Breast Cancer
Posted By: PinkLady on 2007-03-25
In Reply to:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thurs. and will have a lumpectomy this week followed by six weeks of radiation therapy. Are there any ladies who have been through this and can you tell me how soon you were able to get back to work and did it affect your ablility to work and focus. My brain won't work and my feelings are all over the map. I'm an independent contractor with my own clients. Thanks for any help or advice. PinkLady
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Breast Cancer
Thanks for you kind response. I will get the book today. I don't know what happened to the rest of the responses. I emailed the moderator to ask where they went, as I would like to reread them. My head is spinning, but putting one foot in front of the other is all I can do, plus yesterday I used the push mower to mow about an acre of my 5 acres out back. That did wonders for my anxiety. Didn't do much for the owie where I had the biopsy, but at this point, that bruise doesn't matter too much. Blessings to you for your care and concern.
Breast Cancer
Gosh - Sometimes it just seems so overwhelming. My thoughts and prayers are with you. The waiting can make you CRAZY. Please let me know your results and how you're holding up. What part of the country are you in? I'm in Virginia, south of Roanoke.
Breast Cancer
I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed with an occult breast cancer 13 years ago. I did not have a lumpectomy but I did chemo and radiation afterwards. The radiation was a breeze. I didn't find that I had any symptoms from the radiation. I wish you the best of luck. I did have prophylactic bilateral mastectomies 7 years later and for me, it was the best thing I ever did. That relieved a lot of the anxieties. Once you are done with all of the treatment and they say that you can just follow up at certain intervals you'll feel much better and relieved. Try to think about that part of it.
What are we doing for men with breast cancer?
nm
Breast cancer posts
Only one message moved over to Gab from Main. Please get your hands on Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, it will help. Also get other opinions. Perhaps this is on here somewhere but I know you only have today to prepare. Be strong and positive with positive vibes all around you.
men with breast cancer reply
Honestly I don't know, I just follow for the women, since my diagnosis last year. I'm sure there's something out there though. If not maybe you can start something up for the men... Best of luck.
We should be outraged at the prevalence of breast cancer.
I am so sorry you have to go through this right now.
I understand how you feel. As posted earlier, I am awaiting results which will be delivered tomorrow after bx on Thurs morning. I am on my knees and praying this will be benign because I am going through the tragic and unexpected death of my 51 yr old brother and only remaining immediate family member, just over a month ago.
And like you, my thoughts are "can I work through the treatment," and "where is my support system that should be in place but isn't?"
As one woman said to me, just take it moment by moment, try to join a local breast cancer support group where you will undoubtedly make life-long friends, I am sure of it. Nothing can bond two women more than going through this together.
What I have done is get supplies that can last (dog/cat food, frozen/canned food for myself, etc), pay some of my bills ahead of time in case I end up drifting through the days, and I try to do things that will allow me a few months of inactivity such as leaving the house for anything other than leisurely walks with the dogs and the appointments this will require. I have read it is important to drink plenty of water and to apply 100% aloe vera gel on skin that is irradiated immediately, get an anti-depressant and an anti-anxiety med to get you through this.
Get plenty of rest and eat right. (You could line up back up help just in case.) Also: Try to enjoy a favorite hobby be it reading or gardening, sewing. Try to walk each day.
I have read the first two weeks of this are the hardest and that is due to the overwhelming realization of the seriousness of this disease.
Also, I have read that it is important you have confidence in your M.D. Second and third opinions from specialists were encouraged.
I will think of you often. E-mail me if you'd like to correspond.
This is one web site and there are more where women with breast CA ask questions and find others who understand exactly how they feel.
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=23
And as my surgeon said, remember all of the survivors, there are very many actually.
Especially if you have a family history of breast cancer sm
You might even want to start earlier than age 40 with your mammograms. You can start at age 30 or 35 and have them every two or three years until age 40, and yearly after that. It is particularly important if members of your family have had breast cancer at an early age.
As a former x-ray tech, I can tell you that a mammogram should be no more uncomfortable than having your blood pressure taken, unless you are already having breast pain. Sometimes your skin can get pinched at an awkward angle under the pressure plate, and that will hurt. If that happens, TELL the mammographer immediately, and she will adjust it.
I did hundreds of mammograms while I was an x-ray tech. I always took a little extra time to smooth out the skin and try to make sure that my patients did not experience discomfort. Some patients had fibrocystic disease or other breast issues which made it painful no matter how careful I was. So I tried to work as quickly as I could to minimize the discomfort.
The point is, a mammogram should not be an unpleasant experience. The mammographer is a professional; you should feel no more uncomfortable exposing your body in a mammography room than you would in the examining room of your doctor's office. The mammographer wants your experience to be pain-free and as pleasant as possible; sometimes that may require some communication on your part.
But please, PLEASE have regular mammograms. It breaks my heart when I transcribe reports on young women in their 30s who have metastatic breast cancer. I always wonder how many children they will be leaving behind without a mother.
Sleepwear during treatment for breast cancer.
A close friend of mine is going for bilateral mastectomy on January 2nd for grade IIa invasive ductal cell carcinoma. I will be doing some caretaking after she get home and am currently shopping for sleepwear for the hospital and postoperative convalescence.. I was wondering if there is anything I should know about the type of sleepwear that is especially appropriate for postoperative mastectomy/chemotherapy patients? I am planning to get natural fiber only but beyond that, I am wondering about the pros and cons of gowns versus PJs versus front-closure robes. Any tips from BC survivors, family, caregivers, etcetera, out there?
Received a dx today of fibrocystic breast disease. Painful lumps in my breast. Going for a mammo
towards the end of the month. Anyone have any info on this disease?
New Cancer Vac.
 Frankly it scars me and I have had cervical cancer myself. I work part-time on a onocolgy account and they say it "may" prevent cervical cancer. You still have to screen for this type of cancer and if you screen every year it would be caught early and can be cured -- as was in my case. We don't know what the long-term effects are. What if this drug would make your child/grandchild not able to have a child of her own? There could be and are some side-effects. To me the side-effects sound worse than maybe getting the cancer. I had to have LEEP surgery and go for screening every 4 months for the following year. If the shot had been available for me in my younger years, I still would not take it evening knowing that cancer was in my future. A lot of times these new drugs are worse than what they are supposed to cure/prevent.
Cancer
 I had a close relative go through this and I also did work for an oncology doctor for a few months. I would not do the surgery. That is my personal opinion. It is major surgery and you don't just bounce back like nothing took place. It is a well-known fact in my state that doctors operate just for the $$$$. I know this is not the case with most, but there are some doctors out there just to make as much $$$$ as they can. My relative was told to have the surgery or die. She didn't have the surgery, went to another doctor who agreed she did the right thing. What cancer she did have was gone. It has been years and she is healthy. Why be cut up for something that may or may not happen? To each his own, but I would not jump into this without a ton of thought. I wish you good health. I am also a cancer survivor -- cervical. No more surgeries for me. Again there was a doctor only out for money and I looked for another opinion. I had LEEP the cancer is gone and has been gone for almost 5 years. Did you know that if it doesn't cancer does not return in 3-5 years it most likely will not return at all? Wait and see. I did and I am glad I did.
HELP!! CANCER
Hi,
My uncle has Ductal Eccrine Adeno Carcinoma. The Doctor's say they do not know much about it and do not know how to treat it. Does anyone know of anyone who has it ( it is rare) and any info. you can give on the subject will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MT
Actually, he's not a breast man
He is a realtor and doing very well. Large breasts are not what he looks for in a woman - and he knows what breasts are meant for first and foremost - nutrition. You did things your way - I did things mine - and I doubt that we will ever read of one of our children becoming sexual perverts or serial killers - I think this thread was probably very encouraging to those who did not post but have emailed me because they were afraid of being blasted like I have been - but I say - who cares - to each his own - and mine was BF for 6 years. Now you want to hear about my sex life?
Cancer vaccine
I do NOT agree with this either. I lost a daughter to cancer. One thing I learned while she was being treated was that the side effects of the chemo and radiation were cancer. I do not agree with this. This vaccine has not been around long enough to just start making it mandatory and I for one do not like the government making medical decisions for me.
New Cancer Shot
I saw it on the evening news here in PA. Unfortunately, it is for real. There are two ways parents can opt out, but they have to jump through hoops to do it.
Cancer injection
But this particular injection only protects the cancer which supposedly comes from a virus. It does not protect from all cervical cancer. It does not protect from the cervical cancer not attributed to the STD. You are correct, not all cancer comes from having sex, but this injection only protects from the kind that does and even that is a debate.
Don't know about cancer or anything, but it does make me
.
esophageal cancer
Does anyone have any experience with family/friends and esophageal cancer? I want the good, the bad and the ugly. My DH was dx'd last week and given a very poor prognosis. I would like some idea of how others have coped and what to expect. Thanks in advance.
I feel the same as you with cancer or other
Also, I really don't think there are "huge pot heads" out there robbing banks for their next J to roll.
I'm for legalizing it for everyone (drinking age of course). Why not? Booze is allowed and drunk drivers kill innocent people every day. There are crosses along the road in my state to prove it. I say legalize it and save the jail for the real criminals.
I'm not into a pickled liver, so I stay away from the booze. But definitely decriminilizing is better than jamming the jails up and using our taxes to pay for 3 hots and a cot for a pothead... 
breast pain
Go ahead and try the Vit E - I took it for a couple of years and didn't notice any difference, but that doesn't you won't. I did the diet elimination of caffeine, which was really rough for me, but it made absolutely no difference. I think that pain is hormone related. My GYN told me after I did a year of the no caffeine diet that they had found that almost no one responded to it.
I have been told, since my first mammogram at age 37 that I have "changes consistent with fibrocystic disease." Even after menopause, I still get breast pain off and on. My right breast feels like it has a little rock in it; sometimes the discomfort/pain/tenderness shoots into my underarm area. It hasn't gotten better or worse in 20 years.
Sorry to not be more helpful.
Breast pain
I have a very personal question. Does anyone have severe breast pain before their menstrual cycle. I literally have excruciating pain for about two weeks before my cycle. I have tried Motrin, heat, Primrose, herbal supplements and changing my diet. Nothing works. I've had a couple of mammograms which were both normal. I am at my wits end. I am questioning a hysterectomy to relieve the symptoms (it's that bad). I have always had this but the pain seems to be getting worse. I only have about two weeks without breast pain. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations. I am willing to try anything.
Thanks ahead of time..... 
I had a breast reduction so do not have to even
wear 1 if I don’t want to. If I do, cannot wear the underwire deals. Used to be the breasts would enter the room about 5 minutes before I did, hated that!!
breast reduction
Double D's here -- can relate to the boobs entering the room first. LOL I have thought about a reduction -- if only I had the insurance coverage. I think the extra up front contributes to my low back problems. Was the surgery a difficult thing to go through? Is it painful?
My children were not breast fed and
incredible stable and social. They are both straight A students and are very well-rounded. Breast milk does many things, but it doesn't make a child perfect.
I have a breast machine also
Only thing is I told him I would not tell!! He, he.
anybody ever had a breast lipoma?(sm)
What does one feel like and what do they do about it?
Breast biopsy
What is the normal length of time time to wait on the results of a biospy for a lump in the breast. I was given a very vague answer today about when? Thanks!
breast reduction
I am seriously thinking of having this done because I'm so tired of aching shoulders and not being able to wear the clothes I really want to wear. I am just a big baby when it comes to going under the knife! Has anyone gone through this, was it very painful and how long is the recovery time? TIA!
breast reduction
I keep mulling over the same thing, but I am 50. I have huge grooves in my shoulders, and have had cervical disk problems, fusion and all. I wonder if that is why I have neck problems because I never had an accident or anything. I am a 36G or H if I can find it. Forget about breast-feeding my kids, I felt like I would fall over from the weight of them and couldn't wait until they went back to normal (for me anyway :) I am only 5Ɖ, slightly overweight. I think being so huge on top makes you look heavier anyway. I still think about having it done. I am sure my ins would pay for it, just so afraid of the pain and scars, but now you have me thinking again!
Breast feeding.....
I had a child via a surrogate and I breast fed her. Sometimes just suckling the baby will stimulate milk supply but it is a very long and time consuming process. Also, I used a system called Lact-Aid that uses a small bag that holds formula and has a thin tube that is near the nipple so the baby suckles both the tube for the formula and you for the stimulation to trick your body into producing milk. And yes, I did produce some although not enough for nourishment. I used the system for several weeks just for the bonding.
