NEW TYPE OF BREAST CANCER ; WOMEN PLEASE BE ALERT

New kind of Breast Cancer –

In November, a rare kind of breast cancer was found. A lady developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who are nursing..

Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections.. After 2 rounds, it continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram. This time it showed a mass.

A biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy was performed; then a full round of Chemo; then radiation.. After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health.

She had one year of living each day to its fullest. Then the cancer returned to the liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life, not the after effects of Chemo. She had 5 great months and she planned each detail of the final days. After a few days of needing morphine, she died. She left this message to be delivered to women everywhere:

Women, PLEASE be alert to anything that is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.

Paget’s Disease:

This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole It appeared as a rash, which later became a lesion with a crusty outer edge. I would not have ever suspected it to be breast cancer but it was. My nipple never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went to the doctor for that. Sometimes, it itched and was sore, but other than that it didn’t bother me. It was just ugly and a nuisance, and could not be cleared up with all the creams prescribed by my doctor and dermatologist for the dermatitis on my eyes just prior to this outbreak. They seemed a little concerned but did not warn me it could be cancerous.

Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or rash on the nipple or aureole can be breast cancer. (Mine started out as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget’s disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.)

What are the symptoms?

1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn (As I stated, mine did not itch or burn much, and had no oozing I was aware of, but it did have a crust along the outer edge on one side.)

2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick looking area in center of nipple).

3. Usually only one nipple is affected. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will do a physical exam and should suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately.. Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.

This message should be taken seriously and passed on to as many of your relatives and friends as possible; it could save someone’s life.

My breast cancer has spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and taking Tamaxofin. If this had been diagnosed as breast cancer in the beginning, perhaps it would not have spread…

TO ALL READERS:

This is sad as women are not aware of Paget’s disease. If, by passing this around on the e-mail, we can make others aware of it and its potential danger, we are helping women everywhere.


Please, if you can, take a moment to forward this message to as many people as possible, especially to your family and friends. It only takes a moment, yet the results could save a life

MYOCET.: TREATMENT FOR BREAST CANCER METASTASIS

Liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx®, Myocet®)

Liposomal doxorubicin is a chemotherapy| drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer . It is most commonly used to treat ovarian cancer| and Aids-related Kaposi’s sarcoma| , but may also be used to treat advanced breast cancer| .

•Pis a chemotherapy drug. In liposomal doxorubicin the molecules of the drug are enclosed (encapsulated) in a fatty coating known as liposome. The liposome allows the doxorubicin to remain in the body for longer so that a greater amount of chemotherapy is delivered to the cancer cells, while having fewer side effects on healthy tissue.

Liposomal doxorubicin isn’t suitable for everyone who needs doxorubicin and you may find it helpful to discuss this with your cancer specialist, who will be able to advise you on whether this type of treatment is appropriate for you.

There are two liposomal doxorubicin drugs that work in slightly different ways and are used to treat different types of cancer. These are Caelyx® and Myocet®.

Caelyx® is a form of doxorubicin| that is enclosed in liposomes. It is sometimes known as pegylated doxorubicin hydrochloride (PLDH). It is used to treat:

•Advanced ovarian cancer that has come back after being treated with a platinum-based chemotherapy drug.

•Women with advanced breast cancer who have an increased risk of heart damage from other chemotherapy drugs.

•Aids-related Kaposi’s sarcoma .

Myocet® , another form of liposomal doxorubicin, is used to treat advanced (metastatic) breast cancer| in combination with another chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide| .

What it looks like

Liposomal doxorubicin is a light red fluid.

How it is given

Liposomal doxorubicin may be given by a drip (infusion):

•through a fine tube (cannula) placed into the vein, usually in the back of the hand

•through a fine plastic tube that is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone (central line )

•into a fine tube that is inserted into a vein in the crook of your arm (PICC line ).

The Infusion usually takes 60-90 minutes.

Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Possible side effects

Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects; while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information won’t affect everyone who is given liposomal doxorubicin, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.

We have outlined the most common side effects and some of the less common ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we haven’t included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which aren’t listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor, chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist.

Lowered resistance to infection Liposomal doxorubicin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection| . This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, while your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10-14 days after chemotherapy. The number of your white blood cells will then increase steadily, and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:

•your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.4ºF)

•you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Liposomal doxorubicin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with liposomal doxorubicin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired| and breathless| . Let your doctor or nurse know if these symptoms are a problem.

Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore| , or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste usually comes back after the treatment finishes.

Skin changes Your skin may darken, due to excess production of pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.

Areas of skin that have previously been treated with radiotherapy may become sensitive again while you are being treated with liposomal doxorubicin.

Soreness and redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet If you are being treated with Caelyx, you may develop red palms and soles of the feet, sometimes referred to as palmar plantar, or hand and foot syndrome. This effect can begin after two or three cycles of treatment, but is temporary. It will usually begin to improve within 1-2 weeks after the treatment is finished. You may be prescribed vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which can help to reduce this.

