<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Stephanie's Journal RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/rss</link><description>Stephanie's Journal RSS Feed</description><item><title><![CDATA[Elizabeth Edwards: Fighting Cancer, Winning Hearts]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/7340</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/7340</guid><description><![CDATA[Elizabeth Edwards was recently awarded the Phillip Burton public service award from the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights (FTCR).  According to <a href="http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,124009.shtml">Earthtimes.org</a>, 
Edwards accepted the Burton Award on behalf of the thousands of men and women with cancer across the country who decide to "stand up instead of lay down" when diagnosed with the disease.

You can watch Edwards' entire acceptance speech from June 8, 2007, on the FTCR website, where you can also read the transcript (http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/edwards_rage07/).  The Philip Burton award is the FTCR's highest honor.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Male Breast Cancer]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3778</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3778</guid><description><![CDATA[There are a ton of resources and support groups out there for women with breast cancer, but often overlooked is the rare, yet equally important, man with breast cancer.  

Here are some of the facts:

&bull; In 2006, there were an estimated 1,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the US
&bull; Although men of all ages can be affected with the disease, the average age at diagnosis is 67
&bull; Breast cancer is 100 times more common among women
&bull; Infiltrating ductal cancer is the most common among men
&bull; Risk factors for male breast cancer include exposure to radiation, a family history of breast cancer and having high estrogen levels, which can occur with diseases like cirrhosis or Klinefelter's syndrome.

Another issue is detecting breast cancer in men, since men do not usually perform self-examinations, and it is not routine for a doctor to include this in a screening.  Therefore, it is important for men, especially those with a family history of breast cancer (male or female), to learn about the symptoms and let their doctors know about their risks and family history. 

There is so much more information that men need to know about the risks, causes, symptoms, and coping with breast cancer.  You can find all of this information on the <a href=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-breast-cancer/DS00661/DSECTION=1">Mayo Clinic website,</a> in their Men's Health article on Male Breast Cancer.
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Red Wine & Prevention]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3555</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3555</guid><description><![CDATA[I often hear stories on the news about how red wine can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and even help with treatment.  But then, when I began to research it I ran across opposing views, as well as valuable information.

Here are links to the most helpful articles I found:

<a href="http://www.breastcancer-treatment.us/news/latest-news/red-wine-grape-juice-and-breast-cancer.html">Red Wine, Grape Juice and Breast Cancer</a>
<a href="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SPC/content/SPC_1_Breast_Cancer_and_Alcohol_Explainer_2002.asp">Answers About Alcohol and Breast Cancer</a>
<a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/red-wine-and-cancer-prevention">Red Wine and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet</a>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Husbands and Breast Cancer]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3282</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3282</guid><description><![CDATA[It's always important for friends and family to have a sense of confidence in how they're supporting someone close to them who is battling breast cancer - but it is imperative that husbands (significant others, etc.) are able to do so.  Here is a great list I found on WebMD covering "rules" you should follow:

&bull; The No. 1 rule for the breast cancer husband is to shut up and listen. 
&bull; No. 2: It's not about you; it's about your wife. So if the doctor's making eye contact with you and not her, that's not the way it should be. 
&bull; No. 3: Your wife is the boss. She may ask you what you think and you can certainly tell her, but in the end, she must make the decisions that make sense to her and her medical team. 
&bull; No. 4: Sex doesn't have to take a holiday. Many men are afraid to approach their wives sexually during treatment. But the loss of intimacy is a huge loss. You have to respect your wife's mood, of course, maybe she just wants a good cuddle or back rub, but don't pull away. 
&bull; No. 5: Take care of yourself, too. Caregivers need to have down time and strength to carry on. Just ask your wife for permission before you go out for a golf game. 

This article comes from a man who is coping with his wife's breast cancer, you can read the whole interview <a href="http://www.webmd.com/content/chat_transcripts/1/103833.htm?pageNumber=1">here</a>. 

Also, here are some additional resources for the "breast cancer husbands": 

&bull; <a href="http://www.menagainstbreastcancer.org">Men Against Breast Cancer</a> - They also have a great list of things you can do <a href="http://www.menagainstbreastcancer.org/online_support/resources/things.php">here</a>
&bull; There is a message board on <a href= "http://www.breastcancer.org">Breast Cancer.org</a> for family members.
&bull; The Why Me Breast Cancer hotline has husbands on call at their toll-free number. The phone number is 800-221-2141. 
&bull; It would also be helpful to check for support groups locally for couples or solely husbands and partners through your local breast cancer center.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Detecting Early Stages of Breast Cancer]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3179</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/stephnors/journals/3179</guid><description><![CDATA[One of the most important things in fighting breast cancer is early detection.  For those of us who are not that familiar with the territory, I found some tips on early detection and recognizing symptoms. 

I found some really helpful information on the <a href: http://woman-must-know.blogspot.com/2007/05/ways-of-detecting-early-stages-of.html>Women Information Blog</a>.  Here are some of the things that are covered: 

&bull; One of the first signs you may notice is a new or persistent lump or a thickening in or near the breast or possibly in the underarm area.

&bull; The size or shape of your breast may change over time.

&bull; Discharge from either of the nipples that had not occurred before.

&bull; Changes in color or feel of your breast, areola or nipples, which may consist of dimpling, puckering or a scaliness of the skin.

&bull; Carry out regular self breast examination - this way, you will be able to detect any one of this signs or symptoms and if you find something that you feel is abnormal then arrange an appointment to see your doctor. 

Also, there is a great article on BreastCancer.org covering the main methods of screening:

&bull; <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/dia_detec_exam_idx.html">Breast Self Exam</a>
&bull; <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/testing_screening.html#physical">Breast Physical Exam</a> (By a doctor)
&bull; <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/testing_mammogram.html">Mammograms</a>

You can see the entire article <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/testing_screening.html">here</a>.]]></description></item></channel></rss>