When Sharing About Breast Caner...Identify, Don't Compare

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When Sharing About Breast Cancer…Identify, Don’t Compare

 April 27, 2014 | Posted by candos5

I don’t remember much of what I shared in my first breast cancer support group meeting 15 years ago.

What I do remember are the guidelines that one of the two meeting moderators shared,  “Identify with what is being said, don’t compare your cancers, your treatments or your outcomes. If you do, you will feel everything from doubts about you treatment to fears about your future.”

Good advice for 10 frightened women who had recently finished active treatment. For the next ten weeks, in our once weekly meeting, we were to hear that advice at least once a session.

We ranged in age from 40+ to 60 years. Our backgrounds, careers and life situations were different but the common denominator…breast cancer… is what  brought us together and kept us together for 10 weekly meetings. When we finished the time-limited support group a few of us continued to meet for awhile and then to stay in touch by phone and email.

The support group meetings cut through the loneliness we were feeling as new survivors. Yes, we had loved ones who cared for us, but none of us had a close friend or relative that had been through breast cancer and could identify with what we were feeling.

While our diagnosis and treatment stories were similar, they were not identical. Another reason not to compare. What was very easy for us was the ability to identify with each other when it came to our  fears and concerns about the future and the feelings of vulnerability that come from having a life-threatening illness.

At first, we just shared our stories and listened to one another. Then, little by little we began to identify and share coping strategies we developed to get through treatment and get on with life.

We started the long process of  training ourselves to live one day at a time and not project. For me this was the hardest lesson, but the  most helpful. It gave me back the ability to enjoy my days and not begin and end each day with thoughts of breast cancer and worries for the future.

The two counselors who moderated our sessions kept us from just focusing on our war stories and guided us in moving beyond what had happened to us to thinking about how to get on with our lives. They were invaluable!

Today, there are breast cancer blogs that newly diagnosed women and those in treatment turn to for information and comfort, often times in lieu of a support group.

Many of these blogs are written by women going through treatment themselves, while others are written by long-term survivors. When you go to these sites you need to remember…identify with the feelings but don’t compare breast cancer treatments, outcomes or life situations.

THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY ON THE BODY

http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body

Cancer cells divide more quickly than healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively target those cells. Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too. There are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different side effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to treatment.

Chemotherapy in the Blood

Chemo Brain

Mouth Sores

Digestive Distress

Balding:
The Signature Side Effect

Fingernail and Toenail Trouble

Chemotherapy and Fertility

Chemo in the Kidneys

Swollen Hands and Feet

Anxiety and Depression

Chemotherapy and the Heart

Muscles and Motor Skills

Nausea and Vomiting

Loss of Appetite

Skin in Need of Soothing

Sexual Dysfunction

Fast-Tracked Menopause

Chemo Effect on the Bladder

Chemo's Long-Term Effect on Bones

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, but they also can harm perfectly healthy cells, causing side effects throughout the body.

The Side Effects of Chemotherapy on the Body

Cancer cells divide more quickly than healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively target those cells. Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too. There are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different side effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to treatment.

Factors that play a role in side effects include other ongoing treatments, previous health issues, age, and lifestyle. Some patients experience few side effects while others feel quite ill. Although most side effects clear up shortly after treatment ends, some may continue well after chemotherapy has ended, and some may never go away.

Chemotherapy drugs are most likely to affect cells in the digestive tract, hair follicles,bone marrow, mouth, and reproductive system. However, cells in any part of the body may be damaged.

Circulatory and Immune Systems

Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where blood is produced. This can result in several problems. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, making you feel extremely fatigued. Other symptoms of anemia include:

• lightheadedness
• pale skin
• difficulty thinking
• feeling cold
• general weakness

Chemo can lower your white blood cell count, which results in neutropenia. White blood cells play an important role in the immune system: they help fight infection and ward off illness. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, but a low white blood cell count raises the risk of infection and illness. People with an immune system weakened by chemotherapy must take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs.

Cells called platelets help the blood clot. A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, means you’re likely to bruise and bleed easily. Symptoms include nosebleeds, blood in vomit or stools, and heavier-than-normal menstruation.

Some chemo drugs can weaken the heart muscle, resulting in cardiomyopathy, or disturb the heart rhythm, causing arrhythmia. This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Some chemo drugs can increase the risk of heart attack.These problems are less likely to occur if your heart is strong and healthy at the start of chemotherapy.

Nervous and Muscular Systems

The central nervous system controls emotions, thought patterns, and coordination. Chemotherapy drugs may cause problems with memory, or make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. This symptom sometimes is called “chemo fog,” or “chemo brain.” This mild cognitive impairment may go away following treatment, or may linger for years. Severe cases can add to anxiety and stress.

Some chemo drugs can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). Muscles may feel tired, achy, or shaky. Reflexes andsmall motor skills may be slowed. It’s not unusual to experience problems with balance and coordination.

Digestive System

Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy involve the digestive tract. Mouth sores and dry mouth can make it difficult to chew and swallow. Sores also may form on the tongue, lips, gums, or in the throat. Mouth sores can make you more susceptible to bleeding and infection. Many patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth, or a yellow or white coating on the tongue. Food may taste unusual or unpleasant.

These powerful drugs can harm cells along the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is a common symptom, and may result in bouts of vomiting. However, anti-nausea medications given in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs can help alleviate this symptom.

Other digestive issues include loose stools or diarrhea. In some people, hard stools and constipation can be a problem. This may be accompanied by pressure, bloating, and gas. Take care to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Side effects involving the digestive system can contribute to loss of appetite andfeeling full even though you haven’t eaten much. Weight loss and general weakness are common. Despite all this, it’s important to continue eating healthy foods.

