Re: [Wellness] Re: Wellness digest, Vol 1 #92 - 9 msgs

["Lyle and Judy" <lyle_judy@charter.net>]

Gerry, my heart really goes out to you.  What a tough situation.  I admire you for your persistence in seeking an answer. 

 

I did not get a tram after my double mastectomy, but my husband and I both have had some major medical mysteries through the years.  The only times we have ever gotten to the bottom of "at-our-wits-end" problems like yours was to put ourselves in the hands of a large research/teaching hospital.  Have you tried this?

 

They assign a team of appropriate, cutting-edge specialists to work together on your case.   In California City of Hope, Stanford and UCLA are tops.  Your doctor probably has to contact them for you unless you have PPO insurance.  We have a PPO, and it was easier to have our doctor contact them for us anyway.  You may already know that there are fantastic research/teaching hospitals like this all over the country.  If you haven't tried this yet, please consider it.  We did this for second opinions also, regarding the treatments our own oncologists and radiologists had recommended.  I wish you the very best.  Judy Yager

----- Original Message -----

From: gerryann35@aol.com

To: wellness@womens-wellness.com

Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 5:32 AM

Subject: [Wellness] Re: Wellness digest, Vol 1 #92 - 9 msgs

I do not know if my message will be read, but I have tried to get on a "breast cancer
chat room" and can't seem to get in.  I have registered, (Komen.org) but can not SEND.

I had a masectomy five years ago (ductal carcinoma in situ) and had a TRAM.
(removal of fat from my stomach and tunneled under chest to breast so it looks natural)  From the very first day I have had pain in my legs and had to sit down to go up and down stairs.  I have had every test, including a mylogram, to see what causes the pain.   My nerve conduction test showed nerve damage somewhere, but where they can not find.  I can not sit for long periods of time unless my legs are elevated.  It is difficult to drive for long periods in the car.  I can not stand long so I sit on a stool in the kitchen to cook.  It is difficult to use my arms, (sewing machine, running sweeper, planting flowers, etc.   My only comfort is acupuncture once a month, electric tins on my back, prescription pain pads and advil.

It is very difficult to complain about my condition, and if I have to live this way for the rest of my life I can and will accept it.  It is a small price to pay for what so many other women have paid, chemo, radiation, and even death.  I am embarassed to complain, but has anyone who received a TRAM had these problems, and were you able to find comfort?

Thank you
Gerry Battista
Gerryann35@aol.com