7 minute read
Bout of Pneumonia Leads to Shocking Breast Cancer Diagnosis
DEAR DR. ROACH: My 73-year-old wife has been diligent in getting her mammograms done, plus blood tests and doctor’s visits every three months. In November 2021, she came down with what seemed like a very bad cold that was actually confirmed by X-ray to be pneumonia. After two rounds of different antibiotics, she had lost 35 pounds, and it left her with weakness and a lingering cough. A CT scan later indicated that she “either has cancer or had cancer in the past.”
Multiple tests later, it was determined that there was a tumor at the 12:00 position in her breast and a tumor in her stomach that had spread to her pelvis and bones in her legs. She started taking letrozole and Ibrance, and although extreme fatigue is the most common side effect, they appear to be working.
My question is, how could this initial breast cancer have gone undetected for some time with all of the regular testing and not set off alarms? As bad as the pneumonia was, it allowed her to receive a diagnosis of a disease that eluded detection by current screening methods and very good physicians. -- Anon.
ANSWER: I am so very sorry to hear about your wife. Breast cancer is not just one disease. We think of breast cancer as something that can be easily cured if it is found early, but if you wait too late, it becomes difficult or impossible to cure. Some breast cancers do act that way, but others are much more indolent -- they grow slowly and may never get to the point where they threaten a person’s life.
Unfortunately, there are some breast cancers that can become metastatic (spreading to different sites such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver or lungs) before they are detectable at all by even the most sensitive tests, such as a mammogram or MRI. By the time they are found, because of symptoms, they are incurable by surgery and require systemic treatments like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
Most metastatic breast cancer is incurable, but newer treatments have improved life expectancy, with the average being three years. Screening for breast cancer is unable to save all lives. More effective treatment, in combination with regular screening, will be necessary to continue to progress against this horrible disease.
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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.
© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
Understanding Cataracts
Cataract diagnosis and treatment: An eye doctor will examine dilated eyes to diagnose cataracts. A slit-lamp microscope can make it easier to spot abnormalities, states the AOA.
The eye professional will consider age and the severity of cataracts to determine a treatment strategy. Early loss of vision due to cataracts may be mitigated by stronger lighting or a change in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription.
Johns Hopkins says cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries. It is safe and effective. An ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial, clear lens. If cataracts are present in both eyes, each surgery will be performed separately. A possible complication of cataract surgery is when a part of the natural lens that is not taken out during surgery becomes cloudy and blurs eyesight. This can be remedied with a laser treatment.
TABLETOP GAS BBQ PRO GRILL. Good condition. Just needs cleaning: 585-671-2598
PLAYER PIANO w/BENCH and MUSIC ROLLS. Geneseo area. Must be picked up: 585-243-4894
DOUBLE KNIT FABRICS and RIBBINGS, 12 pounds, including some reds, blues, kid prints: 585-584-3015
KIMBALL PUMP ORGAN works; needs TLC. Beautiful case and seat. It was a great family instrument! You pick up: 585-624-9169
Several EGG CARTONS. Geneseo area. You pick up: 585-243-2173
Used brown camo SOFA/HIDE-A-BED & RECLINER. Great for cabin, college apt. You pick up. Text only: 585-813-4270
