Should I do a self-exam?

Three different theories are around on doing a self breast exam. The first is: do it, it doesn’t cost anything and it might prove to be beneficial. The second: is by doing a self-exam women see their breasts as an "enemy" that needs to be watched carefully. They may develop to hate their breasts and their body because of a fear of cancer. The third theory: if you love your body, you want to take care of it and watch it, nuture it, and respect it. Doing a self-exam is a positive experience. Then there’s my theory: have your significant other do the exam! They are probably more familiar with your breasts than you are, so if there’s any change they’ll be sure to notice. Plus, look at all the fun it may lead to! ;-)

Soothing nausea

If you experience nausea. Try drinking a dark colored soda such as cola or root beer. It’s not the carbonation that helps soothe the nausea but the syrup.
The darker the color of syrup the better. Also, ginger ale has tummy soothing properties too.

To Sleep or not to sleep?

Sometimes with cancer treatments, you’re sitting in your chair looking into your garden wondering exactly how that snail has so much energy and you don?t? Well, your body is going through World War III and the snail is eating your geraniums. Sometimes you just have to sit, rest, and even sleep while your body heals. You also need to get up, walk around, and enjoy life around you. Butt callouses are not a healthy addition to your plight.

I found a lump! Now what?!

First, congratulations on performing your monthly self-exams. The sooner your find a lump, the higher your rates of survival. Second, take a deep breath because 80% of the lumps found are not cancerous (benign). Third, call your doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible. The only way to know if your breast lump is cancerous is to have a biopsy. Fourth, depending on your lab results you and your doctor will figure out a game plan.

Where´s a pace car when you need one?

Cancer patients seem to have more energy fluctuations than other people. One day, they feel fine and want to accomplish as much as they can, and the next day it’s all they can do to raise their head off the pillow. Try to pace yourself, spread your tasks out over the week to maintain an even keel. As Anothy Trollope said, "A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labors of a spasmodic Hercules."

How to do a self exam.

Doing a breast exam is easy but not quick. Some women do a quick padding and squeeze of the nipples to check for discharge and call it good. There’s actually a little more to it than that. In the US, you can call 1-800- 4 CANCER to order cancer publications and a self-exam guide.

First, stand in a mirror and look for any thing that seems unusual, you’re checking for skin discolorations, pinching, lumpiness, and basic form. Squeeze each nipple to check for discharge. Next, do the same but have your arms raised. Third, lay on your back, one arm tucked under your head and with your other hand pat and push your breast tissue. You’re looking for anything lumpy. Before my mom had her tumor removed, it felt like a small golf ball in her breast, very hard and dense. It didn’t move and her breast tissue moved around it. This is the only breast lump I’ve felt, so I don’t know if this is normal or not. My theory is, you’ll know something’s wrong when you feel it. And finally, some women like to do the last step in the shower.

Emotions and Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery works best when it is not a manifestation of inner turmoil or despair.