Re: [Wellness] Pat's message.

["Diane Swimmer" <Dchastain@adelphia.net>]

I was 43 when diagnosed with breast cancer (3) three years ago and went through 8 chemo treatments and radiation.  I did switch oncologists after chemo (Hoag hospital/Newport Beach) and love my oncologist now.  Last year I had a double mastectomy to give myself some peace of mind because it was the type that usually recurs.  Three of my friends did the same thing and one had a hysterectomy also.  I had the genetic test done (a simple blood test – takes 3 weeks to find out) – if positive I would have had my ovaries removed.  The other good thing about the test is that you want to know the risk level for your children or siblings.  The insurance paid for it so it was only about $200 out of pocket for me. 

 

The BEST thing to do is find the right oncologist & surgeon and how they will work with you.  Nurses are good sources for referrals.  Make sure you understand the risk/pain with a mastectomy – unfortunately I ended up with a staph infection that nearly killed me.  I am not sorry I did it but I am glad I had my family to help me. I have not had the cosmetic stuff done yet – I am a bit afraid at this point, but my husband is pretty much over having a perfect looking wife. 

 

Good luck and don’t let anyone pressure you and I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

Diane

 

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From: wellness-bounces@womens-wellness.com [mailto:wellness-bounces@womens-wellness.com] On Behalf Of Bunny Phillips
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 6:22 AM
To: wellness@womens-wellness.com
Subject: Re: [Wellness] Pat's message.

 

Hi Pat,

It sounds like you are trying to make a tough decision.  Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer or are you thinking of taking preventative measures?  I wasn't quite clear on that point.

I do not have any suggestions on the mastectomy, but I have had breast cancer and several other serious medical issues.  The most important thing I learned is to carefully check out any doctors that you are dealing with.  Sometimes doctors don't take enough time to do their homework and research and are too quick to give advice.   If I were you, I would definitely get several opinions from different doctors.  Be your own best advocate and make sure that they are giving you the attention you need.  Make certain that you clearly understand all your options before you do anything. 

I am about your age.  My oncologist suggested a trial drug for my osteoporosis several years ago.  I later learned that I should have never been given the drug.  Now I have a far worst debilitation bone disease from that medicine.  I'm not saying not to trust doctors, Pat.  But be sure and check them out carefully before taking there advice.

Warm Regards,

Bunny

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

From: achord1946@aol.com

To: Wellness@womens-wellness.com

Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 1:50 PM

Subject: [Wellness] breast cancer ---mastectomy

 

HELP

I need some feed back.

My oncologist advised me to go to a genetisist...excuse the spelling. since there is so much cancer on my mothers side..My mother had cancer and had a mastectomy and later died with lung cancer, her sister who has a twin sister died from breast cancer, the other twins youngest son was diagnosed at about 29 years of age with brain tumor, my 1st cousins daughter died at 32 after having brain turmor at about 28, my youngest son was diagnosed at 16 mo with rare type luekemia and surpassed the very low odds back then..he is now 32..

so with all that I did go to the genisist. and later the Dr. there came in (after meeting with the person interviewing me) and sat down and told me the chances of my cancer coming back is 95%.So I should consider having a double mastectomy. I know it is in God's hands. I later had an apt. with oncologist and he didn't say much except for they should NOT have talked to me about that. So hear it is several months later and I am seriously thinking about having it done now..I will be 59 in Dec. and still single after 25 yrs so its not like I will get married any time soon..

Please would like to get some feed back on weither this is recommened..anyone had that choice to make? I have 2 friends that had both removed when diagnosed..one was a nurse and she told the Dr to remove both and give her radiation even though he did not prescibe that along with her chemo..she also had a hysterectomy this made her fill safer..

Waiting to hear from my friends..

Pat

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