Week 10

There are two ways to check for breast cancer and those include: self-checking and getting a mammogram. Even if you find a lump while self-checking you still need to get a mammogram, because that's the final determinant. Women who are 40 years old and older should get a mammogram done every year. If breast cancer is in the family history then some women should start getting mammograms before the age of 40. "A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal. The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly into a computer for a doctor called a radiologist to examine. A mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam."A mammogram is done when: "You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The person who takes the x-rays, called a radiologic technician, places your breasts, one at a time, between an x-ray plate and a plastic plate. These plates are attached to the mammogram machine and compress the breasts to flatten them. This spreads the breast tissue out to obtain a clearer picture. You will feel pressure on your breast for a few seconds. It may cause you some discomfort; you might feel squeezed or pinched. This feeling only lasts for a few seconds, and the flatter your breast, the better the picture. Most often, two pictures are taken of each breast — one from the side and one from above. A screening mammogram takes about 20 minutes from start to finish." There are different kinds of mammograms and those are: Screening mammograms are done for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Screening mammograms can detect lumps or tumors that cannot be felt. They can also find microcalcifications (my-kro-kal-si-fi-KAY-shuns) or tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, which sometimes mean that breast cancer is present. Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other symptom or sign of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, thickened skin on the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. This type of mammogram also can be used to find out more about breast changes found on a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue that is hard to see on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician can magnify a problem area to make a more detailed picture, which helps the doctor make a correct diagnosis.A digital mammogram also uses x-ray radiation to produce an image of the breast, but instead of storing the image directly on film, it stores the image of the breast directly on a computer. This allows the recorded data to be magnified for the doctor to take a closer look. Current research has not shown that digital images are better at showing cancer than x-ray film images in general. But, women with dense breasts who are pre- or perimenopausal, or who are younger than age 50, may benefit from having a digital rather than a film mammogram."

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/mammograms.cfm#a

Week 9

The Susan G. Komen organization hosts a lot of races called race for the cure. They are all over the United States and are held at many different times of the year. It's a 5k and the participants can choose to run or walk with no time limit. Each participant has to pay twenty dollars in order to be in the race and 25% of the income from the race goes to research for breast cancer, grant programs, educational and scientific conferences, and awards. The other 75% of the money earned from the race goes to the local community to help fund for breast cancer. These races are really inspirational and a time for everyone to get together as one, whether you have experienced breast cancer, know somebody with breast cancer, or simply want to help out with the cause. The people who participate get all dressed up in pink gear, display the pink breast cancer ribbon, and even make signs. On April 17th of this year I will be one of the participants of the race for the cure, along with my mom and dad. There are a couple to choose from around our region that are coming up, but we decided to go to the race in Indianapolis. I'm really excited for the race and can't wait to meet all the people and hear their stories. It's going to be an amazing experience. I know this race is really important to my mom, because she has been wanting to do something like this ever since she got rid of her breast cancer and now she finally can. She really enjoys supporting the women going through breast cancer since she knows what it's like and can put herself in their situation. I'm really glad that I am able to share this experience with my parents, especially my mom.

Week 8

There are a lot of things that can be done in order to live a healthy lifestyle and some of them can help prevent breast cancer. Taking these measures will not guarantee that you will not get breast cancer but it could possibly help to prevent it. Diet and exercise is a really important aspect in living a healthy lifestyle. Not only can it help prevent breast cancer, but it can also prevent a lot of other things. Keeping a steady weight and not being obese can be crucial for women. Excess weight may lead to higher levels of the hormone estrogen which has been linked to breast cancer.

"Research suggests that greater total fat consumption (about 40 percent or more of daily calories) poses a greater risk for breast cancer than lower total fat consumption (about 20 percent of daily calories). With that in mind, try to limit total fat intake to less than 30 percent of daily calories in order to help in the prevention of breast cancer.

