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Mastectomy prep list
This site got me through treatment. There used to be lists - how to prep for mastectomy. That list was soooooo helpful for me. I have a friend who is having a double mastectomy in two weeks. I can’t remember every tip and trick I learned because that was 2015. Is this list somewhere I can’t find? If it’s no longer…
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Weakness and spasms after DIEP
I had a Diep flap reconstruction in September of 2021. I had ongoing problems with lower abdominal weakness and cramps like large charley horses since recovery. It’s only on one side. I’ve had pt with a group who specializes in breast cancer patients, and pt remotely through MD Anderson. They all focus on building strength…
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Metastatic Recurrence Risk After Early-Stage Breast Cancer Drops
Metastatic Recurrence Risk After Early-Stage Breast Cancer Drops Nov 14, 2024 Treatments after surgery are more effective today and studies now include more women with lower-risk disease. Read more…
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Explant Surgery-
Hi- I had breast cancer and bilateral mastectomies 13 years ago and immediate reconstruction using silicone implants. I’m having the implants removed and plan to go flat. The surgeon I saw said that he could only partially remove the capsule since I have no breast tissue. Everything I read says it’s best to have the full…
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The wait for the biopsy is on
I am a walking mess. I had MOHS surgery for skin cancer on my nose in 2012, it came back, and I am waiting for surgery on that on December 19. I scheduled my mammogram /ultrasound prior to the surgery and guess what - a lump, round mass, whatever we call it in the same breast I had DCIS in 2008 (had 2 lumpectomies and…
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Hormonal Birth Control Ups Breast Cancer Risk in Women With BRCA1 Mutations
Hormonal Birth Control Ups Breast Cancer Risk in Women With BRCA1 Mutations Oct 23, 2024 The longer women with the mutation used hormonal contraception, the bigger the increase in risk. Read more…
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Verzenio didn't work for me
Hello, I was treated for my 2nd round of breast cancer from 2022-2023. I went on Verzenio/exemesthane regimen in May 2023. I was supposed to do two years on verzenio, however I was just diagnosed with MBC. I had a lymph node biopsy done because I had 3 swollen lymph nodes in the retroperitineal region show up on a PET…
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Black Women and Hormonal Therapy Sexual Side Effects
Black Women and Hormonal Therapy Sexual Side Effects November 22, 2024 Hormonal therapy is more likely to affect physical quality of life for Black women than white women. Dr. Janeane Anderson discusses her research on the topic. In the THRIVE trial, sexual side effects caused by hormonal therapy led to lower mental…
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Diagnosed With Breast Cancer at 26
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer at 26 November 8, 2024 When cancer researcher LaShae Rolle found a lump in her breast at age 26, she didn’t think it could be cancer, but decided to have a check-up just to be safe. She’s glad she did. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at any age is frightening and unexpected. But if you’re…
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Needing another MRI
This past September I had a screening MRI (strong family history of ovarian and breast cancer, BI-RADS D breast density). It showed a "10 x 9 x 11 mm homogeneously enhancing but slightly spiculated nodule in the axillary tail of the left breast". BI-RADS 5. The radiologist recommended targeted ultrasound with possible…
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What You Need to Know About Inflammatory Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know About Inflammatory Breast Cancer October 25, 2024 Dr. Filipa Lynce discusses the symptoms and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer; only about 1% to 5% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are inflammatory.…
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Newly diagnosed and in treatment can’t sleep enough yet
There is so much to know and the only one I’m trusting is the oncologist. The tests are factual but there are too many initials and I haven’t memorized what they all mean. There’s a super supportive team at the High Risk Breast Center but I don’t yet fit in. The less professional employees aspire to be in the know but they…
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Slipped Disc or something else?
