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Ann Wax, RN
annwax (Nurse (Verified) )| Communities: Breast Cancer , Ovarian Cancer , Melanoma (Cutaneous) , Pancreatic Cancer | Answers: 12 |
| Member Since: Feb. 2012 |
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Professional Statement
I have been a professional nurse for over 35 years.
My areas of interest are oncology, health and wellness, and senior sexuality. My goal as a nurse educator is to promote health and wellness and to help people to understand the importance of prevention regarding the disease process.
My areas of interest are oncology, health and wellness, and senior sexuality. My goal as a nurse educator is to promote health and wellness and to help people to understand the importance of prevention regarding the disease process.
Professional Info
Credential: RN
State Licenses: New York Connecticut
Specialty: Oncology
Languages: English
Gender: Female
Nursing school: Queensborough Community college
Areas of expertise: Oncology nursing, health and wellness, and the power of healing one's self
Research interests: Holistic, healing from within, and Senior Sexuality, preventive nutrition
Awards and publications: Finding your bliss in cancer. by Ann Wax, RN
Hospital or other affiliation: Dr. Mitchell Gaynor
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Ann Wax
Personal Bio (My story)
Ann Wax has been a health care professional for over 35years, as a Registered Nurse, health educator, medicaid facilitator, and geriatric care manager. After serving as a nurse at several major teaching hospitals, including the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, Ann taught psychiatric nursing as a clinical instructor for the Nassau County B.O.C.E.S. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program. She continues to be an active member of the medical community, currently serving as an oncology nurse. Ann lectures regularly on nutrition, genetic testing and healthy living!
She enjoys photography, and created a website called Foundbliss.tumblr.com with her photographs and her own thoughts regarding coping skills about life and wellness
She enjoys photography, and created a website called Foundbliss.tumblr.com with her photographs and her own thoughts regarding coping skills about life and wellness
City: New York City
State: New York
Zip: 11362
Country: USA
annwax Activities
People who have irregular and difficult bowel movements often do not get enough water (hydration). It is true that you can use flax seed and various other supplements to enhance fiber and get bulk for the bowel movement.
However, you need water (hydration) to keep the stool soft. Furthermore, water (hydration) enables the stool to pass down the intestine in a timely manner. Therefore, as the stool passes through the intestine, various nutrients and water (hydration) are taken out, to get what is needed for the body. This mechanism can cause the stool to get even harder. If you don’t have adequate water (hydration) for this process, you can have constipation and irregular bowel habits.
Also, one must include (if possible) exercise along with adequate hydration. Exercise helps the peristalsis of the body to pass the stool down the intestine for completion of having a bowel movement.
However, you need water (hydration) to keep the stool soft. Furthermore, water (hydration) enables the stool to pass down the intestine in a timely manner. Therefore, as the stool passes through the intestine, various nutrients and water (hydration) are taken out, to get what is needed for the body. This mechanism can cause the stool to get even harder. If you don’t have adequate water (hydration) for this process, you can have constipation and irregular bowel habits.
Also, one must include (if possible) exercise along with adequate hydration. Exercise helps the peristalsis of the body to pass the stool down the intestine for completion of having a bowel movement.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified))
3
Answers |
10 months ago
These are the uncertainties that drive sane women mad and madwomen madder! No form of breast-cancer treatment is completely benign. Every chemotherapy drug carries risks, and some of those risks can be life-threatening. If the effect of chemo on your type of cancer has not been studied, there’s no way to know whether the benefits would have outweighed the risks.
Many of the decisions we cancer patients make have no “right” or “wrong” answer. Whether it’s lumpectomy+radiation vs. mastectomy, or reconstruction vs. no reconstruction, or implant vs. tissue transfer, we’re constantly forced to make choices without knowing the ramifications in our particular case.
I’m so sorry you’re burdened by doubt, and I wish you the very best of outcomes.
Many of the decisions we cancer patients make have no “right” or “wrong” answer. Whether it’s lumpectomy+radiation vs. mastectomy, or reconstruction vs. no reconstruction, or implant vs. tissue transfer, we’re constantly forced to make choices without knowing the ramifications in our particular case.
I’m so sorry you’re burdened by doubt, and I wish you the very best of outcomes.
