Az Mom of Many Hats has written a post about her sister's cancer. Her sister Amy was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Inflamatory Breast Cancer (IBC). She's now being treated and is responding well to the treatment. I encourage you to read the in depth version of Amy's cancer story by visiting Az Mom's blog site.
Now, I've been in the medical field for a long time, but not once have I heard of this type of breast cancer until now. I also had worked for a group of doctors ten years ago. One of the group's specialties is Oncology, yet I had not heard of it there either. So, this is something I'd like to know more and perhaps, you all want to know more of also.
This type of breast cancer turns out to be the most agressive of all breast cancers. It doesn't have the same diagnostic characteristics, such as; lumps that the other type of breast cancers have. Instead, it presents itself with general inflamation, rash, itchiness, soreness, abnormal coloration, and a change in breast size. I suppose that if the breast in engorge or inflamed, there would be a change in size for sure.
You might be wondering why I'm posting a non-novel item on this blog. Well, I thought that it's very appropriate because one of the characters in my novel is dealing with breast cancer. And most importantly, it is to inform everybody, who comes to read this blog, about this type of cancer and about cancer, in general. After all, October is Cancer Awareness month.
I'm sure that Az Mom and her sister are appreciative if we put the word out about IBC in order to educate more women about this cancer and for us to support the ongoing research for a cure. I also think that it's a good way to get readers say a prayer for Amy's full recovery from this disease.
Inside my side bar, you'll notice some important links to visit if you're interested in learning more about IBC and about breast cancer. Also on the side bar, is a list of symptoms to look for in IBC.
I'd like to thank Az Mom and her sister Amy for sharing this important information with us. Also, I'd like to say, "Get well soon Amy."
You are awesome! Thank you so much for posting about this. My sister and I both appreciate it so much! I'm sending her the link so she can read. Thanks again...AZ Mom of Many Hats
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are sharing info. and my story! Thanks so much for the prayers. They are getting me through all of this! According to my doc, the best treatment combo is good care, good doctors, and lots of prayer!
ReplyDeleteI really hope my story creates an awareness in your readers. Hopefully there won't be as many Stage 4 cases if people know what to look for!
In health and love, Amy S. (the sister!)
Hello Az Mom,
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. Posting something about it is a small gesture on my part to give in return for the invaluable information you and your sister have so unselfishly been sharing with all of us. It's so unfortunate to learn of this disease through your sister's illness. I do wish for her speedy recovery.
Tasha
Hello Amy,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to meet you, even though it's only through not in person. It's my pleasure to share this information, in your honor, with anybody who visits my blog. Because of your bravery and unselfishness in sharing your story with the world, hopefully, something good will come out of it, especially in your recovery and saving of others from having Stage IV as you said.
I do agree with your doctor, prayer plays an important role in any kind of treatment because I do believe in the power of prayer.
"May you feel the love and hugs that each and everyone of us send you each day.
And may you feel the positive effects of our prayers when we entreat to God for your speedy and full recovery.
Just know in your heart that there are hundreds, if not thousands, pulling for you, Amy."
Take care and God Bless,
Tasha
Hello Tasha, I pray that she gets well soon and be able to enjoy life more. God bless you Tasha for your good heart.
ReplyDeleteTasha, I'll head right over and read it. You are such a good friend, and they are lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteTasha - thanks for posting this and I wish Amy the very best and thank her for sharing her story too. You are a sweet heart you know that? You are a person that cares and you deserve only the very best that life has!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has had several family members diagnosed with breast cancer over the last 20 years--I truly wish Amy the best.
ReplyDeleteJenna-Thanks for praying for her. Prayers are very powerful, so thanks.
ReplyDeleteEric-Thanks for going there to show your support to them.
Lilly-You're welcome. This kind of cancer doesn't have the typical symptoms, so it's important to inform as many women as possible.Thank you as well for your support.
VH-I'm sorry to hear about your relatives having this kind of illness. I shall be praying for them as well. Thanks for praying for Amy's recovery.
Thank you all for reading and commenting.
Tasha
I'll be over as soon as I can get away. I'm just checking my posts in the midst of butchering hubby's bison.
ReplyDeleteI'm also slowly writing my next novel posting. It's in the middle of a crossroads that, depending on how and which direction for me to stir will decide the ending. So, I'm in the midst of a dilemma right now on what kind of ending I want to achieve.
Tasha
Tasha, I can't see your novel where is it?
ReplyDeleteWill pray for your friend. I'd never heard of that kind of cancer either - not that I'm a well informed medical person like you, but still ...
ReplyDeleteSo one of your characters has this affliction - interesting. When I wrote Owen Fiddler one of the characters, a woman, had Lupus. I had to research the disease so I could write realistically about her symptoms, med, treatments, etc. It was fun to do the study and satisfying when I got feedback from several women who actually have Lupus that I had nailed it pretty darn good.
The Old Silly
Hi Jena,
ReplyDeletePerhaps, it's not such a good thing to leave it out in the blogosphere unprotected. I'm told by some that it might get stolen on line.
Don't worry, I'm still planning on getting it done and, possibly, getting it published, if I'm lucky enough.
Tasha
This is weird, I remember reading and commenting on this post - but apparently it didn't publish. Anyway - I'd never heard of this type of cancer before, but I agree with Doc on prayer being good medicine. Not many doctors these days (that I know of) would prescribe it, but he must be a good one. Will add Amy to my prayer list for sure.
ReplyDeleteThe Old Silly
Hi Marvin,
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job at writing the lupus disease in your Owen Fiddler novel. It is very realistic.
I've read the book already. I really, really like it. I'm still going to write about it at my blog one of these days and also at Amazon.com.
Thank you for praying for Amy also.
Sorry again for being so late in responding.
Tasha
Appreciate your obtaining a copy and reading Owen Fiddler, Tashabud - also glad to get your positive feedback about the realism of the Lupus disease that I wrote Jewel Fiddler as having. One of my current WIP's I'm working on is a romance in the spiritual/inspirational genre, and the main character is a woman who has a hobby of mountain climbing. I've never climbed anything more than a flight of stairs, lol, so I'm having to research that sport for realsim. I like doing research for books, it's fun.
ReplyDeleteThe Old Silly
Your new project sounds interesting. Mountain climbing. Hmm. Will you be doing some actual mountain climbing as part of your research? You don't have very high mountains in Michigan, do you? Just mosey on west of I-95 all the way to the Grand Tetons in Wyoming for the real experience, Marvin. On second thought, that's a bad idea. The thin air would kill you. It would kill me for sure.
ReplyDeleteI should start reading Romancing The Stone soon. I thumbed through it a little. It looks pretty raw. But don't worry, I'm a big girl. I can handle anything, except climbing the Tetons.
Tasha
Oops, my bad, Marvin. I meant I should start reading the "I Romanced The Stone" and not "Romancing The Stone."
ReplyDeleteTasha