Breast Cancer
Posted By: PinkLady on 2007-03-25
In Reply to: survivor - donna
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a sterotactic biopsy last Wed. I had one 4 years ago that was clean and assumed this one was too. Yikes!! That didn't happen. I was given an option of mastectomy or lumpectomy and radiation. That's the good news, as the tumor is less than 5 cm. I'm really scared. I recently moved to Virginia (about 60 miles south of Roanoke) so I haven't made any friends and no close family nearby. Luckily, I'm close enough to the local hospital and work at home to be able to go for the daily radiation treatments for 6 weeks. Surgery is scheduled for next Friday and then the wait to find out if the cancer has spread, what type, the extent of the treatment, etc. I really do appreciate everyone's kindness and prayers. I will also buy a copy of the book tomorrow. Also have a really good to reason to march with all the "pink" ladies now :-) Bless you all for your kindness
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Breast cancer
Does any one on this board know where I might find a sample report with regards to breast cancer? Any tips greatly appreciated. I want to be sure to get all of the stages ect. right on and though I have MT experience this is my first shot in the area of breast cancer clinics.
Breast Cancer
Thank you so much for your words. Of course, I was so unprepared, and my world is not what it was 4 days ago. My only son is graduating from college on the west coast in mid June (I'm on the east coast) and it will be cutting it close to get my tired butt on a flight, but I'm determined to make it :-)
A breast cancer warning sm
Let me tell you a true story. I am hesitant to tell it because I want every woman to have a mammogram and to be tested as often as possible. In 2000 a surgeon I had trusted for 30 years read my path report of a biopsy he did for a suspicious small lump. The pathology report came back as "atypical ductal carcinoma insitu which some may call atypical hyperplasia." This surgeon literally yelled in my face "You have breast cancer and that breast has to come off." Due to the fact that friends of mine had suffered lymphoma and other complications from mastectomy, I asked him again if mastectomy was the only answer. He was extremely stern with me and said it was, and my only other alternative would be lumpectomy with radiation and he would not guarantee it. Due to other problems of health issues in the family (serious) I wondered about my ability to type or transcribe again. I even asked him to keep it from my husband until I decided what to do and he called my husband in his office (my husband was very ill at the time). I called my health care provider and asked about a second opinion, they said get as many as I was comfortable with. I was referred to the head of oncology at another facility (IMPORTANT) and he referred me to a breast surgeon. I told her that I had read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and I read about surgeons leaving "dirty margins" from the first biopsy and questioned if lumpectomy would be just as good as mastectomy. I told the second surgeon (a breast surgeon) I had heard of a physician from "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book"who practiced at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. The new breast surgeon did the second operation which was removal of the rest of the "dirty margins" and my slides were sent to Vanderbilt. Their opinion was that no further treatment would be necessary. The breast surgeon called a tumor board meeting and it was their opinion that they were not sure if I did indeed have "breast cancer." The radiologist who was at that tumor board meeting said she would not radiate me since they were not sure it was cancer, as if I did get cancer back in that breast, she could not radiate me again. By the way, the first surgeon whom I had trusted for 30 years told me to "to go ahead and listen to your neighbor and your hairdresser and you'll be back here with more cancer and it will be too late for you then because we don't know what's in the rest of that breast!" He also was very angry that the other doctors told me I had every right to have a plastic surgeon present at operation to install Expanders should I decide to have a mastectomy and want plastic surgery down the road. He was very upset with that and upset at the fact that I would have had my own plastic surgeon of my choice. He wanted that mastectomy done "last week" were his very words. Well, it's 2006, I have had 6 month mammos on that breast and yearly mammos on both breasts since 2000. I did have a needle aspiration for the tiniest lump in that breast which was benign, then I had a stereotactic biopsy on that breast because I was watched closely for 5 years, that biopsy was insufficient for diagnosis, so I underwent another surgical biopsy in 1/05 which turned out to be "atypia." So, whether I am a fool for not having the mastectomy, I can't really say, but I can say that I did question, read, study, make my own decisions. I did not have a mastectomy in 2000, I still have that same breast (a bit smaller, but who cares?) and I still have negative mammos every 6 mos. except for the two ? findings later on. I refused tamoxifen for my own personal reasons, although it is the treatment of choice. I am very, very reluctant to tell this story for fear of just one woman letting a cancer go undetected. On the other hand, I am telling it here (now for the first time) because I want women to know they have a right to make a decision with regard to their own bodies and ask intelligent questions. You have every right. Just be sure you get many high-level opinions. By the way, I did get put on a lot of prayer lists as well. I do believe God helps those who help themselves. I will never be sorry for the chances I took and the choices I made. I hope that trusted old surgeon is NOT right (my new breast surgeon says he is from the "days of yore"}. The important thing is to get tested, get more than one opinion and please, please, if you believe, pray, and talk, talk, talk, and read, read, read. Learn when to say "yes" and learn when to say "no". I hope I didn't scare anyone, but there is hope and help out there for those who are willing to use their intelligence. For any of you who think I did it for cosmetic reasons -- absolutely not! I would not have even wanted expanders for further plastic surgery. I am a grandmother, not interested in body beautiful. I was the sole source of income due to an unfortunate circumstance with my husband and we would both have been "down" at the same time. I did it because I had to at least ask what my options were. So far, so good. Please pray that I did the right thing and please know that you too have "options" to consider. Please be sure to go to a "different" facility for a "different" opinion, not the same as the one who diagnosed you. I sure hope this helps someone some day, but please, please if the second opinion says the breast must be removed, then you will absolutely have to listen and you will do fine. My new breast surgeon said if it were ever necessary, she could remove both breasts, freeze and save the nipples and do a reconstruction for her patients if they desired it down the road. There are tons of new options for us out there. But ASK!. My message to you is GET CHECKED, and make those checkups regular, there are clinics that will take you for free. I hope if they do find something, you have as good a result as I did. Please go, and please ask questions and get other opinions. Good luck and God bless. Hope I helped someone today but I really, really do not want anyone to miss anything that could kill them, so be aware that this is only my story, but it's true and it may give someone else with atypical ductal carcinoma in-situ some help, hope and understanding.A mastectomy is not a bad thing, not in today's world, but I want you to know that there are tons of options for you and I hope you take advantage of the best ones for you, God forbid, you every need that kind of help. You may E-mail me but I won't "practice medicine without a license," I just want to share my experience and strength with you and urge you to get tested soon!
she just learned she has breast cancer
did you think about that?
Has anyone noticed lately that there has been a lot of people diagnosed with breast cancer?
or is it just my imagination?
Reference books/sites for breast cancer (sm)
I just started with a breast cancer surgeon. I am wondering if anyone can recommend some good reference material for this. Thanks.
breast prostheses
It's McGhan style 68. Here is the link. Scroll down about 1/3 of the way down the page and you'll see it. Hope this helps.
breast biopsy
I had a breast biopsy a month ago (stereotactic), and for what ever reason, I'm still having pains underneath my breast where the incision was made, my question is, should this still be hurting ? Also, can the marker they placed move ? I know it sounds dumb but it just feels weird in the center of my chest. Thanx for any help. 
Breast pump?
Can one of you younger women enlighten me about electronic breast pumps? Today I was typing a report and heard the term for the first time. Are hand pumps not used anymore? This patient received an electronic breast pump from WIC.
Breast discharge
I saw my doctor today for breast discharge, amber colored, from several ducts in the right breast. I am having a mammogram Friday. My doc did not feel any lumps. I am very nervous.
Has anyone had an experience similar to this and have some possibly reassuring words for me?
Thanking you all in advance.
Okay -- so, was the breast exam for
the driver's license or the work permit????
The baby has to eat, whether breast or bottle
feeding. This is a time in their lives that you will only have just once and no matter how much you wish to have it again, it will never be. I breast-fed my youngest 30 minutes, every 30 minutes it seemed. It can be done if you have the right attitude and you have some flexibility in your job and your SO is willing to help out.
Whole turkey breast is good, too. sm
Pork roast tastes good, too, but I have a small rack at the bottom of mine that it sits on so it isn't in grease. I have also done whole chickens with lemon juice. Tasty.
breast will turn into mush? lol
.
Clarification - I did not mean breast exam sm
was required, only that an exam was required in NY for a minor to get a work permit. Personally, my kids have gone slightly over 12 months in between physical exams, and I was assuming that this girl's exam was probably overdue. Therefore, she was getting more than just a routine "Stick out your tongue, let me listen to your chest, you're okay to work" type of exam solely for the permit and instead had to have a more thorough exam. That being said, I don't care how old my daughter is, as long as she is a minor, I will be in the room with her during an exam. Same thing for my son.
