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  • Second To Nature Explains How to Talk to Kids About Breast Cancer

    Second To Nature Explains How to Talk to Kids About Breast Cancer

    Second To Nature Explains How to Talk to Kids About Breast Cancer

    It’s Not Easy to Tell Kids About Breast Cancer, But It’s Important You Do

    We’re explaining how to talk to kids about breast cancer for the July Second To Nature blog. When on a cancer journey, parents sometimes feel like shielding their kids from the difficulties of it. However, many experts believe that it’s best to be honest, and let children know what’s going on. If you need to tell kids about breast cancer, you should:

    • Plan What to Say
    • Simple Language
    • Reassure Them
    • Invite Questions

    Plan What to Say, Use Simple Language When You Tell Kids About Breast Cancer

    When we say “plan what to say”, we don’t mean you need a prepared speech. To plan what to say, you should have a guideline of points to make, and answers to questions they might ask. It will help the conversation to stay on point when you plan what to say.

    Part of how to talk to kids about breast cancer should include using simple language. The use of simple language means you won’t overwhelm kids with information that they can’t understand. Simple language is being honest and making age-appropriate descriptions about the disease, its treatment, etc.

    Invite Questions You Can Answer About Breast Cancer, and Reassure Kids of Your Love

    Your plan should also include choosing to invite questions that you can answer. When you invite questions, you give kids the opportunity to ask anything they have on their minds. It also helps children understand ways to cope and process their feelings when you invite questions. If you do choose to invite questions, be sure to answer honestly and appropriately.

    This conversation will probably be emotionally difficult. While having it, always try to reassure kids they’ll still get the love and support they need. You should also reassure them that no one is to blame for your cancer, least of all them. Kids tend to equate sickness with sharing germs or catching colds. Therefore, you should also reassure them they can’t catch cancer.

    Stay Positive Through the Entire Conversation About Breast Cancer

    However or whenever you plan to talk to kids about breast cancer, do everything you can to stay positive. We understand it’s overwhelming and hard to stay positive when cancer causes an uncertain future. Even so, tell kids that whoever is battling cancer is getting the best care. Share with them that the breast cancer survival rate is promising. These are ways you can stay positive. When you stay positive with children, you reassure them so that they keep hope for the best outcome.

    Contact Second To Nature by calling (540) 366-2711 to find out about mastectomy education in Roanoke, VA, and custom breast prosthesis. Like us on Facebook and follow us to receive updates. We’d be glad to further explain how to talk to kids about breast cancer.

  • Reduce Breast Cancer Risks During the Summer

    Reduce Breast Cancer Risks During the Summer

    Reduce Breast Cancer Risks During the Summer

    Second To Nature Hopes Everyone Has a Safe and Enjoyable Summer

    You can reduce breast cancer risks during the summer in several ways, which is Second To Nature’s June blog topic. According to www.sciencedaily.com, sunlight exposure lowers the risk for breast cancer. Healthy foods like leafy green vegetables and berries also reduce breast cancer risks, according to www.healthline.com. Furthermore, you can reduce breast cancer risks over the summer all year long with healthy habits. You can reduce the risk when you quit smoking, drink less alcohol, and do more regular activity.

    Sunlight Exposure and Healthy Foods Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer

    A 2007 study conducted by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that sunlight exposure reduces advanced breast cancer risks. More sunlight exposure increases the body’s vitamin D levels. Vitamin D from sunlight exposure impacts how quickly breast cells multiply. Be sure to safely expose yourself to the sun, though, so you avoid developing skin cancer.

    Summer is also a great time to eat healthy foods, especially homegrown fruits and vegetables. Healthy foods are those packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Examples of healthy foods you might want to grow at home and eat more of this summer are:

    • Kale
    • Spinach
    • Blueberries
    • Strawberries
    • Grapes
    • Peaches
    • Onions
    • Cauliflower
    • Broccoli
    • Beans

    Quit Smoking, Drink Less Alcohol, and Do More Regular Activity as Well

    Regular activity also reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. In the summer, doing more regular activity is easier than other times because there’s so much to do outside. Go for a daily walk, play an outdoor sport, or start your vegetable garden to incorporate regular activity this summer. According to cancer.gov, observational studies have linked regular activity to lower risks of several types of cancer, including breast cancer.

