MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'breast reconstruction surgery'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:51:08 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934731&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-bra-shopping-to-fit-new-breasts%2F Now that my revised, reconstructed breasts are settling down, I once again need a new bra. I have learned through my transformation that shopping for a bra is a real task. The one black lace bra that worked in the past no longer fits my new breasts, and most of the bras I have tried on lately just don’t work either. It wasn’t until I had breast cancer that I learned how important a properly fitted bra is. First, I needed a good sturdy bra when I was using just a molded prosthesis for the first breast I lost. Then after the initial reconstruction surgery, I didn’t need as much support, but I needed a bra that would give me the shape I wanted. Now I need a new bra that has the right amount of coverage and can show off the cleavage without pushing my breasts together. What I really ne... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934731 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:39:16 +0100 4934731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813614&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-we-need-a-longer-hospital-stay-after-a-mastectomy%2F Even though the scientific evidence shows that women recover just as well at home after a mastectomy, I don’t believe women should be sent home the day after surgery. In the late 1990s, the switch was made to sending women home quickly after surgery to remove a breast. The evidence suggested that women recover just as well at home as in the hospital. Prior to that decision, many women were in the hospital for several days — now it is up to doctors whether to keep a woman longer than the initial day of recovery. They need a medical reason for insurance to pay for the extended hospital stay. But the evidence doesn’t address the emotional impact that breast cancer and losing a breast has on a woman. We especially need time to assess our feelings about losing a breast before returni... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813614 Tue, 10 May 2011 17:00:14 +0100 4813614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642912&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffinishing-the-fight-against-breast-cancer%2F I have been writing this blog for 5 years now and last week was the first week that I missed posting one. I think I finally crashed and burned. Not from writing the blog — this is something I love — but from trying to be superwoman. I had follow-up reconstructive surgery a week ago last Thursday, and Friday I was right back to business. By Monday I was feeling the fatigue that comes after surgery, which I could have avoided by resting Friday and Saturday. I stumbled through the rest of the week barely accomplishing anything. Generally I bounce back quickly from surgery. I need at least a day of rest after, but I didn’t give myself that privilege this time. I am always encouraging breast cancer survivors to take their time healing and to give themselves as much time and spac... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642912 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:39:16 +0100 4642912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610957&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fget-the-best-reconstructive-surgery-for-you%2F I am so grateful that Dr. Rebecca Studinger began her practice in Michigan. Yesterday I had another breast revision surgery and fat grafting. Fat grafting is actually liposuction; Dr. Studinger took fat from another part of my body — not hard to find — and put it into my breasts to get the right size. The best thing about this wonderful doctor is that she is not only highly trained, skilled, and talented, but is willing to work with me patiently to ensure I get the results I want. Her vision for women after breast cancer matches our own. We desire natural looking breasts as close to the real thing as possible and Dr. Studinger is one doctor who can make that happen. My surgeries with her have been like a spa experience — she is that good. My doctors at Johns Hopkins were... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610957 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:48:02 +0100 4610957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592638&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdont-be-bullied-into-treatment-youre-not-comfortable-with%2F .If you have ever been bullied, you know that you don’t realize it at first. Initially, people tend to blame themselves for how others treat them. I was bullied as a child by a group of girls, and I can tell you that your first instinct is to think it is your fault. As a new student in a new school, I was ostracized for the first few months. At eight years old, school was my whole life, so you can imagine how much the rejection of the other students affected me. It took me well into adulthood to find it easy to make new friends. Of course I am over it now, but it had a long-lasting effect. As adults we don’t call it bullying, we call it intimidating. Often we admire people who can intimidate others, regardless of the outcome. Perhaps that is why bullying has becoming epidemic among chi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592638 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:35:31 +0100 4592638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566298&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fkeep-copies-of-your-medical-records%2F I have a huge file with all the test results and pathology reports that pertain to my breast cancer. It was helpful for a while, especially when I met with the genetics counselor and the surgeons who did my reconstructive surgery. I even had my bone