Saturated fats found in marbled meat and high-fat dairy products are more likely to increase risk of breast cancer than unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds and avocados, as well as olive and canola oils. Try to limit saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total daily calories (if you’re following a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s no more than 15 grams). Produce provides numerous phytonutrients and antioxidants — substances which help prevent cellular damage throughout the body. One well-designed study found that regular consumption of five or more servings of veggies a day was associated with lower risk of breast cancer; however, according to a recent study published in JAMA, consuming more than five servings doesn’t seem to have any preventative effect. So when it comes to breast cancer prevention, I say aim for at least five daily servings of colorful produce. Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds that are structurally and functionally similar to the hormone estrogen, which is found naturally in our bodies. There are several different groups of phytoestrogens; the most widely studied are the isoflavones, present in highconcentrations in soy products such as soybeans, tofu, tempeh and soy milk. When it comes to breast cancer, there has beensome evidence that soy can play a protective role; however, its effects may depend on when in life it’s consumed. For example, Japanese women eat soy throughout life, whereas most American women may have only started eating soy as adults. It’s been proposed that isoflavones act as anti-estrogens in premenopausal women who have high circulating hormone levels. But after menopause, when estrogen levels are low, they may act like estrogens and any estrogen boost, even if weak, may at least theoretically be harmful in such women. The optimal amount of dietary soy is unknown — and different forms of soy may have different effects. For example, highly processed soyfoods(meat analogues and energy bars) may have less biological activity than whole soybeans or soy milk. What’s the bottom line? A moderate amount of soy consumption can be part of ahealthy diet(1-2 servings daily), particularly in premenopausal women. A serving = ½ cup tofu, tempeh, edamame (out of the pod), ¼ cup soy nuts or 1 cup soy yogurt or soymilk. **However, if you have or have had breast cancer, or you’re at high risk, it’s important you speak with your personal physician and follow their expert advice when it comes to soy consumption. This remains a controversial topic and you may be instructed to completely avoid. Important:Always avoid soy supplements — they may contain higher levels of isoflavones than present in soy foods without the other potentially healthy components. Long-term effects are not yet known."

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21564819/ns/today-today_health/

Week 7

Going through breast cancer is a very difficult thing to overcome. It usually happens without any warning and takes the people diagnosed with it by surprise. Throughout the whole process of being diagnose, treated, and recovering there are many life lessons learned.

"Breast cancer treatment is an experience that causes many of us to slow down and think about life. It's a hard teacher, but it may give you a life lesson - or two - that sticks with you for a long time. The bonds of support between survivors are cemented with common experiences, shared struggles, celebrated victories, and words of advice. What was the more important thing that you learned during your journey with breast cancer? What life lesson would you share with others in the fight?"

Each of the following are life lessons breast cancer survivors have learned.

"I was never alone. Immediately before I received the result of the mammogram, God let me know in my spirit, "It is not the end, but the start of a new beginning." So I received the news from the doctor without being stunned. I will say that I looked at the world through different eyes, not getting stressed over little things, like waiting in check-out lines. I felt a calmness. I believed everything was going to be alright. I had the biopsy, lumpectomy and radiation in 2008. Everything looks good. Jesus was my comfort and friend through what could have been a very dark place, but He made it light. There was a lady that made pillows for the UNC Rex Cancer Center and I received one after surgery. What a blessing! Now my friends and I make and donate pillows for breast cancer patients and children in the hospital. It may seem so minor to do a little kindness for someone else that you don't do it. But that kindness can mean the world to the one who needs it. Love one another. That = happiness."

"Acceptance. A good friend of mine recently said "People plan and G-d laughs". Bottom line is that we cannot plan out our entire lives. Belive it or not, some events are out of our control! I obviously did not plan to have breast cancer, but when I was diagnosed I completely accepted the life challenge. Turns out, it wasn't much of a challenge at all. After losing my Mom to the disease and watching my sister go through it with me (she also later died from the disease), I knew what to expect and I accepted what turned out to be a beautiful journey for me. By accepting the diagnosis and all that followed, I moved forward in a positive way...met some incredible doctors, nurses, and other patients and now manage a support group to provide other cancer survivors a safe and fun place to exchange information and experiences. I think I turned an otherwise grim experience into a positive one by learning the art of acceptance. My wish is that other women may do the same. Peace."

"Life Lesson. I felt the fog lift after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I began to see things more clearer and I welcomed everything with open arms. I also strengthed my relationships with my husband, children, parents and friends. You look at yourself differently, and I looked at myself more positively. Whether it was surgery, dr. appts, grocery shopping,chemo...whatever it was, the news was never bad for me, rather a way to make it positive. I also strongly wanted to share my story and support anyone who needed support. I wanted to arm myself with knowledge and I did. Knowledge is power, but so is being positive. Having strong faith is the best defense. I also learned to never take anyone or anything for granted and I always tell people everyday how much they mean to me and how much I love them. The journey is your own...all you have to do is write it out!"

"God was there. Before I knew who He was, God was there. When I had given up on life, God was there. When the docs wanted to give me the most aggressive chemo available & I refused any chemo at all, God was there. When I did not want to be rescued, God was there. The most important life lesson I have learned from having breast cancer is that God was there & He is here & He will never leave me."

"Life Lessons after Cancer. I have learned that you don't take life for granted, and I am on my 5th year Cancer free, it has also made me stronger as a person. Having Cancer is not a death sentence, just think positive, get good support and educate yourself."

"Life Lessons after Cancer. I have learned that you don't take life for granted, and I am on my 5th year Cancer free, it has also made me stronger as a person. Having Cancer is not a death sentence, just think positive, get good support and educate yourself."

http://breastcancer.about.com/u/ua/truesurvivors/life-lessons-ua.htm