    While you’re doing regular activity, eating healthy food, and increasing sunlight exposure, try to quit smoking and consume less alcohol. We understand it’s hard to quit smoking in general, and summertime makes drinking less alcohol difficult for some people. Choosing to quit smoking and consume less alcohol also greatly benefits your overall physical health.

    Contact Second To Nature by calling (540) 366-2711 to find out about mastectomy education in Roanoke, VA, and custom breast prosthesis. Like us on Facebook and follow us to receive updates. We’d be glad to explain further how you can reduce breast cancer risks during the summer.

  • Men Get Breast Cancer, Too

    Men Get Breast Cancer, Too

    Men Get Breast Cancer, Too

    Let’s Talk About Breast Cancer in Men

    Second to Nature acknowledges men get breast cancer too. So that’s Second To Nature’s May blog. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) “one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.” While family history and mutations like the BRCA2 gene impact both sexes equally, cirrhosis and obesity specifically impact men’s risk. The most common types that men develop include:

    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
    • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
    • Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

    Like Women, Men Can Develop Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer

    With invasive ductal carcinoma, cancer cells form in men’s breast ducts. The invasive ductal carcinoma cells then grow on the outside of their ducts into other areas of the breast. Invasive ductal carcinoma cells can also metastasize in other body parts, like the lymph nodes.

    Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in Breasts Also Occurs in Men and Women

    Similarly, invasive lobular carcinoma cells start forming in the lobules. From the lobules, invasive lobular carcinoma cells spread to the nearest breast tissues. Just like ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma cancer cells can also metastasize to areas of the body like the lungs.

    Men and Women Can Also Get Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Breast Cancer

    Ductal carcinoma in situ differs from the other two breast cancers. Unlike ductal or lobular carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ is a breast disease limited to the lining of the ducts. Sometimes ductal carcinoma in situ leads to invasive breast cancer. Usually, though, the ductal carcinoma in situ cancer cells don’t spread to other tissues in the breast nor metastasize.

    Cirrhosis and Obesity are Common Risk Factors for Men

    Two common risk factors for men developing breast cancer are cirrhosis and/or obesity. Obesity means a person is excessively overweight, and cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis increases men’s risk for breast cancer by lowering their androgen levels and raising estrogen levels. Obesity causes chronic inflammation and increased levels of insulin, and sex hormones, all of which can lead to cancer.

    Having risk factors like cirrhosis and obesity doesn’t mean men will develop breast cancer, though. That said, the CDC suggests that “all men can lower their risk by keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly.”

    Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 for information about mastectomy education in Roanoke, VA, and custom breast prosthesis. Like and follow us for updates on Facebook. We’d be happy to discuss how men get breast cancer too.

  • Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    Second To Nature Looks Ahead to Mental Health Awareness

    For Second To Nature’s April message, we’re sharing mental health issues related to breast cancer ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and undergoing treatment, significantly impacts patients’ mental health. It’s quite common for patients to experience anxiety and depression; usually they’re temporary, but sometimes they become clinical. Treatment side effects can even cause insomnia and mood swings. Sometimes patients on especially difficult cancer journeys develop PTSD.

    Anxiety and Depression are Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    The most common mental health issues related to breast cancer are anxiety and depression, two sides of the same coin. Anxiety is when you feel uncomfortable, worried, or fearful about a situation. Those on breast cancer journeys often experience anxiety pre- and post-treatment; they’re anxious about the treatment’s effectiveness and side effects. Post-treatment anxiety also includes fear of recurrence – anxiety about the cancer coming back.

    With anxiety usually comes depression. Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness are symptomatic of depression. Other symptoms include trouble making decisions focusing, or remembering, as well as extreme tiredness or less energy unassociated with treatment. If a patient’s depression causes thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts of suicide, please contact a crisis hotline ASAP.

    Patients Might Also Experience Insomnia, Mood Swings, and Even PTSD

    Insomnia, mood swings, and PTSD are also common. Sometimes mood swings and insomnia are simply side effects of breast cancer treatments. Difficulty falling or staying asleep or difficulty waking up are signs of insomnia. Quickly switching between happiness and cheerfulness to sadness, irritability, or anger is symptomatic of mood swings.

