forum for people that are participating in something for breast cancer to let us know all about it.... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1488839 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:42:05 +0100 1488839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1423764&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Famericas-favorite-mom-is-a-breast-cancer-survivor%2F Normally my next post would be on Wednesday, but this one couldn’t wait. One thing survivors can do is unite! We do it for breast cancer walks, we do it to raise money for research, we do it to support each other and we can do it to nominate one of our own for “America’s Favorite Mom.” Betty Yerkes is the mother of Amy Yerkes, the woman who invited us this past February to participate in her study at Adelphi University on the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Amy nominated her mom, and Betty made it all the way to the semi-finals. Betty’s story is so like any one of our stories; she was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago and is a survivor for the most part because she opted for a mastectomy. Betty is also the creator of BirthRight and provided emotional and... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1423764 Tue, 06 May 2008 19:44:45 +0100 1423764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1383787&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Faccess-to-brca-testing%2F Without any plan or treatment, a BRCA carrier can have a risk of developing breast cancer as high as 80%. Your risk does not become lower because you haven’t been tested or don’t know about it. In my case and sister’s case, we were offered mammograms at the age of 40 because my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Had she not developed breast cancer no one would have suggested that I be tested for the BRCA genetic predisposition to the disease. I was a carrier regardless and after we discovered that it came from my father’s side of the family, it became clear how important genetic testing actually is. My sister subsequently got tested and now because of her positive results was able to take steps to minimize her risks. When I met with a gynecology oncologist at University ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1383787 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:28:03 +0100 1383787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1256388&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhillary-clinton-will-address-healthcare-in-america%2F This is an amazing time in American politics. The increase in participation in these recent primaries is unprecedented. For breast cancer survivors and advocates this is an important time in American politics as well. Right up front I am going to tell you that I don’t get to vote this year. That privilege is for US Citizens only, and the process of becoming a citizen is quite long. However, the outcome of this year’s presidential election affects me and my family as much as any other living here in the United States of America. I don’t have to tell you how important the healthcare issue is for the upcoming election. Even the American Medical Association has sponsored an ad to stimulate interest in this issue and the need to give all Americans access to healthcare. There can be no dou... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1256388 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:14:59 +0100 1256388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1236380&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffighting-to-keep-what-you-dont-really-have-in-us-healthcare%2F This past week, I have been reviewing benefit packages from both my husbands company and the one I work for. Like most people living in America, health benefits are a big part of how we select employment. My husband’s company has a great health care plan but the monthly co-pay for a family is at least 30 percent higher than the one through my company. The last company I worked for charged me a $500.00 monthly copay. I have discovered in speaking to many, many people about the plans that they get from their companies, that anywhere between $300.00 and $600.00 is considered quite reasonable these days for employee co-pay on family benefits. That is for a PPO plan which took me a while to understand gives me the best choices in care; only it costs me an additional amount if I choose a docto... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1236380 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:32:53 +0100 1236380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1223824&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fheroes-in-the-battle-against-breast-cancer%2F This past week, I learned a little more about what makes a hero, especially in this battle against breast cancer. Those diagnosed with breast cancer whose purpose to live beyond the cancer and don’t doubt their own capacity to beat it are heroes in this war. Those of us who always hope for the future and expect a cure are warriors that lead the way. When my mother had breast cancer and decided it couldn’t stop her regular routine, or when my aunt who was losing her life to it but determined that it wouldn’t take her dignity, I saw how to bear the amour for my own battle. The heroes sadly in this war against breast cancer are reluctant. They don’t choose it, it chooses them. Which one of us would willingly sign up for it just to be called courageous? Yet, the greatest trial is not t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1223824 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:59:45 +0100 1223824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1196090&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-world-needs-nicole-a-reminder-about-cancer-genetics-risk-assessment%2F Have I told you about my niece Nicole? She is an amazing young woman. At 4-years-old, she was diagnosed with acute leukemia and suffered a lengthy treatment protocol. Her teenage years had her battling with the after effects of treatment but that in no way impinged on her ability to be a leader in her school and a peer counselor. She developed a love of music and a passion for African orphans. She spent her school breaks volunteering in an orphanage in Africa and only tolerated a year at university before she gave in to the desire to live among the children in the orphanage halfway around the world. They were so delighted they helped build a mud hut all her own for her to live in. One of her jobs was to name the young children that were brought to the group of huts and buildings that made ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1196090 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:05:38 +0100 1196090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179324&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fif-i-had-only-known-i-was-a-brca-carrier-sooner%2F What if I had known earlier that I was a target for breast cancer? Would that have impacted my decisions? You bet! I would not have put off that one mammogram for an additional six months while I moved, I would not have taken birth control in my forties; I would have opted instead for a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. Would that have been enough to prevent the diagnosis? I can’t answer that for sure, but perhaps it would have allowed cancer to get only as far as the ducts in my breast, known as insitu, or stage 0. This week I found out that I could have known for certain that I was a genetic candidate for breast cancer with a very high risk of developing the disease. I could have known about this years before diagnosis. Sister had a conversation with a cousin who was well aware of the fami... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179324 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:05:09 +0100 1179324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173536&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-nerve-of-breast-cancer-intruding-like-that%2F Breast cancer certainly has no discretion when it decides to show up. After celebrating five years of marriage on December 29, 2007, I couldn’t help but think how this disease has woven itself through the fiber of my wedded bliss. Our first summer in our new home only seven months married, and I found the lump. The ensuing battle that accompanied treatment took all my energy for the next six months. Thankfully, I had a husband who participated in the battle and had no intention of altering his commitment to me - so much though for the newlywed honeymoon period. Losing the breast and being exposed to treatment deteriorated some of the passion I felt as a new bride. My husband, bless his heart, embraced his bald, one-breasted wife with the same vigor and desire he showed me the day we got ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173536 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:30:24 +0100 1173536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162085&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftaking-supplements-for-breast-cancer%2F In June I blogged about Sister’s visit to a genetic counseling team regarding the BRCA II gene she shares with me. The topic came up again as I considered my resolutions for the 2008 New Year. Of course one of my resolutions is to take great care of myself, take supplements eat healthy, blah, blah, blah. Well, this lead me to review the information we got from that team at Women’s College hospital in Toronto. The team was referred to us by the University of Michigan genetic team so we feel pretty secure in following their guidelines. While reviewing the supplements they recommend, I decided to do this blog and remind you about them. I want to reiterate that these supplements are what the lead scientist in the world for BRCA gene carriers, Steven Narod, strongly recommends to help reduc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162085 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 07:44:07 +0100 1162085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1134038&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwhat-do-breast-cancer-and-the-new-hampshire-primary-have-in-common%2F The New Hampshire Primary, January 8 may set the course for the healthcare issue in this upcoming Presidential Election. If this weekend’s debates are a sign of what is to come, the demand for presidential hopefuls to develop and present a plan for health insurance is intensifying. That is not by accident. There is a pretty active organization in New Hampshire that is targeting the healthcare issue for all Americans. The organization is New Hampshire for Healthcare, and its members stand out at campaign events dressed in purple. The Democrats do lead the way with policies and well thought-out plans to ensure health and wellness for all Americans. Republicans? Not so much. What really got to me was the jolly old discussion the Republicans had about how consumer-driven, free market healthc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1134038 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:05:18 +0100 1134038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1126514&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fim-not-stupid-i-just-have-chemo-brain%2F Have you ever noticed that when people think that you don’t understand them they speak louder? Lately I have noticed a lot of people yelling at me. The good thing about that is that my hearing is a little less clear since chemotherapy, and my eyesight is suffering a bit, but truly I am not stupid! The truth is that I just need a few more moments than usual to process things. I have been writing about chemo brain for over a year and still no real breakthroughs from the medical community. Since taking the biology class at college I have had the opportunity to understand what a fine mechanism our brains are. They are so finely tuned and efficient, but open and vulnerable to changes in our body’s internal environments. It is all too clear to me that chemo has the ability to affect our cogn... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1126514 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:37:59 +0100 1126514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1112134&cid=t_155811_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-and-extra-weight-a-lethal-combo%2F I am going to die if I don’t lose weight. I actually mean that literally. My husband - bless his heart brings me every article he finds about breast cancer, often without reading them first. This one from a Kansas City newspaper (he flies all over for his work) was about a study commissioned by Susan G Komen Foundation. It indicated that for every 11 pounds a woman gains after a breast cancer diagnosis, fatality from breast cancer goes up 14%. That is horrifying! Many recent findings show that extra weight can increase breast cancer risk, but this is beyond what I expected. And to find this out just before Christmas – who is going to eat the turkey? Since reading this article earlier this week, I noticed that I don’t have as great an appetite as usual. Wonder why? Enough said... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1112134 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:27:39 +0100 1112134