I want to make this personal before talking about Breast Cancer.  I usually get this Blog out by the 15th of the month, however, the past couple of weeks have been extremely stressful.  If you read my Blog about the Lotus Survival Foundation, you will remember that I spoke at their conference last May,  I met such wonderful women there and am so very sad that we lost 3 warriors to Breast Cancer within the last month.  Two of the women are in their 30s and both have 10 year old daughters.  Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer that women may face in their lifetime.  Breast Cancer can occur at any age, however, it is much more likely after the age of 40 and the risk goes up as women age.  Every woman should know about Breast Cancer and what can be done about it.  Here is information from the  American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to help you better understand what you can do to detect Breast Cancer.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

The best defense is to find breast cancer as early as possible – when it is small, has not spread and is easier to treat.  I was fortunate to have found my lump early and my surgeon got it all.  The American Cancer Society recommends the following for early detection:

• Women should have mammograms each year starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as they are in good health.
• A breast exam by a doctor or nurse should be  part of a regular health exam and should be done at least every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and up.
• Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change to a doctor right away.  Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

WARNING SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER:

Due to the increased use of mammography, most women in the US are diagnosed at very early stages of Breast Cancer, before symptoms appear.  However, not all Breast Cancer is found through mammography.  The most common symptoms of Breast Cancer are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge.  Here are some warning signs you should be aware of, courtesy of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts  suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider right away.  In most cases, these changes are not cancer.  However, the only way to know for sure is to see your  provider.

THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST CANCER:

Early detection – finding a cancer early, before it was spread – gives you the best chance to do something about it.  Knowing about cancer and what you can do may save your life.  These are other actions you can take to improve your chances of controlling your health and reducing your cancer risk:

• Stay away from tobacco
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight
• Get moving with regular physical activity
• Eat healthy, with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  
• Limit how much alcohol you drink-if you drink at all
• Know yourself,  your family history and your risks
• Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests

VIDEOS THAT CAN HELP:

To learn about Breast Cancer and its treatment, the American Cancer Society website has videos developed and reviewed by the health professionals .

• Cancer 101: What causes cancer and why is it so hard to treat?  Leading experts provide an overview of cancer, from what goes wrong in a cell’s genetic instructions to the latest treatment strategies.
• A Good Doctor-Patient Relationship in Breast Cancer: Women with Breast  Cancer face overwhelming decisions.  Women who have been through it, like myself, say that having a caring doctor can make all the difference.  Learn how to pull together a caring and coordinated treatment team, which should include a Certified Cancer Coach – www.helpyouhealcoaching.com.
• Advice to Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer can turn your world upside down.  There are ways to organize how you treat the disease, and how you approach getting the right information to make treatment decisions.
• Are Some Breast Cancers Different than Others? Learn what tests can determine the type of Breast Cancer you have, and how this information can affect your treatment.
• Be Active in Your Breast Cancer Treatment: In addition to a multidisciplinary team of specialists (nurses, oncologists, surgeons, social workers, nutritionists, genetic counselors and a Certified Life/Cancer Coach); at www.helpyouhealcoaching.com, you have a critical role in your treatment.

For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org.  For information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit www.komen.org.

As many of you know, I am on the Advisory Board of the Lotus Survival Foundation, an organization I am deeply committed to.  Their mission is to provide Breast Cancer patients and survivors with ways to manage their personal and professional lives through techniques that will strengthen the mind, body and soul.  On October 22 we are having a fundraiser at Solas Restaurant at the Roof Top in Raleigh, NC.  There will be raffles, a silent auction and more.  And, we now have Online Bidding for some amazing items — CLICK to view yourself — you will be awestruck!

Make Your Bid to Support Lotus Survival Foundation mission to provide Education and Support to low-income breast cancer patients!

“Now is your chance to not only get all the great items you want, but to do it knowing you are helping support our organization and mission.”

YOU MUST check out FUN-RAISING UNDER THE STARS! We have some awesome items to bid on and the money you spend will go to help women and educate them through our fabulous educational retreats.  If you cannot attend on October 22 and would like to donate $60, that money will be used to give a cancer patient who cannot afford the opportunity to have a wonderful evening ‘under the stars’.

Lotus Survival Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number: 27-2550834

www.pinkribbongift.com & www.helpyouhealcoaching.com