Posts Tagged ‘breast cancer’
Last Saturday morning I got up early and drove down to Milford, Delaware to attend the Total Woman’s Conference : Empowering the Wise & Well Woman #wiseandwell
This free conference was sponsored by The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC) and Women of Wellness, LLC , and some of the other sponsors included the Milford Lions Club, DelawareBlack.com, Highmark Delaware and Jazzercise.
Despite the cold and rainy weather there were well over 50 women in attendance at the Milford Library, all who came with a common goal and purpose – to learn more about breast health and wellness.
Nationally, African American Women have the highest death rates from breast cancer of all of the racial groups, and are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Medical research indicates that comorbidities, such as having diabetes in addition to breast cancer, increase the risk of dying from the disease. Studies also show that Black women have a higher incidence of diabetes and other comorbidities such as hypertension that reduce
Proper exercise, healthy nutrition habits, and stress management could substantially decrease a woman’s chance of developing comorbidities, including reducing a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. However, studies show that many women experience a barrier to engaging in stress management and a healthy lifestyle because they do not understand what those terms mean and how to integrate them into their current lives.
The conference kicked off with a survivor’s story, followed by a mini Jazzercise class conducted by Glenenise Parks some of which can be see on my Facebook feed.
Prior to the Breakout Sessions we listened to presentation on diet and nutrition and the takeaway for me was, “it’s not what you eat, but how much and how often” which is something my grandmother always believed in.
There were three breakout sessions of which you could attend, I chose to listen in on the Stress Management session, the other two were Breast Health and Financial Fitness.
After a wonderful lunch, Lisa Blount Rochester, Democrat for Congress gave a keynote speech filled with inspiration and aspiration. The takeaway from her speech for me was, “find your Glenda with a support system” – a reference to The Wizard of Oz.
There were several raffle giveaways including autograph copies of Lisa’s book, Thrive. There was also time afterwards to visit the various exhibitors, get health screenings and take pictures.
I learned about this event from the DelawareBlack.com website and encourage my Delaware followers to sign up to receive their weekly email blasts for more exciting happenings in and around the state of Delaware.
Have you ever attended a Breast Health Care Conference?
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From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Them Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which also includes scheduling a colonoscopy.
I am so proud of hubby, as his chemo treatments are kicking colon cancer’s butt, so I need to make sure that my butt stays healthy as well.
After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.
Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!
I don’t care how old I am, how long I’ve been having these procedures done, nor the fact that they are uncomfortable. All three of these vital exams must be done annually…no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month however, if you haven’t scheduled an appointment this month, make it for next month, just make it!
We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.
CANCER DON’T CARE!
In loving memory of Debra Clarke, Hazel Woods and Rene McCrea
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Hello friends and welcome to this week’s feature of “Wellness Wednesday”.
October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which means I will also be scheduling my first colonoscopy. Hubby’s recent diagnosis and ultimate surgery for small intestinal cancer made it even more of a priority for me.
After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.
Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!
I don’t care how old I am how long I’ve been having these procedures done, I never look forward to either. However, it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are, these vital exams must be done, no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so if you haven’t made an appointment for your annual mammogram, please use this as a reminder to do so. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.
To get a FREE copy of the eBbook The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer, just click on this link
Have you ever taken part in a Breast Cancer Walk?
I did this one in memory of my cousin Debra and Aunt Hazel.
“Cancer Don’t Care!”
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I am not a medical professional and these posts are not designed to promote or give any medical advice. Please check with your personal physician if you have any questions regarding your own health.
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday!
Today, I have the privilege of presenting to you a guest post written by Patricia Dean-Escoto. In April, Patricia began a book blog tour to introduce the creation of the “My Breast Cancer Advocate” app.
She is also the author of The Top Ten Super Foods for Preventing Breast Cancer and has given us one of her favorite recipes to make a tasty and nutritious, green smoothie using coconut and kale!
Patricia-Dean-Escoto
Patricia Dean-Escoto is a certified nutrition consultant and breast cancer survivor. She holds a master’s degree in education and has more than 20 years of experience working in both the field of education and healthcare. In 2006, after being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, Patricia returned to school to study nutrition and completed studies at Bauman College for her certification as a nutrition consultant.
