Stella Dimoko Korkus.com: Emergency Room Series: Breast Cancer

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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Emergency Room Series: Breast Cancer

Do you know the breasts 'talk'?






 They have the ability to give you signs when something is wrong and as a lady/woman, you should be able to pay close attention to your body, know those signs and report any abnormality early.


The most common cancerous disease that kills women is breast cancer. Its a very deadly disease. I've nursed quite a number of women with breast cancer(not in the ER). The physical pain they go through isn't something you would want to wish your enemy, not to talk of the psychological pain. In some cases, the woman would have to lose a breast or both and that definitely affects her self-esteem and body confidence.


Anybody can have breast cancer, even men, although its rare in men. Breast cancer, like every other disease doesn't just appear from nowhere, there are signs that you should look at for. The first and most important sign is breast lump. Every lady should check her breasts for lumps at least once a month. Not all lumps will lead to cancer, some lumps are benign growths due to infection or inflammation but might become cancerous if left untreated.
Its very easy to check for breast lumps and its best to do it a week after your period


Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in a standing mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. you should look out for the size( both breasts must be almost equal in size), shape, color of the skin and watch out for anything unusual. Normal breasts must be evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention: Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin, a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out), redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.


Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes in step 1


Step 3: While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze your breasts and look for any sign of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood). Unless you're breastfeeding, nothing is expected to come out. You shouldn't see blood if you're breastfeeding too.


Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first three finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion to pad all around the breast to check for any hard, irregular or pebble-like tissue. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.


Be sure to feel all the tissues from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage. Repeat this step when sitting and standing.


Risk factors for developing breast cancer include being a female, obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, radiation, early age at first menstruation, having children late or not at all, older age, and family history.
If one is diagnosed late, the chances of surviving is very low.


There are many women living with breast cancer today and the treatment is very rigorous and expensive. The common treatment includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery to remove one or both breasts(of which that might not make the person cancer-free) and powerful pain medications. Mind you, these treatments don't make the cancer go away but just kills the cancer cells and cancer usually has its way of coming back. I encourage you all, man or woman to follow these steps and check for lumps every month.


If you're obese, please endeavour to lose weight as the cancer is more common among big women due to some hormones.


Finally, if you know anyone living with breast cancer, please and please, always be supportive in every way you can. They are going through a lot of emotional and physical pain. They need all the love and support.


Check your breasts regularly. Prevention is better than cure. Have you had a breast lump removed before? How did you find out and how was it treated? Do we have people having treatment for breast cancer, please let us know how it has been so as to encourage others.


Let's know in the comment section.

54 comments:

  1. Thank you so much! I do the self breast examination sometimes though. It is well.

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  2. Very educative forum. Thanks for the info.

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  3. Lord Jesus help us all women Amen. Not easy when one is diagnose. Will be checking and carrying out the exercises

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  4. I have a friend with lumps and she was diagnosed with cancer. She removed lumps a few years ago but it came back and it's now very big.

    Doctors are confused about her case because it's been a few months and it's not spreading. They conducted 5 tests but results are the sane. It's not spreading.

    But the doctors are insisting that she has to cut off her breasts. Now she's pregnant and freaking confused.

    PS: she's just 31.

    What to do?

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    Replies
    1. With your explanation, you said its cancer, its very big and not spreading which means it's still localised and that's a good thing. The doctor might be looking at the fact that there could be little or no healthy breast tissues left of the breast if he removes the lump again(since you said its a very big lump) and that could be why he wants to remove the whole breast. The doctor won't want to give her drugs or allow her do chemotherapy bcos its very dangerous for the baby. Its a tough decision but if I'm to be real with you, since its not spreading yet, now is the time to remove the lump because Pregnancy could trigger it the more due to hormones.

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    2. Awwwwww. I pray she gets better.

      Cancer is really deadly. I wonder how our forefathers would have suffered it and not knowing.

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    3. if the lumps are not spreading and her health is in no way deteriorating, then there is no need to cut off her breast. maybe she should seek for another doctor's opinion.

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    4. Why don't you advise her to go to another hospital maybe govt hospital. It would be painful if the breast has been cut off only to realize the diagnosis was wrong. It is well with her..

      Thank you sisi Nurse. I enjoy reading your write-ups.

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    5. Plz encourage her to see an oncologist as soon as possible. Pregnancy worsens cancer.

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  5. 👐🏾👐🏾👐🏾 ....who knows, knows! 😉
    Kelvin Dat Edo Boi (Stellz Cousin)

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    Replies
    1. Kelvin you have big breasts, you should examine your breasts every month.

