Friday, August 28, 2009

Does anyone have any breast cancer testimonials

Does anyone have any breast cancer testimonials?
I'm starting a blog to raise awareness in my school and community about breast cancer. My aunt died last summer from breast cancer so I can talk about how her death and the illness affected my life, but I need some more stories to add. Does anyone have a personal story of how breast cancer affected their life or the life of someone they know that I can use? Thanks!
Cancer - 5 Answers
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1 :
Hi Rebeca There is a great group of us Lady's here with breast cancer survivor story's at the yahoo breast cancer support group. We should be able to help you there so you will have a lot of new and old story's. Have been fighting breast cancer since 1993 and Keep on fighting.
2 :
I have been in remission from breast cancer for over five years. If there is anything you would like to ask me, please feel free to email me. One thing I would ask of you, as you're raising awareness in your school: Every day there are questions on this board from teenagers terrified that they have breast cancer. Many of them have clearly had an education session on breast cancer, and then have worried themselves sick fearing that they have symptoms. Whoever has been giving them information about cancer has neglected to tell them that their chances of having it are just about zero - breast cancer is almost unheard of in under 25s and fewer than 0.1% of all those diagnosed are under 30; only 5% are under 40 and 80% are over 50. The average age at diagnosis is a little over 60. Spread the word and stop the worry. Good luck with your blog.
3 :
There is a good one at http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/about-you/, made by someone who went through surgery and chemotherapy. The blog owner is polite, and will possibly be able to help you further in your search.
4 :
If you go to www.after-cancer.com this website was set up by someone who had breast cancer, and was worried about lack of information. Some humour, advice and lots of contacts. Verite
5 :
It was December of 07. We were in the middle of going to see her my wife's parents in Yuma. My wife noticed a lump in her breast but through all the travel plans forgot about it. Now it is June 25th 08. A cyst developed where she remembered a lump had been earlier. She goes into the doctor and they take tests. My wife tells me the doctor thinks she may have cancer. It is Friday and we don't get the results until about Thursday. Somebody from the lab calls and gives us the news and then it starts. A whirlwind of activity. We tell her parents on July 4th after a party, but I did not feel like celebrating. We go in for more tests, I take time off of work to not miss any doctor's appointments. It seems like it is in one office then another and still another. Days are spent in waiting rooms, and hospitals. MRI, CT Scans, and tests with radiation drinks, and some I cannot remember. So far we do not have anyone besides her doctor and she gives us the name of a surgeon that can see us in like a half hour. The charts say the tumor is the size of a fifty-cent piece and it has tentacles like an octopus. Three lymph nodes are involved. The breast cannot be saved. ( I am in shock, and scared, but I have been that way since I found out). He does not know yet if they will do surgery or radiation. But an oncologist is recommended. We see her on the condition that we get a port put into her chest area for administrating drugs and doing blood draws. We find out her oncologist is one of the top in our area so that is a blessing. It is decided to reduce the size of the tumor with chemotherapy. I went to the pharmacy to get the drugs. All but one was covered. It was the one she needed me to inject her with each day (to boost white blood cells). I asked them how much did it cost that my insurance did not want to pay for it. Costs was $12,976.00. This was for a weeks supply of the drug. I almost fainted because we needed 15 weeks of the drug. I was almost in tears. Fighting cancer will wipe out our bank account. Luckily they gave me a weeks supply and that long to get my insurance company to pay for the drugs. Our oncologist called the company and insisted they pay for it. So they did and all we had to do was pay $200.00 a month for it. A blessing! After 15 weeks of chemotherapy, she suffered the side effects of it, including losing her hair about the 4th treatment. Then got ready for the surgery. A total mastectomy. I learned how to do the drain. The nurse said I did it so well that I could do the rest of the patients for her that day. I said, "NO THANKS!". The results from the mastectomy showed that the cancer was about the size of a small grain of rice that remained in her breast, and that only one lymph node showed any cancer the size of a grain of rice too and that it did not seem to have broken into the blood system. So the best results for us. More chemotherapy 12 weeks of Taxol. This made her fingers and toes numb. After that 6.5 weeks of daily radiation treatments. This was HELL. My wife has very fair skin. The radiation burns were severe and painful. Week after week of her skin blistered badly. The blisters would ooze. I would find my wife curled up in bed in a ball crying because it hurt so bad. All through this I had to return to work. My wife was the major wage earner, so I had to work 50-60 hours a week and my mind would only be on my wife. God blessed us with a cat. An orange tabby that would curl up with my wife and help her. If not for the cat I would be leaving her all alone. Her parents left after surgery to go to Arizona, so I felt deserted. But they did offer to pay the mortgage on our condo till my wife could work again. It has been about three months since her last radiation treatments and about six months since her chemotherapy. She suffers from numbness, and chemo-brain. She needs to do twice daily massages to her lymph nodes to move the fluids in her body. She wears something to keep her arm from swelling. She has not returned to work. I am now working 50+ hours in a hotel. It is a worry in the back of my mind, "What if the cancer returns?" So, I try and not think that and take each day one at a time. I am thinking about going horseback riding with her because she liked doing it when she was a girl. But to tell you the truth. Last night all she did was cry in my arms for the longest time. There is a lot of pain physical and mental that cancer does to a person. They say that it takes a year to suffer a loss. You need to experience the loss associated with each season. Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Reconstruction is up to her, I told her that I love her Just As She is. Forever

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Monday, August 24, 2009

How many women get breast cancer

How many women get breast cancer?
i tried looking up statistics, but couldnt find anything or any charts from recent years. but how many women get breast cancer? for example 1 in every 5.(thats probably not true, but you know what i mean)....and how easy is it to get breast cancer? or just any other stats you have about breast cancer... thanks!
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
I googled this question: This is an excerpt from the below link. About 182,460 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2008. About 40,480 women will die from the disease this year. Right now there are about two and a half million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
2 :
over a womens whole life, the ratio is 1 in 8

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Rate or average on how breast cancer spreads

Rate or average on how breast cancer spreads?
My mom has a small thing of breast cancer. Dr. says its small, and maybe spread to a lymph node, Is there any info out there that you know of that could possiably explain the growth rate of it? Otherwise they will just take it out, but if it spread she is doomed.
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Wikipedia .org has tons of great info on cancer and is free of ads/links and spam. GOOD LUCK
2 :
The growth rate is determined by the grade and if it spreads to her lymph nodes it does not mean she is doomed.
3 :
My oncologist gave me a web site when I had breast cancer >>> breastcancer.org
4 :
Everyone is an individual. Much will depend on how your mother responds to first line treatment . . in many cases chemo will shrink the tumor in the breast and lymph node enough so that a surgeon can go in and remove what is left with clear margins . . radiation can also be used to pinpoint the spot where the cancer is located . . and further chemo given as adjuvant treatment. Treatment for breast cancer has come a long, long way and while it remains serious and life threatening, there are more and more survivors. Remain hopeful and positive for your mother . . no matter what happens. Best to you

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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Risk of breast cancer when grandmother had mastectomy

Risk of breast cancer when grandmother had mastectomy?
I just learnt my 90 yr old grandmother battled breast cancer..i think in the 1980's. then 12 yrs ago she had a partial mastectomy as it came back. She is alive and well. I am in my early 30's. what are my risk of developing it as well? any links with statistical info would be great. Thanks.
Cancer - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Any type of female related cancer seems to follow along genetic lines. You should probably consult your Gynecologist about starting yearly mammograms earlier than most women. The fact that your grandmother had multiple bouts of breast cancer should be a warning to you. The American Cancer Society has the statistics you seek but no matter what the statistics are you should take any actions to catch even the smallest group of cells before they can expand and cause you to follow your grandmothers path towards partial mastectomy or worse. Today's technology is better suited to catch anything at an earlier stage than in your grandmothers day. Please do this for yourself and those who love you and who you love.
2 :
It is difficult to quote exact values, as your risk of breast cancer depends on a variety of factors. Firstly, the age of onset of your grandmother. Early-onset breast cancer is more suggestive of an inherited cause. Your grandmother had it when she was about 70 years old, which isn't early onset. Secondly, breast cancer is considered by doctors to be inherited when you have 2 first-degree family members (sisters, mother, grandmother) with breast cancer spanning 2 generations. Do you have anyone else in that group with breast cancer? Thirdly, recurrent breast cancer is suggestive of an inherited cancer. You said your grandmother's cancer came back. Was it in the same or different breast? If it's in the same breast, it could be due to incomplete removal the previous time, but if it's in the other one, then there may be some factor predisposing her to breast cancer. For most women, a yearly mammogram is recommended after age 40. However, those with a family history of breast cancer may choose to start screening earlier using ultrasound. For women with a family history of breast cncer, it is recommended that women start screening 5 years before the earliest age of onset of cancer in their relatives.
3 :
Is it your mom's mom or dad's mom? ANy of your grandmother's daughters have breast cancer? What about your Granny's sisters? And yes, you are at risk. But you know, I have to be honest, everyone is at risk for lots and LOTS of things. Stay healthy and exercise daily. xo
4 :
Only 5 - 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. As you don't mention any other relatives that have had breast cancer it is very probable that your grandmother's cancer was random, like most cases of breast cancer, especially as she was apparently over 50 when first diagnosed. Her oncologist will have been able to tell her whether hers was hereditary - my oncologist was able to assure me mine was not, and none of the women and girls in my largely female family and extended family are at increased risk of getting it. That is the information you need; although it seems likely your grandmother's cancer was random like mine. You can find more information by doing a search on these two excellent sites: http://www.breastcancer.org http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk Good luck
5 :
hello, if you want read something about breast cancer i just come accross this blog which may help you http://breastcancer-symptom.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What are the odds that I have breast cancer and cervical cancer

