IBC...What is it?

There are different types of breast cancer. One type of particularly aggressive breast cancer is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). IBC does not look like what we think breast cancer should look like. IBC does not present itself as a lump and its symptoms tend to grow quickly, often mistaken for an infection like mastitis. Even worse, IBC is usually not detected on mammograms or ultrasounds.

Now are you paying attention?

At Michelle's Place, we had the pleasure of hosting an Educational Seminar on IBC by IBC Survivor Kommah "Koko" McDowell of the Kommah Seray Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation. She really spells it clearly and helps us understand what we need to know about IBC in this video.


Inflammatory Breast Cancer by michellesplace

We have other online Educational Seminars available for viewing.

Knowledge is power. Be informed. Be your own health advocate.

Beyond Breast Cancer Treatment...I am home from chemo, now what?

Yesterday at Michelle's Place, we had the pleasure of hosting a Breast Cancer Educational Seminar on Why Exercise & Nutrition are Key for Recovery. Anneke Marvin, Trainer and Owner of CrossFit Temecula South, where they train everyone from professional athletes to individuals with severe injuries and physical limitations discussed the physical effects of chemo and radiation and how exercise and nutrition are a key to recovering from breast cancer and having a solid quality of life going forward. I asked Anneke for her top 3 tips and she gave me GOLD! Thank you, Anneke!!!

Anneke's Top 3 Tips for Women Going Through Breast Cancer Treatment

1. Cut out as much sugar from your diet as possible. This includes processed foods, grain, and dairy. Cancer cells love sugar so don't give them any!

2. Sleep! Sleep enough and sleep enough consistently. Many studies show that sleep disturbances and/or inadequate sleep raise systemic stress which in turn increases your risk of cancer forming or returning.

3. Keep stress low. I know that we can't eliminate ALL stress but control the things one can. Learn to say "no." Meditation, yoga, and exercise are all good stress reducers. 

Healthy Steps class at Michelle's Place

Beyond these tips, I hope at least one person learns from this that trainers are out there to help you during treatment and beyond. You do not have to be getting "bikini ready" to hit the gym. It is about building and maintaining strength...doing what you can and feeling the best you can. Mentally, you can feel more in control of your journey through breast cancer. 

At Michelle's Place, we offer Healthy Steps classes twice weekly. This class is a series of gentle dance-like movements to done to music. Learn more including the benefits of Healthy Steps.

It is about balance. Taking care of the whole person. Listen to your body. 

Be your own health advocate.

Reality Rally

Along the journey, we get the honor of meeting people who give of themselves to help others. Today people from all over are in Temecula to be a part of an event that was sparked on the beaches of Gabon. When this Survivor contestant heard "Gillian, the tribe has spoken," she took her lot in
life seriously. This adventurous grandmother born and raised in South Africa who makes her home in Temecula knew she would do something with her 15 minutes and she has. Gillian Larson has realized her dream - Reality Rally. A weekend achock full of events all in the name of "Fun for Funds." Michelle's Place is honored to be the beneficiary of this spectacular event that has something for everyone.
With over 80 Reality Stars representing 27 shows, a golf tournament, 3 parties, 2 after parties, Surf Dogs, a Chopper Dog and 31 FREE things to do...oh, and did I mention there is a game called Reality Rally? It is easy to see that this weekend is an incredible undertaking.

 

Let the journey begin!

In our 10+ years of service, Michelle's Place Breast Cancer Center has evolved into more than we ever thought possible when we came together to start this organization. We are working to get more information to you than ever before. As Michelle's sister-in-law, I am so excited to be starting this blog. I want to share resources, helpful information, stories from breast cancer survivors and more. I welcome your comments and questions and would love to know what you are thinking about breast cancer support and services that we provide or that you see elsewhere. My vision is that this truly becomes what I named it...a Pink Ribbon Network.

For those of you that are not familiar with how Michelle's Place started, read Michelle's story and view our founders video below.

Michelle's Place wouldn't be what it is today without massive, unrelenting support from our community for which we are forever grateful. Now my goal is to broaden our scope and open that up even further...breast cancer impacts every part of our lives and it isn't over when treatment is over. Knowledge is power and information is at the heart of knowledge so we will start there. Our website has online resources available to you even if you are not local to Temecula Valley. Only great things can come from sharing...so let the journey begin.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

~Margaret Mead

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.


Amy Watson
Michelle's Sister-in-Law