    Developing PTSD is Another Mental Health Issue Related to a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

    PTSD is short for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to breastcancer.org, a German study found that 82.5 percent of women with an early-stage diagnosis had symptoms of PTSD. Generally, their symptoms begin between the initial finding and starting treatment. PTSD symptoms include nightmares about the cancer experience, feeling emotionally numb, being startled or frightened easily, and self-destructive behavior.

    To inquire about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Get updates on Facebook when you like and follow us. Our team wants to help you find resources to deal with mental health issues related to breast cancer.

  • Second To Nature Explains Various Benign Breast Lumps

    Second To Nature Explains Various Benign Breast Lumps

    Second To Nature Explains Various Benign Breast Lumps

    Not All Lumps on Breasts Are Cancerous; Sometimes They’re Benign

    This month’s blog topic is benign breast lumps. In our last blog of 2022, we explained that one breast cancer myth is that lumps always indicate cancer. If you have a lump on your breast or chest area, don’t panic. At Second To Nature, we want you to understand which breast lumps aren’t cancerous, as many are benign. According to Johns Hopkins, a lump which is always benign is:

    • An Abscess
    • A Cyst
    • Fat Necrosis
    • A Hematoma

    Hematomas and Cysts are Benign Lumps Commonly Found on Breasts

    A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms in breast tissue, and sometimes feels like a large blister. Women between the ages of 35 and 50, and those approaching menopause, commonly develop breast cysts. Healthcare providers often find cysts during physical exams, and confirm their diagnosis with mammograms or ultrasounds. A hematoma is a mass filled with blood. Hematomas generally result from an injury, such as one from a car accident or fall. You can also get a hematoma after a surgical procedure of the breast, like a mastectomy. They usually resemble a bruise, and might feel like a firm lump under the skin.

    Two Common Benign Lumps Also Include an Abscess and Fat Necrosis

    Fat necrosis is a condition that creates a round, firm lump. It’s painless, and results from disintegrating and damaged fatty tissues within the breast. Women with especially large breasts, or who experienced a bruise or blow to the breast, generally develop fat necrosis. Sometimes a lumpectomy and radiation from cancerous lumps result in fat necrosis.  Fat necrosis lumps are not cancerous, though, and don’t increase any risk of breast cancer.

    An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms on the breast. It causes inflammation and a sore lump. Other abscess symptoms can include fever and tiredness. While an abscess on your breast is uncomfortable and painful, it’s not life-threatening because it’s benign. Treatment for an abscess includes draining the pus to improve symptoms and taking antibiotics.

    For information about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Like us on Facebook and follow us for updates. We can help you be sure whether or not you have benign breast lumps.

  • What NOT to Say to Someone Battling Breast Cancer

    What NOT to Say to Someone Battling Breast Cancer

    What NOT to Say to Someone Battling Breast Cancer

    We Understand It’s Tough to Know What to Say to Someone With Cancer

    This month, Second To Nature is blogging about what NOT to say to someone battling breast cancer. When people about whom we deeply care are on cancer journeys, it’s often hard to interact with them. It’s not because we don’t want to, but we often find ourselves at a loss for words when in their company.

    As we explained last month, it’s important to continue communicating with loved ones on their cancer journeys. That said, sometimes what we say isn’t always helpful. When you’re talking with a loved one battling breast cancer, avoid saying:

    • “How are you?”
    • “You’ll be okay” and other cheerleading phrases
    • Statements of unfounded empathy like “I know what you’re going through”
    • “Maybe you should have” statements
    • Nothing

    Avoid Asking “How Are You?” and Saying “Maybe You Should Have _____”

    We’re not suggesting that asking “how are you” is insensitive or specifically inappropriate. However, asking a patient “how are you” is too open ended. Instead of asking “how are you,” ask things like “how is your treatment going?” You could also add “feeling” to the question and ask “how are you feeling?”

    Saying “Maybe You Should Have” is Like Blaming Cancer on the Patient

    Maybe you’re talking to someone you know who hasn’t practiced healthy habits. You might be tempted to say “maybe you should have” and point out the healthier choices that person could’ve made. Even if science supports unhealthy choices as possible cancer causes, never say “maybe you should have” to someone battling cancer. It’s also not supportive to say “maybe you should have gone to the doctor sooner” or other such statements. Saying such things sounds like you’re shaming the patient or, worse, blaming the patient for getting cancer.

    Cheerleading Phrases and Unfounded Empathy Often Aren’t Helpful

    Avoid saying things like “everything is going to be fine” and “you’ll be okay.” Such cheerleading phrases may feel like encouragement to the one giving them, but not to the recipient.  The last thing a patient whose been throwing up all night, and feels terrible wants to hear are cheerleading phrases. Rather than saying cheerleading phrases as encouragement, say something like “we’re going to get through this together.” That’s not a cheerleading phrase as much one that communicates your support on their cancer journey.

    Unfounded Empathy Diminishes Cancer Patients’ Personal Experiences

    Statements of unfounded empathy like “I know what you’re going through” might seem empathetic to you. Really, though, you don’t know what the person is going through, specifically. You might have had cancer yourself, and, therefore, think this type of phrase is not unfounded empathy. However, everyone’s cancer journey is different. Putting yourself in another person’s shoes diminishes that patient’s personal experiences.

    The Truly Worst Thing You Can Say to Breast Cancer Patients is Nothing

    Saying nothing about a patient’s breast cancer journey is the worst of all communication choices. When you say nothing, it can feel like abandonment, and come across as hurtful. Rather than saying nothing, be honest, and tell the patient that you feel awkward or uncomfortable. That lets the patient know you care, and just don’t want to hurt his or her feelings.

    For mastectomy education information and to learn about custom breast prosthesis, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We’d be glad to further describe what NOT to say to someone battling breast cancer.

  • Find Ways to Show Love…

    Find Ways to Show Love…

    Find Ways to Show Love…

    Second To Nature Loves and Supports Every Breast Cancer Survivor

    With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, let’s find ways to show love to loved ones battling breast cancer. If you have a special someone in your life with breast cancer, consider ways to shower love on them. Expressions of love and support are invaluable to those going through any kind of health challenge.

    We love and support every breast cancer survivor at Second To Nature! Among the many ways you can show love to loved ones battling breast cancer, you can:

    • Communicate and Visit with Loved Ones
    • Give Your Loved One Useful Gifts or a Makeover
    • Encourage and Support Them

    How to Communicate With, Visit, and Encourage Breast Cancer Patients

    The most fulfilling way to show people you love them is when you encourage, communicate with, and visit them. This is especially true for people battling breast cancer. Too often those on a breast cancer journey tend to isolate themselves. This can lead to compounding conditions like depression; so how do we communicate that we care?

    Send brief, frequent notes or text messages, or make short, regular calls to communicate. On the phone, remember to listen carefully. Schedule short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. On these visits, remember to give physical and emotional support to the caregiver, too. With every note, text, call, and visit, encourage the patient and caregiver. When you encourage others, it builds self-confidence, success, self-esteem, and validation.

    Show Breast Cancer Patients Love with Useful Gifts or Makeovers

    In addition to visiting, chatting, and showing encouragement, you can show love to breast cancer patients in tangible ways, too. If the patient is undergoing treatment that affects his or her appearance, offer to give a makeover. According to cancer.org, makeovers can help patients look more like their normal selves, which helps them feel better, and gives them more confidence. If a patient isn’t interested in getting a makeover, consider buying him or her a useful gift.

    Useful Gifts to Give to Breast Cancer Patients

    Useful gifts are small, practical items. A useful gift might be something the patient needs or simply enjoys. Examples of useful gifts include:

    • Silk or satin pillowcases
    • Self-care items, like a cancer resource book, a special pillow, or a heating pad
    • A CD or download of patients’ favorite music
    • Funny or heartwarming movies
    • Audio books

    Encourage and Support to Show that You Love Someone

    If you wish to share support and encouragement to loved ones who live farther away from you, consider sending them a gift certificate or making a donation to a favorite charity in their honor. Giving expressions of love, support, and encouragement are just a small way to provide a gentle boost. You never know when someone may need it. Think ahead and plan to make your Valentine’s Day extra special for your loved ones battling breast cancer.

    Call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711 to learn about mastectomy education and custom breast prosthesis. Follow and like us on Facebook for updates. We’d also be glad to share more ways to show love to loved ones battling breast cancer.