What are the odds that I have breast cancer and cervical cancer?
I had 2 fibroid adenomas removed from my left breast in Feb of 2003 (1 at 6:00 & 1 behind nipple). Only a little more than a year after surgery I had a lump in the same 6:00 position. I had a mamo & ultrasound and was told that they were inconclusive and I needed a biopsy. Not wanting to go through surgery for every lump I was going to get, I chickened out and neglected to go back to the dr. About 3mos ago, I started having pain in my left breast that went from my armpit to my nipple. I went back to the dr who ordered another mamo & us. Same results except that now I have lymph nodes in both breasts as well as an inconclusive solid mass. I NEED to schedule a biopsy and will. However, the gyno also gave me the bad news that my Pap came back abnormal with low-grade cell changes. I'm a 33 yr old pretty healthy woman - so what are the odds or chances that I have breast and/or cervical cancer? Any information on these symptoms, conditions, tests, diagnosis, procedures, etc would be greatly appreciated. I'm on pins and needles worrying because I'm the mother of 4 children. Please help.
Cancer - 5 Answers
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1 :
that's so much fucking reading.
2 :
I am a CMA and the Granddaughter of a Breast Cancer Survivor I am sorry to say that your chance of developing Breast or Cervical Cancer are pretty high.. The pap may have been abnormal due to hormonal changes or if you just came off or was getting ready to start your period... Do the pap over again and Please have the biopsy I am sorry that people think that I should pussy foot around the question and answer and tell a person that every thing is going to come up kittens and roses.. I work with cancer patients I know the reality I also have cancer survivors in my family so I am not sorry for telling the truth
3 :
I know you're worried, however, you should only take advice from professionals.
4 :
You sound very fearful, and I can understand that. You have a lot to deal with right now and need to vent. What support system do you have? Do you have family and friends to talk to? Do you have a husband who can help with housework and be emotionally supportive? Hope and pray for the best outcome. I had my left ovary removed in January. It was the size of a grapefruit. Fortunately it wasn't cancerous, but I had to wait until they tested the mass. You're a very young woman, so the probability of your having cancer is very slim. Try and get out of the house and do things that will distract you. Please, try and stay positive. God Bless You.
5 :
Of course anything is possible. Anytime you get a report from the doctor and instructions to do something, please do as you're told. Never assume you are invincible. Wait for the tests to come back before you get yourself all stressed out

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Saturday, August 8, 2009

I am 13 and have a lump under my right armpit and worried i might have breast cancer

