Soy is an artificial estrogen

I called my oncologist today to get more details about the whole soy situation. I had forgotten to ask when I had my quarterly check-up. If you have not read this blog, then you may not know that I am a breast cancer survivor and cancer-free aka 'in remission'. I had already learned that I should not take 'One A Day' Menopause for hot flashes as it had soy in it. Soy, in the form they utilize it in those vitamins, contributes to cancer. That made me wonder about soy milk, etc. So today I called to request clarification. This is what I learned.

Soy is an artificial estrogen. In case you are not aware, estrogen feeds cancer. Therefore, they recommend that I do not drink soy milk or take soy in any form. I was not actually drinking soy milk, but I sometimes used it as a milk substitute in recipes. I will no longer do that.

Cut Down Cancer Recurrence Chances with Exercise by Guest Blogger Trevor Bradshaw

As any cancer survivor knows well, when you are undergoing treatment; oftentimes, the last thing you want to do is exercise.  And for quite a long time, most doctors agreed that patients being treated for cancer should rest and reduce their physical activities so as to preserve their energy.  

However, over the last several years, new research has begun to show how exercise is often not only safe and possible during cancer treatments but may also be an integral part of keeping cancer in remission for survivors. 

Exercise has been shown to have many benefits for cancer patients, including lowering fatigue, lessening nausea, and reducing  the risk of anxiety and depression.  According to Dr. Kerry Courneya, the Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity in Cancer and Cancer at the University of Alberta, in a study of 242 women with breast cancer, moderate exercise was shown to not only improve their strength, self-esteem, body mass, and fitness, it also increased their ability to finish chemotherapy on time. 

Furthermore, doctors now believe that women who exercise after completing breast cancer treatments have a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence.  While it’s unknown exactly why exercise helps keep cancer survivors cancer free, it’s likely because of two factors. First, regular exercise may boost white blood cell count, helping combat the loss of white blood cells that occurs during chemotherapy.  Secondly, exercise is a key factor in maintaining a healthy body composition.  Increased body mass has been known to affect higher death rates for all cancers, but in particular it has been linked with increased risks in breast cancer and multiple myeloma.  Even cancers from environmental toxins like pleural mesothelioma have much higher survival rates when patients have regular exercise.  

Of course, it can be difficult for patients who have just received chemotherapy to begin exercising again as the treatments often leave patients exhausted. One key recommendation is to begin with very low intensity, moderate workouts.  A good example would be a daily brisk walk.

It’s extremely important that patients always follow their doctor’s recommendations regarding exercise, as those with severe anemia should delay any strenuous activity until their red blood cell count has increased and people receiving radiation therapy must avoid swimming pools as chlorine irritates the treated area.  But, in the end, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that exercise is important to maintaining a healthy and cancer-free life during and after cancer treatment.

From Debbie: Many thanks to Trevor for writing such a helpful article.

Photo is of Trevor Bradshaw sent to me to be included with the article.

Poem: A very grateful Breast Cancer Survivor

Visit this page to read my poem about being a grateful breast cancer survivor.

Click BREAST CANCER to read my hub on Hubpages.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Debbie Dunn Moore

Debbie Dunn Moore (my married name) was one of three women featured in the October 4, 2011 Greeneville Sun newspaper in Greeneville, TN. Why? It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here is part of the article posted.

P.S. Looks like there is a typo. It should have been "grateful" rather than the other spelling. Oops to whoever did the type-setting.

Necessity of breast cancer awareness plus what I’ve learned

Debbie Dunn Moore is very grateful to add her name to the ranks of the thousands of breast cancer survivors. Her breast cancer journey began just before Christmas of 2009 when she discovered a 3- by 5-inch tumor in the left side of her left breast. Under the wonderful care of Dr. Dharmen Patel, Dr. John Boys, Dr. Mark Patterson, and Dr. Joe Austin, she went through 8 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, and 35 days of radiation. As of November of 2010, she has been “in remission” or “cancer-free.” Here are the main lessons that she has learned:

(1) Be aware of what your breast already looks and feels like so that if it changes, you are alert enough to catch any signs of breast cancer early – before it has time to spread to other parts of your body. Other than a lump, please be aware that other potential signs of severe breast cancer include a dimple or indentation on your breast (don’t just think it is gravity kicking in because you are getting older as Debbie did), a rash on the breast, puckering of the breast, nipple discharge, and noticeable breast shrinkage. Visit a doctor as soon as possible. If you don’t have insurance, visit the Health Department to see if they might be of assistance.

(2) Joining a cancer support group such as the one held at Laughlin Hospital in Greeneville, Tennessee, can be extremely helpful.