High quality Kate Farms NUTRITIONAL DRINK (like Ensure or Boost). Vanilla flavor. Approx. 200 11oz containers. Exp Nov 2023: 585-451-8868
CPAP MACHINE, approx. 10 years old. In working condition - includes case and related accessories: 315-871-8312
Box of MEDICAL NEWSLETTERS (Mayo Clinic, UCLA & Cleveland Clinic). NUTRITION
ACTION MAGAZINES and an envelope of OLD RECIPES. Fairport: 585-388-0318
Several swatches of ASSORTED FABRIC, YARN, KNITTING NEEDLES, EMBROIDERY THREADS and a large bag of assorted SILK FLOWERS. E. Pembroke area: sbly5722@gmail.com
CANON PRINTER INKS box set, also have separate box of the 220PGBK ink: dsmith60@rochester.rr.com
Old AT&T PUSH BUTTON PHONE from 1990s, perhaps someone likes nostalgic items: dsmith60@rochester.rr.com
4” aluminum 90-degree adjustable ELBOW DRYER PIPE: dsmith60@rochester.rr.com
GUITAR MAGAZINES dating back to the ‘90s. Also, SMITHSONIAN and FINGER LAKES MAGAZINES: 585-229-2100
Eleven boxes of 12x12 GREY TILES, 10 in each box: 585-743-5773
Old ESQUIRE MAGAZINES, January 2008 to September 2010. Good condition: 585-671-2598
BABY GRAND PIANO with BENCH. 585-739-0888
Assorted size OLDER WINDOWS from old barn. One lg crank out, six lg skylights, ass’t others & panes. TEXT: 585-354-3346
CERAMIC and CLAY FLOWERPOTS, GARDEN TOOLS, MIRACLE GROW, POTTING SOIL, MULCH, and more! Pick up, Fairport: 585-388-0318
Oldies but goodies – large collection of VHS TAPES, DVDs and CDs: 585-582-2011
DOCK SECTIONS - Sixteen 10’ long pressure treated with legs. Pick up Conesus: 585-346-2390
VARIETY OF CRAFT ITEMS. Pick up Lima: 585-624-2633 or najhedanglis@gmail.com
Working WINDOW AIR CONDITIONING UNITS for refugee family in Canandaigua area. Text or call: 585-754-1275
Looking for an ATV or DIRT BIKE that is running or not for father son project. Call/Text Matt: 315-576-1278
CPAP MACHINE, used or unwanted, for low-income senior with sleep apnea: 585-506-8125
GOLF PUSHCART: ndirisio@verizon.net
VINTAGE MOOG ANALOG SYNTHESIZERS & ACCESSORIES. Parts or whole, working or not. Mini, Micro, Sonic, Taurus, & Poly: 585-599-3142
TWIN BED FRAME with HEAD/FOOT BOARD FUTON in good condition. For refugees in Canandaigua area. Call or text: 585-754-1275
Food grade 55-GALLON BARRELS WITH LIDS: rsmckernan@frontiernet.net
WEBER GRILL you are no longer using. Call or text Matt: 315-576-1278
CPAP. Gently used: 585-313-4315
VINTAGE ELECTRONICS - Tubes, tube testers, stereo equipment, Vintage radios, test equipment, speakers, turntables, Ham Radio, Advertising, Early TVs, records, communication, parts: greg3151@ymail.com
Elderly disabled mechanic looking for a good VEHICLE to go to doctor appts., grocery shopping, etc. Minor repairs okay: 585-883-7387
BOX TRAILER and working MINI FRIDGE: 585-323-1762 (leave message)
Old TABLETOP MANUAL MEAT GRINDER in useable condition (sometimes worded vintage): 585-201-6001
Two disabled veterans would like a CAMPER TO FIX UP: dobstarczyk@hotmail.com
COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TRADING PINS and DISPLAY BOOK for granddaughter who will play in one tournament this summer: 585-334-6134
Looking for a decent GARAGE DOOR, 85”x9’: 585-298-0040
TRUCK for low-income Senior Citizen. Road-worthy, for transportation of elderly mother, and general handy work/yard work. Soon to be urgent need! 585-483-1054
Looking for CLEAN PINE NEEDLES: 585-520-3819
Looking for any OLD/NEW VIDEO GAMES/CONSOLES or COMPUTERS. High school student looking to learn. Can be working/not working. Text 585-450-1172
FOLD-UP TREADMILL. Can pick up: Breit11763@gmail.com
All DC and MARVEL COMIC BOOKS; any year, any issue, any condition: timpani_m@yahoo.com
MANNEQUIN or MANNEQUINS. Used or unwanted for school project. Will pick up: stujaxon@yahoo.com
THE CHOSEN SERIES: braduns@yahoo.com
Small SUV or PICKUP needed for disabled veteran for transport to appointments and errands: bhaizlip@rochester.rr.com
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Rush- enrietta CentralSchoolDistrict Is Hiring...
School Bus Drivers
•Paid training program to obtain Commercial Driver’s License(CDL)available
•High SchoolDiploma/GED required
•Flexibleworkhours •Excellentbenefits
Call(585)359-5380or visitrhnet.org/drive
Experience the RH Advantage!
Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District IS HIRING
SECRETARY TO THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS - CLERK III
BUS DRIVERS
B-SHIFT CLEANERS
NETWORK TECHNICIAN
Hours and pay vary by position.
NYS Pension and bene t eligible positions available. To apply, visit: www.work4h .org
What It Takes To Be A Team Player
Participates frequently: Even when his or her own work is done, a team player does not shy away from taking on the tasks of others to ensure a project is completed on time. This also can include offering tips or pointers.
Freelance
Graphic Designer
- FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE -
Typical projects include newsletters, business cards, flyers, post cards, print ads, directories
Qualifications
• Degree in Graphic Design
• Excellent knowledge of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat
• Ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines
Email cover letter & resume to: cristiel@featuredmedia.com
We’re hiring PathStone Weatherization Program
Providing energy saving improvements to lower energy bills & improve a home’s comfort in Monroe County
Home Energy Auditor
Knowledge of the home performance industry or experience in home energy eld preferred. Entry level opportunities also available. To apply go to: https://bit.ly/450Hq0B
Also accepting applications for:
Crew Leader and/or Crew Positions
General labor skills with carpentry, insulation and minor home repair experience preferred.
Send Resume to: cbrandau@pathstone.org
No Phone Calls Please
All Applicants Must:
Have Valid Driver’s License • Pass Background Check All tools, equipment and additional training will be provided.
York Central School Open Positions
Math Teacher 7-12
Special Education Teachers K-6 and 7-12
K-12 Counselor, Social Worker or Psychologist
TESOL Teacher Cleaner (2nd Shi )
Food Service Monitor
School Bus Driver Teaching Assistant
Continual Recruitment - Substitutes: Teachers (Certi ed and Uncerti ed) • Aides/TAs • RNs/LPNs • Cleaners
Food Service Helpers • School Bus Drivers
All interviews begin upon receipt of application. Additional information and application available: www.yorkcsd.org
How To Ace Job Interviews When Switching Careers
Remain positive throughout the interview. Even if you are changing careers because you’re unhappy and/or unfulfilled in your present line of work, avoid badmouthing that industry and your past employers. Doing so will only reflect negatively on you and raise a red flag with prospective employers. Instead, explain your reasons for pursuing a new career path in terms that excite potential employers about your candidate.
How To Ace Job Interviews When Switching Careers
Millions of people change careers every year. Whereas professionals may have once worked for the same company for the majority, if not the entirety, of their careers, nowadays it’s not uncommon for men and women to change jobs several times before reaching retirement.
Changing jobs and changing careers are not necessarily the same thing. Professionals mulling a career change will have to consider a host of factors that men and women looking to change jobs may never have to contemplate. Such factors may include returning to school and lifestyle changes designed to make living on less income more feasible.
Professionals changing careers may also need to develop a strategy for handling job interviews. When changing jobs as opposed to careers, professionals can draw attention to their résumés, essentially letting their experience speak for itself. But while experience is often a feather in a job candidate’s cap, professionals changing careers may need to focus more on their futures than their pasts when interviewing for a new career. The decision to change careers can induce both excitement and anxiety. Maintaining a positive attitude and employing various strategies when interviewing with prospective employers can help make the transition to a new career go smoothly.