1
Answer |
10 months ago
These are the uncertainties that drive sane women mad and madwomen madder! No form of breast-cancer treatment is completely benign. Every chemotherapy drug carries risks, and some of those risks can be life-threatening. If the effect of chemo on your type of cancer has not been studied, there’s no way to know whether the benefits would have outweighed the risks.
Many of the decisions we cancer patients make have no “right” or “wrong” answer. Whether it’s lumpectomy+radiation vs. mastectomy, or reconstruction vs. no reconstruction, or implant vs. tissue transfer, we’re constantly forced to make choices without knowing the ramifications in our particular case.
I’m so sorry you’re burdened by doubt, and I wish you the very best of outcomes.
Many of the decisions we cancer patients make have no “right” or “wrong” answer. Whether it’s lumpectomy+radiation vs. mastectomy, or reconstruction vs. no reconstruction, or implant vs. tissue transfer, we’re constantly forced to make choices without knowing the ramifications in our particular case.
I’m so sorry you’re burdened by doubt, and I wish you the very best of outcomes.
1
Answer |
10 months ago
annwax
Will my life ever return to normal?
Taking care of patients that have experienced a serious disease process, this question has often has been asked of me.
It is true, that when a person has to under go a life changing process their “normal life” does change. But the question is what is normal? Our insights can help us get through life changing events. Moreover changing our thoughts on what is normal will help us change our perceptions and give us an understanding of how to proceed in our lives for the better.
Furthermore, the way you view what you are feeling is forever changing every second of every day. With this thought process comes the understanding that normal is a word to be used with simplicity. What do we really need to complete our lives for our well being?
Taking care of patients that have experienced a serious disease process, this question has often has been asked of me.
It is true, that when a person has to under go a life changing process their “normal life” does change. But the question is what is normal? Our insights can help us get through life changing events. Moreover changing our thoughts on what is normal will help us change our perceptions and give us an understanding of how to proceed in our lives for the better.
Furthermore, the way you view what you are feeling is forever changing every second of every day. With this thought process comes the understanding that normal is a word to be used with simplicity. What do we really need to complete our lives for our well being?
10 months ago
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Any increases of alcohol intake, increases aldehyde levels from alcohol metabolism. Aldehyde in the liver increases and competes with estrogen. Estrogen levels are thereby increased, increasing the availability of estrogen, which increased estrogen responsive breast cancer cells.
Furthermore, the liver is the filter for the body to get rid of toxins. It is important to maintain a healthy liver regardless whether you had breast cancer or not.
Another reason to question the health benefits of red wine and alcohol is the sugar content. It is noted that a high level of sugar in your body is not healthy and may in the future cause cancer.
There is a thought process that indulging in a little bit of alcohol or to get a "buzz" is healthy and good for relaxation. You can get the same health benefits from fruits and vegetables that contain resveratol instead of drinking red wine.
You portray yourself as a breast cancer survivor. These words described to me what you went through to achieved wellness for yourself. Having knowledge of what is good for you, gives the calming effect and contentment of a glass of red wine.
Furthermore, the liver is the filter for the body to get rid of toxins. It is important to maintain a healthy liver regardless whether you had breast cancer or not.
Another reason to question the health benefits of red wine and alcohol is the sugar content. It is noted that a high level of sugar in your body is not healthy and may in the future cause cancer.
There is a thought process that indulging in a little bit of alcohol or to get a "buzz" is healthy and good for relaxation. You can get the same health benefits from fruits and vegetables that contain resveratol instead of drinking red wine.
You portray yourself as a breast cancer survivor. These words described to me what you went through to achieved wellness for yourself. Having knowledge of what is good for you, gives the calming effect and contentment of a glass of red wine.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified))
2
Answers |
10 months ago
You used the word “If”. It appears that you are speculating regarding what your oncologist is going to say to you before the conversation starts. Furthermore, by thinking about what your oncologist is going to say regarding the “about wait and see” approach you are increasing your fear level which in turn is not conducive for healing.
Most oncologists after you have finished treatments will monitor you with regular checkups, blood tests, and scans to make sure that the cancer is not present in your body.