It can also help to keep your hands and feet cool and to avoid tight fitting clothing, such as socks, shoes and gloves. Palmar plantar is unlikely to happen if you are being treated with Myocet.

Hot flushes or backache Some people have hot flushes or backache when the drug is being given.

Sensitivity to the sun While you are having liposomal doxorubicin, and for several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun and your skin may burn more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but always wear a high protection factor suncream and protective clothing.

Discoloured urine Your urine may become a red/orange colour. This may last for a few hours after having liposomal doxorubicin and is due to the colour of the drug. It is quite normal.

Fever, chills and allergic reactions Back pain, breathlessness, headaches and swelling of the face may occur from the time the drug is given. If you do develop these symptoms the infusion may be stopped and re-started at a slower rate. Your doctor may prescribe a drug that can reduce these side effects and which can be given before your next treatments.

Tiredness and feeling weak It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Less common side effects

Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting| .

If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.

Changes in the way your heart works Liposomal doxorubicin can affect how the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose given. It is very unusual for the heart to be affected by standard doses of this treatment. If affected the heart normally goes back to normal once the chemotherapy is finished. Tests to see how your heart is working may sometimes be carried out before the drug is given.

Hair loss

This is more likely to occur if you are being treated with Myocet than Caelyx, although it can happen with both. It usually starts 2-4 weeks after the first dose of liposomal doxorubicin, although it may occur earlier. Your hair may just thin but could fall out completely, although this is rare. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. Hair loss| is temporary and your hair will start to regrow once the treatment ends.

Injection site If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula site it is very important that you tell the doctor or nurse.

If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen you should either tell the doctor on the ward or, if you are at home you should ring the clinic or ward and ask to speak to the doctor or nurse.

Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.

 Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Other medicines Some medicines may be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy, including those you can buy in a shop or chemist. Let your doctor know about any medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, complementary therapies and herbal drugs

Fertility

 Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility| with your doctor before starting treatment.

Contraception

It’s not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking liposomal doxorubicin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.



SOURCE: MACMILLAN CANCER

PAGETS DISEASE OF THE BREAST

Paget’s disease of the breast is an uncommon form of breast cancer that first shows as changes to the nipple.

It occurs in fewer than 5% of all women with breast cancer. Men can also get Paget’s disease but this is very rare.

Signs and symptoms

The most common sign is a red, scaly rash involving the nipple, which may spread to the areola.

The rash can feel itchy or you may have a burning sensation. The nipple may be inverted (pulled in) and there may also be some discharge.

The symptoms of Paget’s disease can look like other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. However, there are differences. For example, Paget’s disease affects the nipple from the start while eczema affects the areola region first and only rarely affects the nipple.
Paget’s disease usually occurs in one breast, while other skin conditions usually affect both breasts.
Approximately half of patients with Paget’s disease will also have an underlying lump. Most of these will be invasive cancers, which means the cancer has the potential to spread outside the breast.
Where there is no lump, most will be non-invasive or in-situ cancers. This means that the cancer cells are inside the milk ducts and have not developed the ability to spread either within or outside the breast.

Diagnosis

Because Paget’s disease can look like other skin conditions, it can be difficult to make a diagnosis.
Once your GP has referred you to a specialist, certain tests may be done to help make the diagnosis. They include:

• Mammogram
  You will usually have a mammogram (breast x-ray) to check whether there is any underlying cancerous tissue in the breast.
• Scrape cytology
  This involves scraping some cells from the skin of the nipple. The cells are put onto a slide so that they can be looked at under a microscope.
• Imprint cytology
  In this case an area of the affected nipple is pressed onto a slide. The cells on the slide can then be examined under a microscope.
• Biopsy
  You will probably have a biopsy taken to confirm the diagnosis. This means taking a small piece of skin and breast tissue from the affected area so that they can be looked at under a microscope. This is known as an incisional biopsy and can be done under local anaesthetic.

Treatment

Surgery
As for most types of breast cancer, surgery will be the first treatment. The type of surgery will depend on whether or not you have a lump and the extent of the cancer.
If you have a lump or the cancer is widespread in the breast then you are likely to be offered a mastectomy.
If you don’t have a lump and the cancer is confined to a small area, a wide local excision including the nipple followed by radiotherapy may be suggested.
In some cases you may be given the choice, which means the surgeon thinks both types of surgery will offer the same benefits.

It is important to find out whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the axilla. This will help to find out if you need any further treatment such as chemotherapy.

This means either removing some of the lymph nodes (sampling) or removing all the nodes (clearance) or having a sentinel node biopsy.
Adjuvant treatment
Adjuvant treatments are treatments given in addition to surgery and include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.
The aim of adjuvant treatments is to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back either in the same breast (local recurrence) or elsewhere in the body.
If you have a wide local excision you will probably be offered radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in the same breast. If you have a mastectomy you may not need radiotherapy.

