October is breast Cancer Awareness Month

Do you know anyone suffering from breast cancer? Don't let it be you!

Breast health is an important part of a women's overall health care.Finding problems early on can make the difference. Also, early detection can lessen the degree of the treatment and improve the chance for a successful outcome. One out of eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Anyone can develop breast cancer. The disease doesn't discriminate among age,gender or ethnicity. Education and communication is the first step in fighting against breast cancer. The actual cause of breast cancer is still unknown. Early detection is key in protecting ones self.

Actually, most lumps are non-cancerous. Studies have shown that 90% of cancers that are diagnosed at an early age are cured. Because early detection increases the chance for successful treatment, it is so important to perform monthly self examinations, receive your annual exam and communication with your physician regarding any changes at all with your breasts.

Upon researching I found these statistics to be interesting. By age 30 one out of 2,000 women have the chance of getting breast cancer as she gets older. By age 40 one out of 233. By age 50 one out of 53. So therefore as we age the risks are going up as we age. Again, it is so important to pay attention to your own body, perform self-checks and receive your annual exam.

There are several warning signs to watch for. They include a lump,change in breast size or color, dimpling or puckering of the skin,spontaneous fluid leaking from either nipple, a nipple that is sunken or red, and lastly swelling in the area of the armpit or collar bone. Most breast problems are discovered by women themselves, so paying close attention to our own body can detect a possible problem. If you find any abnormality or are concerned about something call your physician immediately do not wait time can make a difference.

For more information regarding this article please contact Oxygen Plus Medical Equipment at 734-429-7444. Visit http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/

Lymphedema the facts...

What is lymphedema(lim-fi-dee-muh)?
It is the accumulation of lymph in soft tissue with accompanying swelling,often of the extremities:sometimes caused by inflammation, obstruction or removal of lymph channels.

Lymphedema is a condition where the lymph vessels located under the skin fail to transport the lymph fluid back into circulation.The build up of that fluid results in swelling and thicken of the skin, usually in the arm or leg, although it can happen in both. There are two categories of lymphedema. First, is primary which is caused by malformation of the lypmphatic system at birth or may develop later during puberty. The next category is secondary. It is the result of damage to the lymphatic system. For example, a mastectomy,lumpectomy with radiation and/or removal of lymph nodes are a cause. Recently, studies have shown that almost 65% of women who undergo cancer treatment develop this condition. It can appear immediately after a procedure or can be a condition that appears much later.

An inital symptom is swelling with a "pitting"appearance to the skin or if you make a depression in the skin and the indentation does not dissapear right away. Another symptom is a feeling of tightness or heaviness in an extremity.

There is not a cure, which is why early diagnosis will significantly aid in the management plan. In some cases Decongestive Theapy(CDT) is the treatment plan. In addition to CDT graduated compression garments,therapeutic exercise and meticulous skin care may be an option. In some cases insurance may reimburse for these items. For more information contact OxygenPlus Medical Equipment or call 734-429-7444. Visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com

What should you know before starting Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy...

When patients start chemotherapy they often think oh I'm going to lose my hair and be sick......

That is not the only thing people should think about. There are several others side effects that people should know about. The most common side effects that most patients talk about are hair loss and nausea. The other short-term side effects are fatigue, decreased blood counts, mouth sores and generalized pain. Also, studies have shown one out of ten patients who have chemotherapy can eventually suffer from heart damage. The other possible side effects are cranial nerve damage,brain damage and problems with the spine. Overall changes in the central nervous system can lead to neck pain,headaches, depression,seizures and eye problems. Moreover, certain types of drugs used for chemotherapy can affect certain body parts. For example, Bleomycin can cause long-term damage to the lungs. Also, radiation can magnify the long-term damage. Lastly, chemotherapy and radiation can directly impact fertility. In several studies men and women have reported lower sex drives and infertility issues. There are many indirect problems associated with chemotherapy and radiation. There is much to learn about the long-term affects of the drugs used today.