If you are uncomfortable with your oncologist “wait and see” approach for reoccurrence, you can always go for different options from oncologist to see how they feel with this approach. Always keep in mind that you must do what you feel is the most comfortable and best approach for you in managing your cancer disease process.
On your part for reducing the risk of reoccurrence of cancer is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, have good friends, family around you, find fulfillment with your career, and your choices. Satisfaction within your everyday life is a healing tool to “finding your bliss in cancer”. Which in turn will help to promote healing from within and helps the immune system to keep cancer from reoccurring.
Most oncologists after you have finished treatments will monitor you with regular checkups, blood tests, and scans to make sure that the cancer is not present in your body.
If you are uncomfortable with your oncologist “wait and see” approach for reoccurrence, you can always go for different options from oncologist to see how they feel with this approach. Always keep in mind that you must do what you feel is the most comfortable and best approach for you in managing your cancer disease process.
On your part for reducing the risk of reoccurrence of cancer is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, have good friends, family around you, find fulfillment with your career, and your choices. Satisfaction within your everyday life is a healing tool to “finding your bliss in cancer”. Which in turn will help to promote healing from within and helps the immune system to keep cancer from reoccurring.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified))
3
Answers |
10 months ago
annwax
Genentech Wins Approval for New Breast Cancer Drug to treat advanced breast cancer. The drug, called Perjeta, is meant to be used with Genentech’s existing drug Herceptin to treat breast cancers characterized by high levels of a protein called Her2, which amount to about 20 percent of total breast cancers.
The two drugs together are more effective than Herceptin alone, but at considerable extra cost.
Will this extra cost of using these two drugs together for for Her2 breast cancer, cause more denials of insurance coverage for this medication?
The two drugs together are more effective than Herceptin alone, but at considerable extra cost.
Will this extra cost of using these two drugs together for for Her2 breast cancer, cause more denials of insurance coverage for this medication?
10 months ago
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View all 3 replies
annwax
Insurance companies have different guidelines on the interpretation of what are medical necessities for treatment. All too often the medication is denied for that specific treatment. Then there is an appeal where the physician must speak with the insurance company's designated physician for approval of this medication for specific treatment. This takes more time and may hinder the treatment of care of the patient. More people should be made aware of these procedures. Ask questions to your insurance company, who are these "experts" that are making judgements for your medical care. Are they promoting wellness and good healthcare for the patient?
10 months ago
11 months ago
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View all 3 replies
annwax
You are right, normally you don't want to share your cancer diagnosis with relatives that you don't speak with. However, perhaps your cancer is brought about because you have a genetic mutation that runs in your family and no one knows that except you. Furthermore, by telling the relatives about this cancer diagnosis that you have, you may save that distant relative's life.
Another scenario: One of the questions that your physician will ask is "Are there any cancers in your family or do you have a family history of cancer?"
Communication with family members and distant relatives about family medical histories may help with the cancer diagnosis and treatment for healing.
However, whether you communicate to your relatives or not about your cancer daignosis, is a your personal choice. One has to understand, what ever you do must be in your best interest to promote healing and wellness for a healthy outcome.
Another scenario: One of the questions that your physician will ask is "Are there any cancers in your family or do you have a family history of cancer?"
Communication with family members and distant relatives about family medical histories may help with the cancer diagnosis and treatment for healing.
However, whether you communicate to your relatives or not about your cancer daignosis, is a your personal choice. One has to understand, what ever you do must be in your best interest to promote healing and wellness for a healthy outcome.
11 months ago
member9403
When I was diagnosed I used the concept of phone trees. I shared with people, but I also asked some people to pass it along to others for me.
I think that's how I would handle things if there were people I did NOT want to talk to. I get sharing because of health history for them, but at the same time, you have enough on your plate and you don't need to put yourself in that position. Find someone else to share if you feel they need to know.
I think that's how I would handle things if there were people I did NOT want to talk to. I get sharing because of health history for them, but at the same time, you have enough on your plate and you don't need to put yourself in that position. Find someone else to share if you feel they need to know.
10 months ago
annwax
Prevention is essential regarding the health process. Many people eat seafood that are scavengers who are bottom feeders. One example are sea urchins. People find them delicious to eat. However, they are small creatures, with more toxins in them because they are small. You are ingesting these toxins in your stomach. Do you think there is a correlation with gastric cancer?
