Re: [MOL] New to the list; new to cancer [11125] Medicine On Line

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Re: [MOL] New to the list; new to cancer

Hey Liz:  I had a mastectomy three year's ago, and like you devastated and feel I did not make a knowledgeable decision about much of anything.  I should have gotten a second opinion.  I should have investigated the options.  For a stage 1 br. ca. tumor a lumpectomy is the preferred treatment with some radiation.  The reason for the radiation is that when we cut into for the removal there's always a slight chance that those nasty little suckers have scattered; so it's best to have a few radiation treatments; which really are not much these days, if done properly.  Here is why I would suggest to you to have the lumpectomy, they have caught the cancer in early stage, recovery period is so much quicker and less invasive (easier on the body system), infect some lumpectomies are done on an out patient.  We never stop to think of what it is truly like without a breast.  Either you get re-construction; which is more surgery or you are minus a breast and thats a whole new ball game.  Prothesis are hot, they irritate the muscle and scar from surgery, because the muscle is cut.  You will even find that you have to move around in bed differently, what a balancing act.  You are constantly afraid someone or something is going to hit you in the chest.  After three year's my chest still hurts and yes the bandage feeling is always there like Joicy said.  This has to be your decision Liz and you have got to be the one comfortable with your decision; but I urge you to give this very serious consideration.  your friend, Lillian  
 

Joicy Becker-Richards wrote:

Hi, Liz,

Sorry to hear the sad news that brings you to our forum, but know that
you have found a very caring, diverse group of cancerers and their loved
ones who will offer support and practical information as you travel this
unexpected path. I don't think any of us ever expect this kind of
diagnosis, and it is indeed life changing, but know that not all the
changes are bad ones. You will discover some surprising gifts as well,
strange as it seems.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer also, left side, 3 years ago, and
underwent a modified radical mastectomy with six months of chemo and
reconstructive surgery. Now forgive me if I'm out of line, because it
does have to be your decision, but given what you say about your
diagnosis, and having gone through a mastectomy myself because I had no
choice, you may want to talk to some more folks before you go through
this surgery. The reserch indicates that a lumpectomy w/radiation can be
just as effective, and that's what I would have opted for. In fact, I
had a lumpectomy first, but once they got in, they found the tumor was
too big, so they had to go back later and do the mastectomy.

The mastectomy is far more invasive, and my chest is still very
uncomfortable (like wearing an ace bandage around your chest all the
time). The lumpectomy in comparison was far less traumatic, even though
it seemed like a big deal at the time. I know I don't know all the
specifics of your situation, and other folks on this forum may have
other perspectives, but something to think about anyhow...I've also
heard that some new studies suggest that far less radiation may be
necessary than previously thought. You've got a little time, so please
check out EVERYTHING you can first.

Whatever you choose, know that I'm here for you, Liz. Any way that I can
help, let me know...my prayers are with you. Love, Joicy
----------------
Elizabeth Patterson wrote:
>
> I just found and signed on to this list yesterday. I had never believed
> cancer would be a part of my "real life"; then I had my "routine physical"
> about three weeks ago and was called back for a second mammogram and
> sonogram because something seemed suspicious. That led to a biopsy and a
> positive confirmation, A small (level 1) tumor in my left breast. I was
> presented with alternative treatments which included a lumpectomy followed
> by radiation or modified radical masectomy with the good chance that I will
> not need the radiation treatments. Based on the comments by the doctors
> involved and my preconcieved ideas about radiation treatment I have opted
> for the masectomy. The surgery is to take place July 10.
>
> Like many who have faced the same thing, I had believed it could never
> happen to me. Oh, I did not think I would never be sick. If the doctor had
> told me I had diabetes or heart trouble I would have believed it because
> they have been dominant in my family. But cancer had never been a factor as
> far as I had known. I have since discovered that three of my dad's sisters
> have had breast cancer.
>
> I am thankful that this has been caught early and it appears that the
> survival rate is very high, but I know that this is a life altering
> experience, and I know that it is a factor I will always have to deal with
> for the rest of my life.
>
> I have been reading the posts from Marty about alternatives and approaches
> to improving things, but since I am new to the list, I have not read the
> previous posts which have been referred to, and I forgot to bookmark the
> site on the net that directs you to them. If anyone has that site address I
> would appreciate your posting it
>
> Liz
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