I am still a woman - Confessions of a twice cancer survivor - my journey by Nina Ann McCurley

A woman discovered she had a cancerous tumour in her breast after her dog started sniffing and pawing at it. They say a dog is mans best friend. I can see why.. Sharon Rawlinson ignored her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for months, but went for tests after Penny stepped on her chest, causing pain. Mrs Rawlinson, from Newark, then examined herself and found a lump. Penny was a surprise Christmas present which her husband almost did not buy, because he said his wife was not allowed to have another dog. Mrs Rawlinson said 18-month-old Penny was her guardian angel. "I can't explain how she knew. I just can't get my head around it," she said. Penny began her unusual behaviour in November, and stepped on her owner's chest in January. Continue reading the main story Mrs Rawlinson went to her GP and then Nottingham City Hospital for tests, and Penny continued to paw her while she waited for the results. Mrs Rawlinson began chemotherapy in Ma...

I have cruised along pretty well for the first 3 years, I had the hot flushes, that was basically the only symptom. Last year I began to get very servere head aches so as you do I did all the tests and I am now still coping with the head aches. I guess I have become used to them. But we did try and find out why? It seems its a side effect.  I do say this over and over, I believe report things back to Doctors. We know our body better than anyone, if it's not right it's not right. Also you have to stay on Arimdex for 5 years. It looks like the pill. You have to marry it up to the days, plus there is one stronger the last tablet. Hope this helps any questions you have on side effects. Because Arimidex lowers the amount of estrogen in the body, less estrogen reaches bone cells, which can lead to  bone thinning and weakening  and a higher-than-average risk of broken bones. This side effect can be very troubling for some women. If you have  osteoporosis , your ...

I have read and heard lot's of different information on Arimidex. Thought today I would share what it does so people know, as I had never heard of it till I had to take it!  Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole) is an aromatase inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat: postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer after surgery (or possibly chemotherapy and radiation) to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back postmenopausal women diagnosed with advanced-stage or metastatic hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer  Arimidex won't work on hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer. Arimidex shouldn't be taken at the same time as tamoxifen. Arimidex is a pill taken once a day. Most doctors recommend taking Arimidex at the same time each day.

Description An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis. Risk Factors: Gender About 10 million adults in the United States have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone mass that places them at risk for developing osteoporosis. According to a report from the Surgeon General's office, by 2020 half of all Americans over age 50 could be at risk for this condition. Seventy percent of people with osteoporosis are women. Men start with higher bone density and lose calcium at a slower rate than women, which is why their risk is lower. Nevertheless, older men are also at risk for osteoporosis. Age As people age, their risks for osteoporosis increase. Aging causes bones to thin and weaken. Ethnicity Although adults from all ethnic groups are susceptible to developing osteoporosis, Caucasian and Asian women and men face a comparatively greater risk. Body Type Osteoporosis is more common in people who have a sma...

For most women, a breast cancer diagnosis leads to an emotional rollercoaster of anger, fear, helplessness and ultimately hope and strength. A study found that most older breast cancer survivors achieved emotional balance and well-being after treatment. The researchers found that several factors seem to be associated with a greater chance of good emotional health: Having a good support network. The value of support from your family and friends is obvious, but support from other patients and survivors is also very powerful. Being and staying in good physical shape. There is growing evidence that shows exercise (and a healthy diet) can help maintain emotional well-being during and beyond breast cancer treatment. Having an excellent relationship with your doctor. A doctor who understands your situation, takes time to answer your questions, and truly is a partner in your care can make a big difference. After your main breast cancer treatment is done, it's important ...

Kylie Minogue's breast cancer was originally misdiagnosed. It wasn't until the Australian pop star decided to go in for a second round of tests that doctors found a lump in her left breast. Minogue, who has been cancer-free for five years, encourages all women to trust their gut and never hesitate to get a second opinion.

Sex and the City  star Cynthia Nixon waited two years to reveal that a cancerous tumor had been discovered in her right breast during a routine mammogram in 2006. The actress didn't want people to know about her condition during treatment. Nixon, whose mother also survived breast cancer, serves as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I am attending the Koman walk in Texas this year with my dad Alan Lockley. I will be very proud to have my dad by my side. This is the first time I will meet my ghost writer Jim as well. He is in Texas, we have written the book through calls and emails. I am leaving on October 4th, really excited to attend this remarkable event. Race for a Cure!!

http://velluto.com.au/ Please see the link above for the book launch venue: Picture is inside the bar It will be an amazing night

Well everyone, I missed my surgery date for my nipple reconstruction on July 17th. I spent the week before in hospital with chest pain. I pushed the date back so that I could be in a better place. Now my nipples are being made on 13th August its a Monday. I am pretty excited. I know to those who have not been on a cancer battle they do not understand why I am excited. But to those who have been, I am stepping forward in my 6th Surgery and last surgery. That is super exciting for me. Also it means I will be getting back to what I had before. It will never be the same how could it. But thats ok! I am here, that is more important. I will keep you posted on my progress.....

Being at "high" risk for being diagnosed with breast cancer is different than being at high risk for a recurrence of breast cancer. Research shows breast cancer is more likely to come back after treatment in women who had: Cancer in the lymph nodes under the arms. A large tumor. An aggressive type of cancer. Negative hormone receptors, especially the progesterone receptor. Positive HER2 receptor. Breast cancer can recur or come back in three ways: The cancer can return at the original site. This is called a local recurrence. The cancer can recur nearby, such as in the chest. This is called a regional recurrence. The cancer can spread to a distant location in the body, such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, or lungs. This is called a distant recurrence, or a metastasis. Your doctor will order more tests to see if the breast cancer has spread, beginning with a physical exam and often a biopsy. The doctor is checking to see if cancer is present and, ...

By  Pam Stephan , During and after treatment for breast cancer, I had plenty of  trouble sleeping  –  hot flashes , worrying, discomfort from my chemo port and breast tissue expander prevented peaceful sleep. When I consulted my oncologist about sleep, he suggested that I try  melatonin . Since I could get it without a prescription, I gave it a try. Six years later, I'm still taking melatonin to promote sleep, but now I've learned that it can actually slow the growth of some kinds of breast cancer, and might help prevent  low platelet counts . While it isn't for everybody, you might benefit in many ways from using melatonin. Melatonin and Sleep: Your body creates its own melatonin, a hormone, to help regulate other hormones and your 24-hour internal body clock - your circadian rhythm. Ever wonder why staying up late and flying across time zones breaks up your sleep patterns? The extra exposure to light throws off your body clock, a...

I gained a lot of weight though my chemo I am currently 66 kg I went to 74.5 kg, that also is a little hard but completely normal. When things settle down the weight comes off again.  Women with  breast cancer  often complain of  weight gain  as an undesirable side effect to their treatment. Women treated with chemotherapy are 65% more likely to gain  weight  than those patients who undergo other forms of treatment. Premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy are at the greatest risk for weight changes. Many women who have chemotherapy for breast  cancer  have reported an average weight gain of about 5 to 8 pounds over a year. Some have reported gaining less while others have gained as much as 25 pounds. What causes weight gain with breast cancer? Many things contribute to weight gain. One reason for weight gain could be premature menopause brought on by chemotherapy. Menopause makes it easy for you to gain weight. Th...