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Calling all Young Breast Cancer Survivors (46 years and younger
Mia the cool art of bras
Promising Research Announcements
McGill Dances for Cancer Research
TLC Check it out.... VERY FUNNY
Chemo brain
Thanks Diane for sharing this article.
Interesting article.
Even breast cancer survivors who did not have chemo experienced "chemo brain". It does validate what women have been saying
Recently, a woman who had had surgery (not cancer related) told me that she experienced this too. She would stand in front of microwave or photocopier and not have a clue how to operate it.
Is Chemo the Cause of Mental Fog After Breast Cancer?
Study Suggests Mental Fog in Breast Cancer Survivors May Be Due to Brain Changes
By Rita Rubin
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Nov. 14, 2011 -- The mental fog many breast cancer survivors complain of after treatment may be due to changes in their brains, whether or not they had chemotherapy, a study suggests.
New research shows that even breast cancer survivors who have not received chemotherapy might experience the mental fog similar to what's commonly known as "chemo brain."
The study is published in the Archives of Neurology.
Many breast cancer survivors complain about the inability to think as clearly as they did before their cancer was diagnosed and treated. Often, their complaints are ignored.
Researchers found changes in breast cancer survivors' brains whether or not they'd received chemotherapy. The changes correlated with their complaints of not being able to think as clearly as they used to only in the women who'd had chemotherapy.
A Visual Guide to Breast Cancer
Comparing Brain Scans
The scientists scanned the brains of 25 women who'd received a variety of chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer, 19 breast cancer survivors who had not received chemotherapy, and 18 healthy women.
About half of people in each of the breast cancer groups were taking tamoxifen; all of them were disease-free and had no history of cancer recurrence at the time of the study. While their brains were being scanned, the women were asked to do a card-sorting task on a computer.
Compared to the women who'd never had breast cancer, the two groups of breast cancer patients demonstrated significantly reduced activation in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
The women who'd received chemo showed the most reduced activation in that part of the brain. Whether the chemo itself or their more advanced disease at diagnosis was to blame for the findings in the chemotherapy group isn't clear, says researcher Shelli Kesler, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Stanford University.
On average, the women had completed their chemotherapy four years earlier, Kesler says. "This study is really interesting because it shows these problems are really long-term."
She theorizes that the changes found in the brains of survivors who had not received chemotherapy were due to inflammation caused by the disease itself or from radiation therapy or tamoxifen, which reduces a woman's amount of estrogen. The hormone has been linked to brain function and the ability to remember things.
More Research Needed
Laura Nikolaides, MS, a breast cancer survivor who directs research and quality care programs at the National Breast Cancer Coalition, called Kesler's study "very preliminary" and quite small.
"It's interesting but doesn't give us conclusive information," Nikolaides says. "We know that breast cancer treatment has significant side effects, but as far as [thinking], we don't know how much it lasts."
A more informative study would be one that follows women over time, she says. Kesler says she's seeking funding to conduct such research.
Breast cancer survivors had mixed feelings when she recently presented her findings to them, Kesler says.
"It is hard for them to hear this is probably a brain change," she says. However, "they were mostly very excited, because they've been dismissed, ignored. They're very happy to hear that somebody is paying attention to it."
Because many people have tended to write off the mental fog as a psychological rather than a physical problem, Kesler says, sufferers have been unable to get workplace accommodations or disability payments.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-
The "New" Mia has arrived at My Left Breast
Keeping Cool Under The Bra Thanks to NASA Technology
Amoena Introduces Mia, the first bra collection with revolutionary Body Temperature Control Material to end sweat in the cups
Toronto, October 26, 2011 … From space suit to super-sexy bra. In a giant step forward for women’s lingerie, NASA technology, developed for space suits, is being adapted to control the climate around the bust area.
The Mia bra collection, from Amoena, features temperature-equalizing prevents women from getting hot under the bra. Just launched in Canada, the exquisite line is getting two cups up from women in Europe, the US and Australia.
When your body temperature rises, the patent-pending heat to help prevent sweating. When your temperature drops, it releases the heat to warm you.
Unlike moisture wicking fabrics which manage sweat after it is produced, the temperature around the bust by up to 2°F to prevent perspiration from occurring.
Comfort + fabric is densely saturated with intelligent micro-capsules that respond to a woman’sskin temperature. It works much like an astronaut’s suit to protect against temperature fluctuations.
At last, the Mia line brings an end to an embarrassing little secret that so many women have kept under wraps. Perspiration between and under breasts. Uncomfortable, unsightly, and itchy…and now, over.
