Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue

• Bloody discharge from the nipple

• Change in the size or shape of a breast

• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling

• Inverted nipple

• Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin

• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

Anorexia is the loss of appetite and is one of the common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

According to Dr. Gerald Miletello, cancer patients must maintain their nutrition in order to maintain their health and strength which enables them to fight the cancer. Cancer patients taste and cravings may change from day to day and hour to hour. They may develop sore mouth and tongue or may have trouble swallowing. These side-effects only last 3-8 days following chemotherapy. Diarrhea and/or constipation may occur at any time during their treatments. Neutropenia, low white blood cell count, follows most chemotherapy treatments at some time. Neutropenia normally lasts for 3-7 days.

Day of Chemotherapy and Following Treatment Tips:

• Eat smaller portions more frequently; drink fluids between meals instead of with food.

• Eat by the clock at regular scheduled times; appetite signal may not be in tack.

• Eat between meals with high-protein supplements, milkshakes, puddings, or nutritional energy drinks.

• Add things to enhance smell, appearance, and texture of food.

• Sucking on a think slice of dill pickle, prior to meals, will sometimes stimulate taste buds.

• Exercise approximately 30 minutes before meals to try to stimulate appetite.

• Use plastic utensils if there is a bitter or metallic taste.