In some cases chemotherapy is recommended, for example if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

If your tumour is oestrogen receptor positive, which means it depends on the hormone oestrogen for growth, hormone therapy will usually be recommended.
Herceptin (a targeted therapy) may be offered if the invasive cancer is HER2



SOURCE:  BREAST CANCER CARE.

FEMARA / SIDE EFFECTS

Femara is used for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The medicine works by blocking the action of estrogen receptors in the body, which lowers the production of this hormone and helps decrease the cancer's growth.

SOUNDS GOOD IN theory but when put into practice it comes with a lot of luggage....SIDE/EFFECTS

There have been studies in the United States of America ....BUT looking at the American breast cancer forum boards they tell a very different story.

Femara has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented.

 This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur and how often they appear.

In these studies, the most common Femara side effects included:

• Hot flashes -- in up to 33.7 percent of women
• Fatigue or weakness -- up to 33.6 percent
• Increased sweating -- up to 24.2 percent
• Joint pain or arthritis -- up to 22 percent
• Headaches -- up to 20.1 percent
• Swelling or water weight gain -- up to 18.4 percent
• Back pain -- up to 18 percent
• Nausea -- up to 17 percent
• High cholesterol -- up to 15.6 percent (see Femara and High Cholesterol).
  

Some other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 15 percent of people) included:

• Dizziness
• Night sweats
• Cough
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Weight gain (see Femara and Weight Gain)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia (see Femara and Insomnia)
• Breast pain
• Muscle pain
• The flu
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs or bladder infections)
• Broken bones
• Vaginal dryness or irritation
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Drowsiness.

I have tried FEMARA...twice now on two seperate occasions, the results were the same  DEPRESSION, JOINT PAIN,  CONSTANT HEADACHES, HOT FLASHES.....joint pain like I have never known, burning ,as though my entire skeleton were on fire, my fingers became sticks I could not remove the toothpaste cap from its tube ....my feet, I felt as though I was walking on hot coals.

SOON, when I finish chemotherapy my Oncologist and I are going to have to have a long talk, because if I wish to survive I must take this drug or something very similar once more for the next five years. BUT what kind of life will this be for me ?   Of course the choice will be mine, live in the SHADOW of cancer or become a cripple to have an extra few years....This for me will be a very hard pill to swallow.......

LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Although lymphedema tends to affect just one arm or leg, sometimes both arms or both legs may be swollen.
Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and as the fluid builds up, the swelling continues.

There's no cure for lymphedema, but it can be controlled. Controlling lymphedema involves diligent care of your affected limb.


Lymphedema symptoms include:

• Swelling of part of your arm or leg or your entire arm or leg, including your fingers or toes
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your arm or leg
• Restricted range of motion in your arm or leg
• Aching or discomfort in your arm or leg
• Recurring infections in your affected limb
• Hardening and thickening of the skin on your arm or leg

The swelling caused by lymphedema ranges from mild, hardly noticeable changes in the size of your arm or leg to extreme swelling that can make it impossible to use the affected limb.




When to see a doctor


Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any persistent swelling in your arm or leg.




Your lymphatic system is crucial to keeping your body healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout your body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. Your lymphatic system carries this fluid and harmful substances through your lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. The wastes are then filtered out by lymphocytes — infection-fighting cells that live in your lymph nodes — and ultimately flushed from your body.

Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. This means it can occur on its own (primary lymphedema) or it can be caused by another disease or condition (secondary lymphedema).

Causes of PRIMARY lymphedema


Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Primary lymphedema occurs most frequently in women. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:

• Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema). This is an inherited disorder that begins in infancy and causes a malformation of your lymph nodes, leading to lymphedema.
• Meige's disease (lymphedema praecox). This hereditary disorder often causes lymphedema in childhood or around puberty, though it can occur in your 20s or early 30s. It causes your lymph vessels to form without the valves that keep lymph fluid from flowing backward, making it difficult for your body to properly drain the lymph fluid from your limbs.
• Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda). This occurs rarely and usually begins after age 35.

Causes of SECONDARY lymphedema


Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. Causes include:

• Surgery can cause lymphedema to develop if your lymph nodes and lymph vessels are removed or cut. For instance, surgery for breast cancer may include the removal of one or more lymph nodes in your armpit to look for evidence that cancer has spread. If your remaining lymph nodes and lymph vessels can't compensate for those that have been removed, lymphedema may result in your arm.
• Radiation treatment for cancer can cause scarring and inflammation of your lymph nodes or lymph vessels, restricting flow of lymph fluid.
• Cancer cells can cause lymphedema if they block lymphatic vessels. For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could become large enough to obstruct the flow of the lymph fluid.
• Infection can invade your lymph vessels and lymph nodes, restricting the flow of lymph fluid and causing lymphedema. Parasites also can block lymph vessels. Infection-related lymphedema is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe and is more likely to occur in developing countries.

Infections. Lymphedema makes your affected arm or leg particularly vulnerable to infections. Possible infections include cellulitis — a serious bacterial infection of the skin — and lymphangitis — an infection of the lymph vessels. Any injury to your arm or leg can be an entry point for an infection.