“Amoena created the Mia bra line to solve women’s discomfort due to overheating and perspiration, and to promote healthier breast skin care,” says Vivian George RN, and Amoena representative who has been fitting women for more than 20 years.
“When there is sweat between or under the breasts, it’s not unusual to develop an irritating or itchy rash,” explains George. “And sweat happens, anytime – when you run for a bus, present in a stuffy boardroom, dine in a heated restaurant. In winter, women heat up under their heavy sweaters inside malls and offices. In summer, humidity causes everyone to overheat.”
The sexy-hot Amoena Mia bras feature Comfort + temperature equalizing material keep women cool where they need it most – centre front, bottom band, cup sling and side panels.
Amoena world leader in breast forms
Amoena first incorporated the Comfort + technology in its external breast forms for women who have had breast cancer surgery. Amoena is the global leader in external breast forms that wear, feel and look like natural breasts, and don’t get hot and cause perspiration on the chest wall.
The premiere collection includes six styles, with and without underwire, in band sizes 32 to 36, and up to an H cup. They retail from $80 to $100 and can be found in most retail stores where Amoena bras are sold. (Check out the store locator on the Mia website, www.amoenamia.ca)
About Amoena:
A global company headquartered in Germany with a Canadian subsidiary in Mississauga, Amoena leads in innovation in intimate apparel, swimwear and breast forms that make women feel comfortable, secure and beautiful.
Temperature-equalizing technology by Amoena Mia
Comfort+ technology transfers heat away from, and back to, the body as needed, absorbing excess heat during a rise in temperature and gently releasing it when body temperature decreases. This material has been incorporated into the centre front panel of each bra, the underband, cup sling and the side panels to help prevent heat-build up where a women tends to perspire most....
DeLux Hats
DeLux Hats new shipment just arrived
Great selection of hats for all ages
The Scar Project
An amazing project
watch it on cbc.ca The Passionate Eye
Baring It All
Sunday, October 23, 2011 8:00 PM ET on CBC News Network
This heart-wrenching and inspiring documentary puts a beautiful face on the heroism of breast cancer survivors in their 20s and 30s. It follows New York-based fashion photographer David Jay and four brave women - all in different stages of battling the disease - who become subjects of his groundbreaking photographic series, 'The Scar Project.’
When his friend loses her breast to cancer at age 32, fashion photographer, David Jay deals with it the only way he knows how, by taking her picture. The implications are wider reaching than he ever imagined. Baring it All follows Jay from his life as a photographer into a world of young women scarred by breast cancer.
Cancer Survivor Marcy
Young mum Marcy discovered a lump while pregnant. Vanessa underwent chemo, radiation and surgery as a newlywed and was forced to deal with deeply altered dreams for the future. Michaela had ovarian cancer and opted for a double mastectomy that profoundly affected her marriage and Sylvia struggled with the cultural implications of losing both her breast and her hair.
Determined to restore their faith in life and their own beauty, Jay creates a photographic series of the young survivors. The portraits are beautiful yet challenging. The result is cathartic and empowering. Baring it All is a story of acceptance, a journey of rediscovery, and a celebration of life.
Lymphedema Association Webinar
Pink Mitten Campain Arrives at My Left Breast
Pink Mittens are now for sale at My Left Breast
Join Hands with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
$10 per pair
With the purchase of each pair of mittens, $1.00 will be contributed to support funding relevant to breast cancer research, as well as education and awareness programs across the country
Join Hands now and help create a future without breast cancer
Herceptin Chex Interview
Chex News made another visit to My Left Breast. Click below to view the news story about access to Herceptin.
http://www.chextv.com/News/LN/11-03-17/Herceptin_Cancer_Drug_costs.aspx
Herceptin is prescribed for women with a Her2 Positive Breast Cancer diagnosis. I had 18 rounds of Herceptin, it certainly saved me.
Unfortunately, Ontario currently only funds Herceptin if your tumour is a certain size not based on the fact that you are testing Her2 positive.
A young women in Toronto was denied Herceptin after her Oncologist has recommended it for her treatment. Alberta and B.C. both fund Herceptin based on a the positive Her2 testing NOT the size of the tumour.
My heart goes out to this brave young women, the finacial stress to fund the drug on your own could be up to 50 thousand dollars. COmbine the finacial stress with your diagnosis and treatment stress.... this is something as a Canadian we do not want people to endure.
