Women and Lupus

   

 Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body that affects approximately 1.5 million people within the US. 90% of those suffering from the illness are women ages 15-44.  Women of color (African American, Hispanic American/Latinas and Native Americans) are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus and tend to develop at younger ages with more symptoms at diagnosis.  African American women sufferers tend to have more seizures, hemorrhages and strokes, while Hispanic American/Latina sufferers tend to have more heart problems as well as more rapid kidney failure. Asian American women are 2 times more likely than Caucasian women to develop lupus in their lifetime.
     Lupus ranges from mild to life threatening and should ALWAYS be treated by a doctor. It is NOT contagious and can NOT be passed from person to person as is HIV/AIDS.  Both HIV/AIDS and lupus are autoimmune diseases, BUT in the case of lupus, a person suffering from it has an OVERACTIVE autoimmune system; whereas a person with HIV/AIDS has an UNDER-ACTIVE autoimmune system.  The most common symptoms associated with lupus are as follows:

• Malar/Butterfly (skin) Rash -  typically forms on the ears, arms, chest and face (primarily the cheeks and nose) and is blotchy, red and takes the form of butterfly wings.  The rash can be exasperated by heat or exposure to the sun.
• Oral or Nasal Lesions - 95% of people suffering from lupus report developing painful lesions.  Oral lesions often make it difficult to eat, drink or speak.
• Joint Inflammation - This is one of the most common of the symptoms of lupus.
• Photosensitivity - Exposure to [hot] sun can actually become inflamed and blister.
• Fever and Headache - Sufferers report [regular] fevers (with no known cause) and migraines and the headaches linger for prolonged limits of time.
• Chest Pain - Pain and swelling can set into major organs and cause a great deal of pain.  For instance, if the lungs become inflamed, sufferers at risk for developing pneumonia.
• Hair Loss - Not only is hair loss apart [potentially] of the disease, but a side affect of some medications used to treat it can cause hair loss.
• Raynaud's Phenomenon - The occasional restriction of blood flow to the fingers, causing them to turn blue and go numb; followed by a rush of blood to the extremities that cause hot, throbbing and tingling fingers.
• Fatigue
• Kidney Problems - Lupus can cause inflammation and dysfunction that can make waste elimination difficult.  If toxins remain in the body, sufferers may experience uncomfortable urination, urgent urination, swelling of the feet (and ankles) and/or blood in their urine.
• Anemia 

     There is no specifically known cause for lupus, but researchers look at the following factors in order to determine diagnosis, etc:

• Genetics - 10% of people with lupus also have a parent or a sibling that also has it. 5%
  
  of children born to a person currently suffering tend to also be diagnosed.
• Environment - Sunlight, stress, smoking, certain medications and viruses
• Immune System Issues  

     Approximately 10-15% of sufferers die prematurely due to complications of the disease particularly among African American women ages 45-64 years old.  Complications of lupus includes:

• Avascular Necrosis - (bone tissue death) This occurs when the blood supply to a done diminishes, often leading to tiny breaks in the bone and eventual collapse.  Most commonly, the hip joint is affected by this.
• Osteoporosis
• Heart Disease - People suffering from lupus are at a greater risk for the main type of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), due to them having more of the risk factors than their non-suffering counterparts.  (Many of the risk factors are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation).  Women with lupus are 50 times more likely to have a heart attack than other women of the same age.
• Pregnancy Complications - Women suffering from lupus are at an increased risk of miscarriages, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and preterm births.  
• Cancer - It appears that having lupus increases one's chances of being diagnosed with cancer.  

     Currently, there is no cure for lupus and treatment options are contingent upon the individual and their symptoms and intensity of the illness in their system.  Most people that suffer from lupus will (often alongside dietary plans and vitamin regiments) use the following:

• Nonsteriodial Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - NSAIDs offer relief for pain, swelling and fever.  Over-the-counter options include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc).  For more severe cases of lupus related pain, prescription grade NSAIDs can be provided to patients.
• Side effects - Stomach bleeding, kidney problems and increased risk of heart disease.
• Antimalarial Drugs - One drug that is used to combat malaria, hydrosychloroquine (Plaquenil) has shown to be helpful in controlling lupus.
• Side effects - Stomach upset and [very] RARELY retina damage
• Corticosteriods - More commonly known as prednisone, etc., this can be used to counteract the inflammation associated with lupus.
• Side effects (c/o long term use) - Weight gain, easy bruising, osteoporosis (thinning bones), high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk of infection.
• The risk of side effects increases as doses increase and the time frame for treatment lengthens.
• Immune Suppressants - These are helpful with serious cases of lupus.  Medications in this category are: cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept), leflnumide (Arava) and methotrexate (Trexall).
• Side effects - Increased risk of infection, liver damage, decreased fertility and increased risk of cancer.
• BLyS specific inhibitors -  This medication, belimumab (Benlysta) limits the amounts of auto-antibodies found within lupus patients.  It blocks the action of a specific protein in the body that is important to the immune response.
• Side effects - Nausea, diarrhea and fever. 

