The quick answer to this question, what is the breast cancer index test and do you need it, is YES! I’ve simplified what this test is, what it predicts, how it benefits you and your healthcare team and how to ask your oncologist and insurance about it. They test the actual cancer tumor. Even if it’s been a year or 5 years, they should be able to test the tumor. Most universities keep tissue to do just that. Wherever you had your surgery, ask them about it. The Breast Cancer Index genomic test analyzes the activity of 11 genes that can influence how likely the cancer is to come back 5 to 10 yea ..read more

I can only describe life with psoriasis as a roller coaster. There are continuous twists, turns, and loops; a flurry of doctors appointments, emotions, plaques, itching, medication that helps and then doesn’t, educating yourself, educating others, lifestyle changes, and more medication. Fortunately, after 22 years, I’ve learned how to stay grounded even when I’m thrown for a loop. Strap in The ride started when I was a freshman in high school. I felt the pressure of new friends, new hormones, awkward growth spurts, acne, periods… The roller coaster was making its way up, and I didn’t know how ..read more

I was managing the psoriasis on my body with topicals and lotions. But 5 years after my psoriasis diagnosis, the extreme itch and flakes on my scalp emerged. Did you know that about 56% of people who have psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis? I remember reading this on the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website and thinking, “Oh wow, what if I have scalp psoriasis? I have had dandruff for a while and it doesn’t seem to go away. Maybe it’s not really dandruff.” I learned that psoriasis plaques on your scalp feel thicker than dandruff does. I rubbed my hand over the plaques and thought ..read more

Please note, that I did have estrogen positive breast cancer and have opted to do ovarian suppression and an AI as my breast cancer treatment. You and your doctor should discuss your options and whats the best treatment for you. I wanted to write this post to provide you with reliable information in a relatable way, because that is what I wanted when I was diagnosed. So keep reading for what is ovarian suppression for breast cancer treatment. Info from Breast Cancer Now Hormone therapy: Some drugs stop the ovaries from making estrogen. Goserelin (Zoladex) is the most commonly used drug used ..read more

So, it’s time to talk to doctors, what do I ask them? I gotchu boo. These are the questions that helped me when talking to doctors and determining next steps. This is one thing that I really appreciated from both hospitals: I was given a folder—with a helluva lot of information—with some version of the following questions and a space to write your answers.  I would meet weekly and monthly with  a breast surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist and a fertility preservation specialist. Go ahead and dog-ear the next few pages, you can thank me later! Diagnosis What is my p ..read more

When I first saw red, flaky patches appear on my elbow as a kid, I knew almost immediately that it was psoriasis. My mother had psoriasis, and if one of your parents has psoriasis, you have about a 10% chance of developing it. I am part of that 10%. My mother got a referral from our primary care physician for a dermatologist – she knew how important it was to see a specialist – and we were seen within the month. As an adult, I’ve always known I needed to see medical dermatologists as opposed to cosmetic dermatologists, because my first experience was such a positive one. It was crucial to have ..read more

What does an anti-inflammatory diet have to do with psoriasis? That is the exact phrase I Googled when I started educating myself on what psoriasis really is and how nutrition could play a key role in managing it. I’ve had psoriasis for 20 years and I’ve tried everything under the sun when it comes to diet and lifestyle changes. By looking online, talking to other people with psoriasis, and testing different strategies, I’m here to say that, at least for me, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods can make a huge difference. First, let’s get this out of the way: I don’t like the word “diet.” Chang ..read more

Yes, I’m talking about breast cancer treatment and sexual health because NO ONE talked to me about it. No one talked about the sexual health side effects of taking an ovarian supression and aromatase anhibitor (letrozole). Yes, they may have mentioned it as “oh these are common side effects,” but no one took more than 30 seconds to explain anything to me. So, I finally met with a urogynecologist which I didn’t even know existed and we talked all things sexual health post breast cancer treatment. WHATS A UROYGNECOLOGISTThe urogynecology experts offer highly skilled, compassionate care for women ..read more

This is why breast cancer research matters. This is why clinical trials matter. “In a small study, a researchers have identified protein biomarkers for breast cancer using breast milk, a discovery that they believe is the first step towards developing a simple blood test to screen patients faster and more easily,” as stated on the CTV website. And to all the researchers out there, Thank you for the work you continue to do. Highlights from the article The research, which is being presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting during the Experimental Bio ..read more

You read it: the FDA approves FIRST EVER drug for adjuvant treatment when used with endocrine therapy for early breast cancer YES, you can ask your doc about this drug! Keep reading for more info This is the first CDK 4/6 inhibitor approved for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. In patients with high risk of recurrence and Ki-67 Score ≥20% the trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival(HR 0.626; 95%) LAYMENS TERMS PLEASE When used in conjunction with with endocrine therapy, Abemaciclib, can slow the growth of HR+ breast cancer or help pre ..read more