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  6. Thank you very much Nurse. God bless you

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  7. A friend had breast cancer, it was discovered early, she had a surgery to remove the cancer. After the surgery, comes the two weeks therapy (radiotherapy). I remembered following her to the hospital most days. She is fine now but still goes to check every three months because the cancer might be back.
    Radiotherapy made her sikin dry.

    Cancer is one of the illness that scares the hell out of me. I pray they find cure for it soon.

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  8. anon 13:12 we wish her well. She should follow the doctor's advice. It is well. Dont even know what to talk again

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  9. Hnmmm. This breast cancer matter. God help us. Please nurse what is the cause of under the breast to be very dark and itchy, it comes and go.

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    Replies
    1. Big and fallen Olympus/boobs causing friction which prevents air from getting under the breast. Also wearing underside bras always. Pull off the bras when home and wash under the boobs well. Put powder there before putting on bras and No bras to sleep.

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  10. May God have mercy on us.

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  11. Educative, thanks

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  12. Water like milk has been comming out from my breast since i was a little girl, i am married now, but when i was tccing the doctor said that nothing is wrong with me, so he give me medicine that stop the water and i became preganant, and i have two kids now. but recently i have been having pains in my two breasts. i am soooooooooooooooo, sooooooooooo scared now. please where do i go from here?

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    Replies
    1. Nothing iz wrong with you joor...go for test and erase every negative thought

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    2. If its both your breasts then you shouldn't worry too much. Breast cancer usually is one breast. Both your breast suggests that it might be hormone related not necessarily cancer. Give it like two weeks. If the pain persists then see your gyne.

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    3. Take a pregnancy test and if negative please locate the nearest hospital for proper checkup and diagnosis.

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    4. Best is to visit your gynae doctor

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    5. Go for breast scan. If you are above 40years of age go for mammogram.you need to see a general surgeon to review the result .

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    6. Go check prolactin level. If it is high, you will need further tests to figure out why. MAY also be a side effect of medications, but if you have had it since you were a little girl, then you should check it out.

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  13. can some one get cancer from wearing a cancer patient dress?

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    Replies
    1. No you can't!!! Ahhhh are you 12 or you have no medical knowledge at all

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    2. No you can't, cancer is not a contagious disease.

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  14. When I was pregnant in 2017, I was doing mY routine check and I felt a little lump. Very small. I was scared and worried. I gave birth in Sept 2017 and I can't feel the little lump again. Any reason for this?

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    Replies
    1. You can get lump-like feelings in your breast in pregnancy and are as a result of hormonal changes. Its most likely it wasn't really a lump, that's why you can't feel it again. seek a doctor's advise too

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  15. Few years ago my bf now hubby was sucking my boobs and water was coming out. I went to the hospital and conducted some tests and nothing was found to be wrong. I was given was drugs but the drugs didn't stop it.it just stopped on its own.

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    Replies
    1. The sucking reflex stimulates milk production similar to a baby sucking....

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  16. My mum is under going chemotherapy before they can remove the lump the doctor said they want the lump to shrink

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    Replies
    1. Most times is better she go for mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. Since they have confirmed the growth is cancerous .

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  17. The doctor in Nigeria said she should cut the breast but the doctor abroad said no... It is well

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  18. Hmmm,may God have mercy!!
    My neighbours 17year old daughter noticed a lump since January,biko take her to the hospital immediately she say no money,I have talked and talked and now he be like say my own too much!she got admission around the same time she noticed the lump,they prefferd to pay school fee than attending to something that deadly,how can anyone allow their daughter take breast lump to school?

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  19. Thank you for this, may God help us all

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  20. in 2016,I was pregnant and I noticed a lump in my armpit though it isn't painful. I showed the nurse then and she said it's cos of the pregnancy that after delivery it will go. but it's still there

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    Replies
    1. Go and get checked oo. Painless lump in the armpit is not a joking matter o

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  21. Stella please use your platform to appeal to the Federal government .We have just 5 radiotherapy machine in Nigeria.uch,luth,kaduna,benin,enugu.eko hospital is the only private hospital that has radiotherapy machine in Nigeria. You can imagine the stress the patient go through to get radiotherapy treatment in Nigeria. The patients travel from one state to another for the treatment which could be streneousfor the patient. Most times some of the machine get faulty due to too poor maintenance culture. If government could look into this it will help.