(3) Maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of humor (even if it only be gallows humor) can make a world of difference in your recovery potential.

(4) Having a good support system of family and friends is extremely helpful.

(5) The power of prayer can truly work miracles.

If you would like to know more about Debbie’s breast cancer journey, feel free to read this blog at http://healingseeker.wordpress.com/. She is also writing a book on the topic that is coming out in 2012. When the book becomes available, she will post details on her website at http://askdjlyons.com/ and on this blog.

A great resource for women of Greene County, TN who are in need of a free mammogram. Click on FREE MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS. If you are not from Greene County, TN, check with your local hospital. They may very well provide that same service as well.

Here is my breast cancer journey in a nutshell

1. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 1 by Healing Seeker
2. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 2 by Healing Seeker
3. Best Review - Top 7 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 3 by Healing Seeker
4. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 4 by Healing Seeker
5. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 5 By Healing Seeker
6. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 6 by Healing Seeker
7. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 7 by Healing Seeker
8. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 8 by Healing Seeker
9. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 9 by Healing Seeker
10. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 10 by Healing Seeker
11. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 11 by Healing Seeker
12. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 12 by Healing Seeker
13. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 13 by Healing Seeker
14. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 14 by Healing Seeker
15. Best Review - Top 6 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 15 by Healing Seeker
16. Best Review - Top 5 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 16 by Healing Seeker
17. Best Review - Top 6 Breast Cancer Journey Tales Part 17 by Healing Seeker

Thankfully, I have been cancer-free for several months.

Cancer Survivor Networks by guest blogger David Haas

This was written by guest blogger David Haas. Thanks, David!

For those who have battled cancer, finding a cancer survivor program is often one of the most beneficial steps towards healthy living and sustained recovery. With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, cancer survivor programs allow patients to partner with the people and organizations that can best understand and serve them. These programs are designed to help patients assess risk and develop a plan for healthy living in order to properly handle the long-term effects of cancer treatment and diagnosis .

Typically, cancer survivor programs conduct a thorough evaluation of a patient, including diagnosis and medical history. After the consultation, a treatment plan is recommended that includes an assessment of physical and emotional risks as well as a suggested plan to manage long-term effects and potentially extend a life expectancy if the prognosis is bad. Additional referrals are sometimes made for supplementary treatments such as nutrition guides, acupuncture, counseling or therapeutic massages.

Because the effects of cancer are far-reaching and often overwhelming, patients are frequently left with emotional and psychological distress as well. Cancer survivor programs are able to take a holistic approach to healing by focusing on all issues surrounding cancer. These personal issues can sometimes include increased levels of stress, grief and depression, and professional treatment is often necessary to ensure a healthy mind, body and soul. By providing counseling and additional resources, cancer survivor programs are able to comprehensively assist patients fighting cancer and remind them that they are not alone in their fight.

Perhaps one of the most notable cancer survivor resources is Livestrong.com. Founded by award-winning cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG provides cancer survivors with a wealth of knowledge and resources in order to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

An additional resource for information on cancer survivor programs is http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/survivorship. This government site includes a variety of research including statistics, post-resource studies and interactive online information.

Cancer survivor programs help many people with many different types of cancer including breast cancer , bone cancer, and even rare and terminal cancers such as mesothelioma. None of these people are alone in their fight. Cancer survivor programs are available to help patients improve their quality of life and ensure that resources are available to those on the path towards health and wellness.

By: David Haas

Product Review: Stamina - 35-1655E – InTone Jogger with Handlebar & Tape

I am very pleased with my purchase of this in-home Trampoline also known as a Rebounder. I have owned it for about three months now and really enjoy using it.

I purchased it to give myself a fun way to exercise as I work to lose weight and stay in shape. Also, as a breast cancer survivor, this is a great way for me to maintain my current (and hopefully forever more) cancer-free status.

It came within two days of ordering it. That was very pleasing. Also, I was pleased with the very reasonable price.  .

On the negative side, it was a real challenge for my husband and I to assemble. Once we got it put together, I can easily see that I never wish to take it apart again. I also originally planned to keep it indoors. Due to the lack of sturdiness of our log cabin flooring in the den, I found that I shook all the contents in the room when I jumped on the trampoline. Also, it was larger than I had mentally pictured. Therefore, it took up more room than I would have wished in the den.

It has a 38 inch diameter. It is nine-inches off the ground. The site states it has a very “durable, polypropylene rebounding surface.” It also has a “rugged, all-steel frame construction.”  It is definitely very sturdy. I imagine that it will last for a very long time.