Recently, she hosted a year-long radio show called Pathways to Healing on the Voice America network where she interviewed experts in the field of health and wellness. Patricia is author of ‘The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer‘ and creator of the My Breast Cancer Advocate app which is designed to assist those who are newly diagnosed with or recovering from breast cancer. Her company, Pathways2healing, works exclusively with cancer patients in the area of nutrition and exercise. She lectures both locally and nationally on the topic of nutrition and cancer prevention.
The My Breast Cancer Advocate app can be downloaded using these links:
To learn more about Patricia and her work, please feel free to contact her at via these Social Media Networks:
Making the Case for the Coconut
We have been conditioned to believe that all saturated fats raise our cholesterol. Besides butter, no other saturated fat has been more vilified than the coconut. For decades, we were discouraged from eating it and told, that it not only contained bad fats, but that, it would make us fat. All of this was done to promote the sale of the actual villain in our diet – margarine.
However, nothing can be further from the truth. Coconuts, in all of their forms, are one of the most beneficial, microbial and anti-fungal foods we can eat. In addition, several studies have shown that coconuts not only raise good cholesterol (HDL), but they also are instrumental in lowering glucose levels associated with diabetes.
Coconut Oil and your Heart
A study published in the Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine demonstrated that populations such as those found in Polynesia or Sri-Lanka, who consumed coconuts on a regular basis, do not have higher serum cholesterol levels nor do they have a higher incidence of heart disease. This is most likely due to the fact that the saturated fat in coconut oil is completely different from most saturated fats found in foods like animal products. Most fats in our diet today are made up of long-chained fatty acids, which are stored in the body as fat and in the arteries in lipid forms such as cholesterol.
Unlike these types of saturated fats, coconut oil contains a unique form of fat that is composed of medium-chained triglycerides (MCT). Due to their chemical structure, MCTs, which are smaller, actually pass through cell membranes easily and therefore are easily digested, without using extra enzymes in the process. As a result, MCTs are sent directly to the liver, where they are immediately converted to energy instead of being stored as fat in our blood cells.
Coconut Oil and Diabetes
A study conducted at the Sydney Garver Institute of Medical Research discovered that a diet rich in coconut oil protects against insulin resistance. Additionally, this type of diet avoids accumulation of body fat that is associated with other high-fat diets. Both of these factors are important because obesity and insulin resistance are major factors leading to the development of type2 diabetes. Furthermore, coconut oil is one of the only oils (walnut oil is the other) that retain its molecular structure when heated at high temperatures. All other oils, including olive oil, will break down, thereby releasing toxic chemicals into our foods as they are heated.
Additional Benefits
In addition to promoting heart health, coconut oil has been studied for its beneficial aid in weight loss. It is thought that the benefits are derived, again, from its composition of MCT. Because coconut’s medium-chain fats are easily absorbed and used as energy, it actually increases the body’s metabolic rate inducting weight loss. One such study found that while the consumption of long-chain fatty acid metabolic conversion contributed to a weight loss of 66 calories in participants, MCT consumption translates to 120 calories burned!
Coconuts can be consumed in many forms. One thing I like to do is to add a handful of coconuts to my morning or after workout shakes. Additionally, instead of using milk in these shakes, I either use unsweetened coconut milk or coconut water. You can also use coconut flour as a substitute for baking. It adds a wonderfully nutty flavor to muffins and biscuits.
Here is my favorite morning smoothie using coconut water. Enjoy!
Tropical Kale Smoothie:
Serves 2. 274 calories
Baby kale (2-cups),
Pineapple (1-cup fresh),
Orange (1-whole),
Mango (1-cup fresh),
Chia seeds (2-T),),
Unsweetened coconut water (1-cup),
Crushed ice (1-cup).
Add all ingredients in a blender in the order listed. Blend these and gradually increase the speed to high then continue blending for 30 seconds.
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For far too many years, we have had several relatives affected by cancer, mostly breast but lung and colon cancer has also reared their ugly heads. We watched them go through treatment, recovery, get worse, become survivors or die. Cancer don’t care who you are, where you live, or even how you live.
Lung cancer has taken the lives of smokers as well as non-smokers and breast cancer invades the bodies of men as well as women and for far too long.
We have watched the deterioration of some and dealt with the sudden death of others. We have grieved as a family and attended the funerals and memorial services. Cancer don’t care about any of this.
My mother-in-law battled colon cancer, she put up a good fight, in and out of Hospice Care for over a year until her small frame, weighing less than 100 lbs could no longer take it…she died on Saturday August 31, 2013.