11 months ago
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It is important for a person who is undergoing chemotherapy to get plenty of water and get exercise, if they can. Further more, don't feel guilty if they may feel tired and has to take naps. Sleep is an important component for good health. Take one day at a time, and don't fret if the day does not meet up to their expectations.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified))
2
Answers |
1 year ago
It is clear that you may possibly have a predisposition from your family history and yourself that there may be a genetic mutation running in your family. You did not say how old were you when you were diagnosed with your breast cancers. Or what ethic background you have or how old were your relatives when they were first diagnosed with breast cancer.
We all have breast cancer genes in our bodies that are supposed to protect us from breast cancer. People who have the BRCA1 mutation, BRCA2 mutation has a higher risk of getting breast cancer and or ovarian cancer, because the mutation comes from your mother or father and you can receive them at the time of your conception. However, because a person may have the mutation, it does not mean that they will get these cancers in their lifetime.
The BRAC Analysis Rearrangement Test (BART) is an additional level of analysis, which goes beyond DNA sequences of genes. Having this additional test, one has to look at the risk and benefits of this test for you. If you are searching for answers of why breast cancer is prevalent in your family and feel that this test will help resolve issues that are concerning your health, perhaps you should speak to a genetic counselor and your oncologist about this test.
We all have breast cancer genes in our bodies that are supposed to protect us from breast cancer. People who have the BRCA1 mutation, BRCA2 mutation has a higher risk of getting breast cancer and or ovarian cancer, because the mutation comes from your mother or father and you can receive them at the time of your conception. However, because a person may have the mutation, it does not mean that they will get these cancers in their lifetime.
The BRAC Analysis Rearrangement Test (BART) is an additional level of analysis, which goes beyond DNA sequences of genes. Having this additional test, one has to look at the risk and benefits of this test for you. If you are searching for answers of why breast cancer is prevalent in your family and feel that this test will help resolve issues that are concerning your health, perhaps you should speak to a genetic counselor and your oncologist about this test.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer Genetics, Genetics, Breast Cancer, BART (BRAC Analysis Rearrangement Test), Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Genetic Testing, Breast Cancer Genetic Testing, Breast Cancer Genetic Tests
1
Answer |
1 year ago
The nurse who prepares or educates the patient who will be receiving chemotherapy sets the tone for the patient and his experience regarding his initial chemotherapy experience and his chemotherapy course of treatment.
It is important to discuss the side effects of chemotherapy, the chemotherapy protocol, and how the body responds to chemotherapy, the importance of blood test, laboratory tests, diet, exercise and taking your temperature. The patient should be made aware that his team of healthcare professionals will be monitoring him to see how he is feeling and if he is showing any side effects from his chemotherapy treatment.
The patient should be encouraged and know if he has any questions or appears to have any side effects from the chemotherapy at home or on the outside the chemotherapy setting to call and to speak to someone regarding his care.
I always say never assume that a simple nosebleed, is a simple nosebleed. One must speak to a healthcare professional on his team regarding possible side effects.
Furthermore, the nurse should inquire if the patient lives alone, what support systems are in place? What type of work does he do and how will chemotherapy affect his quality of life.
Here are some frequent questions that patients have asked me before they started chemotherapy.
1. What is chemotherapy?
2. Will this chemotherapy work with my cancer? Will it cure me?
3. Am I going to die?
4. How did this happen to me? Why did this happen to me?
I have found the first few questions from patients are more emotional questions. Because the patients are concerned about survival and what will be the outcome.
After I address these emotional concerns about their disease process, then other questions come up:
How long is the course of my chemotherapy therapy?
What are the side effects of the medications?
What will you give me for me nausea?
What can I eat or cannot eat during my chemotherapy day or after?
Does my hair fall out? When will my hair start to fall out?
How long does the infusion chemotherapy take?
What oral chemotherapy do I take? How is that different from an infusion?
What are pre-treatments?
What do I have to do the day before chemotherapy or after my chemotherapy treatment?
Does anything happen while I am receiving chemotherapy?
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Will my treatment be painful?
Where will I have my treatment?
What will happen when I arrive for my chemotherapy?
