12 Ways to Holiday Survivorship

 

On the first day-be sure to plan ahead.

If this is your first holiday season after diagnosis, or your tenth. . .remember that sometimes you may not have all the energy you have had in the past.  You might want to look at pacing yourself throughout the holiday season.  Give yourself permission to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day so that you can enjoy the holiday season. 

On the second day-have fun with your fashion.

With holiday parties ahead, being in control of the way you look can make you feel a lot better.  If you have hair loss, try wigs of different colors, length and styles to make an impact with holiday wear.  Scarves can be tied to make a fashion statement for evening events.  With colder temperatures, hats of different styles and colors can accent your ensemble.  Experiment with make-up, anything that makes you feel you look your best.

On the third day-know your holiday stress points.

Do you take on too much and then find you don’t have time for it all? Do you really need to bake all those cookies? Maybe you can gracefully bow out of holiday events or traditions you no longer enjoy. Start by asking yourself what makes you feel most pressured or irritable, and then what choices do you have to make this stress more manageable. Learn to say no. The demands of the season can feel overwhelming, look toward a healthier holiday and less stressful New Year.

On the fourth day-be emotional.

Enjoy being with family and friends.  It’s okay to laugh out loud . . . or cry when sharing memories with loved ones.  Be sure to hug them and tell them you love them. Our bodies and brains respond positively in lots of ways to time spent connecting to those we are close to; consider this important for your health during the holidays.

On the fifth day-practice healthy nutrition.

It is easy to get out of sync with nutrition during the holidays.  Know what foods help you feel your best and focus more on giving your body what it needs, instead of concentrating on avoiding certain foods.  Eat healthy foods full of protein, fiber and healthy fats before going to the party to make it easier to indulge in moderation.

On the sixth day-get your shots.

During the holidays, you are going to be out and about.  Shopping, holiday parties, school events, and family gatherings expose you to more than just the fun of the season.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that survivors should receive the seasonal flu shot, but NOT the nasal spray vaccine. Co-survivors also need to be vaccinated against seasonal flu.  Survivors should also have the pneumococcal shot. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you are up-to-date on other shots needed.  Protecting yourself will help you enjoy the holiday season.

On the seventh day-simplify.

If you have a to-do list bigger than Santa’s, it is time to simplify.  Is there anything that you can let someone else do?  Asking for help does not diminish you nor is it a sign of weakness, but rather it is what strong women do because the support of others will maximize their own resources. We quite often fulfill a need in someone else when we allow them to help us.  The failure to ask for help is a guaranteed roadblock to keeping your health on track.  Do not let being a super hero get in the way of taking care of yourself.  Use that super hero strength.  Ask for help.

On the eighth day-keep moving.

Physical activity is the clearest step you can take during the holidays, and all year round to benefit your health.  Many survivors who have laced up their sneakers credit exercise for giving them back a feeling of control, which breast cancer took away.  Research shows it can lessen fatigue, reduce depression, and help your body and brain function better.  So park the car a little farther from the store, play with the kids and grandkids, and check into an exercise program for cancer survivors after the holidays.  (Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine)

On the ninth day-relax your body and mind.

It is so easy to get wound up and stressed during the holiday season.  Take five minutes to breathe deeply while relaxing your body from head to toe.  Close your eyes and breathe in deeply through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, then release through your mouth for 4 counts.  Continue breathing while checking for tension in your body.  Begin by relaxing your forehead and jaw, then stretch your neck and shoulders and find a comfortable position. Move through the rest of your body, stretching and relaxing while continuing to breathe.  You can even breathe and relax while driving—just don’t close you eyes!  

On the tenth day-know how alcohol affects your health.

Alcohol has been associated with an increase risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. If you drink over the holidays, do so in moderation (one drink a day for women, two for men).  Before holiday events, plan what and how many drinks you will have.  Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling water, to help pace yourself and make sure you are properly hydrated.

On the eleventh day-listen to your body.

