The Cancer Chapter

  "Because nobody goes through life without a scar." - Carol Burnett Statistics show that there is minimal survival/recurrence differences between lumpectomy and mastectomy. One big fact that doesn’t seem to be public knowledge – cancer can come back if you have your breast (or breasts) completely removed.  A mastectomy does not guarantee cancer will not return. Lumpectomy, or partial mastectomy, involves only taking out the tumor and some surrounding tissue. I had a lumpectomy so I can speak with first-hand knowledge of that, while I have information that I have gathered from women with a mastectomy.  There are pros and cons to both. Lumpectomy Pro Save sensation to nipple and breast Natural feeling Shorter surgery Shorter recovery time Lumpectomy Con Breast could be a different size than its mate Radiation is often required Mammograms are still required There is “worry” about recurrence Occasionally I have heard of women who had both breasts removed (cancer was located ...

There is a big difference between Traditional Treatment, Complimentary Treatment and Alternative Medicine. This is about Complimentary Treatment that goes  along side  Traditional Medicine. Some of these might resonate with you. Others might be “Too far, Lady.” Try the ones that feel right and scroll past the ones that don’t rock your world. Everyone is going to be different. None of these should take the place of traditional cancer treatment . When I walked into my acupuncturist and saw the crystals she laid out on the table next to the sound machine, I asked if those were going to cure me. She side-eyed glanced at me to see if I was serious and said, “Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are going to eradicate your tumor. What I do is alleviate the symptoms of those treatments.” I nodded my head. “Right answer,” I said. Here is a list of things that I used or other people used that they found beneficial: Yoga  –There are dozens, if not thousands, of YouTube vid...

"I'd like to kiss ya, but I just washed my hair."  - Bette Davis "You are the only person I know who kept your hair despite going through chemotherapy,” a coworker said to me the other day. It’s not the first time she said it. It still filled her with wonderment that I accomplished that, even though it was four years prior. It shouldn’t be that way. I cold capped during my six months of some pretty harsh chemotherapy. It is something that has been around in Europe since the 1970’s. In the US it first became approved by the FDA in 2015 and again in 2017. When I found out I would be having chemo due to a Stage 2 triple positive tumor in my left breast, I reached out to an oncology nurse friend. I was still reeling from the fact that I would even be having chemo. I asked her about this cold capping business. She told me it wouldn’t work. When I met with an oncologist I would later fire (for a different reason), he didn’t mention the option of cold capping. W...

  "If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self. " - Napoleon Hill Cancer brings out lots of changes, things, people, feelings, disruptions, and just general overwhelming-ness. Regardless of the stage, it all seems to be the same. This is the time THE PERSON WITH CANCER is First. This will fly in the face of society. Generally, we think of ourselves as tough and thinking of yourself is selfish. I wish I could wave a wand and make that thought process all go away. Alas, I would probably end up just smacking and stabbing people with the wand and I'd get it taken away. When I was first diagnosed, I created my  Ring Circle. If you don't know what the Ring Theory is (and who does until they are smack in the center of it), it is a Circle with rings created by breast cancer survivor and clinical psychologist, Dr. Susan Silk Ph.D., and arbitrator/mediator, Barry Goldman. The cancer patient is the center. The ring around that circle is the spouse or...

"When you see broken beyond repair, I see healing beyond belief." - Matthew West,  All Things New After Cancer is a different animal than During Cancer. During Cancer is a whirlwind of Everything. It is a can't-catch-your-breath feeling. Then suddenly, one day, they unhook you or turn off a machine or close a file and say, "Okay. You're done." Your first instinct is HELL YEAH, I'M DONE and you ride that wave until about the time you drive out of the parking lot. The world is suddenly wide open. And you have no idea where to go. Click on the following images to articles on how to navigate this whole after-cancer business.

 Sometimes you go in for a scan and you know something is already wrong. Other times you go in and the results come out of nowhere. Either way, someone in a white coat says "You have cancer." From that moment, everything is turned upside down. You stop listening. You stop hearing. You sink into yourself. Your life becomes a movie reel at 78x speed.  It doesn't last long. You start to hear the doctor again, but by this time, things have been said that you missed and now he or she is talking about things that don't have a context. THAT is what it's like to get a cancer diagnosis. For me, it was an overwhelming sense of loss, of security, of the ground beneath me. And I knew I had cancer when I went in for my first scan! I like my life organized. I like to know that, on Tuesday, I am cooking chicken parmesan after I get home at 4:15, relax for a half hour with my microwave cup of leftover coffee, and I get started with dinner.  The Cancer Rug pulled that away and pre...

"Surround yourself with people who support you. Find champions." Sarah Gavron When faced with a cancer diagnosis, people often ask, "How can I help?"   Finding the right response quickly can be challenging, so here are some suggestions to help you get started: Transportation: Driving to appointments, treatments or errands Appointments: Have moral support and have them take notes Household chores: Clean, cook, laundry, lawn care Meals: Have meals prepared or delivered, or accept a a meal-sharing service. Childcare or pet care: Get a break from responsibilities. Errands: Have groceries, prescriptions, or other necessities picked up or ordered Help with information: Research treatment options or support groups. Offer a distraction: Other people can suggest activities like watching movies, playing games, or going for walks. Finances: Assistance with bills, insurance, or financial paperwork. A listening ear: Request a non-judgmental space to share thoughts and feelings....

A Cancer Care Package: A Touch of Comfort and Support Created by a breast cancer survivor, a cancer care package filled with salves, balms and a special piece of jewelry can be a thoughtful and practical gift for a newly diagnosed cancer patient. These products can provide much-needed relief from the physical side effects of treatment, such as dry skin, itching, and soreness. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can often lead to dry, irritated skin, painful joints and generally not feeling your best. Lotions, salves, and balms can help to moisturize and soothe the affected areas, reducing discomfort and promoting healing. By providing both physical and emotional support, a cancer care package can be a valuable resource for a newly diagnosed patient as they navigate their journey toward recovery. Items included in a care package is: 1. Calendula Scar Salve - 1 ounce tin -  No added scent. 2. Arnica Muscle Salve - 2 ounce Tin -  No added scent. 3. Lip Balm...

A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming. A cancer patient can face a wide range of challenges, both physically and emotionally. Offering support during this difficult time can make a significant difference. From simple acts of kindness to more substantial assistance, there are countless ways to help a loved one navigate this journey.  Thoughtful and Comforting Gifts Soft blankets and throws : A cozy blanket can offer warmth and comfort during treatment. Comfortable pillows : These can alleviate pain and discomfort during rest. A spa day or massage : A relaxing spa day can help reduce stress and promote healing. A cozy robe or loungewear : Comfortable clothing can be a welcome change during treatment. A soothing bath set : Lavender-scented bath salts or bubble bath can create a relaxing atmosphere. A journal or notebook : Writing can be a therapeutic way to express emotions. A book or audiobook : A good book can provide a distraction and escape. A subscription box ...