Breast cancer: Q&As "URGENT"

[chilling in muscadine]

Thanks everyone. I don't even remember the 40 minute drive home because of the shock factor.

 

[LizFM]

Find a friend or relative or even an acquaintance who is calm and good in a crisis, and ask them to go with you to remember to ask questions, write down answers, and be there to drive you home.

 

[debilorrah]

Sara, my boss's sister just had a lump removed yesterday. She did not have the full mastectomy because the cancer had not spread. I think it all depends on if it has spread or not. I am sooo sorry to hear you are going through this!!!!

 

[crzychickenlady]

My sister is going thru the same thing...sort of. She found a lump and it was diagnosed as Cancerous, it was only in one breast. She decided with our family history of Cancer to go ahead with a double mastectomy.
She didn't come to the decision lightly, she was very upset to have it done, but the silver lining for her was....she gets new ta-ta's, lol.

You can't be too careful when it comes to these things. If it were me, I would do the same thing my sister did in a heartbeat!

I had surgery Nov 5th, I had cervical and uterine Cancer and had a hysterectomy. My dad just had surgery 3 weeks after mine for colon Cancer and has to have Chemo and Radiation as well as they could not remove all of the Cancer. My sister will be starting her treatments in a few weeks. I am the only "lucky" one that does not have to have any further treatment after my surgery.

Take some time and look at what information you have, also consider family history. Don't make a rushed decision, but also don't wait too long to make a decision.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Quote:
I sure hope it hasn't spread. On the 24th I had gone to see another doctor because my legs were swollen from the knees down. I have went through a round of test to see what was causing this. The doctor said heart , kidneys, liver or I think the last one was cholestoral. Please not let them to be related. I have a lot of thinking and a lot of research to do. I find out about these test on monday. Thanks Deb

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Quote:
My great aunt did this too, as will I if I ever face that decision. She couldn't be happier...neither could her husband

 

[TerriLaChicks]

I haven't faced it myself, but it runs in my family, and you've gotten very good advice here. For me, I'm putting you on my prayer list right now!-- & MD Andersen in Houston is also a very good hospital. They've made a lot of advancements compared to what it used to be like years ago, so -- find out as much information as you can, research everything, and go with your feelings as to what is best for you.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I sure hope it hasn't spread. On the 24th I had gone to see another doctor because my legs were swollen from the knees down. I have went through a round of test to see what was causing this. The doctor said heart , kidneys, liver or I think the last one was cholestoral. Please not let them to be related. I have a lot of thinking and a lot of research to do. I find out about these test on monday. Thanks Deb

I forgot to mention that this gal is going to take oral chemo for 4 weeks after surgery. Not too bad considering the alternatives.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Quote:
Thanks for the prayer list. I need all the help I can get to figure out what to do.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I've had friends with breast cancer and my MIL had it. I think the advice of taking someone with you is a good one. There are a lot of questions to ask, now and after the biopsy/surgery

Do you have a family history of cancer?
How large is the tumor, what stage cancer is it?
Are the lymph nodes involved?
Is it estrogen sensitive?
What is the recomended treatment plan?
Why is that treatment plan preferred?
What happens if I decide on a different treatment plan?
What kind of recovery time is there from surgery, radiation, chemo?
What are the side effects of the treatment?
Will your insurance pay fro breast reconstruction in the event of a masectomy?

My MIL's and my friend's cancers were estrogen sensitive, and they were both stage one cancers. This might mean chemical menopause if you haven't gone through menopause. In most cases it will mean drug therapy for about five years, at which time you would be considered cancer free. They both had lumpectomies, and MIL is cancer free for about 10 years now.

There are lots of great websites out there with info, I suggest you spend a good bit of time researching. Most times now they do lumpectomies...but it all depends.

You might look at the Army of Women website too. They are supporting a huge number of breast cancer studies, and there might be something that you fit into. They are trying to expand the body of knowledge by enlisting as many women as possible into various studies.

When my BIL had cancer, my sister went to every appointment with him. She was the one who asked all the questions, knew all about the treatment, and what they were looking for on the scans, why they were doing what, what the various meds did and what the side effects might be. Having someone with you to help you sort this all out can be invaluable.

This website looked very good:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/breast

Sorry you have to face this....and good luck and good wishes to you