Just Get Me Through This!: The Practical Guide to Breast Cancer (Paperback)

Just Get Me Through This!: The Practical Guide to Breast Cancer (Paperback)

Editorial Reviews:

From Publishers Weekly

It's hard to believe that a breast cancer guide can be fun, but breast cancer survivor Cohen and oncologist Gelfand have produced a book that combines medical information with the kind of warm, funny, rueful sharing a woman gets from a good talk with her girlfriends. The authors understand that surviving an illness as emotionally and physically traumatic as breast cancer requires help not only with big issues but also with apparently trivial ones. In between solid and well-summarized discussions on diagnostic, treatment and reconstruction options, they share a plethora of tips on the smaller but still difficult problems faced by disease victims, such as finding the right post-chemo headgear (silk slides off a bald skull, so cotton is better). They prepare readers for everything from insensitive remarks (when Cohen told one acquaintance she was starting chemotherapy that day, he replied, "So I guess you're not available for lunch") and hormonal swings to insurance problems. The tone is upbeat but realistic, sympathetic but never patronizing; "Rules of the Road" sections directed to friends and family give them advice on how to offer useful support. This wise, balanced book is a welcome addition to a woman's medical care library, offering not just warm, intelligent hand-holding for breast cancer victims but also useful insights for anyone with a friend or family member suffering from this frightening disease.

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From Library Journal

Having someone to talk with who has been there can make that mind-numbing diagnosis of breast cancer somewhat bearable. Even a stranger from a support group or the friend of a friend can reassure you just because she knows what you're going through. Cohen, a breast cancer survivor, has chosen to be that confidante and information source. She outlines every step of the process from diagnosis to posttreatment in a way that is congenial, honest, wry, and straight-from-the-hip. Books by physicians (e.g., John Link's The Breast Cancer Survival Manual, LJ 3/1/98, which is frequently referenced here) have excellent information, but Cohen's friend-in-need approach offers a unique and welcome perspective. In addition, oncologist Gelfand steps in where more technical discussions and definitions are required. As Cohen gives the real skinny on options, chemotherapy (eat Fudgsicals to minimize or eliminate mouth sores), radiation (grow your own aloe plant for relief of skin irritation), relationships, workplace issues, and aftercare, she considers "Rules of the Road" for family and friends to help them know what to do and say during a loved one's ordeal. This is a wonderful book; all patient health collections should have several copies.
-Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal"

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Breast Cancer- Top Ten Things Every Woman Should Know

Breast cancer is a reality many women will have to deal with. Statistics show that one woman out of nine will develop breast cancer in her life. Whether it be a dear friend, a close family member or herself, every woman will be touched by breast cancer in one way or the other. Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all cancers. 

1. Every woman should be aware of the risk factors and change those she can to lower her risk of developing breast cancer in her life. 

2. Women who are not active physically, smoke or consume a lot of alcohol are at higher risk to develop breast cancer. 

3. Women who have their first child at a later age or have never given birth are at higher risk to develop breast cancer. 

4. Women who had their first period at an earlier age (less than 12 years old) are at higher risk for breast cancer. 

5. Woman who have close family members who had develop breast cancer are at higher risk for themselves. 

6. Women who are older. The further a woman advances in life, the higher her probability of developing breast cancer. 

7. Women who experience a late menopause (after 55 years old) have an increase risk of developing breast cancer. 

8. There is hope however and certain measures have proven to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer for a woman. It is recommended to exercise regularly, lose any excess weight, lower alcohol consumption and stop smoking. It is also proven that women who breastfeed their babies are at lower risks to develop breast cancer. 

9. Certain measures, by finding breast cancer at an earlier stage can lower the complication rate and morbidity associated with this condition. The two most recommended measures are to do a mammogram exam every two years after the age of 50 (or earlier if a woman has risk factors) and doing a breast self-examination. It is also recommended for a woman to visit her doctor regularly. One has to know that about two thirds of breast tumours are found by the woman herself upon doing her self-examination. 