scans and x-rays for a while, when I carried them with me to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to discuss prophylactic mastectomy and DIEP flap surgery. It was my oncologist’s secretary who carefully copied every test and made sure to give it to me as I left each office visit. She suggested I keep it nearby since it could prove helpful to have. Now it is just a huge file taking up room in my file cabinet. I seldom if ever look at it anymore, and it seems almost obsolete since losing both of my breasts. Truthfully though, just knowing that I have acc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566298 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:26:17 +0100 4566298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4163027&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-you-either-get-it-or-you-dont%2F I can’t remember what it felt like to have real breasts. Even though I am thrilled with the results of my recent breast reconstruction revisions, I am questioning if I will ever be truly a whole woman again. I just don’t feel normal — I feel like a breast cancer survivor — and putting a new set of breasts on my chest doesn’t make me feel like I used to. If anything, I feel even less normal. To be honest, I don’t usually think this way. These sentiments are all coming out of an experience I had a couple of days ago. I made the mistake of explaining the DIEP flap surgery I had to reconstruct my breasts to a woman that had never been through breast cancer. I have always been excited about the procedure and the results from the surgery that took my excess tummy fat and made a pair ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4163027 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:48:52 +0100 4163027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003392&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsurgical-solutions-for-lymphedema%2F I am so happy with the results of my recent DIEP flap revision. Dr. Studinger is detailed and very attentive, and I am so fortunate to have found her. She does other plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures as well. I had the opportunity to discuss lymph node surgery with her when I had my follow-up appointment last week. Until I read her brochure, I didn’t even know that there was relief for lymphedema through surgery. Dr. Studinger is one of only a few doctors worldwide who perform successful surgery for lymph node reconstruction in the treatment of lymphedema. Every now and then I sense a little numbness in my right arm. Generally it is around the elbow and radiates to the upper arm. I know that it is because I had lymph nodes removed when I had a mastectomy of the right breast. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003392 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:13:16 +0100 4003392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973079&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbecoming-a-gem-after-breast-cancer%2F When we got engaged, my husband gave me an emerald ring. It is truly beautiful. The ring has a large baguette emerald with diamonds. The thing about emeralds is that it is hard to find one without inclusions. Inclusions in emeralds are called gardens, and the gardens are what make each emerald unique. If a diamond has an inclusion, it would be called a flaw. It is all a matter of perspective. I have had to learn to accept a few flaws after breast cancer, including scars and weight gain. Even after breast reconstruction, the flaws are pretty apparent. I will never be as perfect as I was before breast cancer, but believe me, I didn’t think of myself as perfect then. Only after I was sliced and transformed by breast cancer did I look back and think I took myself, and especially my smooth sk... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973079 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:49:02 +0100 3973079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933233&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbonding-over-surgery-with-other-breast-cancer-survivors%2F I went to a follow-up appointment with my doctor for the reconstructive surgery I had a few weeks ago. I am still very concerned about everything healing up with minimal scarring, so I am taping the scars while they heal and being careful not to get anything near the wounds. It is such a task. Anyway, while I was in the waiting room I got to meet another woman who was considering DIEP flap surgery and was there to consult with my doctor. Speaking to her reminded me of what a huge decision breast reconstruction is — not getting the breasts, but settling on the type of surgery. There are still far fewer doctors performing a DIEP flap than there are who do implant surgery or TRAM flap. While each surgery has its benefits, I chose DIEP flap as it seemed to have the best outcome. For example,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933233 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:39:03 +0100 3933233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915058&cid=t_155329_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FEXX1ungsoM0%2Fpreference-for-scar-location.html This study has addressed scar and contour issues related to the latissimus dorsi flap, provided data to support the conclusions, and provided a mechanism to improve outcomes. REFERENCES Breast Reconstruction with the Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Women's Preference for Scar Location; Bailey, S; Saint-Cyr, M; Zhang, K; Mojallal, A; Wong, C; Ouyang, Da; Maia, M; Zhang, S; Rohrich, R J.; Plastic & Reconstr Surgery. 