Different Types of Breast Cancer

Donna Nichols • October 7, 2024
A woman is examining her breast for signs of breast cancer.

Did you know there are MANY different types of breast cancer? I didn’t and still can’t get over how many there are. I will share them with you below and stress the importance of getting your annual mammogram!!


› Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

This is a non-invasive breast cancer and starts inside the milk ducts. It’s not life-threatening but can lead to an invasive type of breast cancer later on. There are generally no signs or symptoms, but some may experience a discharge from the nipples or a lump in the breast.


           › Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

This is the most common type of breast cancer and invasive means cancer has spread to the breast tissues. If not treated, this cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and possibly to tother areas of the body. This too may not show any signs or symptoms and usually first shows up in a mammogram which is why regular screening is so important.


           › Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

This is the second most common type of breast cancer and begins in the milk-carrying ducts and spreads beyond. Sometimes, the first sign of ILC is a hardening in the breast that can be felt, or the nipple may turn inward.


           › Inflammatory Breast Cancer

This is a rare and very aggressive form of breast cancer. It starts with reddening and swelling of the breast and can grow and spread quickly, worsening in a few hours to a few days. The breasts swell and become inflamed because the cancer cells clog the vessels that carry lymph.


           › Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

This is not a true breast cancer and is usually diagnosed before menopause age. There are no signs or symptoms and is found only when the breast is biopsied for some other reason.


           › Male Breast Cancer

This is very rare but can happen because men have breast tissue which are usually just mounds of fat. Men can develop breast cancer from certain types of medications they take. The symptoms are the same as they are for women.


           › Triple Negative Breast Cancer

This type of breast cancer is not caused by hormones, but by a specific gene which means it is hereditary. This cancer does not respond well to medications and is very aggressive, but there are therapies to treat it.


           › Paget’s Disease of the Nipple

This is a rare form where the cancer cells collect around the nipple. Paget’s disease causes the nipple to become red, sore, flaky, and scaly. There can also be itching, burning, pain, and swelling.


           › Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast

These are extremely rare and tend to develop in women in their 40’s. The most common symptom is a lump your doctor can feel when examining the breast. They tend to grow rapidly, are generally not painful, and can create a visible bulge as it pouches against the skin.


           › Recurrent Breast Cancer

This is a cancer that comes back in the same or opposite breast after some time. Sometimes a single cancer cell can survive radiation and chemo and is able to grow into a new tumor.


           › Metastatic Breast Cancer

This is the of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Most women feel helpless when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, but there are treatments that can control it for many years. Make sure you gather all the information needed to help you make a sound and well-informed decision about your situation.


As you can see, there are many types of breast cancers, and I didn’t cover all of them. To find out more, please visit breastcancer.org. Also, PLEASE schedule your mammogram TODAY and get checked regularly for breast cancer. Early detection is KEY!!!

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.