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Breast Pain

After having the mammogram scare and still experiencing unexplained breast pain, my sister in law told me about an article she read in Woman’s World about some natural remedies for breast pain.

Here’s what the article said about relieving breast pain:

One of the more common reasons for breast pain is cysts. If you’re prone to non-cancerous cysts, you may want to try switching to decaf coffee and cut back on chocolate. In a study by Duke University, 61% of women tested experienced less breast tenderness. According to Emily A. Kane, N.D. coffee, tea and chocolate all contain methylxanthines which are natural stimulants that encourage cyst growth.

Laurie Steelsmith, N.D. explains that upping iodine reduced breast pain in women with cysts. The iodine blocks the estrogen from binding to the breast tissue cells, which is a common cause of breast cysts. Seaweed dulse is a great source of iodine and it’s also a good alternative to salt as it’s lower in sodium. Look for seaweed dulse granules at your health food store.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that by eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, women are 67% less likely to to suffer from non-cancerous breast cysts. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed, walnuts and fatty fish.

Emily A Kane, N.D., also reports that watermelons, cucumbers, celery, parsley and dandelion tea are all natural diuretics which can help rid the body of excess fluid and can relieve the discomfort caused by swollen, sensitive breast tissue.

Try blocking estrogen with steamed broccoli. Research shows that by eating steaming cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower and watercress, it boosts their levels of indole-3-carbinal (a compound that shields your breasts from estrogen.

I hope you’ll find this information helpful.

References: Womans’ World Magazine 8/10/09

“I’m A Middle Aged Woman” by Lisa Koch

This song adds a little humour to the topic of middle aged women and menopause. I hope you enjoy it… there’s so much truth in what she sings :-) and I can relate to a lot of it.

Mammograms

Last month I went for my annual mammogram. When I was done have my breasts squashed between those cold metal plates I was left with a feeling that there was something wrong. I went home and forgot all about it. 2 weeks later the mammogram department at Chilliwack Hospital called me to say they need more pictures and I need to come back for another mammogram in a week. I asked why and of course they wouldn’t tell me anything…this happened to be the day before I was leaving for holidays. The thoughts started running through my mind at lightning speed…I tried to tell myself it was nothing and maybe one of the pictures was blurred or something simple like that…but it didn’t help. By the end of the week I was a mess…sick to my stomach with stress and worry. My sister has breast cancer and just finished her radiation treatments a few months back and all I could think of was what she was going through.

I went for the second mammogram and it turns out that I have a lump, but the staff at the hospital still can’t tell me anything. I had to wait another couple of days to see a family doctor. My family doctor passed away a month ago while he was on holidays, so I had to see a total stranger who knew nothing of my history. This stressed me out as well :-( The doctor checked the lump and said I needed to go for another mammogram in 6 months to see it the lump changes. He said it was mobile, which I can only assume is a good thing. I’m thinking I should get a second opinion as the area where the lump is located is quite sore. The mammogram was over a week ago, so I don’t think the soreness is from that. I wasn’t told if the lump is a cyst or what they think it is…I’m really not sure what to do at this point. Should I wait for the six months and hope it isn’t anything serious or find another doctor who can answer more of my questions?