I am 13 and have a lump under my right armpit and worried i might have breast cancer?
I am 13 and worried i might have breast cancer. About 2 weeks ago i discovered a lump under my right armpit. It doesnt hurt i only found it when shaving. My period is also a week late. I have been to the doctors, she examined it, and said to book another appointment again once i have had my period if it is still there. I am really worried it is breast cancer though I know it is rare at my age. thanks xx
Cancer - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
More than likely it is a swollen lymph node, which generally indicates some sort of bodily inflammation or infection. The lymphatic system is a series of nodes that exist in your armpits, groin area, and neck, and carry fluids throughout your body. When you have some sort of infection white blood cells collect in these nodes and make them swell. In other words, don't worry about it. It's good that you're so aware of your body and that you're asking questions but try not to jump to conclusions.
2 :
Its probably your lymph nodes wich are like the bodies drainage system. They enlarge under the armpit when dealing with a challenge. But be guided by your Doctor not some unqualified free opinion on the internet.
3 :
when i was around your age i had the same thing, but it only turned out to be an infection from the deodorant i was using. if your still worried, then listen to your doctor!
4 :
Hello- and I apologize for trying to answer this question this way- as I live abroad... Well- as far as I know- breast cancer is extremely rare- and thus unlikely -at this age...furthermore- a lump under your armpit- a sensitive one-I mean that it hurts as you said- sounds to me more likely to be due to an infection of lymph nodes or a fatty mass..anyway- ''phone medicine'' may be either fraudulent or deleterious...I think a better idea is performing an ultrasound of the lump- to prove what is it a likely to be about... perhaps being examined by a surgeon- in real life- will be much better and wiser...according to the ultrasound we may know whether a biopsy is indicated- taking a tiny piece of the lump- to exactly diagnose what is it about- or not... by the way- you could be my daughter- so you touched my heart- anyway...Do not neglect- please...
5 :
Breast cancer is not 'rare' at your age; it is unheard of. The chances are zero. If a 13 year old did have breast cancer, her case would make international news, and would be written up in medical journals the world over. Most breast and underarm lumps, even in women old enough for breast cancer, aren't cancer - at least 80% of those that are considered suspicious enough for testing are found not to be cancer. You do NOT have breast cancer. Your doctor should have made that clear when she examined you.
6 :
You have lymph nodes all over your body and they will swell sometimes for reasons unknown. Give the node 2 months to go back down and if it is still swollen then go and get a doctor to check it out.
7 :
It is extremely unlikely you have breast cancer. Lumps in the axilla (armpit) are usually swollen lymph nodes from sore throats or sinus drainage. Keep your eye on it and wait another month to see if it goes away if not go back and have it checked.
8 :
babes, is this one of the first times you are looking at yourself, it sounds like a gland, you need to get used to your body learn if it changes etc, if you are really worried talk to your mum or a doctor if you feel like you cant talk to her. you can book an appointment with a nurse at your docs if you are really shamed and want someone to reassure you, im glad you are being careful, i do wonder have you lost someone like this previously although i say respect to you and it will make you feel better to get checked xx
9 :
It is very likely to be a cyst, which is like a mega pimple under the skin. These are common in guys and girls your age. It will likely go away once you have your period. Do NOT squeeze it or shave it. It will likely heal on its own. I am certain you do not have breast cancer.
10 :
Listen to your doctor & please try not to stress cos to have breast cancer at 13 years old would make world wide news i think. At 13 many different things could be causing the lump & i bet you'll find it's nothing serious

