Breast Cancer Support Group

The Week In Tragedy...5 Things we can Learn.

By Dr. Orrange June 30, 2009 9:12pm 33 Comments

DrOrrange

1) Demerol: I'll never forget a lecture I attended as a resident by a well known toxicologist who said Demerol should be pulled from the market...that it doesn't work any better than any other pain medication and patients love the high it gives them. The American Pain Society said in 2003 that Demerol has no role in acute pain management …

What's the Best Test for Diabetes?

By Dr. Orrange June 21, 2009 7:56pm 6 Comments

DrOrrange

"I've had tingling in my feet", "I've been urinating a lot", and "I've been really tired and haven't felt right?" Could this be adult-onset Diabetes? Many people come to the office with signs and symptoms they are worried may represent diabetes and ask me about a "test for Diabetes". Until …

Top 10 Things I am Asked About in my Practice:

By Dr. Orrange May 31, 2009 11:15pm 21 Comments

DrOrrange

1) Do I need an annual physical? As many of you know Medicare does NOT cover annual physicals... so the question is do you really need one?
For females over 40 you need to come in for an annual mammogram, and either a once a year or every three years (in low- risk folks) Pap smear.
For men and women over 40 I say you need to come in and this is …

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. In general, cancer occurs when the body creates cells far in excess of what the body normally requires. These cells group together and form tumors.

Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. Monthly breast self-examination and regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable.

Causes of Breast Cancer

One in eight women will develop breast cancer, and 1,700 men are diagnosed yearly in the United States. While most cases are not linked to family history, mutations on two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, indicate an increased risk for breast cancer.

Other non-genetic risk factors include (1) age, (2) an initial menstrual cycle before age 12, (3) going through menopause after age 55, (4) having a first child after age 35, and (5) having dense breasts. Other lifestyle-related factors include drinking alcohol in excess, taking birth control pills, being overweight, and using hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopause symptoms.

Treating Breast Cancer

If detected early, breast cancer can often be treated without reoccurrence. Treatments can include removal of only the breast tumor (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. If one or both breasts are removed, breast reconstruction can be a helpful factor in emotional recovery.

Breast Cancer Resources and Support

DailyStrength's online breast cancer support group gives patients an avenue for connecting and chatting with others coping with breast cancer. You can read reviews of treatments, share your own experiences in your wellness journal, set goals for yourself, such as keeping up with exercise and relaxation techniques, sticking with your treatment program, or cultivating your emotional strength to battle the disease.

If you or a friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may want to review these informative resources and discuss them in Daily Strength's breast cancer forum: