Nice things people have said...

I'm new at this,so don't judge me to hard.  I've been free of bc for one year and I still cry about it.  I've had both breasts taken, my left because it's the one that had the cancer and my right was taken of my own choice.  My new dilemma is a choice for breast reconstruction or not and if so, which?  Silicone or Saline?  I've read some articles about the pros and cons but I'm still have problems deciding.  Main problem is I'm afraid and I'm tired of surgeries and pain.  Plus, all the health problems that can come along with implants.  My sister tells me it's a sin to be vain and that this all happened for a reason.  I guess it's just my self-image to myself that bugs me.  Can anyone out there HELP ME make a decision, even though I know the decision is fully mine.

Undecided

Hi undecided and Desny,

If your hand had been amputated, would you consider reconstruction?  Of course you would, and it would be mostly for cosmetic resons.  Vanity has absolutely nothing to do with reconstruction!  It has a great deal to do with balance of your upper body as well as self esteem and body image.  As far as your sister goes, when she has bc and has a mastectomy or two, let HER make her decisions and remarks about herself.  Until then she doesn't have a leg to stand on.

In fact, if that is her reasoning: ie: things happen for a reason: well, these docs have learned how to do reconstruction, haven't they?  God helped them learn it and also allowed the invention of implants and other means of recon, so hey, it means it's to be used.  That's MY way of thinking.  Otherwise, we shouldn't use all the great chemo that is available.  Or Maybe we shouldn't use the great antinausea drugs during chemo, since "everything is for a reason"??

Boy, that just really chaps, me.  Sorry!

There is a great book: The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook by Kathy Steigleit (or something)  it covers all of the types of recon and you can also ck out our recon board down a few scrolls.  Lots of good info. 

Then go visit 3 plastic surgeons and see what is recommended for YOU.  Then make your decisions.  You don't have to do it now, or even next 6 mos  you have plenty of time to make your decisions and gain  energy to get over your surgeries and plan for your recons.

good luck and don't listen to anyone who hasn't been there and done it.  They have NO CLUE!

Sherry,

I

I am glad to hear you still cry about this.  I just finished my radiation in Jan.  had a mastectomy, and 8 chemos plus 32 rounds of radiation.  I am not taking Femara and I just cry alot...I am not really sad, I am just emotional..I just wonder if this is normal?  I too, have not had reconstruction yet.  I am a size D on one side and nothing on the other.  It doesn't bother me too much so I am waiting for at least 5 years before I decide what to do.

You can have delayed reconstruction, several other ladies on this board have done that. and I agree with Dotti, reconstruction is not vanity, it isn't like you went out to get a "boob job". Reconstruction is not like breast augmentation, you have to lose your boob in the first place. I liked Dotti's comparison to amputating your hand or any other body part. My mom had a single mastectomy 6 years ago at age 60 and did not opt for reconstruction. I am 47 and had bilat mast this summer and am in the middle of reconstruction and it is not a vanity thing. I just want to look normal.

I still grieve the loss of my breasts and sometimes when I think about my surviving BC I cry. Saturday is the local Race for the Cure, I have participated since 2001 for my Mom but this year we will cross the finish line together as survivors and I will probably be crying as I cross the line. (I am crying as I am thinking about it now)

Sheila

This is my first time here. Hope I know what I am doing.

My friend said you may have lost your boobs but you did not loose your sence of humor.

Susan,

I was very emotional at first, too!  I would cry at the drop of a hat!  That was back in April, and I was dx'd in March!

Hang in there,

Harley

Hello All,

I'm new at this ,my mom is the one who has BC,she's had it for about 2 years,and she starting to hit her worse stages,I'm a member because I need to find another Doctor for her,we need a second opinion.They basically told her that they have done all they could,but I have 100% faith that God will heal her body,do any of you know good websites I can search to find her a better Doctor?Feel free to email me jesuzzfrk@yahoo.com.

Thanks and God bless you all.

I sure do second

what Dottie posted above



These people (your sister)

dont walk in your shoes

It is up to you re RECON

or anything for that matter



Best to you on your decision

and path



Sometimes, on this journey we

have to reset boundaries

and will be met with resistance



We only live once

Be Big

or Go HOME!
((((Harley))))
For those who are crying, cry away
then, let things clear, crying is
good for the soul, and with this DX
Do not let anyone intimidate you
or make less of it ...

THE TIME IS NOW





Hugs

I am sorry about your being diagnosed with cancer. I know this is off the topic here. But, I need to talk to someone who has been through all the doctor visits & stuff. I am 22 years old, and about 2 years ago, I started noticing that my  breasts were really sore, and that I had these knots coming up on them. I went to the doctor and they told me they were just fibroid cysts. But now, I have noticed 2 more places that are much smaller and harder. They feel like little BBs. I have made an appointment with my doctor, but I am afraid that because of my age they won't order me a mammogram.I am SCARED to death about this being breast cancer!!!! Also, I have a pretty significant family history.My mother has 7 aunts on her dad's side, and they all have/have had breast cancer. Also, my mother's first cousin and that side of her family has breast cancer & she is only in her 30s. My mom's mother walked out on her when she was only a child, so we know nothing about her medical history or her family's. What should I do/say to get a peace of mind about this????

Go to your doctor, explain your HIGH family history. If you don't like his/her answer then find a specialist that will listen and insist on tests. You have every right to be concerned, hopefully for nothing, but you still have the right. I had NO family history, had a mammo in Dec. (negative) and found a 2.5 cm lump in July that I swear was not there the day before. Good luck to you.

Wishing you peace!

Hi Everyone,I'm new to this group.and i have a question..My mom died of breast cancer at the age of 42,,i have had a momogram every year for 15 yrs,and it always takes a week or more to get results,my dr got the results in 1 day,is this a bad sign? i have to wait until monday to find out...

i was diaognosed may2007,i had my chemo  in june to aug. but my doctor told me i had a nice shaped  head,i always thought i had a big head ,iam now in radiation and herceptin ive stayed really strong through this with the support of my family and friends,my hair is growing back some i cant believe its all gray it was always blond,i was in the mall the other day this older lady came up to me ask how far in treatment was i and gave me a hug i got the chills she made me fill so gd  those hugs help alot

u stupid maxima pig

idione is gay