Bridget
My Left Breast
Owner/Operator
Integrating Wisdom and Love on the Breast Cancer Journey Looks Amazing!
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Dr. Rob Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in breast, prostate and pediatric cancers. He is also an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University.
Bathing Suits
Check out the new Amoena bathing suits..... the 2011 collection is the best I have seen
http://www.amoena.com/ca-en/Products/Swimwear/2011/
I have also found Jamu.... a designer from Australia who designs great mastectomy suits
Call for a private appointment 705-876-3333
or email me about shipping.... bridget@myleftbreast.ca
Chex @ 5:30 learn about wigs and prothesis
Check out Chex @ 5:30
Oct 1st, Friday spot was completed at My Left Breast
Great information regarding wigs and prothesis
Thanks to Theresa and camera man Kevin for providing such an informative session
http://www.chextv.com/newswatchat530/index.html
Top Five Tips for Prevention.... from breastcancerfund.org
Home
Top 5 Tips
for Prevention
Prevention starts at home. Here’s how:
Tip 1: Avoid canned foods
The lining in canned foods contains toxic bisphenol A, or BPA, which leaches into
food and then into us. Choose fresh and frozen over canned foods.
Tip 2: Know your plastics
Avoid plastics that contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, especially polyvinyl
chloride, or PVC (usually recycling code 3). Avoid clear, shatterproof plastic that
contains BPA (usually code 7). Safer plastics are coded 1, 2, 4 and 5. The safest
options are stainless steel, glass and ceramic.
Tip 3: Keep plastic out of the microwave
Even “microwave safe” plastic can leach chemicals into your food when heated, so
choose glass or ceramic containers and cover your food with a ceramic plate or an
unbleached paper towel instead of plastic wrap.
Tip 4: Use non-toxic cleaning products
Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. Seek out non-toxic alternatives
or make your own. Try baking soda for scouring and vinegar for cleaning glass.
Tip 5: Eat hormone-free meat and dairy
Choose hormone-free beef and dairy to avoid consuming the residue of livestock
growth hormones.
Visit www.breastcancerfund.org to:
Find more tips for prevention
Learn the science
Act for change
Also join us at:
breastcancerfund breastcancerfnd
Prevention starts with your morning routine.
Here’s how:
Tip 1: Simplify
Some beauty products contain carcinogens and hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Decrease your exposure by using fewer products with simpler ingredients.
Tip 2: Avoid “fragrance”
“Fragrance” can contain dozens, even hundreds, of chemicals—including hormone-
disrupting phthalates. Avoid synthetic fragrance and opt for products that are
fragrance-free or contain natural fragrances like essential oils.
Tip 3: Ingredients to avoid
Avoid products with DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea; parabens or
any word ending in “-paraben”; “PEG” and words ending in “-eth”; triclosan and
triclocarban; triethanolamine (TEA); hydroquinone and oxybenzone.
Tip 4: Products to avoid
Anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA or BHA acids
Hair dyes, especially dark permanent dyes
Nail polish and removers with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene
Skin lighteners with hydroquinone
Health &
Beauty
Top 4 Tips
for Prevention
Visit www.breastcancerfund.org to:
Find more tips for prevention
Learn the science
Act for change
Also join us at:
breastcancerfund breastcancerfnd
Prevention starts in your everyday environments.
Here’s how:
Tip 1: Protect yourself from the sun—and sunscreen
Sunscreens often contain small amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals that are
bad for us and aquatic life. Stay out of the sun during peak hours, cover up and look
for a safer sunblock at www.safecosmetics.org/skindeep.
Tip 2: Make sure your water bottle is BPA-free
Avoid toxic bisphenol A, or BPA, which is in polycarbonate plastic reusable water
bottles, and kick the bottled-water habit. Instead, get a non-toxic, reusable stainless
steel bottle.
Tip 3: Avoid pesticides
It’s no surprise that weed and pest killers aren’t good for humans, either. Look for
non-toxic alternatives such as vinegar, salt, soapy water and rubbing alcohol.
Tip 4: Take caution with EMFs
Wireless Internet and phone networks expose us to very low levels of non-ionizing,
or electromagnetic field (EMF), radiation. Health risks are not yet well understood,
but it’s good to take precautions. Keep your computer in “sleep” mode and disable
your wireless network when not in use. Don’t keep your cell phone in your pocket,
use a headset and, when possible, text instead of calling.