Hair, Skin, and Nails (Integumentary System)

Many chemotherapy drugs affect the hair follicles and can cause hair loss (alopecia) within a few weeks of the first treatment. Hair loss can occur on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. As troubling as it can be, hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins several weeks after the final treatment.

Some patients experience minor skin irritations like dryness, itchiness, and rash. You may develop sensitivity to the sun, making it easier to burn. Your doctor can recommend topical ointments to soothe irritated skin.

Fingernails and toenails may turn brown or yellow, and become ridged or brittle. Nail growth may slow down, and nails may crack or break easily. In severe cases, they canactually separate from the nail bed. It’s important to take good care of your nails to avoid infection.

Sexual and Reproductive System

Chemotherapy drugs can have an effect on your hormones. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. They may become temporarily or permanently infertile. Women on chemotherapy may experience dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful. The chance of developing vaginal infections is increased. Chemotherapy drugs given during pregnancy can cause birth defects. In men, some chemo drugs can harm sperm or lower sperm count, and temporary or permanent infertility is possible.

Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal fluctuations may interfere with sex drive in both men and women. So can worrying about loss of hair and other changesin appearance. However, many people on chemotherapy continue to enjoy an intimate relationship and an active sex life.

Kidneys and Bladder (Excretory System)

The kidneys work to excrete the powerful chemotherapy drugs as they move through your body. In the process, some kidney and bladder cells can become irritated or damaged. Symptoms of kidney damage include decreased urination, swelling of the hands and feet (edema), and headache. Symptoms of bladder irritation include a feeling of burning when urinating and increased urinary frequency.

You’ll be advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush the medication from your systemand to keep your system functioning properly. Note: Some medications cause urine to turn red or orange for a few days. This isn’t cause for concern.

Skeletal System

Most people—and especially women—lose some bone mass as they age. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause calcium levels to drop and contribute to bone loss. This can lead to cancer-related osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women who have been treated for breast cancer are at increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fracture. This is due to the combination of the drugs and the drop in estrogen levels. Osteoporosisincreases the risk of bone fractures and breaks. The most common areas of the body to suffer breaks are the spine and pelvis, hips, and wrists.

Psychological and Emotional Toll

Living with cancer and dealing with chemotherapy can exact an emotional toll. You may feel fearful, stressed, or anxious about your appearance and your health. Some people may suffer from depression. Juggling work, financial, and family responsibilities while undergoing cancer treatment can become overwhelming.

Many cancer patents turn to complementary therapies like massage and meditation for relaxation and relief. If you have trouble coping, mention it to your doctor. They may be able to suggest a local cancer support group where you can speak with others who are undergoing cancer treatment. If feelings of depression persist, professional counseling may be necessary.

http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body  

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Article Sources:

• Bone health. (n.d.). MD Anderson Cancer Center. Retrieved January 2, 2014 fromhttp://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-topics/dealing-with-cancer-treatment/bone-health/index.html
• Timothy J. Moynihan, M.D. (2012, October 23). Can chemotherapy side effects increase the risk of heart disease? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 2, 2014 fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-answers/chemotherapy-side-effects/FAQ-20058319
• Chemotherapy risks and side effects. (n.d.). Marshfield Clinic. Retrieved January 2, 2014 from https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/specialties/cancer-care/cancer-chemotherapy-side-effects

- See more at: http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body#sthash.xpj4JMXW.dpuf

WHY AM I HAVING SURGERY TO REMOVE BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Kishwer Nehal, MD, is the Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). She is an associate professor of Dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Program Director of the Procedural Dermatology and Mohs Fellowship Program at MSKCC/Cornell. Dr. Nehal has served on the American Joint Committee on Cancer for skin cancer staging and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network panel for nonmelanoma skin cancer practice guidelines.

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A. Although the nonmelanoma skin cancer basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is rarely life-threatening, it can be troublesome, especially because 80 percent of BCCs develop on highly visible areas of the head and neck. These BCCs can have a substantial impact on a person’s appearance and can even cause significant disfigurement if not treated appropriately in a timely manner.

The fact is, BCCs can appear much smaller than they actually are. On critical areas of the face such as the eyes, nose, ears, and lips, they are more likely to grow irregularly and extensively under the skin’s surface, and the surgery will have a greater impact on appearance than might have been guessed. Even a small BCC on the face can be deceptively large and deep; the extent of the cancer cannot be seen with the naked eye.

If such a BCC is treated nonsurgically (for example, with cryosurgery, which involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, causing it to crust, scab, and then fall off), the chance of the cancer recurring is high. Unfortunately, treating a BCC that has returned is usually much more difficult than treating it precisely and completely when initially diagnosed.

BCCs on the trunk, arms, and legs that cause concern are typically larger in size, but even a small BCC in these areas can have an irregular growth pattern under the skin if the initial biopsy shows the tumor is aggressive. In addition, a small BCC in an area previously treated with radiation may be much more aggressive than it appears on the surface. Again, treating such a tumor nonsurgically is likely to leave cancer cells behind.

The recommendation is to treat even small BCCs (and many squamous cell carcinomas) in critical areas of the face with Mohs surgery. In this technique, the surgeon removes the entire visible portion of the tumor, then carefully maps where the tissue was removed from the surgical site so that under a microscope, it can be determined exactly where any as-yet-unremoved skin cancer is located. Thin tissue samples are then removed one by one, each sample mapped and then examined to see if any traces of cancer yet remain. This precision produces high cure rates and preserves the maximum amount of healthy tissue. Patients should also consider Mohs surgery when a BCC has recurred, or has an aggressive growth pattern or poorly defined borders.

Mohs surgery is a first-line choice for many BCC patients, but discuss treatment options with your dermatologist. Choice of treatment is determined by factors such as the skin cancer’s size, location, and your overall health.

http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/basal-cell