Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It's a shame

It's a shame... another young person has to die from breast cancer!
http://news.yahoo.com/former-miss-venezuela-dies-breast-cancer-28-193031133.html

A lot of good info from Dr. Love

http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20543731,00.html


Please read this. She work's hard to get us good information.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years

Bikers 4 Boobs Breast Cancer Ride, INC
Fay & Joy

Drinking and the risk of Breast Cancer

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/a-few-drinks-a-week-raises-breast-cancer-risk/

If you drink, you may want to read this.

What do you think

http://www.evolvedworld.com/blogs/2011/10/05/346Tell me what you think about this?

Hi

Hello, I hope everybody has been doing well? I just read a story, about a new way of treatment. I am going to post it for you guy's. Not sure about the pain of it, but if it helps out with chemo I am all for it!

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/treating-breast-cancer-nipple-shows-promise-early-studies/story?id=14819288#.TqiitnbuPu8.facebook

Breast Cancer

Hi, take a look at this. It may be able to help you understand.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/ss/slideshow-breast-cancer-overview?ecd=wnl_wmh_101211

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Oct. is here, do you know what that means? Most of this year is over, have you had your mammogram done yet? This is the best time of the year to do them, because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Please don't put it off! If you can't afford it, check around there are so many programs out there for women.

Keep the Boobs Healthy

http://women.webmd.com/features/a-lifetime-of-healthy-breasts?ecd=wnl_wmh_092111



Hope this can help some of you.

Komen and GE team up

http://ww5.komen.org/KomenNewsArticle.aspx?id=19327353484&ecid=social%3A282

This is great news from Komen!

New Cell Treatment

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/health/13gene.html?_r=2



See if this may be a treatment for you!

Put into menopause by chemo

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Health-Centers/Menopause/Practical_Remedies_for_Menopause_Misery.aspx?utm_source=newsalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2011-08-28
Some of these may help you out. If one don't help,please keep trying it may take a few of them to help! For me the hot flashes at night where the worst. By I did find one thing that helped me out. They are the Jersey T-Shirt sheets. They are like sleeping on a big old shirt. They breath so you don't get hot, like you go on cotton sheets.

Praying for the coast

Joy and I, are keeping everybody on the coast in our prayers!

Have you tryed natural way to help with menopause?

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Health-Centers/Menopause/Natural_Remedies_for_Menopause.aspx?utm_source=newsalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2011-08-19

If nothing seem to help, maybe the natural way will!

Beautiful Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0dZQULyWlM&feature=share
This is a beautiful song, from one sister to another.

Do's and Don'ts of Menopause

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Centers/Menopause/Tips/Top_Menopause_Dos_and_5_Donts.aspx?utm_source=newsalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2011-08-16
This may help some of you.

Family Love

http://www.bikerspost.com/forum/topics/2153104:Topic:667578

This is a great story, of a sons love for his mom!

How To Talk About Breast Density

The ABCs of Breast Density (August 2011)

You may have heard health reports about the importance of breast density on a mammogram (also called mammographic density), which has emerged as a strong risk factor for breast cancer in women. But what, exactly, is breast density? What is its role in breast cancer?  How do you know if you have dense breasts?  And, if you do have dense breasts, is there anything you can do to lower your breast cancer risk?

Breast basics

A woman's breasts are made up mostly of fat and breast tissue. Breast tissue is the network of lobules (sacs that produce milk) and ducts (canals that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple openings during breastfeeding). Connective tissue helps hold everything in place. 

What is breast density?

Breast density is a way to describe the composition of a woman's breasts. This measure compares the area of breast and connective tissue seen on a mammogram to the area of fat. Breast and connective tissue are denser than fat and this difference shows up on a mammogram.  

• High breast density means there is a greater amount of breast and connective tissue compared to fat.  
• Low breast density means there is a greater amount of fat compared to breast and connective tissue.  

How is breast density measured?

Currently, there are several ways to measure breast density. All of these measures rely on a physician's visual assessment of the mammogram. Thus, these assessments are somewhat subjective, and one physician's estimate of breast density may be different from another's. When the mammogram shows a breast is very dense or very fatty, agreement is high. However, when the mammogram shows something in between, agreement tends to be lower.¹ This is an issue with all current measures of breast density.
The most common method is the American College of Radiology's Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®) for breast density.  This system, however,is not routinely reported or used by health care providers to assess breast cancer risk. The best way to measure breast density remains an active area of research.