              Image of Lymphedema and Cellulitis

 

Lymphangiosarcoma. This rare form of soft tissue cancer can result from the most severe cases of untreated lymphedema. Possible signs of lymphangiosarcoma include blue-red or purple marks on the skin.

SOURCE:  MAYOCLINIC

PET-TAC: NUCLEAR

I ALWAYS LIKE to start by saying a funny thing happened to me on the way to the doctors...but have to change to a funny thing happened to me as ALWAYS..... while  with the doctor.

Yesterday I had an appointment for a Pet-Tac...I am used to this by now and no, it does not hurt at all...although the thought of  being full of chemo from ten days ago and now my poor body bombarded with tiny atoms does not a happy bunny make. 

I first spoke with the doctor who likes to keep a record of all his patients and as he peered at me over his spectacles said  'AH yes I remember you well'....Not so well it would seem when question number one arose...'Which breast'' he asked...Niether,' I replied..........puzzlement filled his face and there was silence in the room. 'BUT you have a diagnosis of breast cancer'.....'yes' I replied....'BUT not in the breast.'..bafflement ....as I once again had to explain. 'Yes I have breast cancer but NOT in the breast...stomach and colon and now spread to an area behind the bladder called the PERINEAL'.... once more a very strange place for advanced breast cancer to spread...or as in my case, perhaps not.

'Mmmmm do you by any chance know your treatment?' asked the bemused doctor......'MYOCET' I replied ....'AND are you on any treatment or medication?'......'Yes 'I replied, 'chemotherapy' ????....Myocet is a chemotherapy for treating women with advanced breast cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!

These moments of leaving the medical profession lost for words and with a muddled brain reminds me of how it must have felt when blonde bombshell   MARILYN  MONROE.....left the room .

BREAST CANCER: METASTASIS

When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast, it is said to be ?metastatic?, meaning that it has traveled from the breast to another part of the body.

Cancer cells can travel through either the lymphatic system or the blood vessels.

There are two types of metastatic breast cancer. When the cancer cells travel from the breast to the under arm (axillary) lymph nodes, it is still considered an ?early? or potentially curable breast cancer. With proper surgery and systemic treatments, there is still a good chance that all cancer can be removed from the body.

If the cancer has traveled past the lymph nodes to another part of the body, a woman is said to have ?distant metastasis?. The most common places that breast cancer spreads to are the bones, the liver, and the lungs. Many treatments are available for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, but unfortunately once cancer has escaped from the breast and under arm lymph nodes, it is no longer curable.

The goal of treatment in this case is to prevent the cancer from spreading further while at the same time minimizing side effects from the treatment.

A woman may be found to have a distant metastasis of her breast cancer at the time when her initial breast cancer is found, or months to years later.

This occurs because breast cancer cells can escape from the breast before surgery and may take a long time to form a tumor in another part of the body.

When breast cancer comes back months to years after it was originally found, it is called a breast cancer recurrence
.
Treatment for Breast Cancer Metastasis

Once breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and under arm lymph nodes, it is considered a ?systemic? disease, meaning that it is necessary to treat the whole body rather than just one particular spot.
This is because, once the cancer has traveled through the blood stream or lymphatic system, there are likely to be breast cancer cells in many different parts of the body, even if scans only show a few spots.
For this reason, treatments that reach all parts of the body, such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, are used to treat metastatic breast cancer instead of treatments that just treat one part of the body, such as surgery.

In general, surgery is not a part of the treatment of metastatic disease because treating only one area allows cancer to grow in other places.

It is unfortunately not possible to remove all of the parts of the body where the cancer has spread because it is impossible to measure the individual cancer cells that will grow into a tumor without chemotherapy or hormonal treatment.

Breast cancer often responds to many different kinds of treatments, and most patients can live for months to several years with metastatic breast cancer.

Recent research has shown that there are many different types of breast cancer, and the best treatment plan for a particular patient needs to be decided by a woman and her medical oncologist.

In general, a woman might be treated with a hormonal therapy if she has a hormone responsive (estrogen or progesterone receptor positive) tumor and does not have a large amount of cancer in her liver or lungs.

Women with tumors that are not responsive to hormonal therapies or who have a large amount of disease in their bodies are usually treated with chemotherapy.

There are many different types of chemotherapy that are used for breast cancer. In general, it is important to remember that the goal of treatment is to stop the cancer from growing while still allowing the patient to live a normal life.

Many times the chemotherapy that is chosen in this setting is less toxic than the chemotherapy given after breast cancer surgery.

In recent years, there has been much interest in developing new types of medicines that kill breast cancer cells in new and different ways.

Some of these medicines, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), are designed to work against a specific type of breast cancer. Others, such as becizamab (Avastin), may work well in combination with chemotherapy to increase the likelihood that a treatment will stop the tumor from growing for a longer period of time.
In general, most women with metastatic breast cancer will be treated with several different types of therapy over the course of their disease.

