Re: Re: Really scared new member

[Guest guest]

Lynda...consider the possibility of not having the reconstruction. My neighbor didn't have it and having the mastectomy was so simple for her and she doesn't miss her "boobs" one bit. She wears "falsies" and also said it hasn't caused any tension between herself and her husband. Main thing is, no chemo, no radiation, no meds. Also, she had a drain that she rinsed out and only had it about a week and felt no trauma from that, either. They do everything with numbing materials now, so nothing hurts, like removing drains, etc. I am on chemo now to shrink the lump, then will probably have a mastectomy. I'd rather get it all out of there and not worry about it anymore. But, if reconstruction is very much wanted, then go for it. But if it's just the doc talking or anyone convincing you it'd be more feminine to have the reconstruction, think of yourself first and decide if it's that imperative. You are still a woman and deserve the respect. Don't be scared. Take your own fate into your own hands and don't let others talk you into anything you don't necessarily want. You know, sometimes one can be a lot more "sexy" with some clothes on than not. (Consider 's Secret! Ha!) Gail

Re: Really scared new member

Lynda,My mom had a double mastectomy and it was radical. She did not have reconstruction. This is another option that you have. I want you to at least to think about it. I am sure this helped out my mom alot. I think reconstruction for her was not an option. You are still a woman if you do not have reconstruction. Do not ever forget that. Sounds like your daughter is helping you out. I am sure she will help you get though this. I just lost mom. I helped her out now I have to help myself. Give your daughter a hug. It means so much.Mike> > Hi,> > My name is Lynda, I'm 49 years old, I'm new, just joined the group over the weekend. My daughter found the site for me, and I'm very grateful for that. I'm really scared this time around. I was diagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years ago, and have been battling with it ever since. Every time I think it's finally over I find another lump. I have had three lumpectomies and a sentinel lymph node on the left, and one lumpectomy on the right. The left was Ductal Carcinoma with invasive lobular (very small .5), and the right was just DCST. The left got six weeks of radiation, and the right was left alone, as the margins were clear. The lymph's were also clear. All of my excision biopsy's for other lumps (after the diagnosis of each breast) have been negative for cancer, but both have A-typia. I had a PET scan last year and both breast lit up, but the radiologist thought that it looked like inflammation from the prior surgeries. Since January 2005 I have developed fibroid> cystitis disease, and now have both breast's full of large hard tumors. I am scheduled for a bi-lateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph's on July 26th 2005 with reconstruction at the same time. The plastic Surgeon is going to try to put in implants at the time if there is enough skin left. If not, he will put in skin expanders. He said the whole reconstruction process could take as long as a year to complete. If any of you reading this has any experience going through the reconstruction this way I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could give me on the process. I have a million questions right now, and I'm scared to death the cancer is back. I won't know that until after the surgery. Some of the questions that pop into my head are: about how long do the drains have to be left in for? How much help should I expect to need after coming home from the hospital? Can you empty the drains yourself, or do you need help? Just how bad does a back flap hurt (the other option if> the skin from radiation is to thin, or badly damaged)? Any advise and prayers will be gratefully appreciated.> > Thanks > > Lynda > > > > > ---------------------------------> Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

[Guest guest]

I posted about my reconstruction but you are absolutely right. I know women I work with and women in my support group who have had mastectomies with no reconstruction and are just fine with it. At one of our meetings a woman brought in all the different fillers she wears and also says she wears loose shirts and layers and often nothing. We passed everything around and the women w/o reconstruction explained what they did. Like anything else involving our bodies, it is our right to make our own decisions based on what works for us.

[Guest guest]

Thank-you, prayers are great!. Lymphadema was another big concern I have, have any of you gotten it, and how careful do we really have to be? With a bi-latral/sentinal lymph can you still carry your own grocery bags, water ski, dig big holes in the garden, etc.?

