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 'cancer: breast'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:13:40 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524092&cid=t_98181_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fbreast-cancer-and-multivitamins-%25e2%2580%2593-is-there-a-link%2F Wait a minute – we thought taking a daily multivitamin could only help, not hurt us. But according to a recent health article on Canada.com (via Reuters), that may not always be the case. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted a study which found that women age 49 and over who take multivitamin supplements on a regular basis generally have a 19% higher risk of developing breast cancer. But on the flip side, other recent studies have shown that female multivitamin users are no more likely to die of cancer than non-users. And, of course, other issues can factor into a woman’s risk of breast cancer including family history, weight, exercise habits, and whether or not she smokes. The kicker? Many researchers and doctors – including Dr. Susanna C. Larsson of the Karolins... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524092 Sat, 01 May 2010 16:20:50 +0100 3524092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519636&cid=t_98181_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FNUycwlbLop8%2F Personalizing Breast Cancer Treatment – A new study offers insight into tailoring breast cancer care. (via New York Times) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519636 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:23:06 +0100 3519636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519428&cid=t_98181_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F176583%2F Personalizing Breast Cancer Treatment – A new study offers insight into tailoring breast cancer care. (via New York Times) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519428 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:23:06 +0100 3519428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441015&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F04%2F06%2Fthe-scar-project%2F One photo from The SCAR Project This photo says it all — the vulnerability, the loss, the fear, the courage, the bizarre but unmistakable pride that is cancer. The SCAR Project is the brainchild of David Jay, a New York fashion photographer now living in Australia. Jay writes: Having seen first hand the power of this project and based on the reception to it so far, I feel strongly that it has the potential to not only raise money and awareness for breast cancer, but can do something immediate, real and beautiful for these young survivors. The SCAR Project exhibition is offered to any legitimate cancer charity organization able to host it to be used as a fund/awareness raising vehicle for breast cancer. More information here and here. Filed under: Cancer Tagged: breast cancer, photograph... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441015 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:32:23 +0100 3441015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408680&cid=t_98181_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F26%2Fbmj-piece-asks-serious-questions-about-the-effectiveness-of-mammography%2F Last week one of my blogs focused on prostate cancer screening, and specifically the prostatic specific antigen (‘PSA’) test. For a variety of reasons, the doctor who discovered PSA says the practice of using it to detect cancer should be stopped. In that post, I mentioned that doubts have also previously been raised about the [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408680 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:47:15 +0100 3408680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298275&cid=t_98181_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F02%2F23%2Faspirin-keeps-breast-cancer-at-bay%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Cancer SurvivorsBreast cancer survivors who took aspirin -- a baby aspirin or one adult pill -- after completing treatment were half as likely to die or have their tumors spread than those survivors who did not, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. According to study author Michelle Holmes, M.D., of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, aspirin may help control cancer by fighting inflammation. Cancers cells produce more inflammatory chemicals than normal breast cells. Of the women who were followed during the study, those who regularly took aspirin were 71 percent less likely to relapse with a deadly form of breast cancer than those who avoided the pain reliever. That's good news for the 2 million Amer... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298275 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3298275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223463&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftaking-a-new-medication-to-reduce-breast-cancer-risk%2F The new prescription for Femera is pinned to my fridge with a magnet. I’ve put it there so I won’t forget about filling it at the end of the month and guess what? It’s the end of the month. I had such a bad experience with Arimidex that you can hardly blame me for not being more enthusiastic about starting this new one. I didn’t mind tamoxifen at all, but my doctor decided that I am done with it. Studies show that there is no increase in benefit from taking tamoxifen for more than five years. Now my oncologist insists that following with five years of Femera will provide the greatest risk reduction for cancer returning. I always said that if it came down to it that I would choose to take medication rather than have cancer. I guess it helps to have a bottom line, but... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223463 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:32:19 +0100 3223463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003685&cid=t_98181_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F18%2Fdirect-link-to-the-breast-cancer-screening-recommendations-that-have-been-in-the-news%2F U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Screening for Breast Cancer Release Date: November 2009 The following bullet points are copy/pasted from the page, but more explanation of the recommendations and how “strong” they each are is available in the supporting documents. Summary of Recommendations The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms. The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additiona... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003685 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:53:37 +0100 3003685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004116&cid=t_98181_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F11%2Frant-about-change-in-breast-mammogram.html We were told CHANGE would come when the present administration was elected into office, and we've seen a lot of it. Today the big news is the CHANGE that the Federal government is looking to make in Mammogram guidelines, and if those changes come, you can be sure it's going to affect what is and isn't covered by your insurance company....and not for the better. I believe this is all part of what we have to look forward to with the present administration's "health care reform", it's just the beginning. According to new guidelines woman from the age of 40-50 no longer need mammograms. How many of you know woman who are in their 40's, even in their late 30's that have had breast cancer? I can rattle off names in my head, and I'm sure you can too, some have survived thanks to early interventio... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004116 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:29:00 +0100 3004116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667647&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FrXvUqkqWggc%2Fbreast-cancer-reconstruction-and-health.html By Sharon LaceyWhat does health care reform mean for patients with breast cancer and how will it affect you? Well, it could mean...Even though you or your loved one could benefit from advanced breast reconstructive surgery after mastectomy (like the DIEP flap procedure for example), your plastic surgeon might well have to say “no”. While this may sound extreme to many of you, this would happen if comparative-effectiveness research rules that the benefits of the surgery for the average patient just don't justify its price tag, especially when compared with yesterday's treatments (like tissue expanders for example). Unfortunately, medical advances and "cutting-edge" procedures do come at a price. Though this does mean certain procedures are more expensive, it has also ensured the United ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667647 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:01:19 +0100 2667647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2606190&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2Fgrtn0gd5cTE%2Fbreast-reconstruction-breast-cancer.html Despite the increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published report. Newly released statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008 - a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this, current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis."Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Those who are diagnosed should be immediately referred to a full team of p... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2606190 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:37:56 +0100 2606190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452341&cid=t_98181_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F04%2Fat-our-bodies-our-blog-obos-joins-aclu-lawsuit-challenging-breast-and-ovarian-cancer-gene-patents%2F On May 12, the ACLU and the Public Patent Foundation filed a lawsuit against the U.S Patent and Trademark Office, Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah Research Foundation, “charging that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer are unconstitutional and invalid.” The suit focuses on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, mutations of which are related to increased risk of breast and/or ovarian cancers. OBOS has joined the suit as a plaintiff, along with Breast Cancer Action and others. Learn more about the suit, the issue in general, and how to sign a statement of support for the effort at Our Bodies Our Blog. Posted in Access, Rights, & Choice, Boobs, Cancer, Ethics, Laws, Legislation, & Courts, Women's Health (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452341 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:52:10 +0100 2452341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442541&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FFajdAtEy15Y%2Fbreast-reconstruction-in-metastatic.html Traditional medical opinion states that women with metastatic breast cancer are not candidates for breast reconstruction. Once metastases are diagnosed (stage 4 breast cancer), attention turns solely to aggressive medical treatment to prolong life. Breast reconstruction is no longer discussed as an option.At least that was the consensus up until fairly recently.Opinions have started to change over the last few years. While we are still losing the battle with stage 4 breast cancer and most women will die from their disease, who are we to decide that these women should not be made "whole"? Why should any women interested in breast reconstruction die breastless?As long as patients interested in reconstruction  are medically stable and passed "fit for surgery", the psycho-social and quality ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442541 Fri, 22 May 2009 04:36:18 +0100 2442541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326621&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F01%2Fphrma-report-shows-record-number-of-development-drugs-to-treat-cancer-63-ovarian-cancer-203-solid-tumor-drugs-listed%2F “Responding to President Obama’s call for ‘a cure for cancer in our time,’ the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) delivered a new report today on medicines in the research pipeline for cancer. The report shows that America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are testing a record 861 new cancer medicines and vaccines. The [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326621 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:06:11 +0100 2326621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233221&cid=t_98181_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbattlingforhealthcom%2F%7E3%2Fu8OW8wtV0aU%2F Here is another study from the Women’s Health Initiative that gives disappointing results. At least disappointing for those who are big fans of vitamins and other dietary supplements. Previous studies suggested that vitamin D supplements may lead to a reduction in breast cancer risk. The current research by UCLA researchers looked at 36,282 postmenopausal women who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group took a pill containing 1,000 mg of calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D every day while the other group took placebo which was identical in appearance to the vitamin pill. This way, the participants were not aware which drug they were taking. The study was originally designed to study the effects of supplements, especially calcium on the incidence of hip fractures. Fractures due ... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233221 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:40:08 +0100 2233221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2017866&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2008-12-06-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-in-liver%2F Please give advice to Elke who’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in liver: meaning her breast cancer has spread to her liver.     Elke’s sister is undergoing chemotherapy. It’s not clear if this is done as a breast cancer treatment, a liver cancer treatment or both.   The metastatic liver cancers are ‘fast growing’ and the Herciptin chemotherapy side effects make that Elke’s sister passes out each time the chemotherapy is administered. Doctors say it is ’some kind of allergic reaction’.   