  • Myths Vs. Truths About Breast Cancer

    Myths Vs. Truths About Breast Cancer

    Myths Vs. Truths About Breast Cancer

    It’s Important to Know What’s a Breast Cancer Myth and What’s Truth

    As we wrap up 2022, we’re blogging about myths vs. truths about breast cancer. There’s a lot of information out there about breast cancer. It’s hard to determine what’s breast cancer truth and what’s actually a breast cancer myth. At Second To Nature, we provide mastectomy education, and encourage true breast cancer awareness. Therefore, our blog this month focuses on weeding through breast cancer truths versus myths like:

    • Family History Solely Determines Breast Cancer Risk
    • Practicing Healthy Behaviors Guarantees Not Getting Breast Cancer
    • Too Much Sugar Causes Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Always Manifests as a Lump

    Breast Cancer Myth: Only Family History Determines Breast Cancer Risk

    Yes, family history is certainly a factor when determining a risk for breast cancer. However, the breast cancer truth is only five to 10 percent of women inherit breast cancers, according to breastcancer.org. Even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you can consider factors like environment and lifestyle. That said, those with a family history of breast cancer should also seriously consider that risk as well as others.

    Breast Cancer Myth: Healthy Behaviors Avert Developing Breast Cancer

    Absolutely, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and other healthy behaviors can help lower breast cancer risks. Even so, the breast cancer truth is that no specific healthy behaviors guarantee you won’t get breast cancer. An additional healthy behavior that lowers the risk of fatal breast cancer is performing self-breast exams. That way, you can spot unusual changes in your breasts. Besides adopting healthy behaviors, you should get regular mammograms.

    Breast Cancer Myth: Too Much Sugar in Your Diet Causes Breast Cancer

    A common cancer myth is to avoid consuming too much sugar because sugar feeds and increases cancer growth. That’s not entirely accurate. In general, consuming too much sugar is just not a healthy choice to make. The breast cancer truth is that all cells, whether cancerous or not, use sugar as fuel. Yes, cancer cells consume sugar more quickly than non-cancerous cells. However, that doesn’t mean that too much sugar causes breast cancer, or any type of cancer for that matter.

     

    Breast Cancer Myth: Breast Cancer Always Shows Itself as a Lump

    This breast cancer myth is not a breast truth for two reasons. First of all, according to the Mayo Clinic, many with breast cancer never had symptoms, including lumps, prior to diagnosis. A lot of times doctors only found their cancer in a screening, like a mammogram. Secondly, according to the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of lumps we find on our bodies are harmless. Lumps aren’t likely cancerous if:

    • They’re soft
    • They’re located in the fat layer of skin
    • Activity increases their size and pain levels
    • Resting decreases their size and pain levels
    • They move and change form when touched

    For information about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 in Roanoke, VA. Like and follow us on Facebook for updates. We’d also be happy to share more myths vs. truths about breast cancer.

  • What If You’re Unhappy with Your Reconstruction?

    What If You’re Unhappy with Your Reconstruction?

    What If You’re Unhappy with Your Reconstruction?

    Second To Nature Offers Some Alternatives That Could Make You Happy

    This month, our blog answers the question: What if you’re unhappy with your reconstruction? In November 2020, we blogged about choosing the surgery that’s right for you. We recommended taking time to research your options and consulting a plastic surgeon. You should also discuss your treatment plan with loved ones. It’s important that you also find out your family history, to provide insight into previously successful treatment outcomes.

    If, ultimately, your breast reconstruction leaves you less than satisfied, you can pursue alternatives. Depending on the kind of reconstructive surgery you had, other surgeries may prove more satisfactory. Of course, there’s always opting for a customized breast prosthesis by Second To Nature!

    The ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis Offered by Second To Nature

    At Second To Nature, we offer the ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis. This state-of-the-art technology uses 3D scanning to give designers clear images of your shape. We specifically create the prosthesis for every customer’s body size and skin pigmentation. We replicate the prosthesis shape based on your remaining breast and lifted in a bra. For a bilateral mastectomy, we create a breast form. The prosthesis covers and replaces the areas specific to what’s missing. It’s worn directly against the wall of your torso area.