Lynda Doris wrote:

Prayers I can say for you but I did not have reconstruction so Ican't answer the questions about that. I had a single mastectomy(right side only) and my drains were in for 10 days. I have neverhad lymphadema because I followed every instruction about the wallwalking, etc. to help avoid that. Doris> > Hi,> > My name is Lynda, I'm 49 years old, I'm new, just joined the groupover the weekend. My daughter found the site for me, and I'm verygrateful for that. I'm really scared this time around. I wasdiagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years ago, and have beenbattling with it ever since. Every time I think it's finally over Ifind another lump. I have had three lumpectomies

and a sentinel lymphnode on the left, and one lumpectomy on the right. The left was DuctalCarcinoma with invasive lobular (very small .5), and the right wasjust DCST. The left got six weeks of radiation, and the right was leftalone, as the margins were clear. The lymph's were also clear. Allof my excision biopsy's for other lumps (after the diagnosis of eachbreast) have been negative for cancer, but both have A-typia. I had aPET scan last year and both breast lit up, but the radiologist thoughtthat it looked like inflammation from the prior surgeries. SinceJanuary 2005 I have developed fibroid> cystitis disease, and now have both breast's full of large hardtumors. I am scheduled for a bi-lateral mastectomy with sentinellymph's on July 26th 2005 with reconstruction at the same time. Theplastic Surgeon is going to try to put in implants at the time ifthere is enough skin left. If not, he

will put in skin expanders. Hesaid the whole reconstruction process could take as long as a year tocomplete. If any of you reading this has any experience going throughthe reconstruction this way I would greatly appreciate any feedbackyou could give me on the process. I have a million questions rightnow, and I'm scared to death the cancer is back. I won't know thatuntil after the surgery. Some of the questions that pop into my headare: about how long do the drains have to be left in for? How muchhelp should I expect to need after coming home from the hospital? Canyou empty the drains yourself, or do you need help? Just how bad doesa back flap hurt (the other option if> the skin from radiation is to thin, or badly damaged)? Any adviseand prayers will be gratefully appreciated.> > Thanks > > Lynda > > > >

> ---------------------------------> Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

[Guest guest]

I really want the reconstruction, I feel as if I have already had the Masectomies after 4 lumectomies I went from a full C to and an A- with nipples. I went to the "Maidenform" bra outlet and they had silicone soft plastic prosthesis and they were very comfortable (really helped out with the self confidence) but watch out for summer went things get hot and sweaty they have a tendency to slip right out! Really inbarrsing in the swimming pool! The prosthesis are very in expensive as well about $25.00 a pair.

Thank-you

Lynda catlin struelens wrote:

I posted about my reconstruction but you are absolutely right. I know women I work with and women in my support group who have had mastectomies with no reconstruction and are just fine with it. At one of our meetings a woman brought in all the different fillers she wears and also says she wears loose shirts and layers and often nothing. We passed everything around and the women w/o reconstruction explained what they did. Like anything else involving our bodies, it is our right to make our own decisions based on what works for us.__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I don't believe that the reconstuction has anything really to do with the mastecomies, the main objective is to remove ALL of the breast tissue. The Surgical Onco will do that, the Plastic Surgeon just gets to come in next while I'm still out to see what is left and what opions we have to go with to strart the reconstruction process. This was one of the questions I did remember to ask both surgeons in depth. I wanted to keep the skin and the nipples and was told point blank "No way"! The reason being was there was two much ductal tissue that would have to be left if the nipples were spared and the cancer reoccurance rate to high. I guess thats why I'm scared this time around, my chances of this being a reoccurance is much higher, and I really don't know what I'm up against until the final Path results are back.

Thank-you

Lynda Gail wrote:

Lynda...consider the possibility of not having the reconstruction. My neighbor didn't have it and having the mastectomy was so simple for her and she doesn't miss her "boobs" one bit. She wears "falsies" and also said it hasn't caused any tension between herself and her husband. Main thing is, no chemo, no radiation, no meds. Also, she had a drain that she rinsed out and only had it about a week and felt no trauma from that, either. They do everything with numbing materials now, so nothing hurts, like removing drains, etc. I am on chemo now to shrink the lump, then will probably have a mastectomy. I'd rather get it all out of there and not worry about it anymore. But, if reconstruction is very much wanted, then go for it. But if it's just the doc talking or anyone convincing you it'd be more feminine to have the reconstruction, think of yourself first and decide if it's that imperative. You

are still a woman and deserve the respect. Don't be scared. Take your own fate into your own hands and don't let others talk you into anything you don't necessarily want. You know, sometimes one can be a lot more "sexy" with some clothes on than not. (Consider 's Secret! Ha!) Gail