Actually, I can REFUSE to have a breast exam done on
me by a doctor, and I always did. For me this procedure is much too intimate.
crockpot turkey breast question
I just got a crockpot, have not really used one much. I want to cook a boneless turkey breast. Have looked at recipes online, most have no liquid added. The idea of leaving it on low at home, while I'm a work, (with no liquid) makes me a little nervous. Comments? TIA
You're certainly out of the breast pump loop. LOL I used an
x
I had a little breast addict too. Thank goodness for her swing!
nm
I had a doctor using her breast pump while dictating. sm
Reminded me of my granddad's dairy.
I can understand why women want breast reduction
done, because this is actually not only a cosmetic surgery.
The weight of hevy breasts can cause back pain, shoulder pain and a lot of other pains.
Had I heavy breasts, yes,I would also opt for this surgery. But I think I would 'chicken out.'
breast augm... s/l McGann's Dial 80 prosthesis? nm
x
A breast exam is mandatory for a driver's license??
I cannot imagine a state where it is mandatory for a young girl getting a driver's license to have a breast exam. That just sounds, as does the pressuring you state by the doctor for the cervical cancer shot, so farfetched to me that it is completely unbelievable. I read very well, thank you and am unbelieving of most of what you have posted. Sounds like not only are you stressed but you have some mania going on there.
A breast exam is mandatory for a driver's license??
I cannot imagine a state where it is mandatory for a young girl getting a driver's license to have a breast exam. That just sounds, as does the pressuring you state by the doctor for the cervical cancer shot, so farfetched to me that it is completely unbelievable. I read very well, thank you and am unbelieving of most of what you have posted. Sounds like not only are you stressed but you have some mania going on there.
No breast exam required in Tn and Ga for driver's or work
NM
A breast exam is required for a driver's permit in your state?
--some pervert state senator would dream up. What state do you live in? THAT I would be angry about.
What state requires a breast exam for a driver's license?!?!
nm
cancer
My husband might be diagnosed with oral cancer. He has had a lump in his cheek for awhile and wasn't really concerned about it until he went to the doctor for a check-up. The doc is sending him to have it looked at more thoroughly. Any words of encouragement or anyone that has gone through this. Thanks
Cancer
Please let me know if you need any moral support and feel free to write me. Read my post on MTStars.
Margaret
cancer.
x
cancer.org
They have a great cancer drug list. I really like oncology except when my doc does a weeks worth of dictations all in one day.
why so much cancer?
Did you know about the atomic bomb testing/nuclear bomb testing done around the world? Well worth researching. I was shocked to find out that it was more than originally led on, well over 700 bombs and I cann't remember if it is just our country or if the numbers were world wide. Then we have companies that polute our water, our land fills, our air... We have paved roads that are giving off gases constantly into the air, not including the vehicles that give off gases continuously, encircling the earth. Do you know about the carcinogens in the plastics that hold bottled water? Chemicals added to food is going to build up in the tissues... Deodorant is not safe, either, and we don't stop there with hygiene chemicals...
home grown lettuce etc salad, topped with chicken breast cooked in
fajita sauce, fried eggplant and fried zucchini along with zucchini/parmesan muffins. I'm stuffed!!
cancer sites
I usually use the NIH-National Cancer Institute site. It has listing of clinical trials, types of drugs, different types of cancer treatments. I also depend heavily on the Oncology Word Book by Stedman.
Okay, my experience with cancer
Rather I should say my husband's. He was diagnosed 6 years ago with stage III colorectal cancer. Very advanced out of the bowel wall. They did not think they could cure it, but did say maybe remission. I was floored and in tears always. My hubby was a young man, 50. He had been misdiagnosed by several other doctors and it had reached a very large size by the time it was found. It was found by a doctor I did transcription for. This was God's intervention, because I feel this wonderful doctor was put in our lives to save my husband. He came and asked me several times to do his transcription and I was so busy I turned him down, but he was such a nice man, I finally said okay. Well I was talking to him and I mentioned my husband's problem and he said to bring him into the office. This doctor found the cancer on my husband's first visit. We had a wonderful surgeon and a wonderful oncologist. (By the way, all except the surgeon were ESLs so I love doing ESLs now, have a soft touch for them.)
My husband had a very large cancer. They were very concerned. We sought alternative therapies, in addition to traditional therapies of chemo and radiation. He had a 6-hour surgery, blood transfusions twice, blood clots, DVT, abscesses, etc. It was touch and go, I felt. Like being on a rollercoaster. We prayed and prayed. We spent lots of money on alternative therapies that we researched on the internet. Also he had conventional therapy, except had to stop the chemo because of low blood counts.