Elke’s sister is trying to protect her family from pain and her doctors tell her that she has to have hope.     Is Elke’s sister over-reacting the breast cancer in the liver?   Elke’s mom died fro... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2017866 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:05:58 +0100 2017866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1991705&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2FW2JY_YZvIgk%2F B also has several types of cancer in its list. Who knew there were so many different types of cancer? B is for: B-cell lymphoma Basal cell carcinoma Bellini duct carcinoma Bladder cancer Brain tumor Breast cancer Burkitt lymphoma ~~~ Tags: cancer blog, burkitt lympohma, brain tumor, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lymphoma, basal cell cancer Share This (Source: Cancer Commentary) Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1991705 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:18:37 +0100 1991705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985011&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2008-11-25-cancer-treatment%2Fdying-from-liver-failure%2F   How do you know the end is near? Although you would think dying from liver failure is the logical outcome when a person is diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, father didn’t even have jaundice the day he died.   Janet summarizes what we all do when we hear our loved one has cancer:   I began playing doctor.   Then Janet asks herself how she could have missed her mom’s leg blockage being a cancer growing in there for 2 1/2 years…   This is the sad truth of our modern health system and not Janet’s error:   how can our so called modern healthcare body miss a cancer for 2 1/2 years?   Why did it take us and our father more than a year running from one hospital to another trying to find out what was wrong with him being nauseous?&... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985011 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:24:28 +0100 1985011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943574&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemo-brain-organization-and-add%2F Sister has been listening to me complain about what I call brain damage. After four years, I really believe that I am continuing to suffer from chemo brain. Every now and then, I go over the symptoms with Sister who feels they relate to ADD, so she got me a book on it. Having chemo brain, I seldom read a book from cover to cover starting on chapter one. Because this book is written for people with ADD it is not designed to be read conventionally anyway; this helped me to stick with it. Skimming through the chapters, I began to see how chemo-brain could be diagnosed as ADD. This isn’t so far fetched. Back in December of 2006, I was invited to participate in a Webcast on HealthTalk about chemo brain (worth listening to from the archives if you have the time). The other guest was a doct... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943574 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:52:39 +0100 1943574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886433&cid=t_98181_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F7AGPP4X5_9o%2F Traditionally, it is difficult to predict whether a cancer will recur, but recently biomarkers have been increasingly used that predict the recurrence of disease such as in prostate or bladder cancer, or chances of survival as in breast cancer. Another milestone has recently been reached, this time with liver cancer - a genetic signature has been identified that predicted whether a liver tumor is likely to occur. A signature made of 186 genes were found by an international team of scientists by probing the gene expression of 6,000 human genes. Correlating the gene expression of some 6,000 human genes with the recurrence at least two years after surgery, and also survival, led to a list of 186 genes as the probable signature for liver cancer recurrence. The team still have to validate the... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1886433 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:27:51 +0100 1886433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859823&cid=t_98181_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2FVhrZBfv17GE%2F In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) I bring you some important information on breast cancer: ~ If you are breastfeeding and scheduled for a breast biopsy, you could participate in a groundbreaking research study. Tanya at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog explains how “when you make milk, cells from your milk ducts are exfoliated off in the process. These are called epithelial cells, and they’re detectable in your milk. Past research has demonstrated that long before we notice a lump, those epithelial cells start changing in ways that are precursors to the development of breast cancer.” If you participate in the study at no cost to you, your milk sample could help in the development of a non-invasive means of determining breast cancer risk through breast mil... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859823 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:21:39 +0100 1859823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856100&cid=t_98181_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FxJ-sEFoytPA%2F Mothers who tested positive for breast cancer gene are now asking a tough question - should we test the kids? Women with a faulty gene have a three to seven times greater risk of developing breast cancer and a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Men have more risk of prostate, pancreatic and other types of cancer. With insurance now covering for genetic tests and a law banning genetic discrimination, more BRCA gene carrying parents want to know if their kids are carriers too. However, little can be done to prevent or screen for breast or ovarian cancer before age 25, so knowing your genetic make-up would only cause needless worry, advised medical experts. If either parent does have the gene, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. So unless the risk of childhood cancer is high, and nothing... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856100 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:20:43 +0100 1856100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856139&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2008-10-07-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-survivor-stories%2F We got a pessimistic sounding comment of Anne at Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer?. Therefore we call on all breast cancer survivors to share their stories with Anne on our special breast cancer stories pages:   Breast Cancer Stories from women who had breast cancer radiation treatment Breast Cancer Stories to help you discover the early breast cancer signs and symptoms   We started these 2 breast cancer sites because breast cancer treatments have some things in common that you won’t find with metastatic liver cancer patients.   But when it comes to pain, stress, emotional drain and loved ones, all cancers boil down to similar feelings and questions like "why me".   You need to know that you are not alone. Lot’s of other pe... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856139 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:21 +0100 1856139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1851315&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fideas-for-survivors-to-celebrate-pink-month%2F October is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for me. I celebrate because I am a breast cancer survivor and this is my month. Canadian Thanksgiving also falls in October which gives me another chance to eat turkey and be thankful for surviving breast cancer. October really is OUR month to shine. In 2008 more people than ever before are surviving breast cancer. The fear factor has gone way down as we no longer see a diagnosis of breast cancer as a death sentence. We are winning little by little over the disease. This calls for celebration; as a survivor, your life calls for celebration! Last year I made an oversized pink ribbon to wear on my lapel. This year I have other ideas to share with you to make your month fun. How about tying a pink ribbon around one of the trees in your front y... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1851315 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:42:08 +0100 1851315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841124&cid=t_98181_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FuG2zwGksm74%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Breast cancer is no respective of persons or conditions, so Alzheimer’s patients and family members can be victims.  Learn about Lee National Denim Day at Pink Ribbon Review and wear denim this Friday to raise awareness of breast cancer.  It’s also a way to raise funds. You also can be part of the Pink Ribbon Review Team. It’s coordinated by b5 blogger, Karen Lynch. (Amazon image) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, health, Mary Emma Allen, Pink Ribbon Review, women's healthShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841124 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1841124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841357&cid=t_98181_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fpaul-newman-dies-of-lung-cancer%2F The world mourns the loss of Paul Newman, a great actor, philanthropist and humanitarian. He was the embodiment of the Yiddish word “mensch,” meaning a person of great character, integrity and honor. And while it has been widely reported that his death was due to lung cancer and that he was, formerly, a heavy smoker, whether his lung cancer was caused by smoking is unknown. What is known is that smoking greatly increases one’s risk of lung cancer. But what’s also known is that up to 15 percent of lung cancer deaths occur in people who have never smoked. Moreover, lung cancer in never smokers is, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance, “the sixth biggest cancer killer in the United States.” Over 215,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841357 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:22:22 +0100 1841357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512769&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FQybDdi37FTM%2F98-of-mastectomy-patients-would-have.html This study shows that women with cancer in one breast who choose to have their other breast removed as a preventive measure are happy with their decision and a high percentage would do it again,” said Scott Spear, MD, study co-author and past ASPS president. “More remarkable is the 100 percent satisfaction level, as well as the 100 percent willingness to have breast reconstruction again, for the women who chose to have both breasts removed.”The study examined 74 women who had preventive mastectomies and subsequent breast reconstruction between 2000 and 2005. Forty-seven patients had breast cancer in one breast and elected to surgically remove their other breast (unilateral prophylactic mastectomy). Twenty-seven patients did not have breast cancer, but chose to surgically remove both ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512769 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:10:08 +0100 2512769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819379&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F354865048%2F98-of-mastectomy-patients-would-have.html This study shows that women with cancer in one breast who choose to have their other breast removed as a preventive measure are happy with their decision and a high percentage would do it again,” said Scott Spear, MD, study co-author and past ASPS president. “More remarkable is the 100 percent satisfaction level, as well as the 100 percent willingness to have breast reconstruction again, for the women who chose to have both breasts removed.”The study examined 74 women who had preventive mastectomies and subsequent breast reconstruction between 2000 and 2005. Forty-seven patients had breast cancer in one breast and elected to surgically remove their other breast (unilateral prophylactic mastectomy). Twenty-seven patients did not have breast cancer, but chose to surgically remove both ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819379 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:10:08 +0100 1819379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819389&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329094%2Fbreast-cancer-gene-testing-less-likely.html NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - African American women are generally less likely than white women to pursue genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2, the gene mutations associated with an increased risk of break cancer, researchers report. However, African American women with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer are much more likely to do so, according to the article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology."Everybody deserves consideration for testing if their clinical and family history situation warrant it," Dr. James P. Evans, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Reuters Health. "Regardless of race, one has to approach genetic testing as an important option and explain the pros and cons to the patient."Evans and associates examined race and the timing of breast cancer diagnosis a... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819389 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:14:27 +0100 1819389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819403&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329105%2Fbritish-women-over-70-receive-less.html Elderly breast cancer care 'poor'.Older women with breast cancer get poorer care than younger women, a study has found.Researchers from the University of Manchester found they are less likely to get a range of diagnostic tests and treatments.Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, they say this is likely to lead to higher rates of cancer recurring, and higher death rates.Cancer campaigners said women of all ages deserved high standards of care.They also have a lower chance of surviving the disease - women aged 70-79 have a 76% chance of surviving for five years after their illness, compared to 80% for all ages.This drops to 61% for women aged 80 or over - a fall which is not explained by their increase in age.Perceptions 'differ'.The team reviewed the cases of 480 women aged 65 and over,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819403 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:04:49 +0100 1819403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770432&cid=t_98181_127_f&fid=34828&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrclouthier.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fcancer-experience-in-america-and-europe.html Thought this article at Pajamas Media was very interesting. Some reasons to be thankful about cancer care in the US. This by no means is meant to endorse medical treatment for cancer since it cures nothing. I just thought you might be interested in the article. (Source: Dr. Steve Clouthier) Dr. Steve Clouthier blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770432 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:35:00 +0100 1770432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709804&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffinding-lumps-after-breast-reconstruction%2F For the most part, my reconstructed breasts are smooth and natural. Pressing in on them, however, reveals to me small, hard masses. I only have a couple that I can find, but it did cause some alarm initially. The surgeon assured me that they were fat tissue that had hardened as a result of the transplanted tissue and were completely unrelated to any breast cancer issues. I sometimes wonder if I am completely safe though. Last week the other breast cancer blogger on HealthTalk, Suzette, wrote about her recent experience in finding a lump and undergoing a biopsy only months after breast reconstruction. The thing I admire about Suzette is her knowledge of her body and her vigilance against recurring breast cancer. I learn a lot from reading her blog posts. Thankfully, the results were negativ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709804 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:56:25 +0100 1709804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1646467&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwe-will-beat-cancer%2F On Saturday, I had the privilege of standing in front of a couple hundred people that attended an American Cancer Society sponsored Relay for Life event. After speaking for a few minutes, I then got to hold the banner with three other survivors and walk the lap around the track leading the group of survivors. What an awesome time for me. These people were giving up 24 hours of their time to show their dedication to finding a cure for cancer. As I related my relationship with cancer, I realized how this disease has ravaged my family and that I can’t afford a moment of complacency in dealing with it. My story reveals a family history of battling this insidious disease. I know we’ve been together on this blog for over two years now, but maybe a quick overview of my story is warranted. In ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646467 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:24:19 +0100 1646467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616490&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F333329281%2F I got this from Angela of Breastfeeding 1-2-3: Leaking Breast Milk after Surgery for Breast Abscess or Lumpectomy. Recently a reader posted a comment seeking help on the question of leaking breast milk after a lumpectomy. This mother was nursing her one-month-old at the time of the surgery, and had had the incision glued and stitched several times in the month since, but breast milk continued to leak through the stitches. The delay in healing was compounding the stress of the lumpectomy. One doctor recommended weaning through the use of cabbage leaves and binding the breast tightly (please read on for a discussion of the dangers of that!) Definitely a great informative read. So read it all. Way to go Angela! Thanks for the hat tip. Tags: breast surgery breastfeeding, breast surgery for a b... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616490 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:39:27 +0100 1616490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1564243&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwe-the-people-demand-healthcare-reform%2F Last week, CNN reported that lobbyists spend 2.5 billion dollars to influence the American government. As startling as that figure is, a full 20 percent of that (about 500 million dollars), is spent by the healthcare industry. Imagine, that is approximately 1.2 million dollars on healthcare for each man woman and child in the United States. I don’t know about you, but by my calculations that is enough money to ensure coverage for everybody. Even more provoking is the question of how much profit is made by the health insurance industry if they can afford to throw away this kind of money to influence policy? Further, how is this money spent, who does it go to and what do they do with it? For the sake of all Americans we need answers to these questions. While most families are struggling to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1564243 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:09:14 +0100 1564243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819402&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329104%2Fyoung-black-women-at-higher-risk-of.html These tumors lack hormone receptors that make ideal treatment targets, researchers sayBy Alan MozesHealthDay ReporterMONDAY, March 26 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. breast cancer patients with a particularly deadly form of the disease are more likely to be poor, black or Hispanic, and under 40 years of age, new research shows.Patients diagnosed with "triple-negative" breast cancer lack three key hormonal cancer markers that are present in most other forms of the disease, experts explain.The absence of these cell receptors deprives doctors and patients of critical diagnostic information and prime targets for treatment, reducing a patient's therapeutic options and undercutting her expected survival."The paradox is that while African-American and Hispanic women have a lower overall risk for breast ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819402 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:27:32 +0100 1819402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531887&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-not-just-a-womans-disease%2F I came across an article I saved from the newspaper about a local man’s battle with breast cancer. He found a lump on his breast and subsequently had surgery and chemotherapy like his women counterparts. He continued to coach little league throughout treatment and credits that with helping him deal with the whole thing. In addition to losing his hair, he also lost his mustache. He was fortunate that his wife is a nurse and urged him to see a doctor immediately when he showed her the lump. The article was short; he dealt with it and moved on. As a woman with breast cancer tied up in pink ribbons, it is hard to imagine a man dealing with the disease. It is the one diagnosis that I am sure no man ever expects to hear. The only benefit a man has in this battle is his lack of estrogen; otherw... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531887 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:54:08 +0100 1531887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1449568&cid=t_98181_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fheavy-heart.html I vowed I would never post when family took precedence. I have to break that vow today. I wish I didn't but there is something so vitally important that I must share with you. Why is this important? Because it might save more lives than have been previously lost.The scourge of Ovarian and Breast cancer has ravaged several populations. With very few cases of early detection in Ovarian cancer, many women present with spread of the cancer and very poor prognosis. Even more importantly, women who have ovarian cancer and BRCA mutations still are at risk for other cancers including breast cancer.Despite this I have heard comments from Oncologists like "Why do we need testing?" This is why I have pulled myself away from my grief stricken family. To fight this lack of knowledge I have dedicated an... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1449568 Fri, 16 May 2008 17:43:00 +0100 1449568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1376903&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F271450661%2F And by quietly, it meant away from the Hollywood limelight! Who doesn’t know Cynthia Nixon? That red head of Sex and The City. Gosh, I love her red hair! Anyways… Cynthia Nixon recently revealed her quiet battle with breast cancer and told US TV show Nightline she “didn’t really want to make it public”. Nixon was diagnosed a year and a half ago and said she even scheduled surgery so she would not miss a performance of the play she was starring in. “I didn’t want paparazzi at the hospital while I was going through this,” said Nixon, who said that one of the few people she shared the news with was partner Christine Marinoni. The 42-year-old told the ABC network programme that she felt a diagnosis of breast cancer was likely as her mother had su... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1376903 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:13:42 +0100 1376903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1368007&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F268693433%2F In a mice study, the green tea compound EGCG has been found to significantly inhibit breast cancer growth. EGCG (epigallocatechin-3- gallate) is a known antioxidant — helps prevent the body’s cells from becoming damaged and prematurely aged. Studies have suggested that the combination of green tea and EGCG may also be beneficial by providing protection against certain types of cancers, including breast cancer. A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi researchers now finds that consuming EGCG significantly inhibits breast tumor growth in female mice. These results bring us one step closer to better understanding the disease and potentially new and naturally occurring therapies. Hmmm…green tea! Don’t you just love it? ;-) Find more details fro... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1368007 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:37:09 +0100 1368007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356457&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F266181664%2F Guesting on the Ellen DeGeneres Show today, Kylie Minogue revealed that she was misdiagnosed with breast cancer the first time. Apparently, the doctor gave her an all clear when she still has breast cancer. Known to the world is Kylie’s battle with breast cancer, but this is the first time that this Australian pop star has revealed something about misdiagnosis. Minogue said she was inspired to speak about the misdiagnosis after listening to DeGeneres and her earlier guest, US presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton, discuss the importance of the early detection of breast cancer. When DeGeneres, unaware of Minogue’s misdiagnosis, opened the interview by asking Minogue about her battle with breast cancer two years ago, the Australian stopped her. “Listen, this is an op... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356457 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:01:00 +0100 1356457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1353117&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F264962544%2F This channel (b5media Science and Health Channel) is growing, double-time. First, there was the new blog WeightingLine.com, now there’s PinkRibbonReview.com. PinkRibbonReview - authored by Karen Lynch - is about the journey to becoming pink ribbon aware. Yes folks, pink ribbon has a lot to do with breast cancer. ;-) Karen Lynch first wrote: Hi! I’m Karen Lynch. I’m a freelance writer and journalist and a two-time breast cancer survivor. I’m also a huge fan of the pink ribbon. Why? Because to me, it symbolizes my personal victories in my fight against breast cancer. It signifies the support survivors I and other survivors received from individuals and organizations all over the world. It stands for hope … the hope I have that more women are diagnosed early, less women are kill... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1353117 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:30:13 +0100 1353117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1334579&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F259712289%2F According to the Breast Cancer Campaign, thousands of women still die from breast cancer yearly — because current treatments are not always effective and in some cases fail to kill the root of the disease. In a comprehensive review of breast cancer research published today, 56 of the UK’s most influential breast cancer experts have identified the key research gaps and priorities for the greatest potential impact on patients. Breast cancer treatment has improved over the past few decades and led to increased survival rates and better quality of life, the report highlights. However over 44,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and around 12,500 will die. Unfortunately, not enough is known about why treatments don’t work for some patients or why brea... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1334579 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:50 +0100 1334579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1309155&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F253416206%2F The leader in performance apparel and footwear - Under Armour- has launched its 5th annual “Power in Pink” campaign. These, I got from Allison Blass (New Media Coordinator, MWW Group): As part of the “Power in Pink” campaign, Under Armour is encouraging survivors and women currently living with breast cancer to share their inspirational stories of strength and survival at www.underarmour.com/powerinpink. Under Armour will select three stories of undeniable courage to become the new faces of the “Power in Pink” campaign and star in national magazine and online advertisements and in-store visuals. Stories will be accepted through April 30, 2008. In 2003, Under Armour created the “Power in Pink” campaign to help educate female athletes about the benefits of physical activity ... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1309155 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:26:37 +0100 1309155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1240302&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F237293186%2F How was your weekend people? Mine was just terrible, I was locked up inside the house. It has been raining non-stop the last week, including this weekend. A t least on that front, my weekend just sucked. Otherwise, everything is good - great - in fact! Meanwhile, I received the following email from Dianna McPhail (Designer of Maizy Grace): Hello, I want to tell you how much I like your website. I wish that when I had surgery I would have had a resource like this to go to. I would like to encourage you to visit our website at www.maizygrace.com. I am the designer of the original and most supportive post mastectomy camisole on the market. We also have a medium weight form that is reasonably priced. It is designed to be worn right after surgery and thereafter. Both my products are insurance a... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1240302 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:59:33 +0100 1240302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1181874&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F224236772%2F ‘Desperate Housewives’ star Marcia Cross went to Capitol Hill last week, lobbying Congress to pass the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007 to end “drive-through” mastectomies for women forced to leave the hospital hours after surgery. Marcia Cross is campaigning to give women the choice to recuperate for at least 48 hours following a mastectomy and was joined by Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Lifetime network executive Meredith Wagner. Lifetime has collected more than 20 million signatures for the petition on its Web site, according to the network. “It’s such a simple bill that it’s hard for me to understand why it’s been languishing in Congress for 10 years,” Cross said We... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1181874 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:36 +0100 1181874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1165413&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F220056453%2F A great new woman’s online community called Capessa has a feature video under its Health and Fitness section. The feature video is entitled How I Used My Passion for Gardening to Fight Breast Cancer. “My parents had been married for 62 years when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.” My father had Alzheimer’s. My mother was his caretaker, and she was single-minded in that. When she was diagnosed, it was just the most incredible moment to go and visit her and watch her struggle with this whole thing. They were going to take her in for an experimental radiation therapy, rather than go in and biopsy and try to take out anything, because she was 86 at the time. It was all going to make her very sick and she knew that. My sisters and I were constantly telling her she didn’t have ... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1165413 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:00:25 +0100 1165413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156744&cid=t_98181_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F1%2F17%2Fjudah-folkman-a-giant-of-cancer-therapy-is-dead.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D The field of cancer therapy is orphaned ; Judah Folkman, “the father of angiogenesis”, died two days ago at age 74, of a heart attack.Judah, the son of a rabbi, was a visionary scientist with an uncommon compassion for his patients. I remember a presentation he gave at the American Society of Clinical Oncologists several years ago, where he was honored for his lifetime achievements. He was an absolutely mesmerizing speaker, describing his struggles in demonstrating experimentally his theories about tumor angiogenesis (don’t despair; I’ll explain in a minute). It was a triumphant speech. Judah had an unshakable conviction in his theory. He had no second thoughts about demolishing long entrenched opinions and received wisdo... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156744 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:24:07 +0100 1156744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156109&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmistletoe-extract-study-for-breast-cancer%2F During chemotherapy, in addition to my oncologist, I met with an internist medical doctor that was involved in complementary medicine. He provided me with the information and research that convinced me to also have mistletoe extract injections during my chemotherapy treatments. In Europe, this is a standard treatment, so there are several decades of support for its use. I stopped taking the mistletoe just before my chemotherapy ended, but I often think of this additional boost to my immune system during that time and wonder if it helped. It is a relatively inexpensive treatment accompaniment and so I have also wondered why it hasn’t been more reviewed for cancer treatment in the U.S. It looks like that may change. The National Institutes of Health does have a complementary health divisio... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156109 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:06:44 +0100 1156109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1152550&cid=t_98181_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F217109816%2F   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a test that helps in assessing the risk of tumor recurrence and long-term survival for patients with relatively high-risk breast cancer. The TOP2A FISH pharmDx is the first approved device to test for the TOP2A (topoisomerase 2 alpha) gene in cancer patients. The TOP2A gene plays a role in DNA replication. Changes in the TOP2A gene in breast cancer cells mean there is an increased likelihood that the tumor will recur or that long-term survival will be decreased. The test is suitable for breast cancer patients who are premenopausal or for whom tumor characteristics, such as tumor size or lymph node involvement, suggest a higher likelihood of tumor recurrence or decreased survival. The FDA reviewed evidence that the test, manufa... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1152550 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:31:36 +0100 1152550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1150892&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F216892947%2F Approved by the FDA, a genetic test that can help in the assessment of risk of tumor recurrence and long-term survival for patients with relatively high-risk breast cancer - TOP2A FISH pharmDx - is the first approved device to test for the TOP2A (topoisomerase 2 alpha) gene in cancer patients. The TOP2A gene plays a role in DNA replication. The TOP2A FISH pharmDx test uses fluorescently labeled DNA probes to detect or confirm gene or chromosome abnormalities, a technology known as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The recurrence of cancer depends partly on certain genes whose activity may be altered by changes in the number of gene copies in the tumor. Changes in the TOP2A gene in breast cancer cells mean there is an increased likelihood that the tumor will recur or that long-term ... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1150892 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:43:00 +0100 1150892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1148265&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F216189813%2F The quantity and identity of specific protein markers in the human saliva can be used as an early, non-invasive diagnostic test for breast cancer that can even be conducted by dentists. Such were the findings of a new study by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The study describes how the onset of breast cancer produces a change in the normal type and amount of proteins in glandular secretions from the salivary glands. The protein profile in a healthy person is altered by the presence of cancer. The study is being applied to a “lab-on-a-chip” technology platform developed by biochemists at The University of Texas at Austin. The ultimate goal is to bring this type of diagnostic test, which is capable of detecting the presence of cancer befor... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1148265 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:20:55 +0100 1148265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1134038&cid=t_98181_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_98181_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=1123445&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcounting-on-a-cure-in-2008%2F Well here comes the New Year. I am thinking that there are thousands of women who are looking at it with fear and sadness just having been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I am sure they are wondering if they will see the other side of this year, I know I thought about how many more New Years I would see after being given a diagnosis of breast cancer. How many of you with a diagnosis, or dealing with cancer that has spread to other organs are finding ways to stay cheerful for your family’s sake? It takes so much energy to play happy when you are dealing with fear and sadness; I hope that you have a support network. Something else that I am thinking about for the New Year’s is how many other women will have to face a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. That is not even considering the m... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123445 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:42:52 +0100 1123445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119387&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fexciting-news-about-stem-cells-and-breast-cancer-research%2F They’re growing boobs in Japan! No kidding, stem cell research has provided new avenues of discovery beyond belief. Japanese scientists have found a way to grow new breast tissue using stem cells from liposuctioned fat from the tummy, butt or thigh. Imagine that, and it has been tested on 19 women with no adverse effects. In other news this past week, scientists have discovered cancer stem cells. This gives them hope that they will be able to find a way to turn tumor growth off. Just a couple of months ago, the stem cell debate raged on. One side felt that no matter what the cost, embryonic stem cells had to be researched because they held the key to the healing of many chronic diseases and conditions. The other side of the debate cited ethical arguments against using potential human lif... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119387 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:46:31 +0100 1119387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1117866&cid=t_98181_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fhighest-breast-cancer-risk-hispanic.html This study performed by the Northern California Cancer Center had methods of design where they sought "patients younger than 65 years with newly diagnosed breast cancer and meeting defined eligibility criteria, and their family members, were enrolled This analysis is based on women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2003. Patients were identified through the population-based Greater San Francisco Bay Area Cancer Registry, which ascertains all incident cancers as part of the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program and the California Cancer Registry. We recruited patients with oversampling of patients having characteristics suggesting an inherited basis for their cancers.In stage 1 of sampling, we administered a brief telephone ... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1117866 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:10:00 +0100 1117866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1115207&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcancer-cant-stop-christmas%2F What a spectacular time of year. Christmas never fails to come every year and as it approaches, my worries lesson and my joy increases. I have so much to be grateful for and it reminds me that I have so much to look forward to. My mom always went over the top for Christmas. The decorations were everywhere, and because she has a Ukrainian heritage, they would stay up until Ukrainian New Year; well into the second week of the January. My kids loved going to Granny’s for Christmas, such a magical time for all of us. My mother is now in a nursing home. She is strong, but needs constant care and although her memory may not be sharp, her sense of humor and wry wit is untarnished. She loves the tree we set up in her room and delights in the spirit of Christmas. I miss her cooking and how she al... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1115207 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:13:01 +0100 1115207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1112134&cid=t_98181_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 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1100383&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-most-important-gift-a-woman-can-give-to-her-family%2F Christmas has a different spirit this year. In Michigan, shopping is definitely down and there seems to be so much more need. Charities are concerned about being able to meet their community commitments because it???s been difficult for people to donate compared to previous years. I especially think about women who sacrifice this time of year for their families. Overlooking their health needs and wanting to ensure a special time for their children means that they might let a little lump go forgotten until after Christmas. This time of year provides ample excuses for not having a mammogram or checkup. Of course throughout the year women find reasons to put off a visit to their doctors too but I think at this time of year it is a little easier to ignore the nagging inner voice urging women t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1100383 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:53:48 +0100 1100383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1096332&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffive-years-cancer-freethen-what%2F Somehow five years got to be the magic number for surviving breast cancer. Sadly, the insurance companies here in Michigan don’t agree with that theory; you have to be cancer-free for 10 years; otherwise, it’s considered a pre-existing condition. However, the five-year marker is monumental for many who have battled the disease. When you hit five years, doctors schedule appointments further apart, and survivors cling to the notion that the risk of cancer returning is reduced. For me, I will hit this significant anniversary in late summer of 2008. It somehow doesn’t mean as much to say that you are a four and half year survivor; the remaining months still seem awfully scary. I’ve heard of people having big parties to celebrate five years of being cancer-free, or doing something s... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1096332 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:33:38 +0100 1096332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1090708&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Foutsmarting-chemo-brain%2F The college semester ends this week, and I am happy to say that I have hung in there. In fact, I have not just hung in there, I have conquered the learning process! I am taking anatomy and physiology, and I am really acing it. If you can’t brag to your friends, who can you brag to? I will finish this course with an A and have decided to continue on with courses next term too. I have a bachelor’s degree, but the need to go to school seems to drive me. I think the need to continue to grow and use my brain and prove it is still vital is the force behind the drive. The thing is: I still find I have the effects of chemo brain. For example, not remembering words when I need them, short attention span, feeling separated from reality and the like, but it has not impaired my ability to ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1090708 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:17:24 +0100 1090708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1087747&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-employers-really-care-about-your-needs-during-treatment%2F Only five days after chemotherapy I started a new job. I had met with the manager prior to the surgery, after the offer to explain that I would need to go through eight rounds of chemo over six months. My feeling was that I would need to miss a day and a half each round. This was agreeable to her and of course she felt compelled to assure me that they were happy to have me regardless of the treatment and in fact she admired me for continuing on with my life so eagerly. The schedule worked pretty well; every three weeks I had to leave work Thursday afternoon, take Friday off and return on Monday. My close colleagues were so supportive and having to return to work each Monday kept my spirits up. By the fourth round I changed to Taxotere and found that although I felt Ok the day after treatme... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1087747 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:05:57 +0100 1087747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1079920&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fholiday-party-clothes-fake-boobs-and-inner-beauty%2F Hanging in my closet is the last dress I wore with my natural breasts. I wore it the weekend before my mastectomy, I only had a lumpectomy two weeks before, so it didn’t make a difference on how the dress looked on me. It’s a beautiful dress although it is over 4 years old, and I only wore it once. After I had the mastectomy I didn’t buy any more frilly or slinky dresses. I wore party clothes at Christmas, but usually tops that would hide the breast and prosthesis; you can’t create the natural rise of the breast under a slinky dress with a pocket bra and a prosthesis. Last Christmas I had the breasts from reconstruction but again opted for tops and pants because the breasts were not quite symmetrical. This year though I can wear anything I want. The reconstructed breast... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1079920 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:09:53 +0100 1079920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1072510&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchristmas-season-a-time-for-cheer-or-stress%2F This really is a fun time of year, it just happens to bring a lot of stress along with it. For most women, there is a whirlwind of activity leading up to the day. Decorating, cooking, cleaning and gift buying fill in the gaps in our already busy schedules. The Christmas I was going through breast cancer was one of the easiest for me. No one had any expectations from me, so the little I did was so appreciated. Each year seems to get a little more stressful, and I can’t really tell you why. I do the same types of things, but still end up needing a couple of more days that seem to run out by the time Christmas gets here. I know I plan well, I start early enough, but I think there is a spirit of stress that envelopes a lot of people this time of year. I am staying true to myself though a... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1072510 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:42:13 +0100 1072510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1067930&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmore-support-for-those-dealing-with-breast-cancer%2F The HealthTalk website just keeps getting better and better in continuing to provide a wealth of resources for chronic illness and cancer. One more great addition to the website is another breast cancer blog. Suzette Lipscomb has joined the bloggers here with her take on dealing with breast cancer alone while in her 30???s. The more women sharing their experience with breast cancer the better for all of us to learn, feel supported and move through the fear and effects the disease brings with it. I think that creating community is the best way to battle cancer. There is nothing a group of women united together can???t accomplish. I love to share a story a sociology professor told of a native community in South America. The women were faced with a high incidence of domestic abuse from their ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1067930 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:16:33 +0100 1067930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1063077&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Finner-city-women-and-the-fight-against-breast-cancer%2F While driving today I heard a report by Katie Couric on the radio that discussed a recent study done by John’s Hopkins in Baltimore. Findings indicated that there was an increased risk for cancer in inner city women. Katie discussed the lack of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and poorer nutrition for many of these women. The report highlighted things like poor budgeting to include the purchase of higher nutrition foods, lack of access to fruits and vegetables, and a need for better education on nutrition and health. Here in Detroit, the concern for inner city residents is that so many major grocery stores do not have stores where people in the city communities can get to them. Transportation is a problem especially since there is not a subway network or buses to outside communi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1063077 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:39:15 +0100 1063077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1057557&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-risk-where-you-least-expect-it%2F Every week, I take a few moments to review the other blogs on this site. I can???t tell you how surprised I was by one that Dr. Z did on grapefruit and breast cancer risk. You can read about it in his November 15 blog. So many things are emerging, and I am grateful to have this site and Dr. Z to provide a truth analysis. I even read somewhere that dog owners have an increased risk. (I read it once but haven???t been able to find the article again, so I can???t elaborate). There are some things we need to be reasonable about. Smoking, alcohol and read meat are the main ones in my mind, but others aren???t so easy to determine. For example, there has been much talk about underarm antiperspirants and how they may or may not contribute to breast cancer risk. Same goes for makeup that contains ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1057557 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:01:51 +0100 1057557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1051388&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Foral-contraceptives-abortion-and-breast-cancer%2F My concern regarding research and breast cancer is whether the results have been influenced by lobby, politics and/or popular opinion.?? When great profits are involved in chemotherapy and hormone drug follow-up treatment, I question whether we have been given all the risks and side effects with the emphasis they deserve. I don???t question the findings regarding the power these treatments have to reduce risk, and certainly they need to be available, but are we given the benefit of knowing the consequences of taking them? Over the past years, I have felt the same way about other research findings. We have seen research indicating that oral birth control is related to an increase in breast cancer risk. I know prior to getting married in my early 40???s, my doctor insisted that a mild low le... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1051388 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:50:45 +0100 1051388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1037098&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-prayer-a-treatment-option-for-breast-cancer%2F Last week, Anderson Cooper 360 did a show on the power of prayer to heal. There was a guest discussing the spiritual aspect of healing through prayer, and a medical doctor presenting the scientific component. The next day, I had a rare opportunity to catch the program “The View.” The ladies of “The View” were discussing prayer and healing as well. There is more and more evidence that prayer is helping people deal with and be healed of debilitating and life-threatening disease. Seeing it discussed on shows like these indicates that it is definitely a popular issue that is coming to the forefront. I only know that, for me, prayer is a major part of any treatment I have had and any decision I make.   Since my early 20s, my faith and prayer has been a huge element in my li... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037098 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:24:16 +0100 1037098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1037099&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-future-of-your-family-after-breast-cancer%2F The nice thing about having kids is watching their lives unfold in surprising ways. With my son it is not really a surprise that he would want to pursue football into college. This is a boy who has been bigger than anyone his age from the get go. But I have learned through breast cancer and all that has followed that his heart is the biggest thing about him. He has become impressively independent and self-reliant, while still letting mom care for him. I couldn’t be prouder. This weekend I’m off to Iowa to visit the college and observe their football program. My son is only a junior, but he is taking this to heart and has pulled his 3.0 average up to a 4.0 average. The exciting thing for me is that with him looking to start his life as a young man, it helps me focus on the future. A... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037099 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:18:36 +0100 1037099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1027301&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fliving-a-fairy-tale-while-battling-breast-cancer%2F While I was going through chemotherapy, I got to know a woman who had been diagnosed about the time I was. She was tall and attractive, and usually her father would show up to pick her up after treatment. Turns out she was single and her parents were very involved in helping her deal with the disease. She had just become involved with a man about the time she was diagnosed. The relationship continued throughout her treatment although she didn’t involve him in that part of her life. After chemotherapy ended and she finished her radiation, she advised me that she was getting married. Within six months of treatment she planned and had her wedding. It was such a lovely story. She only had a lumpectomy, so she didn’t have the continued concerns for reconstruction. She was ready to get on wi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1027301 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:43:06 +0100 1027301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021457&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-nightmare-of-having-cancer-with-no-healthcare%2F There is one thing that honestly keeps me awake at nights; the stories I hear about people with cancer that do not have healthcare. I know that there is a solution, but right now people all over the United States are not only battling cancer, but dealing with where and how to obtain treatment. Even then, these are the lucky ones because they at least have been able to have tests to confirm cancer. Many women I have talked to have found lumps and been unable to afford the tests to determine what they are. Last week I had the opportunity to address my college class, and a young woman shared her story of finding a lump and then spending three weeks trying to find a place to have it checked. Thankfully she found a clinic through an agency and the lump was only a cyst. This summer I heard of a ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021457 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:23:45 +0100 1021457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015095&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftaking-breast-cancer-treatment-to-heart%2F The Big Guy (my 16-year-old son) was getting his hair cut on Saturday when I picked up a magazine in the waiting area to leaf through. I did something I don’t do very often; I ripped out a page - not just any page, but the “On Health” page from the U.S. News and World Report Magazine from October 29, 2007. Dr. Bernadine Healy had written an article entitled “The Heart after Breast Cancer.” See why I needed that page? Now you can forgive me for mutilating a magazine at the hair salon. She started by pointing out the incredibly good news released late October proclaiming the fall in death rates from breast cancer between 1993 and 2002. Then she dropped her bombshell; “…as breast cancer deaths move down, heart attacks and heart failure risk related to the curative treatments inc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015095 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:10:42 +0100 1015095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1013534&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F181487996%2F A more accurate biomarker - osteopontin-c - has been identified by researchers  at University of Cincinnati that will predict if breast cancers will develop into an advanced form. Currently, biomarkers used are elevated levels of three standard molecules known to make tumors grow in the breast: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER — are used as “biomarkers” for diagnosis and individually detect only a fraction of breast cancers. According to Georg Weber, MD, PhD, lead investigator of the new study and associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati: “The problem with these biomarkers is that many of them are present at some level in the normal breast. In addition, they are surface molecules that support growth so they are not necessarily a... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1013534 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:34:16 +0100 1013534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1005435&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhow-did-you-decide-between-a-lumpectomy-and-mastectomy%2F When my doctor advised me that the margins of the breast tumor weren’t clear after my lumpectomy and that I would need a mastectomy, I thought what choice do I have? I guess I thought it out loud because he told me that several women say that they would rather die than lose their breast. He then told me that most of them return to his office and decide on mastectomy after thinking about the option. Years ago, most women didn’t have the option. Once breast cancer was discovered a mastectomy was scheduled. In many instances this involved a radical mastectomy that removed the lymph nodes and muscle at the same time. Thank heavens for more current research that shows that a lumpectomy in most instances is just as effective and a modified or partial removal of only the affected lymph nodes ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1005435 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:53:13 +0100 1005435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1001160&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fscared-into-taking-better-care-after-breast-cancer%2F You may have heard the saying “scared straight,” but I think I have finally been “scared smart.” I have spent the past couple of days reviewing the information from the big major study on what increases cancer risk including breast cancer. Perhaps you have heard about it on the news or read something on it. Every news station and most programs have discussed it. It involves a major study that reviewed about 7,000 other studies to determine what things actually do contribute to developing cancer, and what people can do to limit their risks. A number of recommendations were presented including avoiding alcohol, limiting meat and staying slim. Sister has been concerned about my excess weight, and my husband has encouraged me when it even looks like I have lost an ounce – God bless h... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1001160 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:15:37 +0100 1001160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=995184&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-best-gift-you-can-give-to-someone-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer%2F As Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, it doesn’t mean that breast cancer will take a break until next October. I am grateful for the attention the disease has received, however I am frustrated that we are still without a cure. And so, this coming year thousands of more women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. People have asked me what they should do upon learning of a friend, colleague or neighbor who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. If you are a survivor you can honestly relate that you know what they are going through. One of the best things you can do however is provide information. People want to know what to expect. They are eager to know everything they can to find out about their situation and risks. They want to know about the disease. One of the reasons tha... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=995184 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:47:12 +0100 995184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=988561&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Finheriting-an-increased-risk-for-breast-cancer-from-your-father%2F Sister and I have just found out that my mother is not a carrier of the BRCA2 gene mutation that increases our risk for breast cancer. What this means is that we inherited this gene mutation from our father. My dad passed away after a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but he would be heartbroken to think of his daughters dealing with this disease. Genetics testing can reveal if you have an increased inherited breast cancer risk. I started getting yearly mammograms at the age of 40. This was determined by my doctor because my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I felt that my mother had developed breast cancer through long term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as there was no history of breast cancer in either her mother’s or father’s family. It wasn’t unti... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=988561 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:48:40 +0100 988561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=982776&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmanaging-your-care-while-in-the-hospital%2F Yesterday, my hairdresser related a horror story of her stay in the hospital starting with a 3-hour wait in the ER. It was so bad that the director of the hospital called to make amends. She wasn’t a difficult patient, but the care she got was below acceptable. Any time I have been in the hospital, I have been the best patient. Seriously, I am a great patient. I like to get up and around as quickly as possible, I like to do everything for myself, I don’t complain, I don’t demand anything – what’s not to love? In fact, I know of two different times I was in the hospital that nurses fought over who would be assigned to me. I would like to think though that if I was in real need and became testy that I would still get that attention. Many people hate being in the hospital and some h... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=982776 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:57:37 +0100 982776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976577&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fi-dont-want-any-more-of-my-friends-to-have-breast-cancer%2F A dear friend of mine is going for a mammogram today. She found two lumps last week, and we are praying that they are just cysts. Her doctor sent her to a breast clinic, so she could also have an ultrasound and speak to a surgeon if necessary. This is an exceptional relatively young woman (under 40) recently married and raising a young girl. I know she is strong enough to deal with whatever comes. However, I trust it won’t be cancer. This spring, another dear friend went through an ordeal after finding something suspicious on her mammogram but thankfully it wasn’t cancer. I am heartsick at the number of women who face breast cancer every day. Those who are newly diagnosed and those who have metastatic breast cancer and those who have survived breast cancer all have one thing in common;... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976577 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:27:04 +0100 976577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=974306&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-24-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-awareness-gift%2F Hubby being overseas just sent me a great breast cancer awareness gift: a pink camera! (better than a postcard, mind you…). Due to the main sponsor of my cancer story blog, I am not allowed to tell you the name of the pink cancer camera, nor a link where it can be found, but the picture is big enough to have an idea Hubby actually wanted to buy me a pink handphone, but handphones here are cheaper than where he is. I never saw a pink breast cancer awareness camera here, so I am quite happy to have my first camera Finally I can send hubby pictures back Please spread the word about breast cancer: early detection is the best road to a successful cancer cure! Get a mammogram screening and be aware that in the month of October, you can most likely find a free mammogram scanning near wh... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=974306 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:20:21 +0100 974306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=972794&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-23-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-survivors%2F As you know by now: October is breast cancer awareness month. If you want to know more about breast cancer survivors, and you don’t have time to skim through a vast number of posts about "daily ramblings", then have a go at Jacki’s blog. The blog is in father’s blogroll under the personal stories and it covers 20 posts over a period of 1 year. What is most important I find is that Jacki has a healthy sports-body. Since there is no real cure for cancer, the best way to fight it is making sure you are in good shape. Like that you are likely to survive a chemo-therapy as best as possible. (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=972794 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:41:11 +0100 972794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=970258&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdid-you-know-you-would-get-breast-cancer%2F There is a scripture in the Bible in the Old Testament Book of Job that says “that which I have feared has come upon me.” I think of this often when I am fretting over the idea of cancer returning or spreading. The reason I like this scripture is that it gives me the incentive to not stress over these thoughts and to not allow the fear of recurrent breast cancer to consume me. My husband and I have a little routine. It kind of developed on its own. When I get thoughts about breast cancer, I ask him if I am going to die from cancer and he says, “There is no way, of course not, what a crazy thought.” That’s it. That’s all it takes for me to put those thoughts out of my mind and carry on. I just need to address them. I think just having breast cancer has given me power over it. It... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=970258 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:11:59 +0100 970258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=968463&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F173099477%2F If you buy an Etón FR400 Special Edition Pink Crank-Powered Emergency Radio with AM/FM, NOAA and TV-VHF, Etón will donate 5 percent of the purchase price to breast cancer research. In lieu of this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness, you can buy this special pink emergency radio and help donate to breast cancer research. Share This (Source: Cancer Commentary) Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=968463 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 01:29:22 +0100 968463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=964791&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsome-creative-ways-to-heal-from-breast-cancer%2F There are so many resources and programs for women with breast cancer that I am just learning about. One of them is Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation. They provide retreats for young survivors under 40, women with metastatic breast cancer, and women facing breast cancer without a spouse or partner. What I love about this group is that they charge a nominal fee for four days all-inclusive, and they will help anyone that cannot afford the fee. They have numerous sponsors that help offset the actual cost, which is as much as four times what they charge. The program includes nature walks, low-impact exercise, creative arts and discussion topics such as overcoming the fear associated with cancer. The only drawback to this group is that it is only operating in Minnesota and Wisconsin. So if you... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=964791 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:13:02 +0100 964791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=961847&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fan-innovative-way-to-wear-a-ribbon-for-breast-cancer-awareness%2F A pink ribbon has been gracing my lapel this month - not just an enamel pink ribbon pin, but a big not easy to miss pink ribbon. It is such a great idea, I wanted to share it with you. Not satisfied with the small regular emblem I wear everyday to bring attention to breast cancer, I decided for October, the Breast Cancer Awareness Month that I needed to jazzy it up a bit. I went to the fabric store and purchased a yard of 1-¼ inch grosgrain pink ribbon. I ended up using 16 inches of it, folding it around to resemble the usual shape of the breast cancer awareness ribbon and pinning it to my lapel with a small brooch. It looks terrific! It did exactly what I wanted; it got people commenting and talking to me. When it doesn’t match exactly what I am wearing, I pin it to my purse. I haven�... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=961847 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:45:53 +0100 961847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=959814&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-18-cancer-treatment%2Fgames-for-breast-cancer-awareness%2F Unfortunately I am not a big football fan, and with hubby overseas, football is the last thing that would cross my mind these days. NFL games for breast cancer awareness Yet it seems that the NFL has dedicated the weekend of October 8 towards breast cancer awareness. Which gave me the idea: why don’t people use NFL to promote a good cause each and every week? Yet NFL is not about charity, so I am dreaming out loud it seems. On the other hand I am looking for games for kids in order to educate them about cancer. Did anybody came across any games related to cancer? If so, please leave a comment! (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=959814 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:08:30 +0100 959814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=954096&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-16-cancer-treatment%2Fhow-are-you-involved-in-the-breast-cancer-awareness-month%2F This month is all about breast cancer awareness. Mainly get as much people as possible talking about breast cancer this month.And since money talks as well: during the breast awareness month we want to raise money for breast cancer research. But to be clear, raising money isn’t the primary purpose of this post. In my case: all cancers should get a much bigger amount of money for cancer research and even more important: the over neglected cancer prevention research. Anyway, if you have a blog, the easiest thing to do is just have a pink post. Yes, why not just colour it pink with a title like : How I help the breast cancer cause If you don’t have a blog: go wear pink! Ok, don’t change your complete office wear in pink, but wear a pink belt, pink jewelry, anything pink. Please ... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=954096 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:03:42 +0100 954096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=954098&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-16-cancer-treatment%2Fdo-you-go-pink%2F At Linky Love, there is a meme going on about Breast Cancer Awareness, but the follow up is poor. As long as people don’t have cancer themselves, it’s as you can see not on their priority list. That’s life… And mine was no different before father was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer. Or is it that in these days of "I can get money for a post, why should I write for free", people don’t see the point of spreading a good cancer cause anymore? Or they only want to join another blog when it has some authority in what way or another. Nothing is free, and that’s a fact of life. If the latter is the case, let me help you out Linky Love! (and congrats for your Spanish approval, go blog about that but make sure you have a good night rest…We... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=954098 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:35:37 +0100 954098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952457&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-you-play-the-cancer-card%2F There’s the race card, the gender card and now the cancer card? When things get out of your control, or you find yourself falling short or perhaps are treated unfairly, does it ever occur to you to use the fact that you have had or are being treated for cancer? In the spring of 2006 while I was still recovering from major reconstructive surgery, my mother had a fall and needed immediate surgery. Since we had just got the call from a doctor the morning of the emergency surgery for my mom, we were pretty much racing  to cover the four hours between Michigan and where she was just north of Toronto. As things go, we were stopped by a police officer for speeding since we failed to make the adjustment from miles to kilometers once over the border. We expressed our need to get there in a timel... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952457 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:12:25 +0100 952457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952150&cid=t_98181_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F170180353%2Foctober_is_breast_cancer_aware_1.html and in light of that I thought I'd round up a list of breast cancer resources.Canadian Cancer SocietyNational Cancer InstituteNational Breast Cancer FoundationBreast Cancer Care - UKBreast Cancer - Mayo ClinicNational Breast Cancer Awareness MonthSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer FoundationPink RibbonWhile you're clicking around, add The Breast Cancer Site to your favorites. You can click daily and various sponsors make donations to provide free mammograms.Breast cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2005 breast cancer caused 502,000 death almost 1% of all death world-wide. Do your part, donate and wear the pink ribbon to show your support. Do monthly self-examinations and encourage the women you know to do the same.One more place to check out is the Change The Statistic... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952150 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:00:51 +0100 952150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=949892&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=34871&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotthecword.com%2F2007%2F10%2F14%2Ftoo-busy-for-some-frosted-pink%2F Life is so busy, busy, busy right now. Wow, who would have thought I’d be saying that three months ago? Between finishing two senior projects and entering the busiest time of the year at work, spare time is a rare commodity. One of my cancer survivor friends was kind enough to send me information this morning and so…I am passing it on to you. This afternoon on ABC at 4 pm “Frosted Pink” will air. Frosted Pink: Putting Women’s Cancers on Ice (www.frostedpink.org) pairs Grammy Award winning artists with Olympic Champion women’s skaters in the first ever collaboration of its kind. GCF, ABC television network, Edge Marketing, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance have j... Not The C-Word blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=949892 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:26:18 +0100 949892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=947518&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-chemo-port-scar-a-badge-of-honor%2F I met a lovely young lady in the restroom of a restaurant I was in some time ago. I haven’t been able to forget her. She couldn’t have been more than 21 or 22 years of age, so I was surprised to see the telltale scar from her port on her upper chest. That is how we started talking. While in her teens she battled a rare form of cancer. I am pretty nosey like that, and I find that most people answer questions even from a stranger if you seem safe and sincere. I was genuinely interested in what this young woman had been through. There are a lot of us running around with scars left from the installation and removal of our ports that were much needed while we had chemotherapy. Unfortunately, it is pretty much an advertisement for the fact that we had cancer. My friend in Canada opted not to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=947518 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:03:51 +0100 947518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=945416&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-12-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-awareness-products%2F Get breast cancer awareness products to support the cancer survivors and to support those people who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Society in Malaysia was selling pink T-shirts to raise money for the society to provide the necessary support for their members of the public who suffer from this disease. To show your support you can get various items online that promotes breast cancer awareness. Some of these items include pink silicon bracelets, cookbooks, journals, lapel pins, magnets, pink ribbon socks and many more. (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=945416 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 07:41:28 +0100 945416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=943040&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-11-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-awareness-day%2F in UK this month is on Friday 26 October. Everyone is asked to wear pink and donate 2 pounds each so that the research for a CURE for breast cancer can continue. All you have to do is to put on a pink item of your choice, have fun doing it and at the same time raise awareness and funds that are so needed for the research. So come and join us and you can wear any pink colored items like socks, ribbons, hats, lipstick, ear rings, nose rings or whatever. So let all your family and friends know of this event and provide support for this noble breast cancer awareness day. (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=943040 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:12:24 +0100 943040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=935427&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-alert-on-alcohol-consumption%2F This study changes everything. They compared heavy drinkers from between 1974 -1985 with light drinkers. They measured those that had been diagnosed by 2004. What they found was that moderate drinkers, one to two drinks per day increased their risk of breast cancer by 10 percent and heavier drinkers, over two drinks per day, increased their cancer risk by 30 percent. That is huge! Not only does it reveal the consequence of alcohol consumption, but looking at the years involved there should be concern about the cumulative effects of consumption, even for those who may be cutting back now. Research was led by Dr. Arthur Klatsky of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Oakland, Calif. The findings were presented at a meeting of the European Cancer Organization in Barcelona. USA repor... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=935427 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:12:39 +0100 935427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=934048&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-08-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-awareness-gifts%2F One way in participating in the breast cancer awareness month is buying breast cancer awareness gifts like this "bath spa set". Of course you can now ask yourself: is this a good marketing trick to make the marketer rich or is this really about breast cancer awareness? Well, this question you need to ask to the person that is selling you the breast cancer awareness gifts. A normal practice will be that part of the profit made on each breast cancer awareness gift be it a fixed amount of money or a percentage of the sale. This money will than sent to a good cancer cause. Again do inform which cancer cause you are eventually sponsoring. So go out there and buy some Breast cancer awareness gifts. You won’t only make the person you offer the gift to happy, also you will help th... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=934048 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:33:31 +0100 934048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=934049&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-08-cancer-treatment%2Fbreast-cancer-awareness-month%2F Did you know that breast cancer affects 1 in every 9 women worldwide? Make that 1 out of for in Asia according to the National cancer registry Malaysia. October is breast cancer awareness month and the B in OctoBer stands for Breast Mammogram. The best means of protection is self examination. To be even more sure, get a breast mammogram! As with all cancers, the best chance of surviving cancer is early detection. It’s quite difficult to examine your own colon, but being aware of your breasts can mean the difference between life and death! Like the above breast cancer awareness slogan says: Preventing breast cancer is not in your hands, early detection is! (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=934049 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:42:41 +0100 934049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=933007&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetastaticlivercancer.org%2F2007-10-07-cancer-treatment%2Fnational-cancer-registry-malaysia%2F In Malaysia , it seems 1 out of 4 people suffer from cancer and this is a revelation for me. I have a few friends most of them women who were diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer. No one seems to know why there is a high incidence of cancer cases but I was told it was due to our lifestyle. One of my close colleagues was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago and she found the lump during a self-examination. She went for a mammogram but it could not be picked up. On her doctor’s advice, she did a biopsy and found that it was cancerous. She had a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatment. One year later, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer but this did not mestasize from her earlier cancer. She underwent full chemo treatment this time and is now on the road to recovery. (Sour... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=933007 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:36:43 +0100 933007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=931491&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-can-you-walk-the-walk%2F There is nothing better than a walk in the fresh fall air, unless that walk is to benefit breast cancer. October has always been my favorite month. I can still remember the woodsy smell of the leaf piles we used to play in when growing up in northern Ontario. Growing up I looked forward to the blazing colors on the trees, now I eagerly anticipate the pink lined shelves of my supermarket. Aside from the colors, there are the events. During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the local news here in Metro Detroit showcases survivors and their efforts to raise money and breast cancer awareness through the different events sponsored by organizations truly committed to finding a cure for breast cancer. What’s not to love about October? This past weekend, was the three day walk... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=931491 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:51:03 +0100 931491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=919167&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F163971088%2F October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is comprised of several national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working in partnership to build breast cancer awareness, share information and provide access to screening services. This October and throughout the year, regularly visit the NBCAM website for updated information and resources. Share This (Source: Cancer Commentary) Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=919167 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:05:49 +0100 919167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918174&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fits-breast-cancer-awareness-month-again%2F Pink is a great time of year. As a breast cancer survivor, I love walking into department stores this time of year. A lot of new pink products start lining the shelves. I feel warm and cozy, thinking that those big companies had me in mind when they started painting their merchandise pink. I know there is the usual controversy about these companies marketing to the breast cancer cause and making a profit, but, I am completely unaffected by those arguments. I love that there is pink all around us! Besides not even a portion of all the money those Web sites and organizations spend trying to urge people not to buy pink goes to breast cancer research. The fun thing about pink products is that nowadays all kinds of smaller and specialty companies are joining in on the “pink” craze. I love h... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918174 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:19:16 +0100 918174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=912317&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-response-to-my-universal-healthcare-blogs%2F There has been an overwhelming response to my blogs on healthcare. Everyone has an opinion, that’s for sure. Let me make it very clear why this issue is so relevant to me; breast cancer patients and survivors cannot be without healthcare. It is that simple. While I am in possession of a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and never shy away from discussing politics, but that is not my motivation here. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or are in any year of survivorship, you know that it is imperative that you continue to see a doctor, get regular testing and have access to treatment. Although there may be a debate over universal healthcare, there is no argument against the increased survival rate of those diagnosed early and treated quickly. That is the case with most ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=912317 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:29:17 +0100 912317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=906330&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhot-flashes-and-fried-food%2F Hot flashes have not been a major problem for me during treatment for my breast cancer or after removal of my ovaries. Having said that, I have been experiencing an increase in incidence and intensity of hot flashes over the last couple of days. I can actually attribute this to eating fried fatty foods. I rarely if ever eat anything fried, so the fact that I have enjoyed usually outlawed fried foods over the past couple of days is very revealing. In addition to the fried foods, I have not eaten my usual amount of vegetables, but, I have skipped servings of vegetables here and there before without a change in symptoms. Therefore, I can 100% confidently tell you that fried foods cause an increase in hot flash activity for me. OK, I’ll tell you what I ate – french fries and buffalo wings,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=906330 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:53:58 +0100 906330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=897342&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftaking-chemo-brain-head-on%2F I still experience that numb spacey feeling that comes with chemo brain. Chemo brain is the condition that you become aware of after months of chemotherapy. You know you have chemo brain when you begin to wonder who stole your brain. It produces brain fog, memory loss, slow-wittedness and more. Aside from writing several blogs dedicated to chemo brain over the past year and a half, I also had the opportunity to discuss it in a HealthTalk Live webcast last December. During the year since, I have found the medical community more open to accepting that this condition exists, however, we are still a long way off from understanding how it is caused, or how it can be treated. The fact that I am still writing about it a year later is discouraging for me; it may be getting better, but it is not go... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=897342 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:32:51 +0100 897342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=885539&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fgetting-to-know-your-cancer-drugs%2F It has been about a year since I stopped taking Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor. The side effects I experienced are long gone. Gone are the horrendous aches and pains I had in my joints and bones. When I finally made the decision to stop, it had gotten to the point where it hurt to walk and even get up in the morning. For me the decision wasn’t difficult. As I have told you before, I insisted my oncologist put me back on Tamoxifen, which is still a viable drug in reducing cancer risk. For some of you the decision to stop an armoatase inhibitor isn’t so easy; the cancer may be more advanced or the fear of the return of cancer is overwhelming. There is still no counter evidence to suggest other than the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex (anastrozole) and Femara (letroz... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=885539 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:27:34 +0100 885539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=878560&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-is-my-secret-weapon%2F When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I resisted the thoughts that it would change my life and me. I didn’t want it to have that power over me. However, I have found that having breast cancer is like joining a club with a lifelong membership. Even after you have finished treatment and even though it may have been five or 10 years since diagnosis, you never quite get over the fact that you had breast cancer. It leaves scars, emotional and physical, and drives so many decisions about your health and well-being. You are always called a breast cancer survivor. On the other hand, I feel a little stronger and more confident about myself. I call it my secret weapon. I know that I have survived a real killer, and that empowers me. I have had to make tough life and death decisions and t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=878560 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 23:39:16 +0100 878560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=872584&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthere-is-a-cure-for-breast-cancer%2F For many of us diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread into breast tissue, or lymph nodes, often the discussion with the oncologist on treating cancer doesn’t include curing it. Well, the truth is; breast cancer in all stages is curable, the cure just hasn’t been discovered yet. That is my stance, and I’m not backing down. While preparing my Wednesday blog on “The cancer vote counts” I decided that it is just a matter of resources, money and research to find the cure. The cure is there. That is why healthcare, cancer research and other health science issues need to stay in the forefront for next year’s presidential election. I came across an article at the National Cancer Institute about the National Cancer Act of 1971, wherein then President Richard Nixon declared war on ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=872584 Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:50:31 +0100 872584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=867495&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-cancer-vote-counts%2F Lance Armstrong is an exciting guy! Last month, he decided to face the presidential hopefuls of both parties and ask them specifically what they will do to cure cancer. It is touted as the “Cancer Vote.” Lance is pretty clear on where cancer stands: “Cancer is far bigger than terrorism,” Armstrong said. “It’s far bigger than AIDS. It’s far bigger than anything. Globally, it’s our biggest killer.” His Lance Armstrong Foundation hosted Democratic and Republican presidential forums focusing on cancer. Armstrong and MSNBC’s Chris Matthews hosted the Iowa events. We all know that there isn’t one family in the U.S. that has not been touched by cancer. So the lack of participation by all candidates was alarming, how much bigger of an issue do ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=867495 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:51:54 +0100 867495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858698&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-and-dental-problems%2F This past week, I have been suffering with a toothache. I don’t ever remember having a toothache before. The first thing my dentist advised me was that I needed a root canal, on perhaps two molars. He then proceeded to book me with an endodontist and schedule me to revisit him for a crown fitting once the root canal was completed. Well, I cancelled the appointment for a root canal. I really am a chicken when it comes to dentists, so I have been taking my penicillin and ibuprofen dutifully and trusting God to do the rest. I have a wait-and-see attitude right now. I did have the dentist assure me that it wasn’t a cancer related pain – something us survivors always think about. This brings up a good issue. Breast cancer survivors and especially chemotherapy patients need to be aware tha... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858698 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:39:23 +0100 858698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=851097&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-support-program-for-users-of-arimidex%2F I haven’t received a specific response to my concerns from the pharmaceutical companies regarding aromatase inhibitors and our comments about side effects. What I have received is information about a new program being offered to users of Arimidex. The makers of Arimidex have created a free program for the users of Armidex. It is called “In Your Corner” It includes advice from healthcare experts on treatment, fitness, nutrition and help for dealing with side effects. It also covers topics that coordinate with your treatment. AstraZeneca has designed this program as a support and resource for the increasing number of women on the drug. “In Your Corner” is an interesting label for this program, especially coming from the makers of the drug. For many of us the experience with the dru... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=851097 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:01:12 +0100 851097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=837516&cid=t_98181_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F151558693%2F According to a study conducted by a team from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia administered during the operation and pain afterward. Guy Montgomery of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and colleagues conducted a clinical trial to examine the effects of hypnosis when it is given within 1 hour before breast cancer surgery. Two hundred women were randomly assigned to either 15 minutes of hypnosis by a psychologist or a control session in which they spoke with a psychologist. The findings – published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute – reported that patients in the hypnosis group required less anesthesia than patients in the control group and they reported less pain, nausea, fatigue, ... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=837516 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 09:34:39 +0100 837516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=579292&cid=t_98181_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F30%2Fstudy-finds-receptor-responsible-for-herceptins-poor-anticancer%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Drug, Research, Daily news, Cancer SurvivorsTwenty to thirty percent of breast cancers over express a protein referred to as the human epidermal growth factor receptor, better known as HER2 over expression. Herceptin is an agent that is targeted against the HER2 receptor and helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells that over express this protein. Unfortunately, some women that do have the over expression of HER2 on their breast cancer cells do not respond to treatment with Herceptin. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute has published a report that says among breast cancer patients with HER2 over expressing cancer cells, those whose cells also express a receptor called p95HER2 have a poor anti-cancer response rate with Herceptin. The study include... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=579292 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 579292