Integrative Therapies; Support for Breast Cancer Patients

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Free Lecture on Integrative Therapies as Supportive Care for Breast Cancer Patients. 

Thursday, October 17th from 6:00 – 7:00 pmPeabody MA. This one-hour lecture is informative, interactive, and includes evidence-based research and case study.

Integrative therapies* such as acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, meditation, reiki, and yoga can help support people during treatment for cancer, through survivorship.

Learn how these therapies can help support your physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, and how to safely access them for your optimal wellness.

Contact us for details. Advance Registration is Required: Call 978-283-4358  or Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. Space is limited; breast cancer patients and members of their support team only.

*Note: These therapies are not meant to be used ‘in place of’ conventional treatment, but as added, supportive care. For safety and efficacy, consult your physician(s) before beginning integrative therapies and let your medical team know if  you are using any complementary therapies, herb, supplements or over the counter (OTC) medications. Open communication is key to safety and ‘best outcomes.’

 

Added Reiki Shares/Clinics this Month to Support ALS Research

Added Reiki Shares/Clinics this Month to Support ALS Research

Two Additional Reiki Shares/Clinics this month – in memory of a dear friend and colleague.

Sunday, October 27,  1:00 – 4 pm. Greene ME

Monday, October 28. 5:15 – 8:15 pm. Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease(MND) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This month’s donations will be donated to support the ALS MA Chapter’s efforts to better treat and defeat this disease.

So far, there is no cure and only two medications approved for treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

This month, our Reiki Shares/Clinics are offered ‘in memory’ of dear friend and colleague Nancy Earabino, Western Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Reiki Shihan, a nurse who offered reiki for many years at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport MA, North Shore Medical Center in Salem, Peabody and Danvers MA and at many charitable events, including the NSMC Cancer Walk, MGH Brain Cancer Support Group, Friends of Mel’s, Reid’s Ride and LungForce. Nancy spent her life in service to others, and gracefully accepted everything that came her way.

This is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives. Ask your doctor about a screening mammogram.

Our Monthly Reiki Share/Reiki Clinics (1st Tuesdays) offer low-cost reiki sessions ‘by donation’ and help support people undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer, offering low-cost reiki sessions (‘by donation.’)

‘Rest. Relax. Rebalance. Re-energize. Renew. Restore.’  

Preliminary research indicates that reiki may help decrease pain and anxiety, and improve comfort and sleeping, with patients reporting generally feeling better.

Reiki Trainings also available. The practice of Reiki Ryōhō begins with self-reiki for self-care.

Contact Us for More Information on these and other programs, and to Register in Advance. Email: dreamtimewellness.com or phone: 978-283-4258.

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Special Discounts and Stories of Survivors

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives! 

Talk to your doctor about screening for breast cancer and for other medical advice. 

Stories from Survivors and More Information on Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer Affects Men and Women. Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles opens up about his breast cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America.

Continue reading

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Special Discounts and Stories of Survivors

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives! 

Here are Stories from Survivors and More Information on Breast Cancer –

Talk to your doctor about screening for breast cancer.

Discounted Sessions (hypnosis, meditation, reiki) Offered During the Month of October and November, for anyone in treatment for Breast Cancer. Take part in this special savings through tomorrow!

Discounted Sessions Offered during the Month of November, for any Veteran or Member of the Armed Services in treatment for any cancer diagnosis.

Gift Certificates can also be purchased at discounted prices. 

Contact Us for Information and to Register – info@dreamtimewellness.com. 978-283-4258

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate and provide evidence-based services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Special Offer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer can occur in men too. Thanks to early detection services such as screening mammograms, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates. Different types of mammogram screening include digital mammograms and 3D Mammography or tomosynthesis.

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening. Healthy, active lifestyles aid in prevention. Tips on Prevention from Mayo Clinic.