10. Many organizations and industries have joined forces to push back breast cancer and one can only encourage them by donating time or money for this worthy cause. There are many researches on breast cancer conducted worldwide and it is expected that the near future will see the decline of this devastating affliction.

by : Nathalie Fiset published on www.articlecity.com

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You Can Prevent Breast Cancer

Sometimes, one suffers from breast cancer even if you've taken all the necessary precautions and preventive measures. Call it fate or whatever, but if you do take care, the chances of suffering from it suddenly get that much smaller! Anyway, today, breast cancer is not the terrible disease it was a few years ago. Many women survive even after a bad case. Here, too, if it is detected early, there's that much more of a chance to get absolutely back to normal as quickly as possible. What are the ways that you can prevent breast cancer? Take a look at the measures that you could adopt to prevent this condition. While it is not foolproof, it will definitely help in keeping the disease at bay.

First of all, watch your weight. High estrogen levels mean you could be more prone to breast cancer. The levels of estrogen go up when there is more fatty tissue in the body. This usually happens during menopause when hormonal changes mean that women tend to put on weight. Unfortunately, this is the time when not too many women bother about how they look so they just themselves go. What you need to do is to practice self-control and say a stern No to all fatty foods. This is one way to keep your weight down. Don't eat because you're bored or feeling low or you're lonely. Think slim and get there. It might be worth it talking to your doctor about the quantities that you need every day and the kind of foods to eat and what to avoid. The other way to do this is to exercise. No, you do not have to spend hours at the gym. Just walk or swim if you can't manage an exercise regime. Make sure you exercise regularly, not in fits and starts. You need at least half an hour of exercise everyday. If you're overweight, maybe a bit more initially till you lose a bit of weight. Make this time sacrosanct.

It's best if women cut down on the drinking. Never mind what kind of alcohol, anything is bad news as far as breast cancer goes. Why this is so is anyone's guess but the link between the two is strong so it is best avoided. Maybe the occasional drink when you are celebrating something is fine, otherwise stick to non-alcoholic beverages. What is very good as a preventive is a citrus juice. All citrus fruits are supposed to lower the risks of breast cancer.

Antibiotics and pesticides are also bad for breast cancer. Try and use natural alternatives to get rid of pests and as far as antibiotics are concerned do not use them unless it is absolutely necessary. What is good not only for the heart but to prevent breast cancer as well seems to be aspirin. A regular intake is supposed to be beneficial.

The temptation to go in for hormone therapy is great especially when you are in the throes of hot flashes and irritability. But it is known to aggravate breast cancer. Ideally, one should just grin and try and bear the menopausal years instead of looking for quick-fix remedies.

Just a few dos and don'ts and suddenly you could find the road ahead of you clear and breast cancer-free!!

Breastfeed and Reduce Breast Cancer Risk - For You and Your Baby

Are you concerned about breast cancer? Most women are. It doesn't help that women seem to be getting breast cancer at younger ages. The recent news of Christina Applegate's cancer has many younger women scared.

If you're breastfeeding, then you can be assured that you're doing something positive to cut your risk for developing one of the most common forms of cancer among women. And you're protecting your baby as well.

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) found convincing evidence that breastfeeding protects mothers from developing breast cancer, both before and after menopause. Breastfeeding also protects the breastfed child from developing cancers that are linked with being overweight and obesity. These include post-menopausal breast cancer and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colorectum, and kidney.

One reason breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk for developing breast cancer because it causes her to stop menstruating for many months. Some women do not resume menstruating (and therefore ovulating) until after they stop breastfeeding altogether - even for several months or two years or more. This period of amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation, is a signal that the woman's hormones have shifted to a state that reduces her chances of developing breast cancer. And the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater her protection against breast cancer.

Apparently, the natural hormonal changes that women experience during menstruation increase breast cancer risk. This explains why women who have never been pregnant (another period of amenorrhea) have increased risk for breast cancer.

