Menopause and Cancer

     I have had some wonderful medical providers in my life during the challenges of menopause.  They have been supportive, caring and innovative.

     Acupuncture can be an incredible treatment for the symptoms and effects of menopause.  I have found an acupuncturist who is thorough and always ready to listen to me knowing that I know my body better than anyone else.  My personal experience has been that, although acupunture does not alleviate all menopausal symptoms (it has for some, I know), it greatly reduces the severity of panic attacks and the depression that can accompany menopause.  I encourage you to try acupuncture and see what it might do for you.

     My gynocologist is constantly on the search for ways to treat and help her patients effectively and naturally.  Last fall during a routine visit we discussed the extremely severe symptoms I have suffered with menopause and she shared what the effects of low levels of iodine may have on menopausal symptoms.  She suggested I do an iodine-urine test to determine my level of iodine.  The results were that I was extremely deficient.  I went on potassium iodide and shortly saw some nice results.  Again, in my particular situation they were not glaringly great…however, any degree of improvement was much appreciated.  Check with your gynecologist or regular physician to see about testing your iodine level.  This may offer you some relief also.

     My mother shared an ad with me some months ago about a product called Femi-Yin.  At first, I was very skeptical because there has simply not been anything natural I could take since my five tumors were both estrogen and progesterone positive.  However, as I studied this product, asked my acupunturist, my gynecologist and an advisors at a Chinese herbal institute, I became confident that the herbs used in this formula offered a natural health product I could use.  The herbs used in the Femi-Yin formula help the luteinizing hormones and that has nothing to do with estrogen or progesterone.  Once again, I am happy to report that I have seen an improvement in the severity of my menopausal symptoms.  This product is sold by BioMed at http://www.biomed-health.com/proddetail.asp?prod=F50010, however, you can also google it to find other  company’s that carry it.   If you have any concerns about the product – do your own research. 

     I am not a physician and am only sharing what has helped me.  Please do not consider any of my writing medical advice.  I wish only to offer encouragement, compassion, insight and understanding.   Always check everything out for yourself and make wise decisions based on your team of medical professionals and your personal knowledge.   My hope is that one or all of these suggestions will be right for you and offer you R-E-L-I-E-F!
caring for you,
Carin g Hansen

  

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Menopause and Cancer

     Hello.  I wanted to chat this week about menopause and what it can mean to cancer victors Remember…I call survivors “victors” because we did not just get through our cancer journey – we were victorious in gaining strength, faith and hope as a result of our journey.

     If you are a victor of a hormone-based cancer such as breast, ovarian, uterine or cervical AND have started down the menopausal path…you know the challenges that you may face.  Tumors that are estrogen, or progesterone, or estrogen and progesterone positive deter us from taking any kind of hormone replacement therapy or natural products that might stimulate hormone production. 
    That scenario is where I find myself and, like you, I identify with the extreme hot flashes, night sweats and panic attacks that proceed a hot flash that feel like you are having a heart attack.  It has been two years for me and there are times when I just sit down and cry telling God I simply cannot do this anymore. 

     Thankfully, I have found a couple of great helps for this season in my life and want to share them with you.  Please check back Thursday for these helps. 
     For the rest of today’s blog I just want to encourage you to make natural health choices and use natural products including natural skin care products as much as possible.  By keeping the ingredients in your  health and beauty products natural and or organic you are simplifying what your body must deal with – and that is something your body will thank you for.   Also, take advantage of newsletters and articles that offer cancer facts, breast cancer support and natural health information.

…till Thursday,
caring for you,
Carin g Hansen 

A Road Map

     When it comes to beauty and health during cancer – I know what I am talking about.  Yes, I am aware that sounds very egotistic and prideful…but really…I do.  I have been on my own cancer journey and through it learned so much as it relates to health and natural beauty.
     Natural health and beauty through simple skin care regimens and natural beauty products were something I craved during my journey and the information and products were not readily available.  So, once I had regained my health I developed a road map to guide you and thousands of other women like you safely down this road.  I invite you to read this road map.  Beauty During the Cancer Journey is an  e-book that walks you through the journey from diagnosis back to health.   This easy to download pdf file is full of cancer facts and options you have, as they relate to beauty, offering caring support from someone who has journeyed before you.  

caring for you,
Carin g Hansen 

  

Spring has Sprung!

