Posts tagged with 'for breastcancer'

BRCA Genes and Cancer

  • Posted on September 1, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene predispose people to breast cancer and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer (BRCA1) and other cancers (BRCA2).  In families passing down an inherited genetic mutation, multiple family members get the same type of cancer.  About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary.

At my last checkup in May 2010 my new oncologist suggested I be tested for genetic variations in BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. Even though I have no family history of breast cancer, his recommendations were based on my diagnosis at the relatively young age of 43 and my recurrence at age 52. The test results would gift my sons with knowing of any inherited increased risk of contracting cancer. In addition, I would discover if my risk for ovarian cancer was higher than it otherwise would be.

This test is neither cheap nor without controversy.  Even with insurance kicking in, I paid $375 out of my own pocket to obtain the results. And having worked as a patent attorney for over 32 years, I know that the cost heavily correlates with the BRCA-1/-2 patents held by Myriad Genetics, which conducts the tests. In late March of this year, a federal judge invalidated Myriad’s seven patents on these two genes. The decision, if upheld, could throw into doubt patents covering thousands of human genes and reshape the law of intellectual property. I realize the cost of the test is high, but also understand that patents are a limited monopoly granted by the U.S. Constitution and thus to be taken seriously. In the medical field where expense-shaving is lauded, patents often conflict with cost-cutting measures for prescription drugs and medical tests.  I’ll leave this debate to the intellectual property gurus for now.

Rising above the politics and blessed to be able to afford it, I opted for the test. Just yesterday I discovered I don’t have mutations in these two genes.  Joy fills my heart at this news. Not least because I don’t have to be screened so carefully for ovarian cancer. The biggest reward, though, is that my sons don’t have this added burden of genetics to ponder as they age. Life is hard enough without being concerned that a cancer gene or two might raise its ugly head when least expected.

Undergoing this test, however, has increased my compassion for those people found to have BRCA mutations.  Many support groups are tailored to this patient population. Most organizations such as FORCE and BrightPink are national with affiliate branches all over the U.S.  Patients or family members may want to start a branch in their own community. They can ask genetic counselors for specific support groups in their area. Their local hospital, Breast/Ovarian Cancer center, or doctor’s office may have information on local support groups. In addition, online support groups exist. Check out, for example, http://www.inspire.com/groups/advanced-breast-cancer/discussion/brca1-and-or-triple-negative, http://inthefamily.kartemquin.com/content/i-have-brca-mutation#support, and http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Am-Brca1-Positive/184620.  My prayers go out to these precious folks – and may they never lose hope or the comfort that God can bring.

For more information on BRCA-1 and -2 testing, I recommend the following respected links: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA and http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/8623.cfm.

Colorful and snappy September days to you.

Blessings,

Jan

Intimate Details

  • Posted on August 4, 2010 at 9:01 pm

We’re now in the dog days of summer. Having lymphedema and enduring the heat so long, I am ready for the fall.

My topic this month is sex and intimacy. Not a subject I address much in my Mourning Has Broken book.  Nor do many other cancer survivor authors judging from the books I’ve read. The American Cancer Society put out a book addressing this issue that I found in my local cancer center library–a useful resource for those going through the trauma of surgery and reconstruction. It takes courage and moxie to write about painful intercourse. Nonetheless, it’s the elephant in the room for those of us with breast cancer.  My having a double mastectomy with no reconstruction challenged my self-image dramatically. On top of that, I went into early menopause due to chemo and took Arimidex for years, an anti-estrogen drug that thins out the vaginal lining. These factors led me to find ways to increase the pleasure of intimacy.

It’s no surprise then that I identified with and related to the advice in an article from WebMD on this topic:  http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/breast-cancer-sex-and-intimacy?ecd=wnl_brc_080310. To the boa idea I would add wearing a lacy camisole to add to the atmosphere.  And I’ve read in a recent blog post on vaginal dryness (http://www.breastcancersisterhood.com/_blog/Brenda%27s_Blog/post/Sex_and_Breast_Cancer/) that we who have estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer should look for vaginal moisturizers and personal lubricants with no parabens, which may possibly have some estrogen-promoting effect. Replens is an excellent estrogen-free brand that I recommend in my book.

May all you survivors out there be encouraged that you are not alone in this difficult and very private challenge.