Out &
About
Visit www.breastcancerfund.org to:
Find more tips for prevention
Learn the science
Act for change
Top 4 Tips
for Prevention
Also join us at:
breastcancerfund breastcancerfnd
Survivors Abreast Cheque Presentation
Check out the Cheque Presentation
The Peterborough Community Dragon Boat festival once again raised an amazing amount of money.
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/
Mia is coming to Peterborough, the first bra to keep you cool
Mia is coming to Peterborough
The first line of bras to keep you well supported and cool.
This line of bras will arrive at My Left Breast by the end of September....
Research: Young girls, early first periods, exposures, and breast cancer risks!
Childhood and Adolescence
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/media/publications/falling-age-of-puberty/
Today, girls are entering puberty earlier than a generation ago—in part due to childhood exposures to endocrine disruptors. Early puberty puts girls at a higher risk for later-life breast cancer. Research also shows that childhood exposures to medical radiation and chemicals like DDT are linked to higher rates of breast cancer.
Girls get their first periods today, on average, a few months earlier than did girls 40 years ago, and they get their breasts one to two years earlier.[1] This trend may be due to exposures to endocrine disrupting compounds—like BPA and phthalates[2],[3]—before puberty when the reproductive system, including breast tissue, is exquisitely sensitive to low levels of estrogens.[4] The younger girls are when they enter puberty, the greater their risk of breast cancer later in life.
Evidence suggests that breast development is sensitive to other chemical exposures as well. A recent study illustrated that childhood and early adolescent exposures to the now banned pesticide DDT led to a five-fold increase in breast cancer before age 50.[5] This is a particularly powerful study for two reasons. First, scientists often have to rely on people's best guesses about what they were exposed to earlier in life. In this case, however, scientists had access to blood samples taken during adolescence which allowed for actual measurements of DDT exposure. Second, since DDT was banned in 1972, new exposures to the chemical were limited after that time. This is rare, since often exposures persist throughout the lifetime, making it difficult to determine the ages when the exposures affected later health.
Research on childhood and adolescent exposures to radiation illustrate a similar effect. Women in Hiroshima and Nagasaki who were under 20 when the United States dropped the atomic bombs had higher rates of breast cancer than older women.[6],[7] Similarly, young women exposed to massive amounts of radiation from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident are experiencing higher rates of breast cancer.[8] It is too early to assess the effects on women who were girls or teens at the time of the accident.
Girls who received repeated X-rays for scoliosis and adolescent and very young women who received radiation treatment for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma experienced higher rates of breast cancer than women who were older at the time of their X-rays or radiation treatment.[9],[10],[11],[12] Their rates were also elevated relative to their peers who did not receive medical radiation.
The Falling Age of Puberty in U.S. Girls
Steingraber S (2007). The Falling Age of Puberty in US Girls: What We Know, What We Need to Know. San Francisco, CA: Breast Cancer Fund.
Aksglaede L, Juul A, Leffers H, Skakkebaek NE, Andersson AM (2006). The sensitivity of the child to sex steroids: possible impact of exogenous estrogens. Human Reproduction Update 12:341-349.
Steingraber S (2007). The Falling Age of Puberty in US Girls: What We Know, What We Need to Know. San Francisco, CA: Breast Cancer Fund.
Aksglaede L, Juul A, Leffers H, Skakkebaek NE, Andersson AM (2006). The sensitivity of the child to sex steroids: possible impact of exogenous estrogens. Human Reproduction Update 12:341-349.
Cohn BA, Wolff MA, Cirillo PM, Sholtz RI (2007). DDT and breast cancer in young women: New data on the significance of age at exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives (Accessed pre-publication on 7/30/07) http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2007/10260/abstract.html.
Land CE (1995). Studies of cancer and radiation dose among A-bomb survivors: The example of breast cancer. Journal of the American Medical Association 274:402-407.
Land CD (1997). Radiation and breast cancer risk. Progress in Clinical Biological Research 396:115124.
Pukkala E, Kesminiene A, Poliakov S, Ryzhov A, Drozdovitch V, Kovgan L, Kyyronen P, Malakhova IV, Gulak L, Cardis E. (2006). Breast cancer in Belarus and Ukraine after the Chernobyl accident. International Journal of Cancer 651-658.
Schellong G (1998). Pediatric Hodgkin’s disease: Treatment in the late 1990s. Annals of Oncology 9 (Suppl 5): S115-S119.
Clemons MM, Loijens L, and Goss P (2000). Breast cancer risk following irradiation for Hodgkin’s disease. Cancer Treatment Reviews 26: 291-300.