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

why is my chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer increasing

why is my chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer increasing?
im doing a health report on breast cancer and i was wondering why are more and more people being diagnosed with breast cancer each year? its on lifestyle diseases so something to do with something we can change or something you can do to help prevent people from developing breast cancer.
Cancer - 9 Answers
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1 :
If we had those answers we would be set for life. However a lot is still unknown about the origin of most cancers.
2 :
In fact the incidence of breast cancer haven't increased significantly in the last couple of decades. Any small increase can be accounted for by improved and more widespread screening, and the fact that better health care means that more people are living longer. Breast cancer (like most other cancers) is mainly a disease of ageing - 80% of those diagnosed are over 50 and the average age at diagnosis is a little over 60 - so the more people live into old age, the more cases of breast (and other) cancers there will be. The causes of breast cancer are not known, so it can't be described as a lifestyle disease. Between 5 and 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, and other than that the causes are unknown. There are known risk factors, and one or two of them are avoidable - being overweight, especially after the menopause, increases your risk, so does regular consumption of more than one unit of alcohol daily. A risk factor is not a cause though, and most women who tick both those boxes don't get breast cancer. There is no reason to suppose your risk of breast cancer is increasing; it will increase as you get older, but there has been no huge (or even moderate) statistical increase in the numbers of breast cancer cases.
3 :
The actual cause of most cancer is still unknown and breast cancer is just one of them. More people are being diagnosed with breast cancer for a number of reasons. Screening for women has improved significantly, and so this means earlier diagnosis and detection. People are more aware of the signs that would cause concern and so are more likely to consult a doctor rather than ignore it. Life expectancy is rising and so as people are living longer their chances of developing breast cancer increases. It is most likely to affect women over 50. Lifestyle changes is something that many would say have increased cancers, but there is probably an equal number that would argue that it has not. All the best
4 :
Your information is incorrect on two points. Breast cancer incidence in the United States has been relatively stable for many years. It is not rising on a per capitation basis. Also, breast cancer is not linked to lifestyle choices. In fact, breast cancer is one of several cancers that is typically idiopathic, meaning no known cause. Examples of lifestyle related cancers include lung, throat, and mouth cancer brought on by long term smoking.
5 :
It is true that no one knows what causes breast cancer, and it is true that the health community can only make guesses in most instances, but there ARE a few risks, none of which can be controlled. If you hit puberty before age 12, if you never had kids, or had them late in life, if you never breast fed, and of course -- age. But at the same time, you could have all these things, and never get cancer at all.... no one knows what causes it. Then again, you hear more about it then you used to, because Media jump all over any story about a famous person battling it, or any sort of cancer. If it's someone REALLY famous, it gets a lot of press, especially online. And whoever said it was a "lifestyle cancer" is totally wrong Different things put someone at RISK, but that's all. To really help you with your report, try looking through breastcancer.org, or cancer.org The first site is specifically about breast cancer, and the other mentions all sorts, but I suggest you look through both. Just remember, no one knows what causes it, who will or won't get it, etc. I hope you get an A on your report.
6 :
I think people used to die of breast cancer without ever knowing what they had. Today, we have mammograms and chemotherapy and radiation. We also keep statistics. Although, there are some "hot spots" in the country. I happen to live in one which is near a toxic waste dump. Here in Delaware we have duPont and other chemical dumps. When I had breast cancer, I went to chemo and radiation with at least 10 other people from my own neighborhood.
7 :
Don't worry about developing breast cancer. Isn't it true that some diagnoses have been wrong and breasts have been removed unnecessarily. All lumps are not cancerous.
8 :
Yeah, what Lo_Mcg said. Plus, if there IS any increase in the incidence of breast cancer, aside from what she stated, it could be because more women are waiting longer to have children and not breast feeding when they do have kids. Also, many young females are starting their periods earlier, due to extra body fat. All those situations increase breast cancer risks.
9 :
Risk factors By Mayo Clinic staff A risk factor is anything that makes it more likely you'll get a particular disease. But having one or even several risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop cancer â€” most women with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than simply being women. Things that can increase your risk of breast cancer include: â– Being female. Women are much more likely than men are to develop breast cancer. â– Increasing age. Your risk of breast cancer increases as you age. Women older than 60 have a greater risk than do younger women. â– A personal history of breast cancer. If you've had breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast. â– A family history of breast cancer. If you have a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer, you have a greater chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Still, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/DS00328/DSECTION=risk-factors

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Is breast cancer a sexually transmitted disease

Is breast cancer a sexually transmitted disease?
If my boyfirned plays wit my breats too much will I get sick? will I get lumps?Someoen told me I could get cancer from sleeping around. my aunt has breast cancer and I am scared. I'm afrayed to have sex, but i really like it. wat do i do?
STDs - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Breast cancer is NOT a sexually transmitted disease.
2 :
You can't get breast cancer from sex. However it can run in the family. When you're older just make sure to get regular mammograms to catch anything early and do lots of self tests too. Know your breasts feel and you will notice anything out of the ordinary. But don't worry about sex being the cause.
3 :
No, breast cancer is not an STI But you could get Gomorrah, herpes, and lots of other things! Just use protection!
4 :
no, breast cancer is not a sexually transmitted disease it's impossible. although you are slightly more susceptible to it because of your aunt but that has nothing to do with sex and since you know now you can get tested i the future if you are ever worried
5 :
Breast cancer is NOT a sexually transmitted disease. Having unprotected sex can expose you to certain STDs (like HPV) that can increase your risk of cervical cancer. With all due respect, you are better off waiting to have sex until you are older. I don't know how old you are, but your spelling would suggest you are perhaps too young. Take some time to educate yourself about your body and about birth control and sexually transmitted disease. You'll be glad you did.
6 :
Breast cancer is NOT a Sexually Transmitted Disease!!!!! You can NOT get breast cancer or "lumps" from someone playing with your breasts.
7 :
No it's not sexually transmitted, but if u are going to be sexually active, u may want to educate yourself first if u don't even know this! use protection!
8 :
NO!!!
9 :
You cant get breast cancer from sex, it happens when calcium cells don't go through mitosis correctly.
10 :
NO
11 :
No. Some lumps or swelling in the breast tissue may be due to hormonal changes. But if a lump or thickening persists, whether it is in the breast or in the armpit area, it may be a cause for concern. Swelling in the armpit, where the lymph nodes are located, may indicate that the body is fighting an invasion. A lump in the breast tissue may indicate a cyst, or it may indicate a problem in the duct or the lobes

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