Blessings,

Jan

July news

  • Posted on July 9, 2010 at 7:19 pm

As a breast cancer survivor and vegetarian, I was thrilled to read about the most recent wonder supplement to reduce breast cancer risk:  fish oil. I’ve been taking these capsules for over two years to get my share of omega-3 fatty acids since I eat salmon and tuna only rarely. Walnuts are also a great source of these fatty acids, but I don’t eat enough to meet the daily requirements for maintaining cardiovascular health. I started upping my dose about a year ago when my optometrist recommended 3000 mg a day to counteract dry eye, which I contracted in the arid climate where I live.

Then, when I read the most recent news that fish oil may reduce risk of breast cancer and chronic disease, I thought to myself, Here’s another supplement besides Vitamin D and baby aspirin that I’m already taking that now is found to stave off breast cancer. How cool is that? Before I get too excited, however, I must realize that these various studies coming out of academia and elsewhere make nice news, but really need to be proven further before one can conclude that certain dietary supplements really do act to reduce breast cancer risk. And there’s no substitute for whole fruits and vegetables in terms of overall nutrition and health.

But if you are curious about the latest study, visit http://www.breakthroughdigest.com/medical-news/fish-oil-may-reduce-risk-of-breast-cancer-and-chronic-disease and be encouraged.

***

By the way, my new poetry-laden book, The Pebble Path: Returning Home from a Forest of Shadows, is working its way through the distribution channels and soon will be available for ordering at Amazon.com, bn.com and other online bookstores as well as at my new website http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432754198 and at brick-and-mortar bookstores.

Have a wonderful and blessed rest of the summer.

Jan

Breast cancer drug not considered cost-effective in U.K.

  • Posted on June 12, 2010 at 6:44 pm

A U.K. national health institute concluded last week that Tykerb, a new breast cancer drug that helps women with advanced breast cancer survive longer, is not cost-effective.  This decision means that about 2,000 patients in the U.K. will no longer receive the drug. My oncologist told me someone moved to my area from London to get Herceptin, another drug that is effective against breast cancer. She was not able to get it in England.

Tykerb is being tested along with Herceptin as a possible treatment for early-stage breast cancer. If it is found effective, I’m praying that the U.K watchdog institute will cover it, since early-stage intervention should be considered more cost-effective.

I’m saddened by this news, but not surprised, given the British cost-strapped government’s need to cut somewhere. Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/10/uk-recommends-against-buy_n_607392.html.

Meanwhile, I’m encouraged by the fact that over 10 million cancer survivors live in the U.S.  I discovered this fact at my local Relay for Life last week. We are surviving longer and longer.

June blessings to you.

Jan

Green tea: a cornucopia of health benefits

  • Posted on May 25, 2010 at 11:23 am

When I was in Japan in May, 2000 my host took me to a green tea ceremony.  At that time I hadn’t read the tea leaves enough to realize the panacea green tea holds for humans.

The antioxidants contained in green tea neutralize free radicals that can give rise to cancer and circulatory problems.  Other sources of antioxidants include grapes, berries, red wine, and dark chocolate.  Evidence exists now that green tea may also promote weight loss.

Green tea has superior properties to black and oolong teas because it is minimally processed.

“Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health,” says Diane McKay, PhD, a Tufts University scientist who studies antioxidants. “It’s not going to cure anything and it shouldn’t be consumed as a drug, but it can complement the rest of the diet.”

For more on this topic, visit http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea?ecd=wnl_brc_052510

Our sweet Chinese next-door neighbors gave us a “tea” basket for Christmas last year.  Amidst the beautiful teapot, matching cup, lemon curd, salsa and cashews sat two boxes of green tea, caffeinated and decaffeinated. The tea bags from this basket are long gone, but my neighbors’ thoughtfulness will remain with me, a cancer survivor, for a long time.

May you enjoy the last of spring going green as you sip your tea.

Jan

Opting for breast reconstruction

  • Posted on May 15, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Exciting breast cancer news is blossoming as fast as May flowers.  It’s hard to choose a topic upon which to post. I decided to pick the recent study on the popularity of breast reconstruction.

One in three.  I was surprised by this number of women eligible for breast implant reconstruction surgery who opted for the procedure, at least in four California counties. This number is not representative of the U.S. according to doctors who responded to this study.  But it got attention from the medical community. The results showed that  older women, non-white women, women without insurance, and women not treated at a teaching facility where a plastic surgeon is more likely to be on hand are less likely to opt for reconstruction.

Limited to implants, the study did not address how many women decided to undergo flap reconstruction (using tissue from their own body) after mastectomy.  Flap reconstruction has some real advantages, but also some additional risks as compared to implant surgery. I was not eligible for an implant on my radiated side, so my reconstruction would have consisted of an implant on one side and flap reconstruction on the other. Not a pretty prospect. Especially when the implant doesn’t last as long as the flap breast mound.