     Spring is synonymous with colorful flowers, baby animals and budding trees.  It is an exciting time of the year…watching the world come back to life after the winter months.  I love how God makes each season special – and personally I am the greatest fan of fall here in Colorado.  But, spring is truly wonderful!  Bright green new growth everywhere and wonderful smells as fruit trees blossom!
     Maybe your spring isn’t starting out that wonderful.  You may have just been diagnosed with cancer and right now life, let alone new life, seems somewhat of a dream and nearly impossible to imagine. 
     I would like to offer encouragement.  Now, perhaps more than ever before, you need a solid faith in God the Father.  Yes, I am talking about an unwavering belief in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for your sins.  The Bible says that whoever will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved.  Saved from what?  Eternal death without hope.
     Do you need hope today?  I would love to point the way.  Please contact me.  I will offer caring, compassionate understanding as a cancer survivor.  Additionally, I can offer insight and knowledge as you begin your cancer journey.  Please feel free to check out my website at www.bridges2beauty.net  Let me know if you would like a half hour complimentary phone consultation. 

caring for you,
Carin g Hansen

The Most Powerful Medicine Ever

    Whether you yourself are journeying though breast cancer, another kind of cancer, a life-threatening disease or someone you love – I want to share the most powerful medicine with you.

    This medicine is offered free – yes, free!  It is a well-documented fact that having a positive attitude can help healing both emotionally and mentally, but I am here to tell you that a positive attitude cannot be mustered up sometimes no matter how much you want to.  During my breast cancer journey I found the strength and positive attitude I needed, not within myself, but from my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
     I know it is considered a crutch, old-fashioned and down-right stupid by many to believe in Jesus Christ and everything the Bible says in this time of history.   We think of ourselves as enlightened, empowered and capable of  keeping a positive attitude all in our own strength, however – that simply is not true.  What IS true is that God has offered us salvation (healing spiritually, mentally and emotionally) through Jesus Christ’s death, burial and most importantly his resurrection. 
     During this holy week please drink of this powerful medicine.   No, you may not find yourself physically healed but you will find strength to understand that a positive attitude comes from knowing you are not in control and that you do not have to “fake” feeling and thinking positively.  It is this knowledge and assurance that your faith in Christ is all you need that will create a positive attitude to travel life’s journey. 

   Cancer support via organizations, books, articles, e-books, consultations and natural beauty products to help you through the journey are all wonderful and even necessary – but the best, most powerful medicine ever – a positive attitude can only truly come from believing that Jesus Christ is God’s son and accepting His gift of salvation. 

caring for you,
Carin g Hansen

Help Where and When it’s Needed Most

  There is a lot of medical, emotional and practical information available for women journeying through breast cancer but it seems much of this information lacks addressing the basic issue of femininity during the journey.  
   I do not care how strong of a woman you are, nor how self-confident you are in your role as a woman – when you are faced with losing one or both breasts issues relating to your femininity will crop up.  As a breast cancer survivor I remember so well that during my personal battle, I was amazed to find that although I knew in my head that my femininity had in no way changed or decreased – my heart told me something different.  It was a healthy medicine for me to do all the things a women does to feel feminine during my journey such as dressing nice, applying makeup and fixing my hair.
    
   I believe, with all my heart, that doing these things helps improve healing and recovery.  Breast cancer support groups and organizations, breast cancer awareness products and written material such as articles, e-books and books offer invaluable information on these issues.   Please check some of these links out today – and come back to my blog Thursday for the most powerful medicine available during the cancer journey.

caring for you,
Carin g Hansen  

Where Do I Go?

     I promised on Monday that I would talk about another great natural skin care product line in addition to breast cancer awareness products, so here goes.

     Lily Organics made in Henderson Colorado offer simple, effective natural skin care products from cleansers to toners, to moisturizers, to masks.  Additionally, they offer Moisture Mist and a great facial oil called Kukui.  These products are great for anyone journeying through cancer because of their natural, organic ingredients.   You can find a great collection of Lily Organics products we have named the Cancer Care Collection at www.bridge2beauty.net/beautyandcancer.html

     The first, and I feel the most important source for breast cancer awareness products, is information from such sites as www.y-me.org, and www.susanlovemd.com   These sites along with Dr Susan Love’s Breast Book offer comprehensive information for those journeying through cancer along with other breast cancer awareness products.

     Newspapers, CURE magazine and other articles such as some of those on my site have lots of information available on how to detect breast cancer early, self- examination techniques and where to go if you think you may have a problem.   There are water-proof cards you can put in your shower walking you through each step of a self-exam.  Please remember that the best exams are done laying down but use the cards as a reminder to check yourself regularly.  Try to do your self-exams at the same time each month.   It you are still menstrating, do your exams one week after your period ends.  If you are no longer menstrating you may do it at any time of the month but be consistent. 
     Breast cancer awareness products are readily available.  Please take advantage of what is available to you and you may save our life or the life of someone you love. 

caring for you,
Carin g Hansen

Where Do I Go?

