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Jan's Answers (17)
As a two-time breast cancer survivor (the recurrence having happened over nine years ago), I don't dwell on the cancer aspect of my life as much as I did in the past. But, like Marie, I do suffer from survivor guilt whenever a friend passes away from terminal cancer. I find running, biking, writing, playing music and painting to be therapeutic distractions whenever I'm anxious and confused. Find something you really love to do and go with it.
Question by: JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified))
2
Answers |
1 year ago
It really does depend on the age of the sons. Two of mine were in elementary school and one was in preschool. My husband told all of them after school was out, in a comforting demeanor at home. Since he didn't show any alarm, they took it well. But of course we never really know how they are feeling deep inside unless they share it with us. My latest blog post is on this very topic at janhasak.com/blog.
Question by: murray (Family member) in topic(s) Children, Children Communication, Communication, Breast Cancer, Family Communication, Family Members, Family
3
Answers |
1 year ago
I see now that you have answered the question I just posted about symptoms. When a patient also suffers from lymphedema, the psychosocial issues become compounded. Lymphedema is a daily reminder of the cancer, and causes embarrassment and social isolation. No one wants to look like a freak, and especially someone who's been through the trauma of cancer.
Question by: JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified)) in topic(s) New Normal, After Treatment, Psychosocial Issues, Emotional Health, Psychosocial, Mental Health
3
Answers |
1 year ago
I echo Pink Kitchen's answer. We can find alternatives; we just need to be creative in finding substitutes for our former faves. Comfort food can be redefined. I replaced candy with smoothies, tofu with salmon, and ice cream with Greek yogurt. As my mom used to say, "where there is a will there is a way."
Question by: JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified)) in topic(s) Health, Diet Changes, Lifestyle Changes, Diet, Nutrition
2
Answers |
1 year ago
I make a blenderful of nutrition-packed smoothie, pour it into 8-oz glasses, cover each glass with foil and put each glass (except the one I want that day) in the freezer. Whenever I want one, I take it out to thaw. They taste nice and fresh and are still packed with all the vitamins and other nutrients we need to have a healthful diet.
Question by: member2503 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) in topic(s) Health, Healthy Eating, Juicing, Diet, Health Benefits, Nutrition
2
Answers |
1 year ago
When experiencing fear of a post-treatment recurrence, I tell my friends that the best thing they can do for me is pray and meditate. It's important to find friends who can handle your expression of fear without judgment or emotion. A loved one may be too close to you to listen to those fears without panicking. A volunteer from the American Cancer Society can be an objective source of support, there just to listen and affirm any anxiety. For breast cancer the ACS offers Reach to Recovery volunteers. I've benefited from this program and now volunteer in that capacity.
Question by: member9444 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) in topic(s) Communication, Breast Cancer Recurrence, Family Communication, Family Members, Recurrence, Family Dynamics, Family
2
Answers |
1 year ago
My getaway is to listen to soothing music while reading a fun novel in a bubble bath surrounded by votive candles. This soothing ritual prepares me for sleep before an anticipated anxiety-filled day. Also, watching fun comedies and drinking camomile tea.
XOXO,
Jan
XOXO,
Jan
9
Answers |
1 year ago
I believe a holistic approach addresses best the issues with which the cancer survivor struggles. The comprehensive program should include emotional, spiritual and mental aspects as well as the physical treatment. Yoga, imagery, visualization, massage, talk therapy, support groups, and meditation should accompany any treatment such as chemo, surgery and radiation. No patient should be without emotional and social support, particularly to address psychological issues and adverse side effects that often occur incidental to treatment. This would be the ideal world.
Question by: dianeradfordmd (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified)) in topic(s) Post Treatment, Survivorship, Support, Survivorship Program, Emotional Support
6
Answers |
1 year ago
I wish I had known that radiation of the breast will affect what kind of reconstruction I can have on that side. I might have opted for a mastectomy so that I could get a saline implant on that side rather than having to have a TRAM-flap reconstruction.
Question by: jackiefox12 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) in topic(s) Patient Experiences, Breast Cancer, Patient Learnings, Survivor, Cancer
8
Answers |
1 year ago
Women should use personal fans (motor-operated) to keep down the hot sweats and night sweats. They should not take any estrogen-based drug to counter these symptoms if their cancer is ER positive. Take cooler showers and eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Keep the skin moist with some good moisturizing cream like Eucerin to avoid cracking skin. All these things do help.
Question by: murray (Family member) in topic(s) Chemotherapy Side Effects, Medically Induced Menopause, Side Effects, Tips, Menopause, Cancer
4
Answers |
1 year ago
I had my first child at 31, so that is one of the risk factors for breast cancer. I did have a binge eating disorder where I ate lots of sweets in one binge, but I don't know if that would contribute to the cancer. There are environmental factors as well, but it's unclear whether the air I breathed or water I drank made a difference.
Question by: Elynjacobs (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Causes, Healthy Lifestyle, Breast Cancer Risk, Cancer
3
Answers |
1 year ago
These women can go to the NLN, which has funding for garments for people who cannot afford them. As to treatment (CDT), I would say they can ask if the treatment center has funding for people who can't afford it.
Question by: member2503 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) in topic(s) Financial, Financial Assistance, Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, Insurance, No Insurance
1
Answer |
1 year ago
I believe those stories offer hope to patients who are still struggling with the impact of the diagnosis and/or going through treatment. It was nice for me to know that many people survive breast cancer long term. It's not the death sentence that it used to be decades ago. Hope is a powerful medicine.
Question by: member7333 (Current Patient) in topic(s) Support, Emotional Support, Success Stories, Positive Support
2
Answers |
1 year ago
I agree with Dr. Kathleen TRuddy. There is still a risk because at least one lymph node has been removed, and that enough might trigger lymphedema, especially if the axial area is also radiated, further damaging the nodes.
Question by: PeterBeitschMD (Physician - Surgery - Surgical Oncology (Verified)) in topic(s) Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection Or Biopsy, Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, Breast Surgery, Surgery
5
Answers |
1 year ago
I've stepped up my exercise routine to make sure that I get 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days a week. I've also done weight lifting and resistance exercises to keep my bones strong.
In addition, I eat many vegetable and fruit as well as whole grains. I avoid junk food whenever possible.
It hasn't been as difficult as you might expect because you know you are doing the right thing to get your body healthy again.
In addition, I eat many vegetable and fruit as well as whole grains. I avoid junk food whenever possible.
It hasn't been as difficult as you might expect because you know you are doing the right thing to get your body healthy again.
Question by: JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified)) in topic(s) Healthy Living, Healthy Eating, Lifestyle Changes, Healthy Lifestyle
5
Answers |
1 year ago
I agree with JKJones. There's no conclusive evidence that tamoxifen works for estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer.
Question by: JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified)) in topic(s) Hormone Receptor Negative Breast Cancer, Treatments, Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
2
Answers |
2 years ago
I believe they are if the patient is over 40 and doesn't have dense breasts. With dense breasts an MRI baseline with continued MRI yearly would be the better way to screen, from what I have read.
Question by: JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer, Mammogram
4
Answers |
2 years ago
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