friend of a friend in trouble

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leener
leener Member Posts: 65
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I recently heard from a dear friend, Cindy (like a sister to me).  who has been there through all my major and minor battles.  Cindy is very dear to me and has now reached out for help with a friend of hers from high school that has recently found out after her mother's diagnosis of breast cancer, that she "has the gene" and is at 85% risk for BC and also at risk for ovarian cancer.  She is the mother of 2 children.  She is scheduled for a "pre-emptive" double mastectomy, with reconstruction using the TRAM that I had.  Additionally....eventually, she'll have a hysterectomy because of the ovarian issues.  

Shy of my own experience with the mastectomy, and TRAM reconstruction issues (as well as having young children during the experience), I am not sure how to advise her.  Clearly we have lots in common, but the ovarian and hysterectomy issue with hormanal side effects related to that, are outside my realm.  I will obviously refer her to this site which was extremely helpful to ME during my challenges and questions, but am I on the right track?  I remember how desperate I felt when first diagnosed-I think we all do.  At that point I was looking for someone or something that could help me in my journey---and this site was awesome and hugely comforting.  

 Since she is "High Risk"  I want to be sure that I point her in the right direction.  Is this the forum for her?  Any other ideas? I am open to suggestions, especially since I do not know her personally.

 Thanks for any feedback- 

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  • smirks44
    smirks44 Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2009

    www.facingourrisk.org

    A wonderful site full of brilliant, intelligent, helpful, supportive women who are high risk - many women there carry BRCA1 or 2 and may have had prophylactic reconstructions.

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  • glostagirl
    glostagirl Member Posts: 388
    edited March 2009

    As someone who recently joined this web-site in search of information and support, I can tell first-hand that your friend will find answers and friends here.  She is certainly not alone.

    There are reconstruction options other than the TRAM procedure.  Your friend can investigate them all on this site and others.  Only she can determine which one fits her circumstances best.  Another web-site, with very graphic pictures of before & after is www.breastcenter.com  

    Good luck to both you and your friend. 

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  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited March 2009

    Your friend's surgeon may only do the TRAM procedure. Most PS have procedures that they prefer to do.  They are more skilled at certain types of reconstruction than others.  For example, in order to do the DEIP tissure transfer procedure, the PS needs a micro surgery team to work with him.  Not all facilities have micro surgery teams and therefore, they can not do certain procedures. I suggest your friend read all the info provided by this site and educate herself on all of the available treatments so that she can make an informed decision as to the right procedure or her. 

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