“You have cancer” is a phrase that no one ever wants to hear, especially a healthy, active, non smoking, non drinking man who is entering his next phase of life. Retirement papers signed after 32 years with the State of Delaware…now onward to that 2nd half of life and getting a start on the “honey-do” list.
Cancer Don’t Care!
Colonoscopy began at the age of 45, he ate little to no red meat, exercised daily, had a happy life with a happy wife and kids in slow suburban Middletown, DE.
Cancer Don’t Care!
Years of pain and an irritable bowel, yet, no detection of cancer, until one specialist working in God’s favor does an endoscopy and there is was hidden in the small intestines.
Cancer Don’t Care!
Diagnosed on the 21st…surgery on the 26th with no signs it has spread, and guess who’s home today!
God is Good and
I AM THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!
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Each year, 19,000 new cases of breast cancer occur among African American women. That’s 19,000 too many.
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate of breast cancer for African American women is 77%, compared to white women’s rate of 90%. In addition, African American women are more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age, and we tend to develop more aggressive tumors, which are harder and more expensive to treat.
Enter Dr. Kathleen Arcaro from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She studies breast cancer by studying breastmilk, which is full of breast cells key in figuring out how breast cancer develops. Over the past ten years she’s worked to improve our understanding of breast cancer risk, and her findings may lead to new screening, prevention, and treatment strategies.
The problem? Black women are underrepresented in the research. As a result, findings that work for white women or women with less aggressive forms of breast cancer, don’t work for the majority of black women grappling with the disease.
To ensure her findings are applicable to women of all races, she has been working to recruit African American women for the Love/Avon Army of Women, a project aiming to recruit one million women to sign up to participate in breast cancer research (if they choose to do so). By signing up, participants will receive an email newsletter with breast cancer research opportunities. Some research is as simple as a questionnaire or a phone interview.
Having African American women well represented in the breast cancer research is key, for her research and many others.’ So Dr. Arcaro hopes black women will sign up for the Army of Women (and be sure to select “breast milk study” as the referral type to help track the impact).
You can learn more about Dr. Arcaro’s work, and see if you or other women you know might qualify for one of her studies, at the website of the UMass Breastmilk Lab, and follow the lab on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
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Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday
Did you know that heart disease is the biggest killer of women, more than breast, ovarian and cervical cancer combined. The scariest thing about heart disease for women is that over 64% of them who die suddenly of a heart attack had no previous symptoms.
Heart disease is caused by plaque in the blood vessels which was once very hard to detect. This plaque clogs the arteries and makes the heart a ticking time bomb. Now a new breakthrough discovered by a cardiologists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has made detection easier.
In women not all heart attacks look like that of a man clutching his chest in pain. For women the warning signs are more subtle and may be confused as being menopausal symptoms, but they should not be ignored:
- Sweating – excessively drenched in perspiration
- Nausea or Dizziness – you may vomit or feel like you want to pass out
- Breathlessness – 58% of women report panting or inability to carry on a conversation
- Sleeplessness – in the month before a heart attack, 50% report having trouble sleeping
- Anxiety – a sense of doom or fear, your body is telling you something, trust those instincts
Paying attention to these signs and getting proper medical care can be the difference between life and death, so please make an appointment to see your physician.
“Go Red for Women” and protect your heart by living healthy:
- Quit Smoking
- Consistent Exercise
- Manage Stress
- Eat Healthy
- Take the heart healthy checkup (here) to stay healthy for yourself and for your loved ones!
Stay Heart Healthy!
I am truly thankful for being an ex-smoker, for my wonderful family, friends and of course my faith.
I am also over-the-top thrilled and thankful for having my post published on the Parade Magazine website. If you didn’t get a chance to read it (click here).
Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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“Good morning, please take off everything from the top, then put on this gown with the opening in the front”
Yes, that’s the phrase I hear from the friendly technician when it’s time for my annual mammogram and on Monday at 7:30 am I had my 12th.
“Have you noticed any changes to your breasts?”
“No”
“Have you felt any lumps or experienced soreness in your breasts?”
“No”
“Do you have on any deodorant?”
“No”
“Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes”
“let’s start with the right side first….left arm down…grip here…move up a little closer…you’ll feel a little pressure…okay hold it…now relax.”
Next it’s from a different angle, then repeated on the left side.