Tuning into what your body is telling you is a good way to stay on the road to health.  If you aren’t sure about your risk for long term problems or what symptoms to watch for to maintain your health; check out a survivorship program in the new year.  Talk to your doctor if you have fatigue that hasn’t improved with time, mental fog that makes it hard to work or remember things, numbness in your hands, feet or elsewhere, or any other problems that affect your quality of life.  Having a long term plan can ease your mind over the holidays so you can focus on the celebration.

On the twelfth day-enjoy the precious moments.

Make time for the precious people in your life.  Doing things together, whether cooking and cleaning up after meals, shopping, singing carols, or other holiday activities that are special to you is a great way to spend time with those who may need you most, or you want special time with. Let’s celebrate the precious moments in life this holiday season.

MYTH: Breast Cancer ALWAYS Appears as a Lump

Many women’s breasts feel lumpy. Breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture that varies from one woman to another. For some women, the lumpiness is more pronounced than for others. In most cases, this lumpiness is no cause to worry. If the lumpiness can be felt throughout the breast and feels like your other breast, it is likely just normal breast tissue.

If you feel a lump in your breast, do not panic. Most lumps are not breast cancer, but something less serious. Some lumps will go away on their own. In younger women, lumps are often related to menstrual periods and will go away by the end of the cycle. Lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast tissue (or the tissue of the other breast) or that feel like a change are a concern. This type of lump is more likely to be breast cancer, though some benign breast conditions can cause similar changes. See your health care provider if you:

• Find a new lump or change that feels different from the rest of your breast
• Find a new lump or change that feels different from your other breast
• Feel something that is different from what you felt before

If you are unsure whether you should have a lump checked, it is best to see your provider. Although a lump may be nothing to worry about, you will have the peace of mind it has been checked. 

You may see or feel other changes in your breasts. See your health care provider if you notice any of these warning signs of breast cancer:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn't go away

Pain in your breasts may be related to your menstrual period. However, if the pain does not go away, don't ignore it. Although pain is rarely a sign of breast cancer, it is best to see your provider. 

When You Discover a Lump

Fighting for Medical Research Funding

Guest post by Meredith K. Parks, JD, Komen Advocate in Science, and Molly Johnson, Public Policy Coordinator

Susan G. Komen® is committed to ending breast cancer forever by empowering people and energizing science to find cures, and has been dedicated to funding breast cancer research – investing more than $800 million – since our inception in 1982. However, Komen cannot fund the fight alone. This is why on September 18 we joined over 170 supporting organizations, represented by nearly 300 participants, in Washington DC to attend the Rally for Medical Research Hill Day. “More Progress, More Hope, More Lives” was our battle cry – a booming and passionate echo from the Rally for Medical Research held five months earlier. Again, we urged Congress to invest in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to make medical research a national priority. On that day, armed with hearty statistics and compelling survivor stories, we met with Congressional staff members, to plead our case.

First, the bad news: breast cancer continues to kill 40,000 mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives each year, and approximately 465 men. It kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. This year an estimated 227,000 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed. Despite those staggering statistics, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at NIH has been forced to REDUCE funding for breast cancer research by nearly $30 million over the past three years alone. To further complicate this problem, breast cancer care isn’t cheap. It is critical that we protect and prioritize investments in the NIH to see outcomes of the promising work emerging from current funding. Breast cancer research has already delivered a number of important clinical advances including new therapeutics, improved screening and patient quality of life. But there is much more to be done, now is not the time to cut back.

Here is the good news: many Congressional offices AGREED with our plea and echoed our concern. This was shown again during recent budget debates, when members of both parties expressed their commitment to NIH. Francis Collins, physician-geneticist noted for his discoveries of disease genes and current NIH director, has often said “Medical research has, throughout many changes of parties, remained as one of the shining lights of bipartisan agreement, that people are concerned about health for themselves, for their families, for their constituents.”

