Sunday, June 28, 2009

My friend has breast cancer what should I do

My friend has breast cancer what should I do?
My friend discovered she has breast cancer about 2 years ago. It's the first stage of the illness. Is she got a chance, she hasn't been getting treatment since then. Just took a very short period of treatment and stopped. pls help me. From what she told me surgery is the only way to go. Will she be 100% cured if she takes surgery, and go chemo ? She is frighten of surgery. I keep nagging and nagging her, hopefuly she will listen in the end..hopefuly not to late. her breast hurts lately a bit..so...hopefuly still phase 1, although I doubt it.
Cancer - 15 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
She found out two years ago and is just considering her options?
2 :
if she keeps putting it off, it'll be less likely that she can be cured. you should probably ask her why is she putting off treatment.
3 :
It is difficult to say since she was diagnosed two years ago and did not complete treatment. Unfortunately cancer spreads to other parts of the body usually through the lymph system, so it can metastasize ( pop up) in other parts of the body. The best you can do is to be her friend and encourage her to seek treatment. If she doesn't want to do that, then just be there for her because it is going to be very hard and she will need a real friend. Bless you both.
4 :
It depends on how fast a spreader hers is. My sister is dealing with it right now. He cancer was 2 out of 3 on the scale of how fast it spreads. If your friend has a 1, she may still be ok. But if she has a 3, her cancer may have spread to vital organs by now. Even if it has, that's not an automatic death sentence. But to answer your question, all you can do is tell her that you care about her and you're willing to hold her hand during treatment.
5 :
shes had it for 2 yrs and is only thinking about options now !!!?? You need to be her friend and support her in the rollercoaster of cancer. talk to her about the treatments. Do research for her. No she probably won't be fully cured after surgery and chemo after 2 yrs.I will pray for you and your friend and her family. And the best of luck p.s. I no this is a hard time for both of you and I wish I could cure her and get rid of this horrid disease. GOOD LUCK xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
6 :
It all depends on the current stage of her breast cancer. If she has breast cancer that has spread anywhere, survival rates are decreased. She needs to see an oncologist to determine from a doctor the best treatment options out there. She might need to have chemo or radiation to decrease the size of the cancer before surgery. It may also require additional chemo and radiation after surgery. The best thing that you can do is be supportive and help in any way that you can.
7 :
Fear is the worst. Cancercare has great trouble dealing with that. In fact a yr. today. Nov.3 I had the surgery.No problems. In & out in 24 hrs. & I really haven't missed it. I bought a replacement. Works quite well. It was slow growing cancer. 4 chemos. & 25 radiations. Finished in June. Most side effects of treatment are gone.I feel great & I don't have cancer. I am quite proud of the fight I put up. She can get through this, but as soon as possible or it will be too late.Life is precious. Please hang on to it & live.
8 :
Get her the book "What your doctor may not tell you about breast cancer". Cancer doubles in size about ever 4-6 months on average. If the cancer is DCIS it may not spread - it could also have been considered a pre cancer calcification - also not a real bad thing. If on the other hand it is an invasive form and it has spread to the lymph nodes then it is heading out to conquer the new world. Is there a chance that she is being melodramatic for the attention? Because I can not imagine knowing but not doing anything.
9 :
just be there to support her in any decision she makes. she has a chance of beating this if she has the surgery and chemo.my mom did the surgery and chemo and she beat the cancer.Please don't let her give up.
10 :
PLS...Encourage her to seek medical treatment...I am a survivor of breast cancer ...I was diagnosed in 1999... I was in my late 30s...some cancers are aggressive like mine..I had the tumour removed..chemo. ...radiation... The word Cancer is a very scary word...but, You can be a survive!!!!
11 :
Here is a great alternative ( I would call a primary treatment, personally) treatment that will not have the fears of surgery. I am currently in the Bahamas with my Mother who has Terminal Lung Cancer. There is a clinic here that has been in operation for over 30 years. We have been here for 4 of our 8 week stay, everyday is really neat. A lot of the patients stick around in the meeting room/ waiting room to visit, and share stories and catch up. There were 40 people all talking and laughing, talking about cancer and life, the returning patients talk about how bad their cancer was 4, 8, 10 even 18 years ago when they started coming to the clinic, the cancer that has since disappeared. There is nothing dangerous or foreign to the treatment, just building up your immune system in a very effective manner. If you want to know more contact me or go to www.immunemedicine.com I cannot tell you how impressed I am with what I have seen and how my Mother has already improved. I know one man who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he skipped all US, conventional (poisonous, dangerous) options and went to the Bahamas and is doing great now. Another man who has been coming here for 18 years that had prostate cancer. People with just about every type of cancer. But, they are honest here, you send them your medical information and they will tell you whether they believe they can help you or not, and they will send you home if they don't think you are benefiting. They will also tell you if they think something like surgery will help this treatment, one lady had been coming here for over 8 years and doing well, when the doctors here told her it was time to get her breast removed when she got back to her home. My mom has shown drastic improvements and is feeling so much better. and we are in the Bahamas so we are having a good Mother-Daughter vacation. I have also done a lot of research on the Cesium Chloride/DMSO treatment and think that it has merit and you can do it at home. The clinic here believes that a supplement/liquid called VIBE works really well in addition to other treatments, I am going to look in to that some more. US doctors push chemo and radiation, but when you look at the statistics and side effects it is not a good option for most people. My Mom had both before we came here and now that I know more about them and have researched them I feel horrible that I let her go through them. She was lucky (so far) the only long term side effect she has shown is short term memory loss. The stories I have heard from the other patients here about how they were treated by US medicine astound me. One lady went home to have a shunt put in her liver so she would be ok to come here, but they refused to put it in unless she agreed to do chemotherapy, is that what our country is about? Denying helpful procedures unless we agree to dangerous, toxic ones? The drug companies run US medicine at least when it comes to cancer treatment and it is sad. Most doctors will tell you not to try alternative medicine and some will refuse to even see you again if you do. To some degree they are not to blame, they have not been taught anything about it other than that it is evil and wrong and they would be rejected by their colleagues if they suggested alternatives. I would also like to tell you about another lady staying at the house we are staying at, she is 86 years old and has breast cancer as well. She arrived at the clinic the same day we did and is doing very well. Her immune system continues to improve and she gained 2 pounds since last week. She is absolutely thrilled with this treatment and knows that it is helping her. Please whatever you do, research first. One very helpful website is www.cancertutor.com Good luck!!
12 :
You can only continue nagging her... you can not put her on the operation table .. her fate is in her own hands .... If she wants to enjoy life she better have surgery ASAP before it's too late. I have a relative who was diagnosed 7 years ago. Her both breasts were removed, and she wears padding. But after 7 years life goes on and she is considered cured. She chose to live. All I can say continue nagging your friend, not much more you can do.
13 :
Not sure, but new treatments are comming.... US scientists crack entire genetic code of breast and colon cancers Research on cancer and the genetic code looks like it may at long last produce real breakthroughs For more info, visit: http://www.librarynews.info/ http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/medical-research-study-directory/ http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/ http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/ http://www.san-diego-dentist.us http://www.san-diego-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-surgery-doctors.us/ http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info/
14 :
If she has waited 2 years that was silly not to be treated. If she gets serious and does what the doctor says maybe. More than likely she will have to have the breast removed. Her mental state plays alot too. My stepmom had breast cancer and they removed her breast and 20 years later it returned. It did take her life but she live an extra 20 years. The doctor is the only one who can give her the percentage of survival. doing nothing is a death sentance. Tell your friend to seek help now
15 :
I was 7 months pregnant with my first child when overnight a lump seemed to appear on the surface of my skin. 1 week after the birth of my son I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Breast Cancer is one of the more aggressive cancers. Early detection is the key to fighting cancer, and if your friend hasn't taken any steps to begin her fight, chances are she won't survive. Cancer just doesn't go away, it spreads. Those cancer cells travel all over the body if treatment is not given. I know how scary it is to go through surgery and even chemo and radiation, but it is better to fight and live than to die doing absolutely nothing!!! You are never totally cured of cancer, there is always a possibility that the cancer will come back , but the chance decreases if you go through all the treatments that the doctor prescribes. Even if your friend loses her breast, there are so many advances in reconstructive surgery these days, but she need to get help NOW

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Can a 20 yr old girl get breast cancer

Can a 20 yr old girl get breast cancer?
I'm 20 and I've been getting my breast checked out because I found a lump. They did an ultrasound and I got a letter saying my breast needed further evaluation. I'm scheduled to get a breast biopsy on Thursday. I'm scared to death do to the fact that I'm so young and I have my 2 baby boys. I just wanted to know what are the chances of me having breast cancer. It doesn't run in my family.
Cancer - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
yes, a 20 year old can get breast cancer. But, just stay calm and get the biopsy and see whats going on first. dont jump to conclusions yet! Best of luck to you, and just calm down-im sure things will be okay.
2 :
Your risk is lower than most because you are young, have children (even lower if you breastfed) and don't have a family history. However, there are always exceptions and it is possible for someone your age to have breast cancer. The biopsy will tell you for sure. Here is some more information: Cancerous lumps are often painless and immobile. That means you can't move the lump back and forth if you touch it. They also tend to be irregularly shaped. Benign lumps (cysts) are usually round, movable, and cause pain either to touch or during the menstrual cycle. Sometimes cysts go away on their own, other times they require surgery. Sometimes, a cyst can be left untreated. Good luck!
3 :
It is not impossible, but the chances of having breast cancer at your age are less likely. Try to be calm, dear. It is probably nothing, but if it does turn out to be breast cancer, then at least we have great technology today to fight the disease.
4 :
It is probably a lypoma(sp) very common for your age. Are you having a core needle biopsy? Try not to worry. You may have fibrocystic breast which are lumpy anyways. Is the lump fixed to you chest wall and hard? If it is soft and moves then it is almost always benign. I have had 2 biopsy's myself. Try not to worry and I am glad you didn't wait to go the the dr.:)
5 :
Try not to worry too much, I know that seems impossible to do right now. I found a lump in my breast when I was pregnant with my daughter. This was back in September and I just had it removed July 15. I'm 23 and I can say I was probably as worried as you are. Yes it is possible, but it is much less likely. In younger women it is more often benign growths called fibroids. I'm not ruling it out but keep your head up and know that its a very low possibility. They never let any lump go without checking it. Good luck

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Saturday, June 20, 2009

does any one have ideas for raising money for the Avon walk for breast cancer

does any one have ideas for raising money for the Avon walk for breast cancer?
I am trying to raise money to walk in the avon breast cancer walk in chicago, my family has had a relay for life team in my mothers honor for 5 year but i feel like i should do something by my self for her. but i am running out of ideas fast and i need to raise at least $1800 to do the walk which is may 31st. if you have any ideas please let me know i could use all the help i can get!! thank you
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
bake sale
2 :
I am really involved in the Relay for Life and I was just recently told that on the American Cancer Society or Relay for Life web site there is something called the DGI [Darn Good Idea] Book filled with thousands of fundraising ideas. It might be worth checking out!
3 :
Let's see: Fund Raising for a good cause: Church is a good way, Community service organizations- another good one, and Grocery store cartons to receive donations, Oh, another one is radio's, newspapers, Also cake sales, thrift store sales, Donations. That's all I can think of. good luck to you.
4 :
I am walking too. I applaud you for doing it also! I asked every single person I could think of for a donation. Also, there are fund raisers through the AVON walk web site. The initial information meetings held at College of DuPage had lots of ideas for fund raising too. They had a class about it, check it out on AVON's web site. Good luck, maybe I will see you at the walk!

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Do flat-chested women have a lower chance of getting breast cancer

Do flat-chested women have a lower chance of getting breast cancer?
I know that men can get breast cancer, as well, but their chance is much lower than that in women. So, I'm just curious if the lower chance applies to flat-chested women. Thanks, all.
Cancer - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
No, of course not. Breast cancer is when a malignant tumor, or cyst, forms in the breast. It has nothing to do with breast size.
2 :
The current theory is any cell in your body can become malignant. That means the less breast cells you have the fewer the opportunities for cancer to develop. That is one of the reasons why breast cancer is rare in men. So, the answer to your question is probably yes. A couple of footnotes: 1) Women produce estrogen which fuel many breast cancers. This is an unrelated fact to the amount of breast tissue. 2) New evidence suggest that cancer cells start from mutant stem cells not mutated adult cells.
3 :
no, size doesn't matter.
4 :
no. men get breast cancer too.
5 :
No. being flat or full chested has nothing to do with the risk of breast cancer.
6 :
I think the anwser would be no they don't I study in the medicial field and never heard this to me a reson for women to be more likely to get cancer. Cancer is a sneaky disease and they are many forms there and many different ways cancer attack people but being flat chested isn't one of them

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Friday, June 12, 2009

Is it safe to breastfeed after breast cancer

Is it safe to breastfeed after breast cancer?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23 in 2001, I received a lumpectomy and then chemo and radiation in 2002. Things have been fine since then, Iâ€™m in remission. Now Iâ€™m pregnant for the first time, Iâ€™m 29 years old, and Iâ€™d like to breast feed my child but Iâ€™m wondering if it is safe to do that after everything my breasts have been through. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I would consult a health professional to be on the safe side for you and your child, good luck
2 :
Liz glad to hear you are in remission. Go to breastcancer.org it is a live chat forum. All the women in there either have or had BC and are of all ages. I personally don't think it is a problem but I would call your oncologist and ask just to be on the safe side. Good luck
3 :
Well i would really have to say you should ask your doctor about it, they may need to do some testing on you to check, so since you know you are pregant, then why not ask your doctor when you go and see him