Re: Really scared new member

Lynda,My mom had a double mastectomy and it was radical. She did not have reconstruction. This is another option that you have. I want you to at least to think about it. I am sure this helped out my mom alot. I think reconstruction for her was not an option. You are still a woman if you do not have reconstruction. Do not ever forget that. Sounds like your daughter is helping you out. I am sure she will help you get though this. I just lost mom. I helped her out now I have to help myself. Give your daughter a hug. It means so much.Mike> > Hi,> > My name is Lynda, I'm 49 years old, I'm new, just joined the group over the weekend. My daughter found the site for me, and I'm very grateful for that. I'm really scared this time around. I was diagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years

ago, and have been battling with it ever since. Every time I think it's finally over I find another lump. I have had three lumpectomies and a sentinel lymph node on the left, and one lumpectomy on the right. The left was Ductal Carcinoma with invasive lobular (very small .5), and the right was just DCST. The left got six weeks of radiation, and the right was left alone, as the margins were clear. The lymph's were also clear. All of my excision biopsy's for other lumps (after the diagnosis of each breast) have been negative for cancer, but both have A-typia. I had a PET scan last year and both breast lit up, but the radiologist thought that it looked like inflammation from the prior surgeries. Since January 2005 I have developed fibroid> cystitis disease, and now have both breast's full of large hard tumors. I am scheduled for a bi-lateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph's on July 26th 2005

with reconstruction at the same time. The plastic Surgeon is going to try to put in implants at the time if there is enough skin left. If not, he will put in skin expanders. He said the whole reconstruction process could take as long as a year to complete. If any of you reading this has any experience going through the reconstruction this way I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could give me on the process. I have a million questions right now, and I'm scared to death the cancer is back. I won't know that until after the surgery. Some of the questions that pop into my head are: about how long do the drains have to be left in for? How much help should I expect to need after coming home from the hospital? Can you empty the drains yourself, or do you need help? Just how bad does a back flap hurt (the other option if> the skin from radiation is to thin, or badly damaged)?

Any advise and prayers will be gratefully appreciated.> > Thanks > > Lynda > > > > > ---------------------------------> Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Lynda,

You do have to be careful not to get lymphedema. I have it just slightly. There are several things you have to stay away from or be careful with. If I can find the list I will post it. You are in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Hugs

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com

Re: Re: Really scared new member

Thank-you, prayers are great!. Lymphadema was another big concern I have, have any of you gotten it, and how careful do we really have to be? With a bi-latral/sentinal lymph can you still carry your own grocery bags, water ski, dig big holes in the garden, etc.?

Lynda Doris wrote:

Prayers I can say for you but I did not have reconstruction so Ican't answer the questions about that. I had a single mastectomy(right side only) and my drains were in for 10 days. I have neverhad lymphadema because I followed every instruction about the wallwalking, etc. to help avoid that. Doris> > Hi,> > My name is Lynda, I'm 49 years old, I'm new, just joined the groupover the weekend. My daughter found the site for me, and I'm verygrateful for that. I'm really scared this time around. I wasdiagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years ago, and have beenbattling with it ever since. Every time I think it's finally over Ifind another lump. I have had three lumpectomies and a sentinel lymphnode on the left, and one lumpectomy on the right. The left was DuctalCarcinoma with invasive lobular (very small .5), and the right wasjust DCST. The left got six weeks of radiation, and the right was leftalone, as the margins were clear. The lymph's were also clear. Allof my excision biopsy's for other lumps (after the diagnosis of eachbreast) have been negative for cancer, but both have A-typia. I had aPET scan last year and both breast lit up, but the radiologist thoughtthat it looked like inflammation from the prior surgeries. SinceJanuary 2005 I have developed fibroid> cystitis disease, and now have both breast's full of large hardtumors. I am scheduled for a bi-lateral mastectomy with sentinellymph's on July 26th 2005 with reconstruction at the same time. Theplastic Surgeon is going to try to put in implants at the time ifthere is enough skin left. If not, he will put in skin expanders. Hesaid the whole reconstruction process could take as long as a year tocomplete. If any of you reading this has any experience going throughthe reconstruction this way I would greatly appreciate any feedbackyou could give me on the process. I have a million questions rightnow, and I'm scared to death the cancer is back. I won't know thatuntil after the surgery. Some of the questions that pop into my headare: about how long do the drains have to be left in for? How muchhelp should I expect to need after coming home from the hospital? Canyou empty the drains yourself, or do you need help? Just how bad doesa back flap hurt (the other option if> the skin from radiation is to thin, or badly damaged)? Any adviseand prayers will be gratefully appreciated.> > Thanks > > Lynda > > > > > ---------------------------------> Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

[Guest guest]

It has been 10 years since my mastectomy (July 22, 1995) and I still try to be very careful about my arm. I have a sister with lympedema and several friends.