Had a hysterectomy 6-1/2 years ago, not for cancer, but
by far, one of the best decisions I ever made. I did get to keep my ovaries, but knowing what I know now I still would have it done even if it meant both ovaries being taken out, too. I know it's a tough decision and my prayers are with you. I'm glad the cancer was contained to the one ovary.
cervical cancer injection.
Me too! I agree with everything you have said. If I have to home school to avoid this I will. It was mentioned that this is being done in case a girl is rapped as well. Well the shot doesn't protect against all the other STDs so why not do something to all the males in the world then so that they cannot rape? We all know that will never happen. That would be crazy and so is forcing our daughters to do this.
Anyone who has had cervical cancer (not dysplasia)? (sm)
I have been dismissing symptoms as perimenopause but now I am VERY concerned I might have cervical cancer. I am going to the doctor today. But if there is anyone who has had cervical cance before, can we please talk?
Moh's procedure for skin cancer
Pancreatic cancer is almost always fatal,
has already spread. Same with ovarian cancer.
Hemp Kills Cancer
Check this out, these people claim to be cured from their cancer by using THC oil.
http://www.youtube.com/chrychek "Run From the Cure-The Rick Simpson Story" (if you look on the left column there are PubMed Study numbers you can check to back this up)
Simple FAQ's if you don't want to watch the video:
http://sites.google.com/site/phoenixtearsmovie/faq
My friend sent me this info recently, what do you all think about this?
BTW, Rick Simpson makes and gives the medicine away for free (he's not looking to make money on this or "scam" people)
Too bad that all of those with cancer are just too stupid to see the light...
smoke a little pot and - presto - you're cured! I imagine with all of the hippies coming down with cancer these days that, if this actually worked, we would all know by now, but I might just say that to make my not-a-pothead-self feel better about the cancer I will someday not be able to cure because I don't smoke weed, right?
Most vaginal bleeding is NOT d/t cancer.
Often it's related to hormonal changes associated with menopause, thyroid problems or even obesity.
It's not unusual for a woman in her 40s to develop irregular or prolonged periods, but you need to be aware of blood loss over time. When my mother was a few years older than you she had an episode of vaginal bleeding between periods that lasted for a couple of weeks. At some point she started feeling weak and asked me to take her to the ER, which I did. She had an emergent D&C and was sent home with iron pills, and that was that. She never had another period and had completed menopause lol.
Cervical cancer is highly treatable and even in invasive stages doesn't necessarily require hysterectomy or chemo. I've had 2 friends with invasive cervical carcinoma; both had only conization procedures and both are well years after the fact.
You're doing what you're supposed to do by following up with your doctor, but until then try to keep things in perspective and not worry!
Being a wet nurse and breast-feeding a 6 yo
Competely different. I have been a wet nurse. I have several children. I've been a gestational surrogate. I have NOT, however, breast feed a 6-year-old. That is disgusting.
As far as the breast-feeding thing sm
There are a few herbal supplements and other medications that women can take to stimulate lactation. I was on an infertility board several years ago, and there were adoptive mothers doing this. It is difficult and often does not work. There are also ways to simulate breast-feeding (special tubing connected to bottles that are situated in a way to get the infant to suckle) that can also help lactation.
My cat has bone cancer in her jaw, I'm not thinking clearly and need opinions please
She is near the end of her life I think. The vets (we have taken her to a total of three) said we would know when the time was right to put her to sleep. The last vet gave her some pain pills but she has ALWAYS hated pills and of course she definately wants nothing to do with it, can smell it coming a mile away, and I just can't force her to take it. However, they say that kind of cancer is painful so I know she is in pain. I want to know if you think it is more humane for me to let her have her wish and not be traumatized at this time of her life or if it would be more humane for me to somehow get her to take that dang pill twice a day. Last time I tried she started foaming at the mouth even though I don't think the pill got anywhere near her mouth (I had it disguised in a piece of chicken but she wouldn't open her mouth for it).
Thanks....