How do I know if I have dense breasts?

After looking at your mammogram, the radiologist (the physician who interprets your mammogram) may record breast density using BI-RADS® or a similar measure. Using this measure or by looking at your mammogram itself, your provider may conclude that you have dense breasts. If your mammogram report does not include information about the radiologist's assessment of your breast density, you may want to ask your provider for this information.

Breast density and breast cancer risk

High breast density, as seen on a mammogram, is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with very dense breasts are four to five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density.^2-3  According to Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, Clinical Director of the Breast Oncology Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, "breast density is clearly a risk factor for breast cancer which we are now figuring out how to use to help women better understand their individual risk and hopefully will someday be a risk factor that we can modify to reduce risk."
At this time, we do not understand why breast density is related to breast cancer.  Researchers are looking into many possible mechanisms in the body that might explain this relationship.

Factors related to breast density

Many factors related to breast density are also related to breast cancer. Learning more about these factors may help explain how breast density increases breast cancer risk. It may also provide clues for ways to lower breast cancer risk in women with dense breasts. 
Some of the factors shown to be related to breast density are discussed below. All of these factors and their role in breast density are still under study.

Genetic factors

Having dense breasts appears to run in families and is likely related to some genetic factors. Specific genes that might be linked to breast density are under study.^4-7   

Early life exposures   

Growth and development in early life may impact breast density.⁸ For example, higher birthweight appears to be related to higher breast density in adulthood.⁹ And, higher body weight during adolescence may be related to lower breast density.¹⁰ 

Pregnancy and childbearing

Breast density decreases somewhat with each pregnancy. So, the more children a woman has given birth to, the less dense her breasts tend to be.^4,11-12 
Similarly, the more children a woman has given birth to, the lower her risk of breast cancer.¹³

Age and menopause

During menopause, hormone changes in the body cause the breast tissue to become less dense. So, in general, younger, premenopausal women have denser breasts than older, postmenopausal women. However, younger women who have gone through early menopause due to oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) or total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and the ovaries) may have lower breast density. 
This is confusing: breast density decreases with age and yet, breast cancer risk increases with age. It may be that breast density plays an early role in the development of breast cancer, but at this time, we simply don't know. As we learn more, these relationships should become clearer.

Postmenopausal hormone use (estrogen plus progestin)

Women who use postmenopausal hormones (estrogen plus progestin) have higher breast density than women who do not use these hormones. Their breast density decreases once they stop using hormones.^14-15 
Postmenopausal hormone use also increases the risk of breast cancer.^16-19 Recent findings suggest women who have high breast density may have an added risk of breast cancer (beyond the risk due to high breast density) if they use postmenopausal hormones.²⁰

Body weight

Breast density is related to body weight. Compared to women with higher breast density, women with lower breast density are more likely to have:¹⁰

• Higher body weight in adulthood 
• Higher body weight during adolescence 
• Increased weight gain since age 18 

Body weight affects breast cancer risk differently before and after menopause. Before menopause, being overweight offers modest protection against breast cancer in women. After menopause, being obese or overweight increases the risk of breast cancer.^21-23  
As with age, these differences are confusing: breast density is lower among women with a higher body weight, yet, after menopause, higher body weight increases breast cancer risk. Although we do not yet understand the relationship between body weight, breast density and breast cancer risk, this topic is under active study. 

Screening for women with dense breasts

Mammography (digital mammography)

On a mammogram, fat in the breast looks dark and the denser breast and connective tissues look light gray or white. Because cancer can also appear white on a mammogram, it is harder to interpret mammograms in women with dense breasts.
Standard mammography produces an X-ray image on film, while digital mammography allows the image to be viewed on a computer screen. On the computer, certain sections of the X-ray image can be magnified and easily examined more closely, and the contrast of the image can be adjusted. This makes digital mammography better at finding tumors in women with dense breasts than standard film mammography.²⁴
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in combination with mammography, is under study as a breast cancer screening tool for women with dense breasts.^25-26  Currently, the American Cancer Society (ACS) feels there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against MRI plus mammography screening for women with dense breasts. Rather, ACS suggests women with dense breasts talk to their health care providers about whether they should consider adding MRI to their annual mammography screening.²⁵
Ultrasound, in combination with mammography, is also under study as a breast cancer screening tool for women with dense breasts.²⁶

I have dense breasts, now what?