At this time the nurse should check to see how well the veins could be access for chemotherapy administration. Perhaps the patient does not have good access and may need to have a port put in place.
Other information that should be included regarding chemotherapy education is:
- Sexuality
- Methods of adherence regarding chemotherapy and medications that are part of the chemotherapy protocol.
- Check to see if the proper test are ordered before the patient under goes chemotherapy
- Know that the patient or their family most likely has been seeking information pertaining to the chemotherapy and the cancer disease process though social media.
It is important to discuss the side effects of chemotherapy, the chemotherapy protocol, and how the body responds to chemotherapy, the importance of blood test, laboratory tests, diet, exercise and taking your temperature. The patient should be made aware that his team of healthcare professionals will be monitoring him to see how he is feeling and if he is showing any side effects from his chemotherapy treatment.
The patient should be encouraged and know if he has any questions or appears to have any side effects from the chemotherapy at home or on the outside the chemotherapy setting to call and to speak to someone regarding his care.
I always say never assume that a simple nosebleed, is a simple nosebleed. One must speak to a healthcare professional on his team regarding possible side effects.
Furthermore, the nurse should inquire if the patient lives alone, what support systems are in place? What type of work does he do and how will chemotherapy affect his quality of life.
Here are some frequent questions that patients have asked me before they started chemotherapy.
1. What is chemotherapy?
2. Will this chemotherapy work with my cancer? Will it cure me?
3. Am I going to die?
4. How did this happen to me? Why did this happen to me?
I have found the first few questions from patients are more emotional questions. Because the patients are concerned about survival and what will be the outcome.
After I address these emotional concerns about their disease process, then other questions come up:
How long is the course of my chemotherapy therapy?
What are the side effects of the medications?
What will you give me for me nausea?
What can I eat or cannot eat during my chemotherapy day or after?
Does my hair fall out? When will my hair start to fall out?
How long does the infusion chemotherapy take?
What oral chemotherapy do I take? How is that different from an infusion?
What are pre-treatments?
What do I have to do the day before chemotherapy or after my chemotherapy treatment?
Does anything happen while I am receiving chemotherapy?
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Will my treatment be painful?
Where will I have my treatment?
What will happen when I arrive for my chemotherapy?
At this time the nurse should check to see how well the veins could be access for chemotherapy administration. Perhaps the patient does not have good access and may need to have a port put in place.
Other information that should be included regarding chemotherapy education is:
- Sexuality
- Methods of adherence regarding chemotherapy and medications that are part of the chemotherapy protocol.
- Check to see if the proper test are ordered before the patient under goes chemotherapy
- Know that the patient or their family most likely has been seeking information pertaining to the chemotherapy and the cancer disease process though social media.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Oncology Nurse, Nurse, Chemotherapy Treatment, Chemotherapy Preparation, Chemotherapy, Cancer Treatment
1
Answer |
1 year ago
Before any chemotherapy treatment a nurse must discussed with a patient potential complications that may occur when receiving an infusion. The nurse must do it in a manner that it is not alarming to the patient, but the patient is aware that they must seek the nurse’s attention if something should occur.
I tell my patients, if they feel different while they are receiving the infusion, they must tell someone, before the infusion progresses. Do not assume that the feelings that they are having are normal. Let the nurse make the nursing judgment.
I explain to my patient’s if they feel:
• Uneasiness or agitation
• Abdominal cramping
• Itching
• Chest tightness
• Light headed or dizziness’
• Chills
• Back pain
• Face turning red-flushed
• Nausea
• Difficulty speaking
• Burning or an uncomfortable feeling at the infusion site.
During the infusion, the nurse also must observe and ask the patient “How are you feeling?” while they are receiving the chemotherapy for potential reactions to the chemotherapy infusion as well.
I tell my patients, if they feel different while they are receiving the infusion, they must tell someone, before the infusion progresses. Do not assume that the feelings that they are having are normal. Let the nurse make the nursing judgment.
I explain to my patient’s if they feel:
• Uneasiness or agitation
• Abdominal cramping
• Itching
• Chest tightness
• Light headed or dizziness’
• Chills
• Back pain
• Face turning red-flushed
• Nausea
• Difficulty speaking
• Burning or an uncomfortable feeling at the infusion site.