Stress and Cancer. While there is conflicting data in a review of the literature whether or not stress causes breast cancer, people facing a diagnosis of cancer may find the physical, emotional, and social effects of the disease to be stressful. Being able to use effective coping strategies to deal with stress, such as relaxation and stress management techniques, can been lower the incidence of depression and anxiety. According to research, relaxation training during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety and other adverse events in postoperative breast cancer patients.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Society of Integrative Oncology for the Use of Integrative Therapies and Breast Cancer. These include relaxation, mind-body therapies (meditation, hypnosis, yoga), massage, music therapy and acupuncture, with some specific recommendations for symptom management mentioned in the guidelines. While more research is needed, reiki (ray-key) and Qi Gong are offered at a number of cancer centers due to their ease of use, gentle nature and relaxation benefits.

Talk to Your Doctor before using over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, herbal products and integrative therapies. Some may not be indicated or even contraindicated for your situation. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has on-line information about herbal products. The National Institutes of Health also has information on herb-drug interactions.

Special Offer from Dreamtime Wellness ™ During the Month of October: Anyone receiving treatment for breast cancer may enjoy a session for relaxation and stress management at discounted prices. Call or email to schedule your appointment: info@dreamtimewellness.com or 978-283-4258.

Enjoy today in a healthy way,

Karen

 

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate and provide evidence-based services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving health, happiness and wellbeingwww.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

Sources and More Information:

Breast Cancer in Men

American Cancer Society Facts and Figures

Jama Network

Mammogram Screening 

Naval Hospital of Pensacola 

NIH Relaxation During Chemotherapy Breast Cancer

NIH National Cancer Institute Stress Fact Sheet

Psychological Stress and Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer: Be Aware and Lower Your Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Statistics  – According to most recent statistics (2013) from the  Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

  • Breast cancer occurs in both men and women.
  • 230,815 women and 2,109 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • 40,860 women and 464 men in the United States died from breast cancer.

Early Detection Saves Lives – Research shows that early detection and treatment saves lives. Ask your doctor about prevention and routine screening for breast and other cancers.

“When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%.  Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.” (National Breast Cancer Foundation.)

Lowering Your Risks of Breast Cancer. There are preventative measure for breast (and other) cancers. Tips from the Mayo Clinic for prevention –

  • Limit alcohol. Less than 1 drink per day is recommended.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Engage in Physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Check with your doctor before exercising for guidelines and recommendations.
  • Breast-feeding might play a role in prevention.
  • Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Ask your doctor about recommendations and other non-pharmaceutical options.
  • Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. Limit exposure.

Ask Your Doctor. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for prevention and screening to see is best for you. Check with your insurance company to see what type of screening they cover. If you think you might be pregnant, let your doctor know before having a mammogram.

Information for Those Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer –  

 Supportive Care When Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer – 

Ask your Oncologist about Integrative Therapies for adjunctive (supportive) treatment. Talk to your healthcare providers about any integrative, complementary or alternative therapies you are using. Let your healthcare providers know about any over-the-counter, herbal or vitamin supplements you are taking. Note: some may be contraindicated for your care. Discuss with your doctor/oncologist before pursuing.

Wishing you the Best in Health,   Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC.  Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

Sources and More Information –

Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week – Men Are At Risk of Breast Cancer Too

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is breast cancer awareness month and this week is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. While more rare than in women (< 1% of breast cancer according to the national cancer institute,) breast cancer in men is often further along when diagnosed due to less routine screening or awareness of risks. Knowledge is Power – Increased awareness leads to early detection and increased survival.

Male Breast Tissue

Couples with Breast Cancer  Husband and wives faced with breast cancer, and their inspiring stories – Meg and Gerard Campion and Kara and Mike Selsman. Kara’s breast cancer was caught at an early stage due to routine screening. By the time Mike’s breast cancer was diagnosed, it was more advanced with metastasis to the lungs and bones. Hear their stories and efforts and increasing awareness of male breast cancer.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/10/20/husband-and-wife-battle-breast-cancer-together/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gerard-meg-campion-male-breast-cancer_561bcd56e4b0e66ad4c88624

Marines with Breast Cancer at Camp Lejeune –

Are You At Risk of Male Breast Cancer? Increased risks for male breast cancer include

  • radiation exposure
  • high levels of estrogen
  • inherited genetic mutations
  • family history of breast cancer

EARLY DETECTION – Self-Breast Exams for Men and Women. What to look for and report to your physician – 

  • Lump or thickening in the breast, chest or underarm area
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling, pulling in, puckering or redness of the skin of the breast or nipple
  • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  • Discharge (drainage) from the nipple

Note – Men tend to have much less breast tissue compared to women, so some of these signs can be easier to notice in men than in women.

Prevention of Breast Cancer (for Men and Women) Includes a Healthy lifestyle —

  • healthy eating
  • regular exercise
  • maintain a healthy weight
  • don’t smoke,
  • limit alcohol.

Check with your physician about prevention, risks, screening, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

For more information about risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of male breast cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/male-breast-treatment-pdq

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/male_bc

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerScreeningForMenAtHigherRisk.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/basics/symptoms/con-20025972

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763567

Early Detection Saves Lives – Breast Cancer Awareness for Men and Women

 

Enjoy today in a health way, and be well,   Karen Pischke

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

 

Breast and Liver Cancer Awareness Month – Special Offering at Dreamtime Wellness™

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is Awareness Month for Breast and Liver Cancer.

Did you know that there is a calendar signifying cancer awareness months? With more types of cancers than months in a year, multiple types of cancers are represented some months. Not all types of cancer are represented on this calendar. https://d2agz4bw2vcggl.cloudfront.net/choosehope/uploads/user/files/CA_Awareness_Calendar3.pdf

How many people face a diagnosis of cancer?

Here are some statistics from 2015 – http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-044552.pdf Here you will also find information about ways to prevent and treat cancer, and good news about prevention and survival rates.

The Good News, According to the American Cancer Society –

  • A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented
  • All cancers caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented.
  • Many of the more than 3 million skin cancer cases that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.
  • Screening can prevent colorectal and cervical cancers through early detection and removal of precancerous lesions.
  • Screening is known to reduce (death rates) for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and lung (with long-term and/or heavy smokers)
  • Healthy Lifestyles (healthy weight, healthy nutrition, exercise, no smoking, minimal alcohol) can help prevent cancer
  • Improvement in survival rates over the past 30 years reflects both the earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives – Ask your doctor about ways to prevent, screen for, and treat cancer.

Mammogram Fact Sheet – http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet

What to Expect From a Mammogram

Information about Liver Cancer http://www.cancer.gov/types/liver/patient/adult-liver-treatment-pdq

A diagnosis of cancer and having to undergo treatment may cause anxiety and depression and effects families as well as patients. 

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/emotionalsideeffects/copingwithcancerineverydaylife/a-message-of-hope-emotional-impact-of-cancer

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15295777

Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to cope and deal with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

**Reiki may be helpful for decreasing stress and anxiety in patients receiving treatment for cancer. This study indicates a significant decrease in anxiety after a Reiki Session, and potential for improved comfort – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21998438

Read further for SPECIAL OFFERINGS at Dreamtime Wellness™ this October –

Continue reading

Ladies – Time to Get Squished! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

The Good News

  • When detected early, breast cancer has a high survival rate.
  • You can take steps to help prevent breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness – HOPE

** Talk to your doctor about your risk factors, prevention advice, and screening recommendations for early detection.**

Some Recommendations for Prevention and Early Detection from the American Cancer Association

Sources:

The thought of screening mammograms, needle-guided breast biopsies, or possibility of breast cancer can be very stressful and even overwhelming for some. You are not alone! Ask your doctor about supportive therapies for stress relief and cancer treatment.

Contact me here or privately for additional information on stress relief and relaxation techniques.

Join me in getting squished this month!   ~ Karen

 

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™  Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.