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  22. I had lumps removed from both breasts in 2014,it scared the living daylights out of me especially when I was waiting to get the test results, it was benign. Now,there is no sign of lump but I feel a kind of sharp pain once in while.

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  23. the Percentage of people that have been healed from cancer is low.....nutritional therapy is better as it leave no side effects....God has given us food in nature that kills cancer cells...

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  24. This segment is the truth...my MiL is battling cancer she just completed Chemo and she had to take another round of injection dunno what for then her blood dried up and she had to take to pants...i really pity her , now that she ought to be reaping the fruit of her labour her children her gathering money for treatment instead....in other news, I had a lump removed about 9 years ago , but the scar still itches when I wear bra most times cos of heat I'm almost forced not to wear my bra more than once ..lol. I just wanna know if this is normal and then I feel pains occasionally but no lumps.

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    Replies
    1. It is well with you and your mil.... This cancer news scare the living day out of me.

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  25. Hmmmm. I wouldn't wish it for anyone.
    I was diagnosed and have gone through numerous chemo, when i was booked for mastectomy, I didn't show up; the thought of having one breast made me retreated, now I'm back to square one receiving chemo and taking xeloda tablets which is more dreadful bcoz boyyyyyii its gon drain you, I mean your hands,feet, nostrils, will go charcoal black. It's no joke it's no joke it's no joke. The emotional and psychological part of it, is a way longgg story for another day mann. It's no joke. It's sooo draining.
    I was chasing paper, building a career, working tirelessly, without taking cognizant of my health.
    I regret it now. Check your breast every time, if you are a woman.
    It's financially draining, no doubt.
    By God's Grace it didn't spread.
    I will soon undergo mastectomy.
    Some days I go suicidal, most days i cry hard, but I'm a strong woman, I wouldn't let it win me, never.
    I've already overcome it by living and eating right.
    Funny enough nobody knows at my work place but my supervisor.
    Sorry I'm writing so incoherently.
    Wired thought.
    Will be back.
    Pray for me. (Anonymous whatever time that will show up in this comment, just pray for me).
    Stella keep it up.
    Love you all.

    Breast cancer is real, go for a medical check.

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  26. I had lump in my breast 2 years ago.i had biopsy and mammogram and scan.and the result came as fibroadenoma but was told by the doctor that it would come back even if I remove the lump.i am 45 years old and the lump doesn't get bigger but it can be very painful during periods and ovulation.and cause discomfort

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  27. I have been feeling slight pain on my right breast. But I have not notice any lump. God pls help me.

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  28. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. she had a reconstructive surgery and radiation in India and everything became normal though she was placed on medications and routine examinations. Fast forward to October 2015, one of her nipples collapsed- the cancer was said to have been in remission after initial treatment and now back as stage 3. Another round of surgery, this time the two breasts were removed - you can imagine the emotional and psychological trauma. She started another sessions of chemo. August 2017 after series of tests she was declared cancer free and we were all happy though she has to be placed on medication for life.
    November 2017, on 3 monthly routine examination as advised by doctors, cancer back this time spread to the lungs, liver and kidney.
    January 10th 2018 she passed on amid excruciating pains.

    Pls if you know anyone with cancer, don't look the other way, the pain they go through on a daily basis cannot be imagined.
    I watched my sister go from the elegant and very beautiful lady she used to be to a shadow of herself (a vegetable)
    The chemo shaved her very thick and lovely hair in a twinkle of an eye. She became very dark as a result of the chemo. The change that this sickness brings to the home is terrible.
    I cry every day since that fateful day 10th January. I was with her in hospital, watching her gasping for breath, reeling in pains oblivious of her children and sibblings presence. She fought, spent huge amount of money, prayed, held on to her faith in Christ, never wanted to leave her three lovely children whom she loved so much and her wonderful husband but breast cancer would not let that happen.

    Cancer is real. Very real. I saw it first hand. Ladies, pls run for your life. Do not take it forgranted and don't wish it away, check, check and check yourselves.

    May God keep us all from this flesh eating demon called CANCER.

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  29. Nurse, God will bless you immensely for this write-up. I was about to send SDK a mail. I noticed a lump in my right breast. U went to a teaching hospital. I was referred. The doctor gave me two options : I could go for a triple assessment. If the lump is benign, there is a remote possibility of it turning to cancer so I can leave it. Secondly, surgery. I opted for triple assessment at first but my family suggested surgery. I am seriously considering triple assessment. What do you think is best? Triple assessment or surgery?

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