Navidad Valley Community Members Become Breast Cancer Aware

Navidad Valley Community Connections will host their turkey and dressing Thanksgiving at the center on Wednesday, Nov. 18 with a meal of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Students from St. Rose Elementary will be the special entertainment. If you would like to join and are not a regular, call Cindy at (979) 309-9592.

The Lunch and Learn speaker for Monday, Oct. 2 was Nancy Hay RN, MSN. The subject was “A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Cancer” from Healthline. She started by reminding everyone that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Cancer occurs when changes called mutations take place in genes that regulate cell growth. The mutations let cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer develops in breast cells. It can occur in the ducts, the lobules or even the fatty tissue of the breast. The uncontrolled cancer cells can travel to the lymph nodes under the arm. The lymph nodes are a primary pathway that help the cancer cells move to other parts of the body.

Following are the most common symptoms: a breast lump that feels different than surrounding tissue and has recently developed, breast pain, red or pitted skin over entire breast, swelling in part or all of breast, a nipple discharge other than milk, peeling, scaling, or flaking of the breast skin, a sudden unexplained change in breast size or shape, inverted nipple, a lump or swelling under your arm.

She went on to define the types of breast cancer, and explain each in detail. There are four main stages of breast cancer based on how large the tumor or tumors are and how much it’s spread. Breast cancer is usually initially diagnosed through a mammogram and/ or an ultrasound, followed by more specific testing, including a breast biopsy.

Breast cancer treatment is determined by the cancer’s stage, how far it’s invaded, and how big the tumor is. Surgery is the most common treatment, followed by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation or hormone therapy. Nancy described each treatment, and the factors going into the determination of which types might be selected.

The final portion of the presentation was on breast cancer care. She stressed that if you find a lump or spot on your breast, or have any other symptoms you should see your doctor. Chances are good it’s not cancer, as there are many other causes of lumps. But, if it does turn out to be cancer, early treatment is the key to better success rates.

According to the CDC breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In 2019 more than 41,000 women were expected to die from breast cancer. Men can also have breast cancer and in 2019, of the 2,600 diagnosed cases, more than 500 men were expected to die. There are a long list of risk factors for developing breast cancer. A few are: age (55 plus), dense breast tissue, white, genes, early menstruation and / or late menopause, never been pregnant, inherited risk, etc. Survival rates are getting better, especially with early detection. Screening was discussed. Annual mammograms are not recommended any more. Age 40-49 women should discuss need with their doctor. Women age 50-74 should get a mammogram every other year, and for those 75 and older, mammograms are no longer recommended. Interestingly, breast self exams are now considered optional. It is, however, a good way to become familiar to how your breast looks and feels. For more detailed information, visit navidadvalleycc.com.

Our Lunch and Learn speaker on Monday was Betty Gabler, talking about her life, in the Getting to Know You series, which is held monthly. The following week, Pharmacist Deanne Hooper will talk about Flu Prevention: Tactics and Tricks. On the Nov. 16, Phyllis Venghaus will host a presentation on Parents as Teachers and Grandparents as Teachers.

The menu for Wednesday, Nov. 4 is enchilada casserole, veggie, salad crackers and dessert; Monday, Nov. 9 is hearty chicken noodle soup, crackers, salad rolls and dessert; and Wednesday, Nov. 11 is fried chicken, potato and veggie of the day, salad, bread and dessert. Each Friday is chef’s choice. October birthday on Wednesday, Oct. 28 by congratulating Irene Janda on being 89 years young! Everyone sang Happy Birthday and wished her many more.

In crafty corner, members are working on wine cork projects, including a picture frame, or trivet, or plant holder. Work continues on the quilt project.