Patrick Swayze has terminal cancer
http://www.ogpaper.com/news/news-01750.html
Patrick Swayze Cancer Diagnose: 5 weeks to live
Sad news reports coming from Hollywood today, actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to a report first published by the National Enquirer, Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze has only 5 weeks to live, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in January and the cancer had spread to other organs of his body. According to an insider, there is little hope left for Patrick Swayze, after the cancer failed to respond to the treatments. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor within the pancreatic gland and each year over 30,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with this condition. The prognosis is generally regarded as poor, with only few still alive five years after diagnosis, while complete remission still extremely rare.
"For the past month, Patrick, 55, has been traveling to Stanford University's prestigious cancer center in Palo Alto for radical chemotherapy, but his doctors are no longer optimistic that the treatments will be successful," was published in the gossip magazine. The story has not been confirmed by Patrick Swayze or his representatives and fans of the actor could only hope that the cancer story is one of the false stories, which often find their way to ink.
Here is the news from Associated Press on Swayze...Yes, he has cancer, but doing well. sm
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Patrick Swayze's doctor is "optimistic" about his prognosis for battling pancreatic cancer, and the "Dirty Dancing" actor's upcoming cable pilot is still in contention to become a series.
With the writer's strike over, the A&E pilot "The Beast," starring Swayze as an unorthodox FBI agent, is being considered to be turned into a series by the cable network. If that happens, the "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" star hopes to continue to be part of the show, his representative Annett Wolf told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Swayze has been undergoing treatment for the disease, Wolf confirmed in a statement. The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 37,680 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2008 with 34,290 deaths in the U.S.; only five percent of patients live more than five years after being diagnosed.
"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," Swayze's physician Dr. George Fisher said in a statement released by Wolf. "All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."
Wolf said Swayze, 55, shot "The Beast" pilot last December and isn't currently working on any new projects. A&E issued a statement Wednesday stating "The Beast" was still in contention to become one of the network's new original drama series and wished Swayze a speedy recovery.
---
Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis.
They may publicly say he is "doing well," but that may just mean his pain is under control. I'm sure they (his doctor/family) don't want to come up and say yes it's true, he will die soon. If he does indeed pancreatic cancer, my guess is he doesn't have long.
not being circumcized promotes penile cancer
during "creation"
Maybe her breast wasn't showing because the kid's head was too big?
Here's another article with a picture. Good she's suing, maybe now she can afford baby food :)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/NEWS01/611140314/1009/NEWS05
Same problem - but breast feeding so I cant take those sooooo
I try to take a little break in the morning for a shower and keep HEALTHY snacks on hand to crunch. Peanuts, rice cakes and sip pop and sometimes I give in a take a power nap of no longer than 15 minutes and I feel much better.
Results came back positive...I have breast CA.
Will correspond with you via e-mail.
breast reconstruction/prophylactic treatment
Yes, insurance and/or medicaid pays for reconstruction of any kind. It's a law. They must. If you do not have insurance or are underinsured Medicaid will kick in. Bill Clinton signed this into law in 2000. This is a federal law, also mandating that all insurance companies pay for reconstruction. Also, if you have breast cancer on one side only, as a friend of mine did, insurance paid for bilateral mastectomies, so yes, to answer your question about prophylactic measures at that stage. I think, though that if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, mom, sisters, grandmother, etc., and you haven't been diagnosed, you might have to check with your insurance company about that, as well to find out if being tested for the gene that detects a predisposition for breast cancer.
I hope that helped a little. If you're worried a little, maybe calling the American Cancer Society could give you a little more info. Their web page gave me tons of information.
Breast feeding past a "normal" age
You are right some things just should not happen - such as other people judging how long a mother breastfeeds her child. It is none of your or their business. My son is now 21 - has memories of breastfeeding and is the most polite, intelligent and psychologically stable young man you could ever wish for. He would be a blessing to any family and I believe will make an excellent husband when he decides to marry. We have a close relationship, as I do with my daughter who only BF for 6 months - at her choice. What exactly is the "normal" age? And who set that "rule" up? I would rather have breastfed my children than to have abused them physically or mentally - believe me, he was not abused in any way - if you knew him, you would only wish that your children were like him - my husband and I are the envy of all of our friends because we never had one bit of problem with either of our children because they were raised properly - and I do believe that BF played a role in their developing into responsible adults. If you want to borrow him when you are having a headache because your kids are out of control - just let me know - he would definitely brighten your day.
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