Over time, cancer cells become resistant to a treatment, and will begin to grow. When this happens, a change in treatment is needed.

Unlike many other types of cancer, breast cancer cells can be controlled by many different types of chemotherapy, and women with metastatic breast cancer are living longer and longer.

Hopefully with further research, women will no longer die of this disease in the future.

IBC: THE SILENT KILLER

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon form of rapidly advancing breast cancer that usually accounts for approximately 1% to 3% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Inflammatory breast cancer is a form of invasive breast cancer that progresses quickly and should be differentiated by physicians from other forms of advanced breast cancer with similar characteristics. Inflammatory breast cancer causes the breast to appear swollen and inflamed. This appearance is often caused when cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast, preventing the normal flow of lymph fluid and leading to reddened, swollen and infect-looking breast skin—hence the designation "inflammatory" breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is not caused by infection or inflammation as was once believed.
With inflammatory breast cancer, the breast skin has a thick, pitted appearance that is classically described as peau d’orange (resembling an orange peel). Sometimes the skin develops ridges and small bumps that resemble hives.

How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

The symptoms associated with inflammatory breast cancer are usually the first cause of concern. These symptoms may include:

• breast redness
• swelling
• warmth
• ridges or pits in the breast skin (a condition referred to as peau d’orange; resembling an orange peel)
• a change in the size or shape of the breast
• nipple discharge or an inverted (pulled back) nipple
• swollen lymph nodes

Inflammatory breast cancer can sometimes be mistaken by patients and physicians as a breast infection (or mastitis) because its symptoms , and the rapidity with which they appear (sometimes within weeks) resemble those associated with infections. However, while most breast infections will respond to antibiotics, inflammatory breast cancer will not. In fact, symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer do not usually get better or worse as infections do. If symptoms persist more than two or three weeks despite treatment, further testing and a breast biopsy should be performed to determine whether cancer is present.
Inflammatory breast cancer is typically classified as Stage III cancer, unless it has spread to the lymph nodes or other body organs. In these cases, it is classified as Stage IV breast cancer, or advanced breast cancer.


Please pass this Information on to every women and HELP save a life.....   

          

How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treated?

Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive cancer that can grow and spread quickly. If the inflammatory cancer has not spread beyond the breast, a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) may be performed to remove the tumor. However, because inflammatory breast cancer involves lymphatic vessels of the skin, mastectomy can increase the chances for the cancer to recur (since the skin is stitched together after mastectomy). Therefore, other treatment options (most commonly, chemotherapy) are usually considered before surgery.
Chemotherapy is treatment with anti-cancer drugs. Chemotherapy is often administered to inflammatory breast cancer patients before local treatment (such as mastectomy or radiation). One common regimen of chemotherapy used to treat inflammatory breast cancer patients is CAF (cyclophosphamide doxorubicin and fluorouracil). Researchers are also investigating whether high-dose chemotherapy is effective for treating inflammatory breast cancer. Because high dose chemotherapy causes damage to bone marrow cells, a bone marrow transplant or blood stem cell transplantation may be necessary. After surgery, patients with inflammatory breast cancer are usually treated with additional chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy to the chest wall.

What is the Prognosis for Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Because inflammatory breast cancer is an advanced cancer it has been associated with a poor prognosis (expected outcome). Past statistics have shown the average survival rate of inflammatory breast cancer to be approximately 18 months. However, recent studies have shown that advancements in treatment may help to extend the survival time for women with inflammatory breast cancer. Using chemotherapy, surgery (mastectomy), and radiation, the average five-year survival rate is currently 40%. Physicians are hopeful that advances in treatment will continue to improve the prognosis for women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer.

Additional Resources and References

• The National Cancer Institute provides information on inflammatory breast cancer at http://www.cancer.gov
• The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Help Page provides information and support on inflammatory breast cancer at http://www.ibcsupport.org/. Users may also subscribe in the inflammatory breast cancer support mailing list which was created for women with inflammatory breast cancer and their loved ones.
• The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Organization is an organization made up of individuals who have been touched by inflammatory breast cancer. The organization provides information and support for women with inflammatory breast cancer at http://www.ibcresearch.org/
• To learn more about advanced breast cancer, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/metastatic.asp

Updated: May 2010  




SOURCE: WOMENS HEALTH RESOURCE                                                 

BREAST CANCER MUM...HELD ON FOR JUST ONE MORE DAY

A CANCER STRICKEN MUM has died one day after discharging herself from a hospice so she could take her son to his first day at school.

Gemma Hogg, 31, was determined to walk her four-year-old son, Thomas, through the gates of his school in the UK county of Surrey, the Daily Mail reported.

Mrs Hogg, who suffered from rare  Inflammatory Breast Cancer, checked herself out of the centre where she was receiving treatment for the cancer on September 6.

She managed to go to the school with Thomas but died the next day, surrounded by her husband Simon and their three children.