     There are many kinds of cancer affecting friends, family and us everyday.  For some reason, however, there is more emphasis in terms of information, discussion and “glory” (if I may use that word) put on breast cancer.  Additionally, in my contacts with women journeying through cancers other than breast that they feel a sort of prejudice exists favoring those women who have had breast cancer versus other cancers. 
     It is for that reason that I generally do not write just about breast cancer in my blogs, articles and website.  I feel this week  that I should focus in on, breast cancer support as it relates to natural skin care products and natural beauty in terms of breast cancer products and breast cancer awareness products.   I am a breast cancer survivor, therefore I am more versed in the needs of women with that particular cancer.  However, please know that a great deal of what I share regarding beauty during cancer addresses issues all women with any kind of cancer may face.   My e-book, Beauty During the Cancer Journey, covers special concerns that arise from procedures such as a colostomy, urostomy and skin conditions that are very common to all women during their cancer journey.
     Natural skin care products are a huge plus for women with breast cancer to purchase and use.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  The first is that, as with all kinds of cancer, our bodies are going through enough already as it relates to having toxins such as chemotherapy and radiation.  We can help our bodies heal better by not subjecting them to anymore chemicals than necessary.  Natural skin care products are a respite for our skin.  Secondly, because our cancer affects the breast area it is important to be protecting and moisturizing with products that will not irritate or cause adverse skin reactions.
      Aguacate & Co. offers such a line.  They are not only natural skin care products, but also certified organic.  Aguacate is Spanish for avocado.  Aguacate & Co. use avocado’s in their products because of their vitamin A, B, D and E content along with lots of potassium.  The oil in avocado’s penetrate the skin evenly offering great moisturize and  replenishment to dry, tired skin.  

      Check back on Thursday for information on another superior line of natural skin care products along with some information on breast cancer awareness products. 
caring for you,
Carin g Hansen
     

Thoughts from the Heart

     I wanted to share this interesting information from bodiorganics.com  I believe you will find it in line with what I wrote in my last blog about cancer facts and organic health and organic beauty products. 

     “Queensland Mum Narelle C. looks set to start a revolution – not only in the natural beauty product, skin care and cosmetic industry – but in the Certified Organic industry and the Network Marketing fraternity too! Her search for truly natural non toxic skin care and cosmetic products began almost a decade ago after finding through her own extensive research, many of the so-called “natural” and “safe” synthetic chemical ingredients were actually toxic and potentially very dangerous to the long term health of anyone who had used them continuously on their skin for many years. It is very important for Women’s Health because if you are a woman you will generally use more “products” on your skin then men and therefore you will increase your exposure to these chemicals.”

     What I want to stress here is the fact that women are potentially more susceptible to breaking down their immune systems because they use more things on their skin  than men.  This variable along with the added factor of hormone-induced cancer make women whose immune systems are compromised by toxic foods and products a prime target for cancer. 
      Please consider starting a diet containing more organic foods in addition to purchasing organic beauty products.  You are the ony one who can take control of how you treat your body – so do it for you…now!

caring for you,
Carin g Hansen

Thoughts from the Heart

   This last week was a rough one for my family and I.   With all the influenza going around many people we know have been very ill.  However, our family had evaded it till now.  On Monday we received a call from our oldest son in Chicago.  He had spent about twelve hours in the hospital and was diagnosed with sinusitis, influenza and viral meningitis!  My goodness…a triple whammy!

    Thankfully he is feeling much better – but it has brought home to me once again the importance of organic health, natural products and organic products.  Most of you know that there is nothing western medicine can do with virus’.   They can treat bacteria with antibiotics, but virus’ do not respond to antibiotics.  The doctors simply suggest you rest, drink fluids and let the body heal.

    I am convinced that if you are taking antioxidants daily, eating organic food as much as possible and using organic products on your body these viral infections will be easier for the body to get rid of.  Each of these three things should make your body stronger to fight off illness and disease by allowing it to focus on the foreign antibodies instead of having to deal with both these foreign antibodies and internal toxins. 

    Cancer is known to have a direct correlation with how strong a person’s immune system is.  This cancer fact should make every person look closely at how to strengthen and/or keep their immune systems strong.   Thursday I will address this in detail. 

…till then,
caring for you,
Carin g Hansen