Hence, I’m among those who rejected reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy: a white women of 51 (at the time I was treated) in a rural area who had good insurance.

What to conclude?  I wish no one had to make this choice. Reconstruction is a highly personal–and wrenching–decision involving factors such as medical history, tolerance of risks, and marital and cultural as well as financial considerations. Prayer is key to getting through it. I know. I’ve been there.

Read more at http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20100430/why-some-breast-cancer-patients-forgo-implants.

Blessings,

Jan

Another possible culprit in breast cancer’s spread

  • Posted on April 17, 2010 at 1:08 pm

I’m excited about another avenue researchers are exploring to understand how breast cancer cells metastasize: the role of lincRNAs in turning off tumor suppressor genes. Published in the latest issue of Nature magazine, the finding may lead to a test for predicting metastasis as well as drugs for preventing it. Read more about it at: http://blogs.monografias.com/sistema-limbico-neurociencias/2010/04/16/are-lincrnas-the-new-culprit-in-cancers-spread/.

While still in its infancy, this research, as noted by molecular geneticist Maarten van Lohuizen of the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, is “important and provocative.”  At the same time Dr. van Lohuizen notes that the finding raises many questions.

As a breast cancer survivor of many years I applaud this new molecular approach to the difficult question of how cancer cells spread throughout the body. Any new insight into this field can only help patients.

Peace and hope,

Jan

Multivitamins and Breast Cancer

  • Posted on April 11, 2010 at 4:24 pm

What do we make of the latest study suggesting that taking a daily multivitamin might increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer?

If you haven’t heard about this study, a Swedish government agency found recently that women who took multivitamins were 19 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.  When they started the study, none of these women had had breast cancer. See the news at:  http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1260274. The researchers have not yet identified what ingredient(s) in the multivitamin capsule might be responsible for this observed effect.

Before you dispose of all your multivitamins, do a reality check.  If you have been following health news for any period of time, you realize the landmines of taking seriously all these studies. Some health research findings have proven true as a trend over the years, but others have been contradicted or disproved. I believe it’s important to know which brand and type of multivitamin was tested. At my local drugstore I recently found myself overwhelmed by the number of choices of multivitamin available to the consumer. And a stop at any health food store would only amplify those choices.

What’s a health-conscious person to do?

I plan to ask my new oncologist next month if taking my particular brand of multivitamin is a plus or a minus in my risk for a second recurrence of breast cancer.  Only if he confirms the findings will I throw out my pills the way I threw out my tampons two months into my first chemo.  If you are at all concerned about these findings, I suggest you do the same: check with your primary physician or oncologist to determine whether your multivitamin supplement is still right for you.

Happy April!

Jan

Freezing breast cancer away

  • Posted on March 27, 2010 at 5:11 pm

Can freezing breast cancer cells replace surgery?  New research suggests this possibility.  Specifically, in a minimally invasive procedure, several needle-like “cryoprobes” are inserted into the tumor and super-cold gas is passed through them. The ice ball created by the gas kills off only the cancerous cells.  Thirteen women with breast cancer who received this “image-guided multi-probe cryotherapy” are still cancer-free up to five years later.

Lead researcher Dr Peter Littrup, of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, said: “This is the first reported study of successfully freezing breast cancer without having to undergo surgery afterward to prove that it was completely treated.”

Here’s the link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iyQLWE3x1X6IsKqepr5lMXtCls_w

I’m looking forward to the day when surgery is considered a primitive way to treat cancer. Here’s a toast to an ice-cold alternative that, upon further testing, might be in our medical future.

Happy Spring!

Jan

Coordinating people who want to help

  • Posted on March 14, 2010 at 8:49 pm

While you’re being treated for breast cancer many good-hearted people ask how they can help. If the care you need goes beyond, say, two weeks (for example, you have a continued need for meals, childcare, cleaning and rides), two online services may be just the ticket: Lotsa Helping Hands (http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/volunteering/home) and CareCalendar (http://www.carecalendar.org). You can use either of these volunteer coordination services to allow family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to organize and arrange for specific tasks. So take a peek or have an Internet-savvy friend look over these sites to see if they are apropos to your situation.

For more details about these two services, please visit:  http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/9692/104424/coordinating?ic=6040

Since I appreciated the help I received while struggling to recover from surgery and chemo, I want to share these helpful resources with those who can use them.

Cheers,

Jan

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