Who Knew? Managing Privacy in Your Social Circle

After multiple scans, biopsies, lumpectomies, and a diagnosis of an early-stage breast cancer, I asked the doctor in charge of my breasts at the time, “Why me?” To which she responded, “I don’t know, Rosie, you just have shitty breasts.” Nice answer, and the impetus to change practices!

The following month as I was preparing to begin radiation treatment, I received a call from the …

What My Patients Are Asking: Can the Type of Anesthesia I Get Affect My Risk of Recurrence?

Surgery is almost always part of the treatment plan for early-stage breast cancer. Whether the surgery is mastectomy or lumpectomy depends on a number of factors, including the characteristics of the cancer, a woman’s medical history, and her personal preferences.

Patients have asked me about any links between the type of anesthesia used during breast cancer surgery.

I searched the National Library of Medicine database…

Breast Reconstruction Q&A with Scott Sullivan, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Flap Reconstruction

Welcome to our breast reconstruction Q&A blog series with Scott Sullivan, M.D., F.A.C.S. of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans, LA. In this installment of our series, Dr. Sullivan answers your questions about using your own tissue to reconstruct a breast (flap reconstruction).

Read the Q&A with Dr. Sullivan on implant reconstruction.

Q: I am planning to have double mastectomy with …

Choosing No Reconstruction — Are You the Only One?

If you’re facing a mastectomy, you may be surprised to find that virtually everyone expects you to have reconstruction. Your doctors, your friends, and even your family may believe that without reconstruction you won’t be happy and you won’t feel whole or feminine. But what if you don’t share these concerns? What if you don’t think reconstruction is right for you?

Perhaps you want to …

Like Mother (in Law), Like Daughter (in Law)

When I was facing a bilateral mastectomy, I had a wonderful role model — my mother-in-law, Reggie, who lived without breasts (and without reconstruction) for over 50 years. Reggie was a striking woman with dark wavy hair and flawless skin. She wore loose, flowing apparel, often accented by colorful scarves. The loose clothes were necessitated by severe lymphedema that developed in one arm after surgery …