A Best Friend’s Guide to Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Published by Amy Browne at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Amy Browne
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Dedicated to my best friend Christine
It is you whom I draw strength from in times of need.
A best friend is something to treasure always
I treasure her friendship.
After experiencing heart attacks in October of 2009, they put in IVs, which left both my arms bruised and painful. The doctor discharged me, so the nurse went to get my papers while I tried to brush my hair. My hair was long and it was a snarled mess. I tried to brush it, but gave up because my arms hurt. Such an everyday task but I could not do it. Without a word, Christine picked up the brush and brushed it for me. I have not forgotten that simple act of kindness it spoke volumes to me. Now I will brush her hair, so to speak. Count on me to be there ever step of the way possible.
This e-book is for friends who are watching helplessly while their best friend undergoes treatment for inflammatory breast cancer. I discuss the treatments your best friend will undergo and give you ideas on how to help them on this tough road.
The diagnosis
Inflammatory Breast cancer, aka IBC is a fast growing rare cancer. This particular type accounts for one to six percent of the cases diagnosed in the United States in any given year. Men get this one as well, but it is even rarer for them then it is for a woman, African American women are at a higher risk than Caucasian women are for developing this type earlier.
Some studies say a third of those with this type, last at least ten years. However, the most reputable medical websites but the survival rate lower than that. The five-year survival rate is forty percent. Those are awful numbers. Research and awareness can alter that percentage.
Make sure you get the information you seek from the knowledgeable websites if you do any research online.
PLEASE use the following websites for more information.
Treatments
As hard as it is for me, to research the information I know by researching it I will be able to answer or at least point my best friend through her battle.
Many patients, who have gotten a death sentence from their doctor, find life at specialty places such as the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Her regular doctor misdiagnosed Diana, who is the mom of my son in law, back in 2009.
She found her way to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and she is still alive today to enjoy the grandchildren we share. She has agreed to share her knowledge and support to Christine as she battles this devastating disease.
Although their types of cancer are far different, Diana has undergone the treatments that I am hoping will save the life of my best friend.
Treatment consists of chemotherapy, radiation and of course breast removal. With this type of cancer, doctors will usually remove both breasts even though only one is affected simply because there is such a high reoccurrence rate,
The chemo comes first, and its goal is to kill or control the cancer cells. There are two types of chemotherapy, neoadjuvant and adjuvant.
The neoadjuvant comes first, before surgery. Its goal is to shrink the size of any tumors that remain in the body as well as to kill those cells.
The second typo of chemo called adjuvant type is given after surgery when here is little evidence of any of the cancer cells present. It is also great for killing any other areas within the body that the cancer has spread too.
The chemo is a mixture of drugs which work together to do the job of killing the cancer. This is called combined modality chemotherapy. .
The chemotherapy can be given for survival but if the prognosis is very poor, it can be given to simply shrink the tumors and prolong life. If the chemo is being given to prolong life, its best to visit a specialist for a second opinion to see if there is any hope.
Most chemo is given by IV and can be done as an outpatient or inpatient. For patients who must remain on the treatment for a prolonged time, the doctors will insert a PICC line. A PICC line allows the patient to return on a scheduled basis to the hospital for treatment, but they may go home afterwards to lead a semi normal life.
Chemo does the task at destroying the tumor and the cancer cells but it also does a number on the patient. It has to be given at the right dose of it can be fatal. Your friend is in an awful place. Without the chemo, they will die, and with too much, they will die.