During the infusion, the nurse also must observe and ask the patient “How are you feeling?” while they are receiving the chemotherapy for potential reactions to the chemotherapy infusion as well.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Chemotherapy Treatment Complications, Treatment Complications, Nurse, Nurse - Patient Communication, Chemotherapy Treatment, Patient Communication, Chemotherapy
1
Answer |
1 year ago
As soon as a patient is diagnosed with cancer they are inundated with all kinds of information on all the different modalities that they may experience regarding cancer. Their diet, physical activities, side effects and the everyday process of elimination are discussed to the fullness. But with all this information given to them the one subject that is glossed over or not discussed at all is sexuality. It appears that there is an 800-pound guerilla of sexuality in the cancer patient’s room and no one wants to talk about it.
All too often it has nothing to do with the patient but it has to do with the healthcare professional who may have a barrier between talking to the patients regarding sexual intimacy and their own feelings about their sexual attitudes. Many times a healthcare professional may assume someone of a certain age is to old to engage in sexual activities and will not bring up the subject at all for discussion.
Furthermore, not only should there be an open dialogue with the cancer patient pertaining to sexual issues, but their partner’s needs should also be address as well.
With understanding that sexuality is an integrated part of a normal life, nurses can help to navigate the many phases that their patients may encounter with reference to sexual intimacy.
All too often it has nothing to do with the patient but it has to do with the healthcare professional who may have a barrier between talking to the patients regarding sexual intimacy and their own feelings about their sexual attitudes. Many times a healthcare professional may assume someone of a certain age is to old to engage in sexual activities and will not bring up the subject at all for discussion.
Furthermore, not only should there be an open dialogue with the cancer patient pertaining to sexual issues, but their partner’s needs should also be address as well.
With understanding that sexuality is an integrated part of a normal life, nurses can help to navigate the many phases that their patients may encounter with reference to sexual intimacy.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Oncology Nurse, Patient Education, Cancer Education, Cancer Patient Education, Cancer
4
Answers |
1 year ago
The most important tip that I can give to seniors to improve their sexual relationship is the power of laughter. Because of the aging process, sexual encounters may be difficult at times. Engaging in gentle humor may help people get through an awkward moment of physical or emotional issues. With a gentle and loving laugh, shows our partners that there is an understanding that comes between two people who want to be together.
Sexual encounters should be enjoyable regardless how old you are. If you are having physical problems seek help from a healthcare professional that can guide you on what medications that you can or cannot take to help improve your physical condition. Or there are many self-help books that are out there in the market place that a person can buy without feeling shameful about.
Some seniors may feel embarrassed about sexual encounters because of the changes in their bodies. Communication can be a great aphrodisiac, speak to your partner about how you feel. When you open your feelings up it allows the other person to see how astonishing you are.
If you are not in a long term monogamous relationship with a person, you should insist that your partner wear a condom during intercourse. Sexual transmitted diseases are the fastest growing diseases in the adult community of people who are over fifty and up.
If your partner says no to a condom, be aware that by your consenting to his action, you will be exposing yourself to all of his sexual encounters before you.
Sexual encounters should be enjoyable regardless how old you are. If you are having physical problems seek help from a healthcare professional that can guide you on what medications that you can or cannot take to help improve your physical condition. Or there are many self-help books that are out there in the market place that a person can buy without feeling shameful about.
Some seniors may feel embarrassed about sexual encounters because of the changes in their bodies. Communication can be a great aphrodisiac, speak to your partner about how you feel. When you open your feelings up it allows the other person to see how astonishing you are.
If you are not in a long term monogamous relationship with a person, you should insist that your partner wear a condom during intercourse. Sexual transmitted diseases are the fastest growing diseases in the adult community of people who are over fifty and up.
If your partner says no to a condom, be aware that by your consenting to his action, you will be exposing yourself to all of his sexual encounters before you.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Survivorship, Seniors, Sex, Sexuality, Senior Sexuality, Sexual Relationsships, Sexual Relations
1
Answer |
1 year ago
To explain to another person regarding the scars they are seeing on your body, one must start with one’s self. When another person wants to get involved with you romantically, they want to be with you. They feel the need and the desire of having you in their life. Seeing your scars on your body may make your partner want to be with you even more. They see your scars with a loving respect of how you endured your physical disease of melanoma.