Well my hubby is still alive today, no sign of the cancer. In the doctor's consultation letter he uses the word "amazing" about not finding ANY sign of cancer during the surgery. Everything was just dead tissue, they could find no viable cancer, just friable tissue. I really believe that with the help of prayer, the angels, God, alternative and natural therapies, plus excellent regular medical treatment, a positive attitude and creative visualization (which my husband also used) that it saved his life. We moved 3000 miles after that cancer to where we always wanted to live in the mountains on a farm, both our dreams. I feel like I am living in heaven. I don't get too worried about what is going on at transcription companies, just do my work, because are so much more important things to concentrate on.
Very little gets either of us down anymore because we learned the hard way what is truly important in life. My three children have their dad still and I still have my husband.
Good luck and I am praying for you. Remember, cancer IS curable.
Cancer - moody as all get-out and
sometimes very touched and concerned about my transcription patients. Even though I know they are totally in another part of the US.
Leo. On the cusp with Cancer.
Very appropriate!
Cancer ..... Leo cusp nm
nm
Just had a doc say a guy with gastric cancer was...
admitted to the OB/GYN service. (I didn't miss something in my training, did I?)
does anyone know if bone cancer is always..sm
metastatic or can cancer originate in the bone?
cancer terms
http://www.onelook.com
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/
It won't take cancer to quit smoking. Try
ASTHMA, a common problem for smokers. When you can't breathe when there is a strange odor around such as perfume, you won't get near a cigarette because if you do, you won't be able to breathe. You will cough, and choke and gasp for air and feel air hunger when you sit down. It is not a fun way to live, and I absolutely LOVED my cigarettes, a real hard core addict to nicotine.
Yes, Libra, with Cancer rising.
she was in Mexico for treatment for cancer, BUT...
From what I heard on GMA a few days ago, the clinic she was in was deplorable. There was even an article about it on the Watchdog website, AND the man running the clinic was NOT a doctor. So, what does that say about the person or persons who took this woman there for treatment?
for lung cancer in 1980.......nm
xx
I know what you mean, I lost my dad to lung cancer....sm
about 9 months ago and then my 12-day-old grandson passed away the day after my father passed away. It seemed like for the next month or so every day I typed at least two terminal cancer patients and several sick children. It is hard not to get emotionally attached sometimes.
Can you get cancer from chronic mouth
I have a wisdom tooth that is coming in. I do NOT do well w/ dentists/anesthesia, etc...well a few months back i had an appointment to have this removed. long story short even though the dentist knew I was freaked out about the local anesthesia he took so long to do the extraction my mouth was no longer numb when the hygenist tested my gum area. I freaked out, left crying and vowed to never go back to him. Well now that the tooth is slowly coming in more and more i have an ulcer that seems to be getting bigger from where i am more or less chewing the inside of my mouth.
It doesn't really hurt or bother me that much, i would much rather deal with the ulcer than have another panic attack/heart racing event from the local at the dentist's office. My concern is this: Can you develop cancer from a chronic mouth ulcer? My aunt died of oral (tongue) cancer last year so i'm paranoid about it. 
Any info you can give is welcom. Thanks!
American Cancer Ctr of America
nm
I never mentioned that I had cervical cancer
No, I made it a point not to mention that I had cervical cancer for just that reason. I had strong issues against the whole Gardasil thing long before my daugther's doctor brought it up. When I left the room for the rest of the exam, apparently the doctor was trying to talk my daughter (still a minor) into the injection. Even if she had changed her mind, I still have the final say. She has the same feelings as I do --she hears the bad side effects ect on the news/reads it on-line. I just think it should be illegal, if it isn't already for any doctor to do that. Yes, I am stressed out. I have been working like a dog for two weeks straight without any days off, but I do not like when doctors go behind my back on issues my minor childern cannot decide upon. I have been reading info on Gardasil for months now, most of it not promising. They even haulted production for a time because of side effects and sales have gone down 16% because people are starting to see the negative results. Some doctors are even coming forward and saying that it should not be mandatory. I think it should not even be on the market. Class action lawsuits are forming as I type this.
Believe it or not, nonsmokers get lung cancer too. It's genetic NM
<
Here's a different perspective on what really caused lung cancer.
http://www.vialls.com/transpositions/smoking.html
|