Mrs Hogg's father Peter Carpenter told the newspaper that his daughter was determined to see Thomas off on his first school day.

"She was amazing. She really wanted to see him in his school uniform. That was her goal," Mr Carpenter said.

Mrs Hogg underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy when she was first diagnosed with IBC in 2008.

She was given the all-clear, but the cancer returned in October last year.

Donations can be made to the hospice where Mrs Hogg was receiving care at the Just Giving website.

MALE BREAST CANCER

 

Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer has always been associated with women. Year after year this disease claims the lives of many women but believe it or not, men could also suffer from such a disease. What is male breast cancer?

Male breast cancer is often very much the same as that of women, though it is more unlikely to develop in men and accounts for a very small percentage of the overall cases of breast cancer. Male breast cancer results from abnormalities in the breast tissue.

The symptoms of this disease are swelling and discharge from the nipples, puckering of the skin and the usual lumps in the breast that could also be found in women breast cancer.

This cancer is highly dangerous for men because majority of them beleieve that this type of disease could only be developed in women so they tend to ignore its symptoms, even though breast cancer is more easily detected in men as they have fewer breast tissue.

What makes some men prone to breast cancer invloves different factors. One of these factors is the heredity of mutations in genes. This most often occurs when there are already cases of gene mutations in the family. Older men are also more prone to having breast cancer, quite unlike women who can develop this disease at an early age.

Men who intake estrogen or female hormones in their bodies are more prone to acquiring breast cancer than those men who don't. There are cases when estrogen is used as a treatment for prostate cancer but it may increase a man's risk of breast cancer.

Men should also watch out for their weight because being overweight also increases the risk of having breast cancer, especially those who are already obese or nearing obesity. Lacking proper exercise also adds to this sickness (which makes a man overweight in the first place), so the only preventive measures are proper diet and exercise. As for the hereditary factor, there is still no prevention applicable.

ENGLISH MAN AGED 28 DEAD FROM BREAST CANCER

AN INSPIRATIONAL young man who was diagnosed with cancer three times in four years

 has lost his courageous fight with the disease.

Nicky Avery, 28, died in hospital on Monday, July 19.

Former labourer Nicky, who lived in Southchurch, was the youngest man in the country to be

 diagnosed with breast cancer, and was later told he has liver cancer as well as bone cancer.

In April he fulfilled his dream of marrying the love of his life, Cheryl Perkins, also 28, in a
ceremony at Southend Register office.

The one in a thousand risk

Breast cancer is extremely rare in men.

A man’s risk of developing breast cancer in his lifetime is just one in 1,000.

Every year 44,500 women are diagnosed with the disease compared with 300 men.

Of those women 12,000 die, while around 70 of the male sufferers succumb to it.

The symptoms, diagnoses and treatment are all similar to female breast cancer.

 The most common symptom is a firm, non-painful lump just below the nipple.

As with women, most cases are 60 to 70-year-olds, although it can affect men of any age.

Risk factors include a high oestrogen levels, exposure to radiation and a family history
 of breast cancer. Overall survival rate is the same as with women.

Mr Avery was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 after a girlfriend convinced him to go to the
 doctors over a lump in his chest that he had ignored.

A biopsy and scan revealed it to be cancerous. At the time he said: ‘I was quite ignorant
of the fact a man could get breast cancer.

‘Doctors at the hospital said, “Mr Avery, you have got cancer”. It was as quick as that. I

 thought at first they had misdiagnosed me.

‘It seemed totally surreal and still does.’

Like many women sufferers, Mr Avery had a radical mastectomy followed by intensive
 chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At the time he said: ‘ During my trips to hospital for treatment,

 I met women who were also being treated for breast cancer and they were really lovely.

‘They were a real inspiration to me because they would go in for treatment and then go home

and look after their families.’

Following his gruelling treatment he was told he had beaten the disease in May

2007. But in March last year he was told it had spread. Despite vowing to beat the cancer

 again, it proved too severe.

Dr Anne Robinson, consultant oncologist at Southend Hospital and breast cancer specialist,
 treated Mr Avery throughout his illness.

She said she was amazed when she saw him with the disease at age 24. ‘The way he dealt
with his illness was inspirational,’ she said.

‘We don’t get many men a year with breast cancer, especially someone his age.
‘There are probably four or five men a year here with breast cancer compared with
something like 400 women.

In a tribute to Mr Avery, his brother Joe wrote on the website Facebook: ‘I’m missing u

more than anything … sweet dreams big bro n il b seein u sumday n were be side by side
again love u nicky, ur my hero.’

His widow added: ‘He’s my hero too and will miss him every min of every day.’

Mr Avery’s close friend Chris Osborne travelled back to the UK from south-east Asia

 when he heard he was in hospital, and arrived in time to see him the day before he died.

Mr Osborne later paid tribute online in his blog, writing: ‘Nick was a hero to many, as he

 was always upbeat about battling cancer and still made it his priority to make people laugh

 and feel good about themselves.