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Monday, June 8, 2009

Can you get breast cancer if your breast aren't fully developed

Can you get breast cancer if your breast aren't fully developed?
When breast begin to grow there are already bumpy things in them so does that determine if you have breast cancer?
Women's Health - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
As long as there is breast tissue it's possible to get breast cancer. Even men get breast cancer. It's very, very rare for someone very young to get breast cancer. If a girl's breasts are just developing, they'll feel a little lumpy just because of how the tissue is developing. A hard lump in one spot of the breast is a possible sign of cancer, but it can also be other things. Feeling bumps early is not going to determine if you will have cancer later.
2 :
No you are worrying to much, if you are not sure go to your Doctor for a check up, if there are no signs of breast or other cancers in your family gene pool, then you have nothing to worry about, in the UK people who reach a certain age (older woman) are told to be screened every two years, i think you are to young to be worrying about this subject now, chill out and have a great time in your life.
3 :
Developed or undeveloped, male or female, lactating or not in fact any type of breast can develop a breast cancer

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Thursday, June 4, 2009

How do i help my mom that just found out she has breast cancer

How do i help my mom that just found out she has breast cancer?
HOW DO I HELP MY MOTHER WHO JUST FOUND OUT SHE HAS BREAST CANCER??? My mom just lost her aunt that was basically her mom due to cancer and my mom is taking this so hard...
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Be there to listen when she wants to talk. She needs to know that you are there for her.
2 :
I am sure that you are upset about your mom's diagnosis, too, and it is wonderful that you want to help her. The earlier answer was a good one. Sometimes there is great value in being quiet and listening and great power in a hug. The important thing to remember is that there is no single "right" way to help because each person handles their diagnosis differently. I know you want to "fix" the upset and make all of this -- cancer included -- go away. That's how I felt when my mom and sisters were diagnosed. One of the most important things you can do is get information and arm yourself with facts. It helps combat the fear to know what's going on. I have sourced a website below that will give you some information that might help. There are even medical language glossaries that are really helpful. A breast cancer diagnosis isn't a death sentence. That's coming from someone who has a mom who's a 10 year survivor following a stage 3B diagnosis. Good luck to your mom and God bless you both!
3 :
Your mom will be going through an emotional roller coaster for a while. Encourage her to talk if she is up to it. She may not expect you to give her answers, but just be a good listener. If she has to have chemo, it will make her feel really tired, naseous, some foods may taste bad... Her hair will probably fall out. They say that laughter is the best medicine. If you can find some silly hats or cards to save up and give to her throughout her treatement it will help lift her spirits. A client gave me Mickey's hat from the Sorcerer's Apprentice. He said it will bring me magic. My sister found a great t-shirt that said "With a Body Like This, Who Needs Hair" Also, a good way for everyone in the family to cope with this phase in your lives is to keep diaries. You can rant and doodle (I drew lots of sledge hammers smashing "cancer bugs") without overburdening anyone with your own concerns about your mom's health and she too may find journaling to be therapeutic. I wish you and your mom the best! Annmarie - 4 year breast cancer warrior and sister of a 14 year breast cancer warrior.
4 :
Flaxseeds supposively help breast cancer and so does MonaVie. Although now I'll probably get sued for saying that. Monavie: Brazilian berry destroys cancer cells in lab

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Monday, June 1, 2009

how long can someone live with terminal breast cancer

how long can someone live with terminal breast cancer?
2 years ago my mum was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and I was just wondering how long people actually live with it .. not to sound morbid .. & what the survival rate is? Please dont hold back in fear of freaking me out I need to know the truth thanks x It started off just in her breast and lymph nodes but its spread to her bone and maybe lung now.
Other - Diseases - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well, all cancers are potentially and eventually "terminal". They never really go away and can always resurface and cause a patient to die. Not quite sure why they called hers termianl and two years later she's not "terminated". Also not sure what was diagnosed at the time. Was the cancer just in her breast tissue or had it affected other organs too? If it was just the breast tissue, it can't be called terminal. Most breast CA patients live a rather healthy life for years to come, if the cancer has not spread elsewhere, specially liver, lung, or bone

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