Tward JD, Wendland MMM, Shrieve DC, Szabo A, Gafffney DK (2006). The risk of secondary malignancies over 30 years after the treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Cancer 107: 108-115.
Howe GR, McLaughlin J (1996). Breast cancer mortality between 1950 and 1987 after exposure to fractionated moderate-dose-rate ionizing radiation in the Canadian fluoroscopy cohort study and a comparison with breast cancer mortality in the atomic bomb survivors study. Radiation Research 145: 694-707.
Deet Free DeBug
Finallty a deat free insect repellent that uses a vitamin B1 patch to keep the bugs away.
DeBug™ Insect Repellent
Introducing an all natural insect repellent patch… DeBug™ lasts for up to 48 hours!
This innovative Vitamin B1 based insect repellent patch keeps mosquitoes and other insects at bay for up to 48 hours! Our patch is durable, waterproof and wont wash away for 48 hours.
DeBug™ contains 4 patches per package and is perfect for an evening or a weekend outdoors!
Made from vitamin B1, this Deet Free patch absorbs safely into the body and adjusts automatically to adapt to a persons' body size.
Safe for children and adults alike, DeBug™ creates an effective vapour barrier between you and biting insects.
DeBug™ is easily applied in seconds and provides 48 hours of protection.
DeBug's convenient patch application eliminates the need the need for messy sprays and chemicals!
If you've ever worked or played outside, chances are you've been bothered by biting insects. The revolutionary DeBug™ insect repellent patch allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without the constant nuisance of mosquitoes and other annoying bugs!
Apply 2 hours before heading outside; this all natural Vitamin B1 adhesive patch is 100% safe and best of all… Deet Free.
Whether at home or the cottage, our convenient packaging allows you to store DeBug ™ in your first aid kit, gym bag, glove compartment, purse or suitcase...enjoying the great outdoors has never been safer or easier
Sunscreen
I am carrying MelanSol again. It is a 100% natural sunscreen using mineral pigments and potent antiodants to prevent sunburn. I used it in Cuba last year and the 20 SPF worked just fine. You do have to really rub it in, but after that you are "all good". I like it because there are no identified hormone disruptors or other chemicals hiding in the cream.
I have been shipping accross Canada call me at the shop if you are interested 705-876-3333
Want more information about MelanSol go to.... www.PureSunscreen.com
Here is what the Environmental Working Group has to say about the sunscreen issues.
The best sunscreen is a hat and a shirt. No chemicals to absorb through the skin, no questions about whether they work. But when you can’t get away from exposing your skin to the sun, use EWG’s top-rated sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB-sunburn) protection with fewer hazardous chemicals that penetrate the skin. Sunscreen and sunblock makers are awaiting FDA approval for a wider selection of UVA-blocking chemicals. In the meantime, all top-rated products contain either zinc or titanium minerals to help cut UVA exposures for sunscreen users.
Choose from among our top-rated sunscreens for broad spectrum protection with fewer hazardous ingredients. And follow our sun safety tips to protect your skin for a lifetime.
Top Sunscreens
Our top-rated sunscreens all contain the minerals zinc or titanium. They are the right choice for people who are looking for the best UVA protection without any sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor. None of the products contain oxybenzone or vitamin A and none are sprayed or powdered.
see all beach & sport sunscreens >>
Products sorted alphabetically.
Non-Mineral Options
None of these non-mineral sunscreens earn our top rating. But here are some choices for people who prefer to avoid nano-scale minerals (zinc and titanium) or who object to the feel or smell of mineral sunscreens. The trade-off? All non-mineral products contain at least one sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor, and many offer only moderate or weak UVA protection.
Wigs in the summer
I just helped a customer figure out how to beat the heat this summer. She will be wearing a wig this summer as she travels through her treatment. We set her up with a lovely set of human hair bangs and a funky Delux style linen cap. The bangs are the same colour as her wig and can be clipped or sewn onto ther hat. Great idea and a lovely look, she can still go out and feel confident and stay a wee bit cooler.
International Dragon Boat Festival Paddles Up in Peterborough, Ontario
What a great success! Peterborough hosted the International Dragon Boat Festival.
We were there, rain and shine. It was amazing meeting paddlers from all over the world and across Canada.
An enormous "thank you" to the steering committe and the many volunteers for hosting such a well organized and tons of fun event.
It was amazing!
Thank you to all the paddlers and friends who came and visited us in the Market Place. Even in the rain we were completing bra fittings in our tented change room.
Bridget
My Left Breast
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