Taking The Fear Out Of Cancer Counseling

12/21/2022

Happy Holidays to everyone! Wishing you happiness and better health in the New Year!

10/11/2022

It's that time of year again - October! Halloween, pumpkins and Breast Cancer Awareness!

Gender and the aging process continue to be major breast cancer risk factors. Although simply being female puts all women at risk for this disease, breast cancer risks are individual. Approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men.

Symptoms of breast cancer in women include: a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area; a change in size or shape of the breast; a ni**le discharge; or a change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, ar**la, or ni**le. Symptoms of male breast cancer include: abnormal lumps or swelling in either the breast, ni**le or chest muscle, skin puckering or dimpling, ni**le retraction (turning inward), ni**le discharge, and/or a redness or scaling of the ni**le or breast skin.

Taking an active role in the early detection of breast cancer: The breast self-exam is the first line of defense! Women ages 20 - 39 should have a monthly breast self-exam, and a clinical breast exam every 3 years. Women ages 40+ should have a mammogram each year, a monthly breast self-exam, and an annual clinical breast exam (performed by a doctor or a nurse). Men can prompt their doctors to perform a breast exam.

Breast cancer is still a leading cause of death among women and men! Everyone is at risk! Call a friend, go for a check-up together, create a “pink” pumpkin, and pass this information on to others!

05/08/2022

A caregiver is someone who helps to care for someone who is chronically ill or disabled. The caregiving experience can be profoundly rewarding by providing opportunities for personal growth and family closeness. However, caregiving also carries with it many responsibilities that can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. It's not unusual for caregivers to experience feelings of anger, frustration, grief, loss, guilt and/or hopelessness. Please know that these feelings are normal.

Caregivers are often overlooked as the focus of attention is on the unhealthy person. This may lead to the caregiver feeling left out, neglected or even isolated. If you're a caregiver, try not to do everything yourself. Know your own limits and ask for help; it's okay. Try not to withdraw from family or friends. You need a break now and then, and you deserve a life, too. Being with others allows for social interaction, leaving you open to suggestions and help, and to a reduction in stress.

12/17/2021

The holidays can be an emotionally charged time of year. They represent many things to many people: joy, hope, thankfulness, nostalgia, obligations, expectations, memories of losses and dreams for the future. The TV version is usually portrayed in an “ideal” setting with the “perfect” family. But in reality, holidays can be filled with tension and stress. This stress can reach overwhelming proportions for people who are dealing with cancer, chronic illness, depression and/or early recovery.

It's important to realize your limitations at this time. If you do not feel like celebrating, allow yourself to pass on the holiday festivities. Don't let yourself be pushed into being cheerful or taking on too much by well-meaning relatives and friends. Give yourself permission NOT to celebrate, if that's how you truly feel, but be careful not to isolate yourself! Decide what is meaningful and important to you at this time and what can wait. Don't forget to communicate your needs to others so they are not left guessing what to do.

Here are a few suggestions to let others know that you're thinking about them while setting healthy boundaries for yourself: write a short note, send a brief email or text message, call to “just say hello.” It can be that simple, if you let it! Reach out when you need assistance.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

11/25/2021

Coping with a chronic (or even a terminal) illness takes an enormous emotional toll. This psychological depletion creates stress which negatively impacts healing and recovery. Treating the emotional aspects of people living with chronic illness is essential. Doing so can increase a person's motivation for medical care and their desire to follow recommended treatment protocol. It may be difficult to diagnose depression in the chronically ill as some of the symptoms (fatigue, weight loss) might be the result of medical treatment(s). However, depression, which can easily lead to feelings of hopelessness, may weaken a person's capacity to cope with pain, and may quickly erode supportive relationships. Mood disturbances may also be caused by certain therapies such as hormone treatments and interferon. Addressing these psychological symptoms is just as important as treating the medical condition and should not be overlooked or avoided. Mental wellness is just as important as your physical well-being!

07/19/2021

Pain is a leading fear for people dealing with cancer. However, cancer does not have to be painful. You have the right to enlist a doctor who is committed to relieving any pain that may arise from cancer and its treatment(s). Your health care team should also ensure that any side effects from attempts at pain control are acceptable to you. Ask for a referral if you feel you do not have the necessary support from your physician and your health care team to successfully meet your pain management needs. Also, ask about pain management at the beginning of treatment, and be proactive about letting your doctor know about painful symptoms. Don't try to be brave about it; it's not worth it! The more your pain can be supervised and controlled, the better your overall survival and outlook.

06/06/2021

From: Eating Well Through Cancer by Holly Clegg & Gerald Miletello, M.D., Pg 33.

Asparagus and Potato Soup

4 cups diced, peeled red potatoes
1 cup chopped onion
4 (14 ½ oz cans cut up asparagus, drained, reserving liquid)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (12-oz) can evaporated skimmed milk
Salt & Pepper to taste

In a large pot, combine potatoes and onion in salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook about 15 minutes or until tender; drain.

Drain cans of asparagus, reserving the juice from two of the cans. Combine potatoes, onion, asparagus and garlic in large bowl. Using a food processor, process the asparagus/potato mixture in batches until entire mixture is puréed.

Add the milk, reserved asparagus juice (if needed to thin), and salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate. Rich in Vitamin C!

03/12/2021

March is Colon Cancer, Kidney Cancer and Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month!

Colon Cancer: Although men are more prone to colorectal cancer, men and women are equally at risk for cancer of the colon. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. It usually starts with a polyp and, if found early, can be treated and stopped before it spreads (metastasizes). Primary prevention is known as keeping the disease from starting in the first place. You can do this for yourself by being aware of the signs of a possible intestinal problem: diarrhea or constipation, blood in or on the stool, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, cramps), frequent gas pains, a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely, loss of weight for no reason, constant tiredness.

Kidney Cancer is the eighth most common cancer in females, and the sixth most common cancer for men. In 2020, the estimated number of people being diagnosed with this type of cancer was 73,750, with an estimated 14,830 occurring in death. Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer include: blood in the urine, mild discomfort or dull ache or lump in the side or back, swelling of the legs and ankles, high blood pressure, low red blood cell count (anemia), fatigue.

Multiple Myeloma: As yet, there is no cure for multiple myeloma; however, it can be managed with high success through targeted maintenance treatments. This type of cancer belongs to the blood cancer group, and impacts the white blood cells (infection fighters). Typically, multiple myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow crowding out healthy blood cells. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include: in the early stage; bone pain in the back or ribs, broken bones, weakness, fatigue, weight loss or repeated infections. In more advanced stages - nausea, vomiting, problems urinating, constipation, and weakness or numbness in the legs. Multiple myeloma is also associated with anemia, hypercalcemia (high level of calcium in the blood), blood clots and excessive amounts of M protein (which may lead to issues with the kidneys).

02/01/2021

From: Eating Well Through Cancer by Holly Clegg & Gerald Miletello, M.D., Pg 27.

Apple Lasagna

8 lasagna noodles
2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling
1 (15-oz) container part-skim ricotta cheese
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon almond extract
¼ cup sugar

Topping:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 Tablespoons margarine
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain. Spread one can apple pie filling in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with nonstick cooking spray, slicing any extra-thick apples. Cover apples with four (4) lasagna noodles.

In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg whites, almond extract and sugar. Spread evenly over lasagna noodles. Top with remaining lasagna noodles (4). Spoon remaining can of filling over lasagna.

In a small bowl, crumble together flour, cinnamon, margarine, brown sugar, oatmeal and vanilla. Sprinkle over apple filling. Bake for 45 minutes; let stand for 15 minutes.

Can be served as a dessert or midday snack as apples are a good source of fiber.

Personal suggestion:
* Can substitute fresh Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced, (about 9-10) for canned apple pie filling (less sugar), and/or top with walnuts if so desired.

01/05/2021

Did you know that cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented with regular screening? Routine healthcare for women include a pelvic exam and Pap smear screening. The Pap test can detect abnormal cells (dysplasia) in the cervix. This important screening tool can detect the development of early cancerous cell growth.

Cervical cancer develops slowly, most often without any noticeable symptoms. Typically, it does not cause pain or discomfort. This is why it is so important to have regular check-ups including Paps. After cervical cells become cancerous, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. This includes bleeding after s*x or douching, bleeding between menstrual cycles, and menstrual bleeding that may be heavier or last longer than usual. Other indications involve increased vaginal discharge and bleeding after menopause.

Your chances of surviving cervical cancer are nearly 100% if detected early! As part of your healthcare protocol, be sure to include a visit to your doctor for a pelvic exam with a Pap screening. It only takes a few minutes to do this, and can add years to your life!

12/31/2020

Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone!

12/24/2020