    How The Process Works, Step-by-Step

    1. First, a fitter will discuss the benefits of custom breast prosthesis with you at a pre-scanning consultation. The fitter will take the time to help you decide whether or not it’s something to pursue. This fitter will work with you from beginning to end. By the end of this first meeting, you should fully understand what to expect. Your fitter will also go over your color choices, payment options, and the scanning process.
    2. When you come in for your personal scan session, your fitter will re-explain the process, then begin. The fitter will start out by taking reference images, then scan your chest with an iPad-based, 3D scanner. This technology is designed with accuracy to ensure a perfectly customized prosthesis.
    3. Next, after your scan session, the American Breast Care Custom Design team, in Marietta, GA, will electronically receive your files. With your information and their CAD-based engineering technology, they’ll start creating your customized prosthesis.
    4. Finally, upon receiving your completed ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis, we’ll schedule your personal fit appointment. Your first fit be in the bra you wore when scanned. The customized prosthesis should fit to your personal shape. You’re not limited to that bra, though! We’d love it if you’d try different styles to go with your new prosthesis.

    Clients Use Custom Breast Prosthesis for Various Reasons

    A prosthesis isn’t solely beneficial after complete breast reconstruction. Even if you had a lumpectomy or other breast-conserving surgery, you could get a custom prosthesis. The extent and place of the removed tissue varies quite a bit. Regardless of the type of surgery, a custom breast prosthesis is worth considering. It works for partial, simple, and radical mastectomies, plus other kinds of breast-conserving procedures.

    Try Out Custom Breast Prosthesis for Yourself

    Many women choose our custom prosthesis over reconstructive surgery. Sometimes, they use them as way to try out reconstruction. Other times, they use it in place of surgery. Even ladies who’ve had reconstruction may simply want to look more symmetrical. So, they often choose custom breast prosthesis.

    Reconstructive Surgery Options

    If you’re not completely satisfied with your breast reconstruction, you could talk to the members of your medical team about it. With your surgeon and other team members, you can discuss what steps you might take to improve how you look and feel about the reconstruction. According to http://cancer.org, lumpectomy reconstruction may include lipofilling or dermal matrix products. Total breast reconstruction options include using implants, as well as your own body tissues (flap procedures.)

    Breast Implants, Flap Procedures, or Both?

    Breast implants include flexible silicone shells filled with saline or silicone gel. A tissue flap procedure takes tissue from other body parts like the belly, back, legs, or posterior to reconstruct the shape of the breast. If your reconstructive surgery was one or the other, you could combine implants with flap breast reconstruction. When you’re happy with the breast shape, you can reconstruct the nipple and areola post-surgery with tattooing and fat grafting.

    What Might Happen After Getting Your Breast Implant or Flap Procedure

    After getting breast implants, it’s possible you might change your mind about their size. If you do, a breast implant exchange might be a viable option. Also, even if you didn’t get a flap procedure done, you might end up requiring that, as well. Any post-op procedure might also require fat grafting, breast reshaping, or scar revision. Whatever your concerns or questions after your breast reconstruction, talk to your medical team. If the conversation you have with your team doesn’t satisfy you, you’re entitled to a second opinion. A second opinion from another, qualified surgeon could help ensure that you understand all of your viable options.

    Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 to find out about our custom breast prosthesis. Our services also include mastectomy education. Like and follow us on Facebook for updates. We can help answer the question, “What if you’re unhappy with your reconstruction?”

  • 50 Ways to Take a Break From Breast Cancer

    50 Ways to Take a Break From Breast Cancer

    50 Ways to Take a Break From Breast Cancer

    Sometimes, You Just Need to Distract Yourself and Take a Break

    Believe it or not, there are at least 50 ways to take a break from breast cancer. Last month, Second To Nature shared examples of self-care while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Self-care can range from a healthy diet and exercise to a balance of good sleep and trying to lower stress. One element of self-care could also include distractions from the turmoil of your cancer journey.

    Why Should I Take a Break?

    According to cancer.net, “engaging in… activity gives (cancer patients) a sense of accomplishment and provides a distraction from daily worries.” When you take a break from breast cancer, you’re unburdening yourself from the stresses that go with it. The National Center for Biotechnology Information published a study in 2010 about the benefits of participating in activities. The study found that “enjoyable leisure activities … are associated with psychosocial and physical measures relevant for health and well-being.”