I still ask for my groceries to be bagged light and I try to be careful about anything heavy.

I wear gloves when working in the yard or anything where I think I could get a splinter.

I was also told to be careful of repetitive motion (for instance if you are right handed and that is the side of concern you don't want to spend the whole day washing windows or painting)

Careful of any insect bites...so remember the spray when outside.

Sunburn is also bad so don't forget the sunscreen

My surgeon told me not to sleep on that arm... that was a real problem for me..(My husband and I actually had to switch sides of the bed to break that habit)

I still use an electric razor for my underarms.

Careful of heavy shoulder bags.

No shots, blood draws, or blood pressure on that arm....Now I've had nurses tell me that after 2 years that it is ok. But I know a nurse who let them give her a shot after 10 years thinking it would be ok...now she has lympedema.

I should also mention that my sister didn't get lymphedema until a year ago and she was dx in 1997.

Lynda was your daughter? It was very nice that she searched for a support group for you. I have a daughter also. She was 19 when I was dx.

SharonB

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Yes is my daughter, she is a great support for me, and I am so grateful that she found this site. She is 27 now, and was 24 when I was first dx. She has an 8 month old daughter who is a great diversion from all of the worries. Thanks for the info on lymphadema.

Lynda Sharon wrote:

It has been 10 years since my mastectomy (July 22, 1995) and I still try to be very careful about my arm. I have a sister with lympedema and several friends.

I still ask for my groceries to be bagged light and I try to be careful about anything heavy.

I wear gloves when working in the yard or anything where I think I could get a splinter.

I was also told to be careful of repetitive motion (for instance if you are right handed and that is the side of concern you don't want to spend the whole day washing windows or painting)

Careful of any insect bites...so remember the spray when outside.

Sunburn is also bad so don't forget the sunscreen

My surgeon told me not to sleep on that arm... that was a real problem for me..(My husband and I actually had to switch sides of the bed to break that habit)

I still use an electric razor for my underarms.

Careful of heavy shoulder bags.

No shots, blood draws, or blood pressure on that arm....Now I've had nurses tell me that after 2 years that it is ok. But I know a nurse who let them give her a shot after 10 years thinking it would be ok...now she has lympedema.

I should also mention that my sister didn't get lymphedema until a year ago and she was dx in 1997.

Lynda was your daughter? It was very nice that she searched for a support group for you. I have a daughter also. She was 19 when I was dx.

SharonB

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

My is 29 now...She was 19 when I was dx. Was really hard on her. She went away to college two weeks after my mastectomy.

Sharonlynda chittum wrote:

Yes is my daughter, she is a great support for me, and I am so grateful that she found this site. She is 27 now, and was 24 when I was first dx. She has an 8 month old daughter who is a great diversion from all of the worries. Thanks for the info on lymphadema.

Lynda Sharon wrote:

It has been 10 years since my mastectomy (July 22, 1995) and I still try to be very careful about my arm. I have a sister with lympedema and several friends.

I still ask for my groceries to be bagged light and I try to be careful about anything heavy.

I wear gloves when working in the yard or anything where I think I could get a splinter.

I was also told to be careful of repetitive motion (for instance if you are right handed and that is the side of concern you don't want to spend the whole day washing windows or painting)

Careful of any insect bites...so remember the spray when outside.

Sunburn is also bad so don't forget the sunscreen

My surgeon told me not to sleep on that arm... that was a real problem for me..(My husband and I actually had to switch sides of the bed to break that habit)

I still use an electric razor for my underarms.

Careful of heavy shoulder bags.

No shots, blood draws, or blood pressure on that arm....Now I've had nurses tell me that after 2 years that it is ok. But I know a nurse who let them give her a shot after 10 years thinking it would be ok...now she has lympedema.

I should also mention that my sister didn't get lymphedema until a year ago and she was dx in 1997.

Lynda was your daughter? It was very nice that she searched for a support group for you. I have a daughter also. She was 19 when I was dx.

SharonB

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page