Another way that breastfeeding may protect mothers from breast cancer is by getting rid of breast cells during lactation. These include cells that could develop or already have damaged DNA.

Don't worry, the damaged cells aren't harming your baby through your breastmilk. In fact, breastfed babies have reduced risk for developing breast cancer and other forms of cancer. And again, the longer the baby is breastfed, the greater the protective effect.

Breastfeeding is only one of the many ways that you can protect your baby and yourself against cancer. WCRF/AICR gives the following 10 recommendations to help you avoid cancer:

1. Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight for your body type.
2. Be physically active as part of everyday life. Exercising three times a week halves your cancer risk.
3. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. Avoid sugary drinks.
4. Eat mostly foods of plant origin: whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes.
5. Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meats that contain nitrites and nitrates.
6. Limit alcoholic drinks - more than one a day is associated with increased cancer risk.
7. Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy cereals (grains) or pulses (legumes).
8. Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone, not supplements.
9. Mothers to breastfeed; children to be breastfed.
10. Cancer survivors: Follow the recommendations for cancer.

Remember: The World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. Afterwards, breastfeeding should continue, along with complementary foods, for two years or longer.

How to Support Breast Cancer Research at Home, School and the Office

We've all known someone in our lifetime that has fought breast cancer - a family member, a friend, a co-worker. This article will help you see how you can support breast cancer research at home, school and the office. Learn more about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and how they work toward preventing breast cancer and finding a cure.

The best way to support breast cancer research is to donate. It doesn't matter if you donate money, time or supplies - you're supporting charity for a cause. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a good place to start. They are dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure by funding clinical and genetic research worldwide.

Did you know...

- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.

- It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that in 2008 about 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States.

- In 2008, ACS estimates that about 40,480 women will die from breast cancer in the United States.

- In men, 1,990 new cases are projected in 2008, with 450 deaths

- At this time there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

- A minimum of 85 cents of every dollar donated goes to research and awareness programs.

- Since its inception, the Breast Cancer Research Hospital has raised over $220 million - $39.5 million in fiscal year 2007/08.

-In October, 2008, BCRF will award over $34 million in new research grants to 165 scientists from top universities and academic medical centers across the globe.

So, how can you support breast cancer research in your office? The answer is two simple words: office supplies. Every office needs office supplies to survive. You rely on them for communication, comfort, storage and organization, just to name a few. And well, if you're already buying office supplies, why not buy them from an organization that supports breast cancer research?!

There are many office supply companies that donate all or a portion of their proceeds toward breast cancer research. Some do it all year, others during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is in October. It's easy to find companies who sell office supplies online or in stores. All you have to do is ask or do a simple search online.

And it isn't just about the pink ribbons! You can find everything from file folders to hanging folders, to desktop organizer trays, portfolios and more. Some of the office supplies will be available in pink so that you can show your support around the office.
It's always a great time to get involved in the fight against breast cancer. But now, and especially during the Back-to-School season, it's as good a time as any. When you're out buying school supplies with your children, teach them about the importance of supporting charitable organizations and show them that supporting breast cancer research is a great way to do just that.

Breast Cancer Treatments - How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Becoming diagnosed with cancer is one of the worst things you can find out. It is becoming incredibly more common today with people infected with all types of cancer. Among these, one of the more common type is breast cancer and it is rapidly becoming more prevalent. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the next thing you should think about is to consult your doctors on what are the breast cancer treatments options that are available to you. This article will talk about some of the ways breast cancer is currently being treated.

Depending on what stage the cancer is in, surgery or a lumpectomy (removal of just the lump) might be necessary. Lumpectomy is used for a breast conservation surgery where they want to keep the breast. However, removal of the entire affected breast might even be necessary. Surgical removal of the entire breast is known as a mastectomy.

After surgery, radiation therapy is commonly prescribed. The radiation therapy is used to reduce the chances that the cancer relapse. The radiation therapy consists of gamma rays that target the tumor or where the tumor once was before the surgery. The radiation removes the traces of cancer cells left behind around the area where the surgery was performed. Unfortunately, the radiation also attacks the other normal cell in the body as well and can cause damages to the tissue around the tumor.

There are other ways, as an alternative and an addition in the breast cancer treatment mentioned above. Chemotherapy can be used before, after and even as an alternative to surgery - it all depends on the type of breast cancer and the stage that it is in. Hormonal treatment is often used after chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is also another way to treat breast cancer. With this type of treatment, monoclonal antibodies are used to battle an over abundance of HER2 protein in cancer cells slowing the growth of the cancer cells in the process. When used with chemotherapy, this can reduce the chances of cancer cells returning as well as improving the patient's survival rate.

These are just a few of the many ways breast cancer is being treated. Incidentally, these are the most commonly used and sometimes the most reliable treatments of breast cancer. A lot of research is presently being conducted worldwide in the hope of discovering the cure for breast cancer and cancer in general. It's only a matter of time before a new and better treatment or cure is discovered. In the meantime, it's very important for you to be kept informed about breast cancer and the type of breast cancer treatments that are available to you.

All Types of Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Risk

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente Researchers has found that the effects of alcohol on breast cancer are the same, regardless of whether a woman drinks wine, beer, or liquor. The ethyl alcohol found in those drinks and the quantity consumed are the factors that weigh heavily on breast cancer risk. Researchers believe the increased risk from three or more drinks a day is similar to the increased breast cancer risk from smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or more. They claim that "Population studies have consistently linked drinking alcohol to an increased risk of female breast cancer, but until now there has been little data, most of it conflicting, about an independant role played by the choice of beverage type."

The team of Kaiser Permanente researchers studied the drinking habits of over 70,000 women of varying ethnicities who had supplied information during health exams between 1978 and 1985. By the year 2004, 2,800 of these women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers analyzed three aspects of the records; they compared alcohol intake among women who favored specific beverages, the frequency of drinking each beverage type, and the role of total alcoholic intake compared with women who drank less than one drink a day.

The results found no difference among the varying types of alcoholic beverages, even when wine was divided into red and white. Researchers found the risk of breast cancer rose by 30 percent in women who drank more than three drinks a day. They claim that "We think that the heart protection benefit from alcohol is real, and is probably derived largely from alcohol-induced higher HDL or "good" cholesterol, reduced blood clotting and reduced diabetes." However, they warn "Our findings provide more evidence for why heavy drinkers should quit or cut down."

What Women Know About Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Women in the US have around a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some stage in their lives, and a three percent chance of dying from it. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women the world over, and is second only to heart disease in total numbers of deaths caused.

Treatment of breast cancer is an extremely important issue - yet many women do not know their treatment options for breast cancer. What do most women know about treating breast cancer, and what can cancer hospitals do to help women make better informed choices?

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, the leading cancer in women, and the second leading cause of death in women worldwide. It has an incidence rate more than twice that of cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, and three times as high as lung cancer in women. It follows that breast cancer is one of the most researched and publicized conditions - however, many groups in our society know little about their treatment options for breast cancer.

Recent research has revealed that nearly half of women being treated for breast cancer did not know that their odds of survival were just as good whether they underwent a complete mastectomy, or breast conserving surgery. One of the greatest impacts of breast cancer on its survivors is on their mental health and self-image. The loss of a breast can have a huge impact on how a woman feels about herself, which in turn affects her general health and the attention she pays to her body.

The study was carried out by The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. It discovered that many women do not understand the differences between treatment options for breast cancer, and minority women are even less likely to be aware of the impact their decisions will have on their prognosis. This was found to be true even though surgeons communicated the differences to their patients in all cases - the information simply didn't seem to be integrated into the decision making process.

One factor that the researchers note is that information about breast cancer treatment must be communicated in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way. With medical tourism and overseas treatment now creating a large part of the cancer-treatment demographic, this clear communication is more important than ever.