This is the only conversation we have while having my breasts moved, lifted, adjusted then flattened between two plates to be imaged.
For all my years of having mammograms, I can honestly say, it’s never really hurt, uncomfortable, yes, but not overly painful. I have always scheduled my exam during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a big reminder to have it done – no excuses or memory lapses.
Sadly, far too many women refuse to have a mammogram because of the preconceived notion that there will be unbearable pain involved, trust me, the pain of not going can be far worse.
I have lost an aunt and cousin to Breast Cancer and have several other cousins who are Breast Cancer survivors, so I know it’s better to be checked and uncomfortable for 15 minutes than not at all.
Have I ever been called back after a mammogram?
Yes, and it was nerve-wracking to say the least, but nothing was found. It was just the density of the breast, the angle of the image or noticeable calcification on the x-ray, which is why you are asked not to wear deodorant before the exam. Most deodorants/antiperspirants contain aluminum which is very similar to microcalcifiactions, which is an early indication of breast cancer.
I had my first Mammogram at the age of 40, however, it is now suggested that women, especially African American women begin at the age of 35. If you have any questions or need additional information, please check out www.cancer.org.
Early detection is key, however, when women are not vigilant in doing monthly self breast exams or having an annual mammogram the survival rates decrease. Triple Negative Breast Cancer is now the most dangerous form of breast cancer and is prevalent among African American women. Treatment for it can kill or even cause another form of cancer to appear, Robin Roberts is a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Do Breast Self Exams Monthly – The Best Protection is Early Detection!
P&G has a new Downloadable Phone app that aids in early cancer detection, so try it out today.
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Five years ago, I rushed from Delaware to New York to be late and miss my cousin’s funeral and burial – it was done on purpose…I didn’t want to see her…I didn’t want to say, “goodbye”.
She didn’t fight long but she fought hard!
Damn It – I HATE CANCER
I MISS YOU CUZ – REST IN HEAVEN UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
In memory of Debra, I participated in the annual Making Strides to end breast cancer, 3K walk in Wilmington, DE sponsored by the American Cancer Society. I was invited by a friend who is a big supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness and our group’s name was the “Crafty Walkers”. My heart and mind was full and I truly felt Debra’s presence as we walked on a gorgeous Sunday – thank you God. The sea of pink, of men and women; toddlers and teenagers; young and old; black and white; able and disabled all walking, strolling or running for the same cause was a beautiful thing.
Rest in heaven my beautiful Angel.
Linking up this month with BLMGirlsGoPink – hop on over and meet some great bloggers – read inspirational stories as well as breast health tips.
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As wives, mothers and caregivers we often take care of other’s needs before taking care of our own. I missed my annual GYN appointment by 6 months, but I didn’t forget to make an orthodontist, dental and vision appointment for my sons. I received a letter to schedule my annual mammogram in May, but didn’t make the appointment until this month.
It’s hard to forget to schedule a mammogram in October because of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pink reminders are everywhere. In my family there are 6 cousins and an aunt who had Breast Cancer and unfortunately, one cousin and the aunt succumbed to the disease – RIP Aunt Hazel and Debra! At my job there are several Breast Cancer survivors as well as a woman currently undergoing treatment after being in remission for 10 years. She like so many other brave women remains positive, and upbeat as well as looking good in their scarves and wigs.
My 11th mammogram was this morning, I started going to Papastavros Imaging in Glasgow at the age of 40. I do not like doctor’s appointments and get nervous but I manage the stress by talking. I talk constantly, stopping only to hold my breath for the x-ray, and because of this I can honestly say that I have never felt any pain.
After entering the dressing room, and given a top gown which I never know how to tie, waiting to be called in is nerve racking and waiting for the results is even worse. There are two types of regular screenings, a “CC”, which is a straight down view and the “MLO”, a side view. If you are called back for a follow up, a Spot Paddle is used and it targets a specific area on the breast. The Spot Paddle is more painful because it pinches that targeted area. A few years ago I was called back and immediately went into a panic mode. Amy, my technician explained that a call back does not mean cancer. It can be a vein, an artery, or dense tissue seen on the x-ray, a change in your breast due to your menstrual cycle or even the technician or the machine. So don’t panic and if you have a low tolerance of pain try talking through it, you’ll be surprised how quickly it goes and the sooner you can get to your deodorant.
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