‘He was the least selfish person I knew and also the strongest by far.

‘His big smile and deep laughter will be remembered by hundreds that were lucky to

know him.’

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

DOCTORS; NURSES, HOSPITAL STAFF....donned PINK GLOVES and danced to show YOU ARE NOT ALONE:          



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTyIhMLp3FA

The 2010 sequel to the Pink Glove Dance features more than 4,000 healthcare workers and breast cancer survivors from all over the United States and Canada. Thank you to the participants who showed incredible spirit in support of the cause.

Help Us Make It a Pink Glove Nation Our mission is to share this video with as many people as possible to raise awareness for the early detection of breast cancer so we can save more lives. Please share the Pink Glove Dance sequel to your coworkers, friends, family and neighbors.

PRINCESS DIANAS FAVOURITE DESIGNER DIES FROM BREAST CANCER

Fashion designer Catherine Walker, a favourite of Diana, Princess of Wales, has died at the age of 65, it was announced today.


Mrs Walker had fought a long battle with cancer before passing away at a hospital near her Sussex home on Thursday.

Born in France, Walker made a name for herself in Britain as one of the country's leading couture designers.
She provided Diana with many of her most iconic outfits, having first worked with her three months after her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.

The Princess was buried in a black dress designed by Walker that she had bought in the weeks leading up to her death.


In a statement, her family said: 'Catherine Walker overcame young widowhood and fought cancer twice with enduring bravery.

'She built one of the most successful British couture brands and at the same time raised a loving family. Catherine Walker has dressed many of the world's most beautiful women.'

Walker studied philosophy at the Universities of Lille and Aix-en Province, then moved to London after meeting solicitor John Walker.


He died suddenly in an accident in 1975, leaving Walker to raise their two young daughters alone.
She started studying fashion at night school the following year, selling clothes from a basket on Kings Road in Chelsea during the day, and then set up her own business.

Stylish: Princess Diana in a Catherine Walker dress with Mohammed Al Fayed at a charity dinner in Harrods in 1996

Walker, who also designed a wedding dress for Lady Helen Taylor, was unusual for avoiding the limelight and she chose not to show her collections on the runway.


Her designs spoke for themselves, with Walker named Designer of the Year for Couture at the British Fashion Awards in 1990 and Designer of the Year for Glamour the following year.


Her family said she suffered failing health in recent years, but despite that, hand-picked and trained a design team under the brand name Catherine Walker & Co.

They said: 'With this team, she developed a portfolio of designs through to 2012 to carry forward her philosophy and the unique handwriting of her brand into the 21st century.

'She will be missed by both this team and her family, all of whom are determined to grow the brand and the legacy of this great designer.'

Walker had suffered from breast cancer and was a founding sponsor of charity Breast Cancer Haven.
Details of a memorial service will be announced at a later date, but it is expected to take place in a month's time. A private family funeral service has been arranged.

CHEMO: AND HYPERPIGMENTATION

HYPERPIGMENTATION from chemotherapy, my neck is stained in the same way as the photograph above....my friend has this pigment on her face...I guess out of the two of us I am the lucky one.

What can we do about it ? not much. I have sought medical advice and tried all types of creams and potions to no avail. I have noticed with time the staining does seem to be fading , staying well away from the sun and not spraying perfume on my neck may have helped.

I also  wear wigs that are a little longer and it seems this year scarves have come into fashion to hide my neck. I am a young woman who once had a beautiful smooth neck but now I must cover it as those ladies do after reaching a certain age.

Here is some professional advice you may find helpful.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin. This can occur as an overall darkening of the skin, or it can be localized. This may be connected to phototoxic reaction where the areas exposed to light may have a golden-brown or slate-grey color change. Some drugs will cause changes in the nails, darkening of the tongue, gums, and over finger joints. Most sking reactions occur within two to three weeks of initiation of chemotherapy and resolve 10 to 12 weeks after stopping treatment.

• Hyperpigmentation most commonly accompanies use of alkylating agents and antitumor antibodies.

 

• Methotrexate may produce a characteristic "flag sign" on the hair - horizontal

           pigmented bands alternating with normal hair color in light-haired individuals.

• Discoloration can occur in areas of pressure, such as under tape or dressings.   This has been reported with busulfan, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, ifosfamide, thiotepa, docetaxel, and etoposide.

 

• Serpentine hyperpigmentation: Some chemotherapy drugs (fluorouracil, vinorelbine, and some combination regimens) given intravenously (IV) can cause a darkening of the venous pathways up the arm. This darkening over the veins will eventually fade.
•  
  
  • The cause of these skin reactions is currently unknown, but may involve direct toxicity, stimulation of melanocytes (cells in skin responsible for skin color), and postinflammatory changes.   Although skin reactions may occasionally be permanent, in most cases, discoloration will gradually resolve after chemotherapy is stopped.

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website about skin reactions and other medical conditions is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.



SOURCE;   CHEMOCARE.

CHEMOTHERAPY: SKIN CARE

SKIN CARE MUST always remain a part of your life, just because we have cancer it does not mean we have to stop taking care of ourselves....ALTHOUGH I admit to somedays where I am too tired to clean my teeth and wash my face....or even get dressed.

BODY BRUSHING to remove dry flaky skin...always stroke in the same direction, towards the heart....followed by a warm bath or shower and then lashings of your favourite lotion, wrap yourself in a robe and back to the sofa and read a good book.

RELAXATION is the only thing we can do when we are going through the effects of chemo: I remember the moments when I had a burst of energy and spent two hours working in the garden ...ONLY to be flat on back for the next four days because I had mixed all the chemo chemicals like a cocktail...FIRST and last time I shall make that mistake.

NOW FOR some professional advice......

Skin Reactions

.

Skin reactions to drug therapy are extremely common.  All drugs may induce skin reactions, although if they do occur they are usually mild, however, some skin reacitons are serious and potentially life-threatening.  Because of this, all drug-associated rashes should be reported to your health care professional for evaluation.
The cause of skin reactions is often unknown although many have an allergic or toxic basis. 
Skin reactions can be independent of dose and can persist long after the drug causing the allergic reaction has been discontinued.  For example, with a hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin, the skin condition may worsen for seven to ten days after the drug has been stopped.  It is especially important that allergic skin reactions are correctly identified, since future exposure to the same drug could cause much more severe skin reactions. 
Toxic reactions, in contrast, are dose-dependent and skin reactions generally resolve fairly soon after the drug causing the reaction is stopped.
There are factors that may increase the risk of developing skin reactions, which include:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• AIDS

Drug allergies are more common in the elderly and may be related to development of an immune response or to an increased exposure to drugs.  The way drugs are given can influence drug allergy; in general, topical application (applied directly on the skin) has the greatest likelihood to induce skin reactions, followed by intravenous (IV) then medications given by mouth.

Types of skin reactions:
DRY SKIN
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is characterized by mild scaling, roughness, feeling of tightness, and possibly itching.  With dry skin reactions, the skin cells at the lower layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin) are dry and flat, with no moisture.  Factors that contribute to dry skin reactions include:

• Dehydration
• Extreme weather conditions
• Perfumed products
• Allergy

When a moisturizer is used on the surface of the skin, the product penetrates and restores moisture to the skin cells.  Creams and lotions are effective ways of restoring moisture following dry skin reactions.  Ointments are designed to be a barrier and stay on the surface of the skin for protection against harsh elements.
Things you can do to manage dry skin reactions:

Avoid:

• Perfumed products
• Bubble bath
• Soap, particularly perfumed soaps.
• Soap-free cleansing bars, these can be drying and potentially irritating.
• Lanolin-based creams, lotions, ointments etc.
• Anything that you think you might be allergic to. (common allergy-causing agents; detergents, plants, pets, harsh chemicals in household cleaning products, rubber gloves, jewelry, feathers, grass and pollen, artificial fingernails and adhesive).

Personal Hygiene: 

• Dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel, rather than rubbing vigorously.
• Use mild, non-perfumed, non-deodorent soaps such as Dove, Basis, Aveeno or Neutrogena dry skin soaps.  Or low allergy soap of soap substitute - cream, cleaning gels.
• Take showers or short, cool baths instead of long, hot baths.
• Shaving for men - if dry skin reactions occurs on your face, skip a couple of days (over a weekend?) to give your face a rest.  Do not use perfumed after-shave.
• Shaving for women - if after shaving your legs a rash appears do not shave again until the skin has completely healed.

Clothes:

• Wear cotton clothes where possible next to the skin, rather than wool, synthetic fibers or rough clothing.
• Wash clothes in mild detergent.

Weather:

• Extreme weather conditions can worsen and cause dry skin reactions (hot and sunny, cold and windy).
• Wear gloves in cold weather.
• Avoid sun exposure.  Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.

Fluids:

• Drink plenty of fluids keep your body well hydrated.  You should drink 2-3 quarts of non-alcoholic, non-caffienated beverages daily, unless you are instructed to restrict your fluid intake.

Lotions and creams:

• Use moisturizers regularly. Moisturizers prevent water loss by layering an oily substance over the skin to keep water in or by attracting water to the outer skin layer from the inner skin layer. Substances that stop water loss include petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin and silicone products. Substances that attract water to the skin include glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins and some vitamins. 
• Bath oils such as baby oil, mineral oil, Herbal Bath Oil, Lubriderm Bath Oil, or Neutrogena Body Oil can be applied to your wet skin after you emerge from the bath or shower.

Protect hands:

• Always rinse and dry hands carefully, particularly after contact with cleaning products.
• Wear rubber or vinyl gloves to protect hands, underneath wear thin cotton gloves.  Do not wear for long periods of time. (Wash the cotton gloves frequently).

Note:



SOURCE:  CHEMOCARE We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website about skin reactions and other medical conditions is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.