Breast Cancer Tips: Part 1 by Yvonne Ortega

Breast Cancer Tips: Part 1. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please receive these five breast cancer tips: part 1 for patients, family, and friends from Yvonne Ortega.

1. Breast cancer is a diagnosis, not a death sentence.

We receive diagnoses for physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. We also listen to weather forecasts daily. This does not mean we will die. It does mean we plan, prepare, and proceed appropriately. Some of us have received a diagnosis that is not accurate. A doctor who wasn’t a specialist and knew nothing about me told me I had lung cancer. She hugged me, told me to go home and do what I wanted. She was sincere but sincerely wrong. That occurred more than ten years ago. If the diagnosis of breast cancer is accurate, it is just that: a diagnosis, not a death sentence. My friend was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer six years ago. She went on an out-of-state trip with her daughters and sent me pictures. She looks fabulous. #breastcancer is a diagnosis, not a death sentence. Share on X

2. Breast cancer is not contagious.

We have breast cancer not Bubonic Plague. Therefore, you and I can still be around our friends, work, attend church, and socialize. Others may spread their cold or flu, but you and I won’t give them cancer. #Breastcancer is not contagious. Share on X

3. A positive attitude helps everyone.

Be upbeat even during cancer treatment. Turn the lights on in the house. Open the blinds or shutters in the daytime. When it’s sunny outside, let the sun pour into your home. Be sunshine yourself. My friends know Darlene as the woman with a sunny positive disposition. We can have that same disposition, too. Perhaps you live in an area where a long dark winter affects your mood. Talk with your doctor about the possibility of a Phillips GoLite Blu energy light for seasonal affective disorder.

4. Every day is a gift, so live that way.

The fourth tip holds the truth of life as a gift. We all come with an expiration date — some sooner than others. As Daddy used to say, “You and I can be grateful for each day we open our eyes and are six feet above the ground.” I like to get up, kneel, and say, “Thank you, God, for the gift of life.” I often say, “This is the day the Lord has made. [I] will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 New Living Translation). Every day is a gift, especially during breast #cancer treatment. Share on X

5. Read joke books and watch comedies because laughter lightens the load.

Be intentional about laughing at least five to seven times each day. Reruns of I Love Lucy on television make me laugh, even though I’ve seen some of them dozens of times. I can think about the episode in which Lucy and Ethyl worked in a chocolate factory and giggle at the thought of it. YouTube has comedies, and joke books from a discount store can provide you with lots of laughter to lighten your load during cancer treatment. #Laughter lightens the load during #breastcancer treatment. Share on X

In conclusion, here are the 5 tips again:

1. Breast cancer is a diagnosis, not a death sentence.
2. Breast cancer is not contagious.
3. A positive attitude helps everyone.
4. Every day is a gift, so live that way.
5. Read joke books and watch comedies because laughter lightens the load.

While you wait for Part 2, you can also listen to Yvonne Ortega’s archives on breast cancer. She interviews survivors, family members, nurse educators, nurse navigators, a prosthesis shop owner, support group facilitators, and others at:

http://blogtalkradio.com/hope-for-the-journey

If you know a friend, family member or coworker who has breast cancer, please share this blogpost with that person.

Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega X.XV.MMXVIII