So where do we go from here? Susan G. Komen is committed. Members of Congress are committed. Unfortunately, as we learned in the recent government shut down, a common goal does not necessarily guarantee an uncomplicated or productive means to that end. We need to send a message that government spending on breast cancer research is crucial and necessary so we don’t lose any more women or men to this disease. NIH funding has been unable to fully meet scientific need or keep up with inflation for years. After last year’s first automatic sequestration cut the NIH budget dropped to below $29 billion for the first time since 2008, the budget has been cut by 23 percent over the last decade when accounting for inflation. Unless Congress is able to come to an agreement, the second round of sequestration cuts are scheduled to begin January 15 and will be even more devastating for cancer patients, researchers, and your local economy. NIH funding supports 325,000 researchers at more than 3000 universities, medical schools and research institutions in every state and around the world. In 2010 alone, the federal investment in NIH research had a 150 percent multiplier effect on the economy – leading to the creation of 484,939 jobs and generating $69 billion in new economic activity across the U.S.

We are all stakeholders in this cause and must continue to contact our legislators and request that they make cancer research and biomedical science funding a national priority. Your elected officials are in D.C. to represent your concerns, so join the chorus, and make sure your voice is heard! More Progress. More Hope. More Lives!

Caring for Survivors: Following the Funds in Kansas

You have finished the last chemo or radiation treatment.  During treatment you looked forward to this day with thoughts of cake and a party.  But survivors share that they still have concerns after their treatment has been completed – about the potential short- and long-term side effects and the living with their “new normal”. 
 

The KU Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship provides support and resources people need to live with the lifelong reality of a cancer diagnosis. Guided by focus groups of breast cancer survivors from across Kansas, the Wichita center focuses on the core values:

• Enhancing clinical assessment and support
• Empowering survivors through an individualized care plan
• Providing access to community connections

Survivors (anyone diagnosed with breast cancer) can choose between the full core program or specifically, the dietary or exercise components.  The dietary and exercise components are funded in part by a grant from Susan G. Komen.

In the full core program, the survivor receives an assessment with the internist, who then consults with the program hematology and oncology specialist, endocrinologist, and patient navigator.  The patient navigator will later meet again with the survivor to explain their recommendations.  A written report is provided to the survivor and her/his health care providers.

Depending on the needs of the survivor, the Center has a broad base of support services to provide assistance. The grant from Komen is providing funding for dietary consultations to assess nutritional status/provide nutritional therapy.  The Center also works with several therapists, including neuropsychologists and a marriage and a family therapist, to help with coping/psycho-social issues associated with cancer; sexual issues, intimacy and body image; and “Chemo brain” assessment and cognitive rehabilitation therapy.  There is also physical therapy to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction following breast surgery, treatment, and radiation and Lymphedema therapy.  The Center partners with LIVESTRONG at the Y, a 12-week supervised program for cancer survivors designed to build muscle mass and strength and increase flexibility and endurance. 

For more information about the KU Medcenter Wichita Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship

The Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship is continuing to look at the needs of breast cancer survivors through research.  The Center is conducting a study to learn more about the symptoms of breast cancer and side effects of chemotherapy. If you have been diagnosed and are waiting in your treatment plan, plan to receive chemotherapy, are currently receiving chemotherapy, or have finished chemotherapy, you may be eligible to participate.

For more information about this research study

Take Action: Participating in Clinical Trials-Hayley's Story

In 2010, the University of Kansas Breast Cancer Prevention Center received a $4.5 million Promise Grant from Susan G. Komen. This purpose of the grant is to investigate whether an estrogen found in flax-seed – a commonly used supplement – can reduce the risk for breast cancer.
 

 

 

Kandy Powers, ARNP and
Hayley Woods

Hayley Woods decide to become a part of something bigger than herself! After hearing about the research study from her local Komen Affiliate, Hayley called the Prevention Center to see if she could potentially qualify for the study. After an initial consultation, Hayley was invited back to have a fine needle aspiration to collect a tissue sample. This sample will be the final determination of whether or not Hayley will be accepted into the trial.

Most people don’t know what to expect when it comes to qualifying or participating for a clinical trial. Hayley shares the experience in her own words:

 

“I arrived at the Breast Research Center, and I was a little bit nervous. I was about to have needles put in me! I was checked in right away and taken to my exam room. The staff was all very helpful and friendly. They quickly put my mind at ease. The nurse took my vitals and went over some paperwork with me that thoroughly explained the procedure, the after care, and what I should expect. She also explained a little bit more about the research study, and I was then feeling ready and prepared.