At this time, there are no specific recommendations on lowering breast cancer risk for women with dense breasts. Although women with dense breasts appear to be at higher risk of breast cancer, it is not clear that lowering breast density will necessarily decrease risk of breast cancer. For example, getting older and gaining weight after menopause are both related to a decrease in breast density, but are also related to an increase in cancer risk.  
However, all women can take steps to lower their breast cancer risk (learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices).
There are no special breast cancer screening tests recommended for women with dense breasts. However, if you have dense breasts, talk to your health care provider about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you.
 

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends:

1. Know your risk Talk to your family to learn about your family health history   Talk to your health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer    2. Get screened Ask your health care provider which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk   Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk   Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40    3. Know what is normal for you and see your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast  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    4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight   Add exercise into your routine   Limit alcohol intake   Limit postmenopausal hormone use  Breastfeed, if you can

 

Word's To Live By

~Never quit, Never give up, Fight it until the end!~ from Chuck Aaron...

This just in from Komen

A victory for women’s health! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends annual mammograms for women 40-49. Early detection can save lives! 

This is great new's for all women, Now... if we could just get them to change some more things!

Menopause Help

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Health-Centers/Menopause/Practical_Remedies_for_Menopause_Misery.aspx?utm_source=newsalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2011-07-28
Hi, I know if you have done chemo, you were put into menopause. I do some of these, and they do help. Just remember that we all are different. So what works for you may not work for somebody else. I wish you luck.

To Change Dr.'s

If you're not happy with your doctor, whether you are concerned about a change in your breasts or undergoing treatment for breast cancer, remember that you are always entitled to a second opinion. Have you gotten a second opinion about your breast health?

You have every right in the world to fire them. I did just that one day. I went into the office that day, and didn't like what had happen. And I fired her! It was my life she was playing with! Just remember... you are paying them, they work for you.

What Komen is putting the pink ribbon now.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/cancer/story/2011/07/Komens-pink-ribbons-raise-green-and-questions/49472438/1
A lot of breast cancer survivors are not happy with this one! And I can see why, when I was doing chemo and still today a lot of smells makes my tummy upset. I hear that from so many people, not just breast cancer, all cancer people. This isn't a good thing for them. I see this as a big $$$ for them, because of the pink ribbon! Is Nancy, lusting what this was all about in the being? What do you think?

The different kinds of mammograms

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Mammography.html#densebreasttissue?ecid=social:278

What age to start mammograms

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/05/health/la-he-mammograms-20110705You should read this. I have been saying this all along!

Do you know, who carry's the Breast Cancer gene

I was wondering, how many of you know who carry's the Breast Cancer gene? Well.. I thought I knew, until I got it. NO it's not your mother, it's your father. Your Dr.'s always ask if your mother side has a history of it and never asked about my father side. When will they start to ask that question? I was reading a story the other day about a 31yr lady who passed away, after her 4yr long battle with Breast Cancer. It took a full year of her fighting with her Dr. and Insurance company to get a mammogram. Why?? Because she was to young and had no family history. When are Dr.'s going to start backing up us? Not everybody will have a family history, so how can they say your not at risk? These are question's we need to start asking. Because we only have one life!!

A great page to read

This is a great page to read, you'll learn alot from them. They have some great information, on just about everything. Get information on Triple Negative Breast Cancer to ER Positive Breast Cancer.

It is so important to create an early detection plan that includes breast self-exams, yearly clinical exams and mammograms. Learn more about creating your early detection plan at http://breastcan.cr/EarlyDetection. Have you created your plan?

Hi

Hello, just checking in to see how everybody is doing. I hope all is going well with you, and if your fighting just remember we are here for you. We'll be your strength  and your shoulder if need be.
 ~Stay Pink~

A treatment that's being done

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8582400/How-likely-is-it-that-my-breast-cancer-will-return.html#.Tf-46BFi9uA;facebookPlease read this. Talk with your Dr., to see if you had or can have this done.

Happy Father's Day

Wishing all the father's, grandfather's and new father's, father in law's. A very happy day!

Stage and Grade

Hi, I am going to try this video again for you all. I am keeping my fingers cross. This video tell's you alot about the stages and the grades. I hope it helps you some. http://youtu.be/l2lRZuEK4Y0

Head To Toe Event

Joy and I had a great time last night. We went to the Randolph Busniess Women event, and talked about or ride and the mammogram fund. We told all the ladies how much we had raised, and how many mammograms had been given this year.