I haven’t posted here in a while but, I do check in to read the posts from time to time to gain knowledge and peace. I’m very thankful for the ladies here, though I wish none of us were here. So, if I could get some of you to offer advice, prayers, or experiences I would appreciate it. So, in early October I started to…
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Advice on explant/DIEP surgery
I’ve had my implants for over 10 years, and lately, they’ve started feeling uncomfortable. I’ve also been dealing with some health issues, though I’m not sure if they’re related to the implants. I’m also worried about the potential risk of developing another type of cancer from the implants. Looking back, I probably…
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Treatment options scare me more than DCIS
hello! I am 49 and in October I was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast stage 0 grade 3. Also, I had an MRI on 11/21 which was inconclusive (unbeknownst to me and my doctors I had an infection at the site of the biopsy I had on 10/15!?) but showed that I may have a lesion and something else in my right breast so I am…
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Hello new here anyone good at reading pathology?
hi everyone I had a us guided needle biopsy on Friday. I had two areas but they only biopsies the larger one. Today the results say fibroepithelial lesion with increased stromal cellularity and myxoid change they are suggesting surgery to remove both areas to make sure it is a fibroadenoma and not a phyllodes tumor. Is the…
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stress test
has anyone had to have a stress test before surgery? When my port was put in they noticed slow blood flow to my heart. Now surgeon wants a stress test done before breast surgery
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Lump in nipple of nipple sparing mastectomy
Hi! I’m wondering whether there are others who have had a nipple sparing mastectomy that developed a lump in that nipple and it wasn’t something to be concerned about? I’m two years out from surgery and have a hard lump right in that nipple. There has been some gunky white stuff that has come out too but I think that is…
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Breast skin and scar after surgery and reconstruction
Hi I had double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with implants two months ago. I had nipple removed so my scars are across my breast. It’s been two months but my skins over that area are still super red and stiff/hard in texture. I don’t feel anything since I had no sensation over time area. I’m wondering if that is…
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Solitary Lung Nodule
Hi friends have a question . Did anyone have an experience of having one Solitary lung nodule 5 years after cancer. I am still waiting for a biopsy.
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What do you want from your caregiver(s) after being diagnosed?
November is National Family Caregivers Month. We thought it might a good idea to share here what you might want from your caregiver(s) so they know how to best support you through your breast cancer experience. So, what are you looking for from your caregiver(s)? Information, emotional support, help with daily tasks,…
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FES PET/CT scan insurance coverage
Has anyone with traditional Medicare had a FES PET/CT scan? I can’t get a definitive answer on payment for the procedure from either the hospital or CMS. Both say that an FDG PET/CT is covered so the answer is “probably.” Given the cost (more than FDG) I’m worried about having it done without knowing for sure. After two…
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Complex ADH with greater chance of surgical upgrade ANYONE?!?!
So my story has been long and drawn out and I just dont know what to think or do. 2 years ago, found a lump. Dx mammo/us determine "mildly irregular anechoic cyst". Lump never leaves. No follow up other than annual well womens visit. 7 months ago, nipple discharge near lump. Go see OBGYN and he blows it off as hormonal and…
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Anyone in Panama City, Fl area
Hello. I am 53 and newly diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Have first appointment with surgeon this coming week. Would like to talk to someone local that had bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Hugs to all! 💕
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How about women over 70
when do you call it quits? When does quality trump quantity
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I’ve been down this road before…trying not to panic
A brief backstory, I found this forum a long time ago in the mid 2000s back when my mom was diagnosed. I lurked all the time and am pretty sure I had an account but it’s been over a decade and I don’t remember any credentials so new account it is. 😊 I must say I am grateful this great forum still exists after all this…
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Wish you still had cancer?
Is it common to have the thought that i wouldn't care too much if i had a recurrence? That i want to stop my meds? Does anyone ever think this? Is it weird to bring up? I've been looking at my life since diagnosis, treatment, remission, and daily preventive maintenance. Maybe treatment and losing my hair was much easier…
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Will 30% of Early Stage (1-IIIA) go on to metastasize??
So I started this question in another thread but was hoping for additional feedback. With MBC awareness day last weekend, a stat is going around that caught my attention. Basically says that 30% of early stage BC patients will eventually have their bc metastasize AFTER adjuvant treatment. Susan G. Komen even states it here…
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decisions to be made--DCIS suspicious for microinvasion
Hi everyone, This is my first time posting. I have a DCIS (grade 3 ER+ PR+) diagnosis and am kind of stuck between having a mastectomy or trying cryoablation first. In order to make that decision, I am trying to figure out how to make sense of my likelihood of being upstaged at surgery. One sticking point is microinvasion.…
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Bilateral mastectomy and they missed the biopsy clip
Hello, I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction implants for triple negative breast cancer on Ictober 21,2024. Pathology revealed no cancer in the limp nodes 😀but they did not find the biopsy clip( or the small tumor most likely). Have to go back for another surgery like a lumpectomy and possibly exchange of that…