     By all accounts, it appears that lupus is the kiss of death, but that is not so.  People with lupus have been able to lead successful and plentiful lives.  One just must adhere to doctors orders, manage your rest and ensure that you have a thriving support system.  Rather you find that system within family alone or in conjunction with lupus support groups.  A diagnosis of lupus is NOT the end of life or a productive fruitful life....it simply means that your pocket book may become a pharmacy and you may need naps, but other than that, you can thrive and survive.

     

What Do You Really Know About Domestic Violence

   

Domestic Violence is defined as "a pattern of behavior which involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic context" (i.e. marriage, cohabitation, or intimate partner). Although women make up for 85% (from 1994-2010, 4 in 5) of domestic violence victims, men are NOT exempt from abuse. Domestic violence is also NOT contained to heterosexual couples.
     24 people per minute become victims of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking, which is more than 12 million men and women over the course of the year. Women between the ages of 20-24 and 25-34 generally experienced higher rates of [nonlethal] violence; while 24.3% of women and 13.8% of men (18 years of age and older) have been the victim of SEVERE physical violence in their lifetime.  14.8% of women and 4% of men have been injured by the hands of an intimate partner, a person that claimed to love them.

     Perpetrators of abuse tend to believe that the abuse is justified AND acceptable........yet go to great lengths to hide the abuse that they inflict upon their victims.  Many victims of domestic violence feel or are trapped due to:

• isolation
• the power & control inflicted upon them via their abuser
• insufficient financial resources
• fear
• shame
• protection of children

    The above are contributing factors as to why on 25% of physical assaults are reported to the police.   As trapped as a victim may feel, family and friends need to step in and give information and supply resources for escape, ESPECIALLY since boys that witness domestic violence are two times as likely to become abusive as they age.   

     Domestic violence does NOT have one form, although what is mostly discussed is physical.  The forms of domestic violence are as follows:

Types of Domestic Violence

• physical
• emotional
• verbal
• economic
• sexual

     On average (in the US), 29% of women and 10% of men have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking.  35.6% of women and 28.5% of men have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking; while nearly 50% of men and women have experienced psychological aggression in their lifetime.

     The above are just a FEW of the statistics that are associated with domestic violence.  It is shocking and mind boggling that with the amount of organizations that have been founded to combat this epidemic.....it still exists and is growing in our society.  It is time to take the stigma off of domestic violence.  It is time to STOP making victims feel stupid for how long it takes to get out or not being able to get out alone.  Lend a helping hand by educating yourself and go to a friend or family member in need with resources rather than ridicule.  Encourage counseling, because along with any visible bruises.....their is damage that cannot be seen with the eye.  

For a list of resources, please visit: 10 Domestic Violence Resources

Still Strong - Leah's Battle

   

   

 By now, Most of the US has heard about Devon Still of the Cincinnati Bengals and his 4 year old daughter who is battling stage IV cancer.  But how many know that her name is Leah and that she is battling neuroblastoma, stage IV.  Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood, and the most common cancer in infancy.  There are a reported 650 cases per year in the United States and the survival rate in 50%.  Stage IV or high risk cases generally tend to affect children under 12 months of age, has spread to the skin, liver, and/or bone marrow, is in only one area and the cancer cells may be found in lymph nodes near the tumor.
 

 Leah Still, who has for all intensive purposes has become the face of childhood cancers, received her diagnosis on June 2, 2014.  Leah was slated to take part in a dance recital, but due to a high fever, she was taken to the emergency room of Albert I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Delaware.  Each time Leah's hip was touched, she would jump in pain, therefore an ultrasound was performed....which uncovered a mass.  A doctor informed her parents (Devon Still and Channing Smythe) of 10 possible things that could be causing her fever and pain......cancer was the last thing listed.
    In order to determine what the mass inside of Leah was, an MRI and CAT scan were performed.  After approximately 2 hours in the hospital, a quivering doctor revealed that Leah was now a cancer patient.  Additional blood work had to be performed, but that is when the emotion moment became truly heart wrenching for the needle fearing toddler and her father. Through her tears and utter fear, Leah yelled at her father, "This is your fault! You never brought me to the hospital in time!"

Shine A Light

      Months into her courageous battle, Leah was able to participate in a music video that Hoda Kotb in collaboration with Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareiles.  The video which is for a song that is a mash-up of "Truly Colors" and "Brave" is a part of the 'Today Show's" Shine a Light Series in order to benefit pediatric cancer.  Leah, alongside fellow young cancer patients at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.  After the debut of the video on the show, Devon Still posted a video of Leah speaking with Hoda (a cancer survivor herself) with the following caption, "IDK what Hoda from the Today Show did when she met Leah... but  my daughter loves her... she couldn't stop smiling when they were on the phone... when they hung up she let out a big YESSS! Lol."
     On September 25th, Leah under went a 5 hour surgery to have her tumor, all lymph nodes and right adrenal gland removed.  (The tumor was the size of a softball in June and due to chemotherapy, had shrunk significantly).  The surgery that was performed in Philly was successful.  This does NOT mean that Leah is out of the woods, contrary to many reports.  The tumor is gone, NOT the cancer, for it has spread to her bone marrow.  Medical professionals and family alike are hopeful that her next round of treatments (that will include chemotherapy, radiation and stem-cell treatments) will render her cancer free.
     Due to Leah and her family being willing to be public with their united fight, fears and hopes, pediatric cancer research has found new funds, and platforms for education.  Leah's father, in conjunction with the Cincinnati Bengals have raised over $1 million dollars for research that will be donated to Children's Hospital in Cincinnati.  Funds are also being raised via Hoda Kotb joining forces with the American Cancer Society.
   Leah continues to be uplifted by her family, NFL fans across the country, teams and families that have been affected by multiple forms of cancer.  Through it all, Leah has remained "Still Strong" and her father says it best, "She's going to bounce back from this fast because she's a trooper."

#75 Devon Still Jerseys

10 Things You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

   

By now, most people know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and know about many of the fundraising events surrounding the month........but sadly very little more than that.  Founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (currently apart of AstraZeneca), the original aim was to promote mammography.  In 1993, Evelyn Lauder (Senior Corporate VP of Estee Lauder) founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol.  (Do note that in 1991, the Susan G Koman Foundation had previously passed out pink ribbons to participants in a New York City race for survivors).

    Now that you know the abbreviated history, let's delve into what you should really be learning during this month of awareness.  Below are 10 things you need to know and learn by the month's end.

1. Breast cancer is the LEADING cause of cancer death in women ages 15-34.  Therefore it is imperative that you KNOW YOUR BREASTS.  Make sure that you speak to your doctor regarding them and make sure that you are diligent in regards to MONTHLY self-exams. 5 Step Breast Exam 
2. Clinical breast exams are just as important as self-exams and mammograms.  Most know that (minus a family history of breast cancer) women should begin routine mammograms at the age of 40.  One thing that many women are not made aware of is that a mammogram is an IMPERFECT screening tool.  For example, inflammatory breast cancer (an aggressive type that can make the breast swollen and red) if OFTEN NOT detected via mammogram.
3. Calcification (calcium deposits) are NORMAL in women over 40 and MOST are benign.  This is part of the aging process for the tissue in your breast.  Therefore if you get called back in for a mammogram "redo" do NOT freak out.  
4. Regular exercise has been CONSISTENTLY associated with a lower risk for developing breast cancer.  A study from the University of South Carolina suggests that women with high aerobic fitness levels (based on their endurance on a treadmill exercise test) have a 55% lower chance of dying from breast cancer than their less-fit peers. 

5. Being overweight and postmenopausal increases your risk for breast cancer.  The most significant source of estrogen comes from body fat, therefore the less that you have, the lower your risk factor.  Losing as little as 10 lbs, can be a wondrous help.
6.  Soy contains isoflavones, which can act like estrogen in your body and potentially stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
7. If your father or a brother has had prostate or colon cancer, your risk factor for breast cancer can be raised.   These are signs of possible BRCA1 or 2 mutations. These gene mutations can run on your father's side, so be sure to ask if any of his female relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer.
8. There are different types of breast cancer with different causes. Among the primary ones: estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers, whose growth is fueled by the hormone estrogen; HER-2-positive breast cancers, which contain a protein called HER-2/neu; and triple-negative breast cancers, which don’t have receptors for estrogen, progesterone or HER-2.
9. Getting an MRI and a mammogram will increase the odds of picking up small tumors in women who are at high risk (if you have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer and carry the BRCA1 or 2 mutation). (An MRI should only be ordered under the care of a breast specialist).
10. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are drugs that can block estrogen’s ability to promote breast cancer. They lower the chances of developing the disease by about 50% in women who carry the BRCA1 or 2 mutation.  These medications can be used for five years and the risk reduction continues for 10 years after stopping them.  
    

     Should you find a lump or discover discharge, be PERSISTENT.  DO NOT allow any medical professional, friend or family member convince you that you are too young or too healthy to be at risk for breast cancer.  Also, don't be afraid to get multiple opinions before putting your mind at ease or perusing a course of treatment.  There is no law preventing you from asking multiple doctors about your body.  And most importantly, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!!! Know what questions to ask......know what treatment and prevention options are out there.

    It's YOUR body and YOUR life.  Treated as the precious temple that it is.