Hospitals which focus on medical tourism, like Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, as well as Bumrungrad in Thailand, understand the importance of cultural sensitivity when communicating with patients. Bangkok Hospital, for example, takes a range of steps to make sure that overseas patients feel as 'at-home' as possible while in the hospital, with different dietary options, doctor that speak several languages, as well as translators for all the languages not spoken by the doctors themselves, and signage and information provided in several languages.

In many cases, patients may find that doctors in Thai hospitals for breast cancer like Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad have their treatment options more clearly communicated to them than they would in the West. Both of these cancer treatment hospitals in Thailand have specialized breast care clinics, focusing on early detection and diagnosis, as well as treatment of breast cancer in Thailand.

Given the more international, diverse focus of Thailand's breast cancer hospitals, treatment as a medical tourist may make more sense, and provide better outcomes for women with breast cancer.

* This article also published on ezinearticles.com

Concerning Breast Cancer with Research and Treatment

Breast cancer is considered as a killer disease and it is known to be the top cause of cancer death among women. According to American cancer society, about 1.3 million new breast cancer cases are diagnosed on an annually basis which includes 465,000 deaths. In order to successfully tackle this devastating disease, we must encourage innovative scientists to study cancer at its most basic level. In other words, breast cancer research work should be conducted at its molecular level. Also, besides the governments, private organizations should provide flexible funding to scientists who will be conducting breast cancer research work. Proper funding of breast cancer research projects; can not only lead to better prevention strategies but it can also help towards earlier diagnostic techniques and new anticancer drugs and treatments.

A world renowned cancer researcher, named Lothar Hirneise has come to an understanding that cancer exist with stress. He is of the opinion that when the mind is under constant stress, the body then produces high levels of stress hormone called Cortisol. The immune system gets suppressed with high levels of Cortisol in the body. Also, a stressed mind will release out Adrenaline to an extent of depletion. People suffering from cancer are found to be having almost no adrenaline in their cells. In fact, cells of cancer patient are often overloaded with insulin and plenty of sugar. Another leading German cancer researcher by the name of ‘Ryke-Geerd Hamer has gone through twenty thousand cancer patients and found a direct relationship between psycho-emotional conflict and cancer patients. This occurs between 1 to 3 years, prior to cancer diagnosis and cancer forming within the body. Cancer patients, who have experienced a psycho – emotional conflict shock, in the form of loss of a loved one etc, few years prior to their cancer urine, has experienced emotional pain and stress within themselves. Such a state of mind can have an adverse effect on the immune system of the person’s body.

Recently, researchers who are working towards breast cancer research project, have developed and successfully tested a breast cancer vaccine which is likely to treat women with treatment – resistant HER2 – positive breast cancer and thus be able to prevent cancer re – occurrence. Breast cancer researchers look forward to use HER2 DNA vaccines for cancer – free women, in order to prevent initial development of such tumours. At present, therapies such as trastuzumab and lapatimib are used towards treating breast cancer patients. However, it was lately noticed that a huge group of patients develop a resistance towards trastuzumab and lapatimib. HER2 receptors are known to promote a particularly aggressive type of tumour that affects about thirty percent of breast cancer patients.

The new breast cancer vaccine is produced by the body’s own cells. It delivers a cancer fighting gene into cells, which then produce immune system proteins and also tumor – destroying cells. According to the lead researcher Wei – Zen Wei, a professor of immunology and microbiology at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, the vaccine is made by using so – called naked DNA from genes that produces the HER2 receptor. This DNA is put along with an immune stimulant. The process involved in the making of the vaccine, is called as electroporation. In this process, pulses of electricity were used in order to inject the vaccine into the leg muscles in mice. The genes moved towards the cells, which then produced HER2 receptors that led to activation of antibodies and immune cells called Killer T cells. This vaccine is unique and much more research will be further required so that it can one day be applicable towards humans for treating breast cancer.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men. In the U.S., it affects one in eight women.