Kandy and Amy came in to give me an initial exam and prepare me for my fine needle aspiration. They made casual conversation that relaxed me and made me feel comfortable. After explaining all of the steps, they turned on some soft music and low lights. I thought I was at the spa for a moment! They continued to engage me in conversation that kept my mind distracted and my nerves calm.

They cleaned the area that they would be working around, and everything was ready. The only discomfort I experienced the entire time was a little pinch when the numbing medication was put in. After I was numb, I felt no pain at all, from start to finish. The procedure only took about 20 minutes, and I just rested and talked with the ladies as they worked.

After they were done, I applied cold packs for a few minutes before they bandaged me up. It was over! The results will take about 4 to 6 weeks, and then I will know if I qualify for the flaxseed trial. I would definitely do it again, and I would recommend it to anyone interested.

I will get to follow-up regularly with the clinic and stay on top of my breast health. This is important to me, especially as a person without good health insurance. This is a great opportunity to keep up on my own health and contribute to research!

It only took about four weeks to get my aspiration results back. I was excited to find out that I did qualify for the study! The office set me up with another appointment to come back and finish the final steps to get me enrolled in the study.

I was asked to fast the night before my appointment, and when I arrived, I had a blood draw. As usual, the office staff was very friendly and helpful. I did not have to wait long periods of time, which was important when I had my four-year old with me!

I went over the last details with Jessica, the study coordinator. I feel very confident about my role in the study, which is as simple as taking my study medication (with no known side effects) each day, and checking back in with the clinic regularly. As I finished signing my paperwork, I found out that the study pays me too! I had no idea! That made for a wonderful surprise, and now I’m ready to start the study and do my part in Breast Cancer Research!”

Are you thinking about participating in a clinical trial? Don’t hesitate! It has been a great experience and opportunity to give back!

 

Talk About It Tuesday: Research Saves Lives

Susan G. Komen has sustained a strong commitment to supporting research that will identify and deliver cures for breast cancer since it began over 30 years ago. This commitment has resulted in important progress that has contributed to major advances in breast cancer since our founding in 1982. With increasing investments over time, now totaling over $800 million, Komen is now the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research in the world. 
 

 

Our research focus has evolved over the years. In the beginning we focused on understanding the basic biology of breast cancer. As we learn more about the factors that make cancer cells grow and spread, we are able to invest more in the translation of this knowledge into treatment, early detection and prevention. Our focus is to support work that has significant potential to lead to reductions in incidence and mortality within the decade. Our work isn’t done until our vision of a world without breast cancer is reached.

Susan G. Komen. . .

• began with a single grant for $28,000 in 1982
• has funded research each year since we began (31+ years)
• has invested more than $800 million in research since 1982 to support over 2,200 research grants
• is the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research in the world
• currently manages more than 500 active research grants totaling more than $285 million
• has supported a broad range of research from basic biology to treatment to survivorship

For more information on current Komen funded research:

2013 Research Fast Fact

HER2 Research

Metastasis Research

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research

Vaccine Research

MYTH MONDAY: Progress HAS been made toward breast cancer cures

Over the last 30 years significant advances have been made that have led to decreased mortality and increased survival rates. Progress in both early detection and treatment has led to improved survival for people of all ages and races, and with all stages of breast cancer. Between 1990 and 2009, breast cancer mortality (death) declined by 33% among women in the United States. And 30 years ago, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer was about 74%. Today, this number has increased to 98%.

• Increased awareness has led to better screening and earlier detection which leads to better prognosis and survival. 
• Surgical procedures have been developed that are less invasive, use sentinel node biopsy, and improved reconstruction that lead to better quality of life post surgery. 
• Significant strides in research have led to more options and more effective chemotherapy and hormone therapies. 
• New targeted therapies have been developed and now even implemented for specific tumor types. 
• New treatments for metastatic breast cancer have not only extended survival, but more importantly dramatically improved quality of life.

Over the past 20 years, great progress has been made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. As a result, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise.

For more information on progress