    How Can I Take a Break?

    Taking a break from breast cancer could include participating in community activities, volunteering, doing outdoor activities, or trying indoor ideas. You can also take time alone to recharge and focus your mind. It’s important to spend family time, too, both indoors and outside. When you care for others, you can distract yourself from difficulties, too.

    Time Alone

    “Me-time,” or time alone, is the most basic form of self-care. If you like the outdoors, take time alone to walk by yourself, or go hiking. You can spend time alone inside by finishing a crossword, word search, or sudoku puzzle. Consider these options for spending time alone also:

    • Watch and participate in an online or video-recorded aerobics routine
    • Lift weights at the gym
    • Try yoga or Pilates
    • Enjoy a pamper-fest. Have a massage, have your hair and nails done, and treat yourself to new clothes or shoes
    • Do some creative writing, whether it be poetry, fan fiction, or even a novel
    • Keep a personal, hand-written, or typed journal
    • Create your own blog
    • Start a collection of stamps, coins, memorabilia, seashells, comic books, toys, or more.
    • Make a budget, or try investing
    • Learn something new, maybe a language, a musical instrument, or another skill. Take advantage of Pinterest and YouTube, or enroll in online classes.

    Family Time

    For indoor ideas, you can spend family time researching your genealogy. Make it fun, and work together to create a family tree. You could also bring a pet home! Maybe you’d like to binge-watch TV shows for family time, by streaming, or on DVDs and Blu-ray. You can also:

    • Hold an at-home movie marathon
    • Put together a jigsaw puzzle
    • Throw a “just because” party
    • Take a “staycation”

    Outdoor activities for family time include traveling around your state, the country, or the world together. There’s also:

    • Exploring where you live by making up and doing a local scavenger hunt.
    • Going camping, even if it’s only in your backyard.
    • Having a family cookout or barbeque.

    Community Activities

    Help plan community activities like street fairs, festivals, and celebrations. Other community activities include:

    • Joining or forming a wine-tasting, book, or social club.
    • Hosting or attending a community-wide board or card game night.
    • Taking part in entertainment-based community activities such as choir, band, or theater groups.

    Care for Others

    A simple way to show how you care for others is by cooking and baking for your family, friends, and neighbors. Other acts of kindness and care for others could be:

    • Donating your time by volunteering at a local hospital or nursing home.
    • Being a Big Brother or Sister, either with the named organization or just to someone who needs one.
    • Helping out at an animal shelter, or doing volunteer pet sitting.
    • Finding a pen pal. Write letters to prisoners, nursing home residents, and men and women in the military.

    Outdoor Activities

    Fresh air and being outside is good for overall health. Outdoor activities that are good for taking a break from breast cancer might include:

    • Playing low-impact sports, such as swimming, golf, biking, rowing, or kayaking.
    • Checking out museums and art galleries.
    • Doing some gardening, landscaping, or other at-home outdoor activities.
    • Going fishing, trapping, or hunting.
    • Packing a picnic meal and eating it at a nearby park.
    • Taking up stargazing or metal detecting.

    Indoor Ideas

    Sometimes, the weather won’t permit doing outdoor activities. Maybe, doing stuff outside isn’t your thing. If you’re not much for doing outdoor activities, here are some indoor ideas:

    • Spend time alone playing virtual reality or computer games.
    • Watch online documentaries by yourself or with your family.
    • Enjoy making a variety of crafts.
    • Have fun with adult coloring books and colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
    • Paint landscapes or other images on canvas.
    • Try your hand at knitting, crocheting, or sewing.
    • Learn and implement relaxation exercises.
    • Take time alone to listen to podcasts and audio books.
    • Record your own podcast, or start a YouTube channel.
    • Read printed or digital books.
    • Use family time to sort and organize photos.
    • Scrapbook memories and milestone events.
    • Reorganize and sift through closets and cupboards.
    • Plan home renovations or redecorating efforts.

    Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 for information about our custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education services. Like us on Facebook, and follow our page for updates. We’d also be glad to discuss with you about the 50 ways to take a break from breast cancer.