We Will Survive!
\Hi everyone! I am so excited Caroline asked me to share some information with you in correlation with National Breast Cancer Awareness month. She knows this is a subject very close to my heart. My mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor, and both of my grandmother’s had breast or ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, this is a common thread among far too many people. Yes, I do believe a cure is in the near future, but it isn’t here yet. I am a “glass is half full” kind of girl, so I want to share with you what I am doing in terms of prevention and I am always interested to hear your feedback and experience. Please keep in mind not all of these methods are for everyone, but I hope by sharing information with each other, we can help each other.
You are what you eat. It’s brutally honest, but it is also very true. We are a nation who has grown up on food injected with chemicals and pesticides, so I am a big believer in eating organic as much as you can. I could go through a list of the foods (ahem – asparagus), herbs, etc that I believe fight cancer (as well as many other health problems), but the bottom line is respect your body, use common sense and EAT CLEAN as often as possible.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. This, along with what you eat, is all common sense. Things we know, but don’t always do. Not only is it great for you physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. So GET MOVING!
Regular Self Breast Exams. Again, something we should ALL do every month. Mark it on your calendar, hang a post it on your bathroom mirror, whatever it takes just do it. This alone SAVES LIVES.
Mammograms/Breast Thermography. Depending on your history and what you and your doctor decide is best for you, is when you should begin your breast cancer screenings. The standard age to begin mammograms is 35. However, if you have a similar history to mine, you may decide to start screening earlier. I began Breast Thermography five years ago, but the standard age is 25. As I said before, not all of these methods are for everyone, but I have seen thermogram results that show abnormalities and I have literally seen them reversed using nutritional and immunologic treatment protocols. Yes, I most likely will start getting mammograms when I do turn 35, but I will also continue breast thermography. My big theory is why not? If you can do anything to prevent disease from your body, why wouldn’t you? So don’t knock it ‘til you try it J
Genetic Testing. I am sure I may ruffle some feathers here, but ‘tis each their own. This is something my sister and I have looked into, but have yet to actually do the test. This is also something you definitely want to take your time with and research. The answer you get may completely change your life and you need to be prepared for that. Ask yourself questions like “how will I handle the results?” or “what are my options if the test comes back positive?”.
We all are individuals with different experiences, and these are the methods I have discussed with my doctor and what we feel is best for me. I would love to hear your experiences and any other information you want to share. A BIG thank you to Caroline for letting me share!
Helpful links:
http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/breastselfexam.html
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Mammography.html
http://www.coem.com/womens_breast_health_and_thermography.shtml
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