Therefore, it appears from this question that you are more uncomfortable with the scars on your body, then your partner. “Scars” represent many things to many people. There are emotional scars, physical or visible scars. One must acknowledge the “scars” for what they are. Yes, you had melanoma; these scars are my scars, my history, that I had this disease process. I am alive and capable of having a romantic relationship with someone that I choose to be with.
If the scars are bothersome to you, there are various ways that you may cover them and not show them to your partner until you are ready to.
How comfortable are you with your romantic encounter? That is the question that you should be asking yourself. If you feel more comfortable to discuss your melenoma scars before your romantic encounter, then do so.
There is a famous model Parma Parvati Lakshmi. Her scar came from an automobile accident. At first she was reluctant to show her scar. However, over a period of time she decided not to let her scar rule her life. Now she shows her scar with digiity and respect.
Therefore, it appears from this question that you are more uncomfortable with the scars on your body, then your partner. “Scars” represent many things to many people. There are emotional scars, physical or visible scars. One must acknowledge the “scars” for what they are. Yes, you had melanoma; these scars are my scars, my history, that I had this disease process. I am alive and capable of having a romantic relationship with someone that I choose to be with.
If the scars are bothersome to you, there are various ways that you may cover them and not show them to your partner until you are ready to.
How comfortable are you with your romantic encounter? That is the question that you should be asking yourself. If you feel more comfortable to discuss your melenoma scars before your romantic encounter, then do so.
There is a famous model Parma Parvati Lakshmi. Her scar came from an automobile accident. At first she was reluctant to show her scar. However, over a period of time she decided not to let her scar rule her life. Now she shows her scar with digiity and respect.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Survivorship, Communication, Scars, Dating, Romance, Melanoma, Sexual Relations
1
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1 year ago
Being a vegetarian is not a 100% guaranteed that you will not get cancer. It is a healthier lifestyle, however, there are many variables that can cause cancer and breast cancer. Add to the equation, eating meat in an earlier life, environmental factors, genetics/family history, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and history of drinking alcohol. All these factors can cause breast caner.
Moreover, know where your fruits and vegetables come from. Many of our fruits and vegetables that we eat have been treated with pesticides, (which in turn places more estrogen in our bodies, which can cause breast cells to grow abnormally).
Be aware of what vegetables that have a high estrogen content in them. Such as sweet potatoes and “true yams” are totally different vegetables from two separate botanical families. Yams are brighter, orange color and are served more frequently in stores and restaurants, have a higher estrogen component in them. Yet women who maybe at risk for breast cancer are not aware of this factor
Furthermore, there are studies that have shown curcumin and black pepper have cancer-fighting properties to help to reduce breast cancer. Other measures that can be taken to reduce breast cancer is to lower or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. Check your Vitamin D levels, it appears that women who have a low Vitamin D level are more at risk for breast cancer.
In addition to, these factors that I have mentioned above, one must get adequate sleep, exercise, and take time for you.
Moreover, know where your fruits and vegetables come from. Many of our fruits and vegetables that we eat have been treated with pesticides, (which in turn places more estrogen in our bodies, which can cause breast cells to grow abnormally).
Be aware of what vegetables that have a high estrogen content in them. Such as sweet potatoes and “true yams” are totally different vegetables from two separate botanical families. Yams are brighter, orange color and are served more frequently in stores and restaurants, have a higher estrogen component in them. Yet women who maybe at risk for breast cancer are not aware of this factor
Furthermore, there are studies that have shown curcumin and black pepper have cancer-fighting properties to help to reduce breast cancer. Other measures that can be taken to reduce breast cancer is to lower or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. Check your Vitamin D levels, it appears that women who have a low Vitamin D level are more at risk for breast cancer.
In addition to, these factors that I have mentioned above, one must get adequate sleep, exercise, and take time for you.
New answer by annwax (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Cancer Prevention, Health, Reduce Breast Cancer Risk, Cancer Risk, Diet, Breast Cancer Risk, Reduce Cancer Risk, Nutrition, Cancer
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1 year ago
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