My husband and I came up with an ideal solution. We moved the rebounder out to the sidewalk in our covered carport. You can see the picture of how it looks and where I have it located. What’s great is that I can use this in rain, snow, or shine since the carport is covered. I have even purchased a tarp to cover it when I am not using it to keep the birds from doing their business upon it.

Other than those couple of negatives I mentioned earlier, it has been a very pleasing purchase.

It came with a work-out DVD that is easy to follow. Since I have a portable mini-DVD player and a long extension cord, I could easily watch this while using the trampoline outside. But I have had a lot of fun making up my own moves.

 I love the fact that it has a sturdy, adjustable handlebar. That makes me feel more secure when I am doing more challenging maneuvers.

The other fun thing is that I came up with some fun math lessons to do with this trampoline that are appropriate for kindergarten and first grade students. I made a bunch of YouTube videos surrounding these lessons. Since I am the K-8 Classroom Activities Examiner for Examiner.com, it was fun to post these unique lessons and videos on that site. Here are the links below:

Trampoline Math: Counting 1 to 10 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 1 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 2 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 3 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 4 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 5 (Grades K-1)   

Trampoline Math: Addend of 6 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 7 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 8 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 9 (Grades K-1)

Trampoline Math: Addend of 10 (Grades K-1)

I would highly recommend the purchase of this in-home trampoline / rebounder. I think you will be very glad you did.

Cozy Chemo Memories

You may find it odd to hear the word cozy and chemo used in the same sentence; nevertheless, thanks to the wonderful care of my oncologist, I am truthfully able to say that.

When I first found out that I had to go through chemo, I was terrified. I had watched the movies and seen the shows where people walked out of chemo rooms looking like death warmed over. Prior to that first day, where I had similar feelings to a kid attending their first day of kindergarten, I was relieved when I was shown the circle of recliner chairs. They weren't exactly like this beautiful lounge chair that you see in the picture as the leg rest was connected instead of being separate; however, they were just about as cozy-looking as that. Doesn't that picture just beg for you to hunker down in that chair with a comforter and a book? It looks so inviting! You should see some of the other chairs they have on that website. They all shout COMFORT to the nth degree. If you click on the above link, you will see what I mean.

Little did I know how very lucky I was. Apparently, there is another oncologist in our fair city whose chemo room contains stright-back chairs. I would not have enjoyed that at all.

Instead, I was able to walk into that chemo room with a laptop DVD player, my comforter, a book, my prayer shawl, and my comfy slippers. I was able to sit in one of those cozy recliners to receive my chemo treatments. My husband brought me food after I got settled. And thanks to modern medicine and the anti-nausea medicine, I was able to eat and enjoy what he brought.

So although I am very grateful that I no longer have any necessity of having to receive chemo treatments or any other kind of cancer treatments other than my low-dosage chemo tablet I take daily for five years, I do have pleasant memories associated  with chemo thanks to those very cozy recliner chairs.

Home Office Renovations Day 3

My home office in our log cabin is being completely re-done. On day 3 of the renovations, the two handymen tore out the rest of the floorboards. It had rained in the night; therefore, there was a lot of damness in the room. Before they headed off to their other job, they indicated they would purchase some heavy plastic to line the room with before laying down the new floor. They also found a pipe that leads to the outside that needs to be closed off. Additionally, they found some problems with some of the logs. This may prove to be a much bigger job than any of us originally anticipated. I think we are going to look like that Hoarders Show for a couple of weeks. The end result will be both beautiful and functional. It will be so worth it!

Click HOME OFFICE RENOVATIONS to visit.

Home Office Renovations Day 2

My home office in our log cabin is being completely re-done. On day 2 of the renovations, the two handymen started to tear out the floor boards. They quickly discovered why the room bowed toward the center. Several of the logs holding up the floor were broken. They also realized that this job was going to take them longer than they originally expected. Sigh! In any case, I am so grateful and excited that I am going to get my dream home office.

Click HOME OFFICE RENOVATIONS to visit.

Office Renovations Day 1

Check out the home office renovations going on. I am so excited to get my office re-done. This is day 1 of the renovations. This is just one of the pictures from this day.

To see the rest of the pictures and read all the descriptions, please visit my hub on Hubpages.com called Ask DJ Lyons: Office Renovations Day 1.

Click HOME OFFICE RENOVATIONS to visit.

Office Renovations Before Look

Check out the home office renovations going on. I am so excited to get my office re-done.

To see the pictures and read the descriptions, please visit my hub on Hubpages.com called Ask DJ Lyons: Office Renovations Before Look.

Click HOME OFFICE RENOVATIONS to visit.