In early 2003, my mother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). This was a traumatic experience for our family. She spent most of the day crying and moping. Our house was full of intense sadness. My mother often asked herself, “Why did this happen to me?” At times she tried to have hope by constantly telling herself, “I’m going to get through this…I’m going to win this battle.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, IBC is basically an advanced type of breast cancer. IBC differs from common breast cancer because it is rare, it has additional symptoms and the breast does not form lumps. People with IBC have a red, swollen breast that feels warm to the touch. The redness and warmth occur because the cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin. (Other symptoms of breast cancer are a lump in the breast, swelling of the armpit, discoloration of the nipple and unusual discharge from the breast. )
The American Cancer Society states that there are about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and about 39,840 deaths from breast cancer (women) in 2010.
According to the Mayo Clinic medical staff, the current risk factors for IBC included being a woman, being black, and being over the age of 50. I’m at risk because I’m an African-American female. Current research hasn’t shown whether IBC is a genetic disease.
The Mayo Clinic’s website also says that most people with breast cancer go through radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Radiation is used to target and kill cancer cells. Although radiation is used for just about every cancer; it’s usually adults who get this form of treatment. Chemotherapy is large doses of medicine used to target and kill fast growing cancerous cells in the breast.
My mother went through both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The treatments made my mother tired and took up most of her energy. They gave her large doses of medicine, which caused hair loss and turned her skin dry and pale.
This intense treatment also took away some of the things she enjoyed, like getting a pedicure, manicure and going to the park. Those were things she had to limit because of all the treatments.
| Related stories: When Breast Cancer Hits Home; Are Athletes More Likely to Avoid Breast Cancer? |
My mother battled cancer for about two years and is recently in remission. Now she is back on her feet living a healthy lifestyle. She gets mammograms and checkups to make sure the cancer is not returning. She recently told SciJourner, “God has blessed me and He gave me the strength to move ahead in life.’’ Tequilla James
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I enjoyed reading the article because i know many people who have survived breast cancer,and I also know many who didnt . So I have a full understanding of the things people go through
I enjoyed reading this article very much because I think it is extremly important to be fully aware of breast cancer expecially for black females because it is a growing epidemic.
I understand an im sorry about your mom. My grandmother has breast cancer as well so I know the heart ache an truma you feel.But this is not the end for her with faith an incourgement she can over come this huddle that life has thrown at her.
I think anyone who has any type of cancer would get hope from reading this article
Im sorry to hear that about your mother I would be extremly hurt if I got that kind of news about my mom and all the things that come with the illness but the good thing is you still have her here with you and she is healthy
When you are going though somethings you just have to have hope and pray an you’ll get through it all. :smile In which your mother did now look at her .. better than ever. :smile:smile:smile
Beautiful story,i feel like this article was very detailed and well thought through and had a good ending.Nice Job !
I think that they need diffrent methods of treatment these side effects are or can be lethal.
I loved this story and I can truly say I know how you felt I loss my mom to breast cancer and it brought on alot of depression so I thank God things turned out alot better for you I hope she lives a long time.
I fill that she gave a good start and ending and she gave all the points of what is the symptoms and how to treat the cancer.
I fill that she gave a good start and ending and she gave all the points of what is the symptoms and how to treat the cancer.
Beautiful story,i feel like this article was very detailed and well thought through and had a good ending.Nice Job !
great article! im glad that you and your family were brave enough to fight through something so life threatning
I understand this article very well because my great grandma is still battling breast cancer now at the age of 79.
This a great srticle because it has the right details. and sorry to hear about your mom
GOOD JOB. I THINK THAT YOU DID A GOOD JOB IN PUTTING IT IN A WAY THAT I CAN UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION.
thats good that your mom fought the breast cancer god was there for your mom and your family and i hope that it wont happen to you tequila i love the article and your mom went through alot but she won the battle.good work