Paphos People

I received this in an email and I thought it was worth posting as it is important for women to be aware. I have deleted the first part of the email, but it has been circulated following the death of a woman who subsequently died. She wanted women to be aware.

I know of a lady who was mis-diagnosed in the UK. Thankfully she was diagnosed and treated quickly in Cyprus, so this is information that I feel is important to pass on.


Women, PLEASE be alert to anything that is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.

Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole It appeared as a rash, which later became a lesion with a crusty outer edge. I would not have ever suspected it to be breast cancer but it was. My nipple never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went to the doctor for that. Sometimes, it itched and was sore, but other than that it didn't bother me. It was just ugly and a nuisance, and could not be cleared up with all the creams prescribed by my doctor and dermatologist for the dermatitis on my eyes just prio r to this outbreak. They seemed a little concerned but did not warn me it could be cancerous.

Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or rash on the nipple or aureole can be breast cancer. (Mine started out as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget's dis ease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.)

What are the symptoms?

1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn (As I stated, mine did not itch or burn much, and had no oozing I was aware of, but it did have a crust along the outer edge on one side.)

2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick looking area in center of nipple).

3. Usually only one nipple is effected. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will do a physical exam and should suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately. Ev en though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.

This message should be taken seriously and passed on to as many of your relatives and friends as possible; it could save someone's life.

My breast cancer has spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and taking Tamaxofin. If this had been diagnosed as breast cancer in the beginning, perhaps it would not have spread...

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

This link may be of use


http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/defau ... =5074#what

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John

In Arduis Fidelis

A subject that has unfortunately become very close to my heart... or rather that of a close family member, I can't stress awareness enough.... Although a subject given wide publicity its still not well known enough....

Rgs

Ian

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Certa Cito.

I have just had a mammogram and a bone density scan done at the Iasis - all clear on both - they have a special offer on until the end of the month (end of this week). Both for €85 - normal price is €77 for each. It's the first time I've had a bone density done, but I thought I'd better as my mother has osteoporosis of the spine.

Come on ladies, we have to take care of ourselves! We are our own worst enemies when it comes to things like this. The infrastructure is there, let's use it.

Jean

What an excellent price Jean, did you have to book or can you just turn up

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

You could always give them a ring, Molly. 26848484.

I am tempted as this sounds like a great offer.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Yep, you should get it done, then by the time you have finished you should have had all your bits checked out.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

A full MOT!



Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

slightly off topic but thought this would be a good place to mention that i got the all clear on my colposcopy (see earlier post - one for the ladies) The doc said that everything looked perfectly normal and there was also very little scarring from the treatment!

I can go back to annual smears for 5 years then all being well every 3 years from then on

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http://WWW.CYPRUSROCKCAFE.COM

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Great news, Lolly.

It is not pleasant going for these check-ups, but I feel we owe it to ourselves and the people who care about us to make sure that we know what is going on with our bodies.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Great news Lolly, you must feel so relieved.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Molly

I rang up and booked - they open at 8am, but the first appointment is 8.30 as "the machine has to warm up" - that's very good of them I thought, as it's usually bl**dy freezing All in it took about 45 minutes, the bone density one taking the longest, but ladies, we owe it to ourselves!

If you want it done give them a call in the morning, it's a very nice lady there. The offer is only on until the end of this week.

Jean

Thanks for the thread Verity ~ Hope you don't mind but I've copied it to a women's forum that I am admin on x

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Dawn
~Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly~

On this subject - where is the best place to get a smear done? Does Dr.Dora do them or do I have to go to a clinic/hospital. I had a colposcopy many years ago now but I'm aware my smear is due and its playing on my mind - that and needing a hit man for my ex husband haha!

Yes and glad to hear you got the all clear - I know what a relief that is.

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Nicky

Real beauty is on the inside - I help the unreal bit.

I am really glad to see these posts on here. There are so many things that you take for granted here in the UK by way of routine checks and treatment, and any information about how to get it in Cyprus is so useful. Maybe this kind of information should be in a section where it can remain for all to view when they need it. Maybe a Health section.

Lolly - I am glad you got the all-clear. It must be a relief.

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Tina
xxxx

Thanks Jean.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Hi Nicky,

Not sure about Dr. Dora, but you can get a smear at Evangelissmos or Iasis. Any of the clinics will do them.

Tina - a health section may be valuable. We can put Amanda's information about maternity stuff in there, too. It is up to Pete, so I am sure he will think about what is best.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

I think a Health & Well-being section would be really useful. I am sure that more of us worry about our health more than we really let on. It is hard enough to get information here in the UK, and I am sure it will be worse when in Cyprus. It could be basic information like contact numbers for hospitals etc to specific articles, like the breast cancer one and pregnancy diary. Also, alternative medicine, mental health, counselling services and dentists (a subject near to my heart).

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Tina
xxxx

The FAQ section already holds basic hospital numbers, but it could be expanded. There is an awful lot of work involved in putting information together, but as the site builds it could be accommodated.

Dawn - no problem with you putting the info on your site. The more women who are made aware of what to look for the better.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Thanks very much for that info Jean, I've got an appointment with the Iasis for the scans.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

I haven't. Can only cope with what I am facing on Thursday. Don't want to have to cope with any more at the moment.

If I get the all clear I will tackle the routine issues later in the year. When I am 50. Isn't that when they start calling you up for mammograms in the UK?

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

If you ladies would like to collate a list of items, we can put them into a FAQ for you & anyone else who'd be able to see them then

Verity - the way I'm feeling at the moment I need to get all parts mot'd.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Sent you a text this morning, Molly.

I have another 12 months before I need to get a smear and a mammogram. I actually feel quite well apart from my knee, but I just need to get Thursday out of the way.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Yep I phoned you back, bl**dy phone cant hear it when in bedroom.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated