Breast Cancer Therapy

More than 80% of breast cancers originate in the milk ducts. If the cancer has remained within the duct, it is diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ, sometimes known as intraductal cancer or non invasive cancer. If it has spread beyond the cell of the duct lining into the surrounding fat and connective tissue, it is invasive or infiltration cancer.

This type of cancer has the ability to leave the breast through the blood vessels and lymphatic system. Approximately 15% of breast cancers called lobular carcinoma originate in the grape like lobules in the breast that produce milk. The cancer rarely spreads to nearby tissue. Inflammatory cancers, which are particularly aggressive, tend to mimic the look of a breast infection.

Typical cancer treatment is surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.  Typical mastectomy:  3 operations, 35 radiation therapy treatments, 5 irradiation of ovaries to induce menopause and eliminate estrogen, and 12 chemotherapy treatments.

1-  Look at your breast in a mirror and note any changes in differences between them.  Do this first with your arms by your side, then with your arms raised and hand cupped a the back of your hear. Be alert to any changes in the size or shape of your breasts, and change in the color of the skin, and decreasing of a nipple or pulling in to the skin;

2-  Lie down on your back and closely and systematically examine your breast tissue and tissues in your armpits using the pads of the fingers of your opposite hand. Roll and press the breast area gently fur firmly against the chest wall. Check for lumps just above the collarbone;

3-  Be aware of any bleeding or bloodstained fluid leaking from the nipple.  Check nipple for discharge;

4-  Women are recommended to have annual mammograms after the age of 40.

Medication 

The most common medication prescribed is Tamoxifen. Steroids are sometimes given to suppress various types of discomfort associated with cancer or its treatment, yet they depress immune function. The most side affect is shutting down your sexual desire and has been linked to increased risk of other types of cancer, such as eudiometrical (lining of the womb) cancer.

Hypnosis and Acupuncture for pain relief are the most widely accepted of all complementary medical disciplines in alternative therapy. 

What you must do 

·          Find the strength deep inside-admit to yourself that you do have a problem

·          Seek medical advice as soon as possible and calm yourself down

·          Make sure that your General Practitioner sends you to a specialist not a general surgeon

·          Involve your family and friends who are understanding and are prepared to help you out.

·          Attend all tests, document and follow instruction of specialist

·          Listen to people with a positive, supportive approach

·          Ask questions, especially from the nurses

What not to do 

·          Panic and get scared by thinking of all the awful things that could happen

·          Listen to people with scary stories

·          Go alone to be given diagnosis instead of a partner or friend.

·          Stick to one opinion

·          If you know you are panicking or feeling emotional, ask your doctor for more time before making irrevocable choices.

Lymph Node Evaluation

When it has been determined that a woman has invasive breast cancer, a major prognosticator will be whether the cancer has moved beyond the breast into the lymph nodes, bean-sized collection of immune cells located in the chest area and under the arm. Before breast cancer spreads to other organs, it usually travels first to the lymph nodes in the armpit. Lymph node evaluation also helps determine overall prognosis and guide treatment after surgery. Check our medical "Lymphatic" massages to help with relief and reduction of inflammation and scar tissue.

For healing within and overall wellness in mind and body, make the following a part of your life.

1-Accept change. It happens. when life is going along just fine, change and disappointment are unwelcome. The sooner you as cancer patient accept the daily routine and the new changes that are to face your life, the sooner you gain some sense of control over this altering event.

2-Listen to your Inner voice. Be smart and vigilant about your own health. Seek answers for any and all of your concerns and questions. from your family practitioner, your oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, or friends who have been through the process. Maybe keeping a daily log of your thoughts and emotions and how your body is changing or feeling, puts you in a place of knowing and understanding.

3- Live as normally as you can. But what is normal? At first, this may be difficult, but keep in mind that the words you have cancer is not a death sentence. Not for you nor for your family.

4- Choose support groups wisely. not all groups are suitable for everyone. You may need a support group through a hospital setting, or just family and friends. We at HealWithin have a support group - intimate and sensitive to your feelings and needs. A good cry might be the best coping medicine - or find a helping shoulder with others here at HealWithin.

5- Steer clear of doom and gloom. Live...if you have been telling yourself you want to do this or that and never made time...make the time. Share your feelings, thoughts and skills. Choose to hand out in healthy environments.

6- Feel comfortable with your medical and healthcare team. you must explicitly trust your doctors because they provide the means to help you balance this life-altering experience. This must be open and comforting.

7- Find a peaceful place to think and heal. You may want to do nothing for a while until you come to grips with what is happening. Maybe think of this statement - It is not happening TO YOU...but what is happening FOR YOU.

8- Choose healthier habits. This is a good time to look at lifestyle and behaviors that could use a bit of adjustment - eat better, get more rest, laugh more, visit your friends and keep stress down.

9- Look for humor and love! This is within you - so bring it up and spread it all over you, love yourself, your body. Accept and appreciate yourself for who you are...not what you look like.

 START TODAY!
Being here means You Can change!

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Imagine it

Desire it

Achieve it.

 (818) 551-1501