126(2):358-365, August 2010, doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de1b41 Discussion: Breast Reconstruction with the Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Women's Preference for Scar Location; Nahabedian, Maurice Y; Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 126(2):366, August 2010; doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de1963 (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915058 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:15:00 +0100 3915058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896057&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-few-complaints-after-surgery%2F Now I remember why I put off the surgery to fix my reconstructed breasts — healing after surgery is no fun! I feel okay, but I can’t get the sutures wet while I’m healing, so I can’t go swimming and I can’t even go outside because I’ll sweat too much. My body is having a reaction to the surgical tape, and one little spot is red and getting infected. It just sucks. The only good thing is that this time I didn’t come home with any drains attached to my body. After every surgery I usually go home with the drains, and the last time I had to keep them for almost two weeks. I’ll say it again: healing isn’t fun. I bounce back quicker than most people, but I still need to whine a little about the discomfort and limited activity due to the surgery. Because I am a little swollen ar... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896057 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:55:52 +0100 3896057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889270&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdealing-with-the-scars-from-breast-cancer%2F Recently I was invited to do a guest blog on a site that produces and sells cream for people dealing with the effects of radiation treatment on their skin, including to the breast area. They provide a blog and tip site that provides encouragement to survivors of all kinds of disease; they just happened to find my blog and thought I would be a good fit. I am often asked to write guest blogs for other sites. I love these invitations because I get to find out about efforts towards breast cancer awareness and research. I also find all sorts of new resources. I don’t endorse any products and generally no one asks me to. If I have written about a specific product or company, it is because somehow these organizations provide support to breast cancer research and survivors. I found out that Jean... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889270 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:34:58 +0100 3889270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872715&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fwe-deserve-to-be-restored-after-breast-cancer%2F I was recovering from surgery this past weekend. On Thursday, I had reconstructive cosmetic surgery to tweak my breasts. The original plan was that I would be in surgery for one to two hours and then head home late Thursday afternoon. Surgery actually took almost four hours. The doctor told Sister, who had come from Toronto to spend the day with me at the hospital, that she took some extra time to fix my abdominal scar. This included tailoring the dog ears on each side of the scar left from my original DIEP flap surgery. I was thrilled to learn that in addition to adjusting the size and shape of my breasts, the surgery had repaired the scar along my abdomen and those unsightly puckers on each side of the scar. I decided to stay in the hospital overnight, and I am so glad I did. I didn’t ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872715 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:55 +0100 3872715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798754&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fgetting-the-best-breasts-possible%2F I had a great doctor’s appointment last week. I got to tell my plastic surgeon how I wanted my redesigned breasts to look. Dr. Studinger is an amazing, patient, and understanding doctor. She is really skilled in the DIEP flap breast reconstruction procedure and committed to helping me get the best possible results from the touch-ups I want. Although I had two surgeries to reconstruct my breasts, I still need to finalize the shape and size of my breasts; one breast is a little bigger than the other. This is in part because one breast was reconstructed from a prophylactic mastectomy, while the other was removed with cancer and my surgeon did not want to leave much skin that could harbor cancer cells. One thing Dr. Studinger reviewed with me the fact that under law, insurance is required to... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798754 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:25:37 +0100 3798754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767271&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fin-search-of-a-tattoo-artist%2F The next big thing coming up for me is additional surgery to finish my breast reconstruction. I delayed getting touch-ups and nipples for various reasons, but that didn’t diminish my desire for more attractive and normal breasts. I have been lucky though because I did work initially with great surgeons at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and really have a well-placed and wonderful-looking set. Along with putting off the final cosmetic surgery, I have put off thinking about the nipple construction and tattooing that generally accompanies the finishing touches. So recently I have been searching out websites and other material to learn how this is done. Surprisingly, there are a number of ways to get new nipples and areolas. Nipple reconstruction by most surgeons is done by cutting the skin in th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767271 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:28:43 +0100 3767271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733249&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fempowered-to-decide-for-breast-reconstruction-or-against%2F Surgery for my touch-up breast reconstruction is planned for August, so I am scheduled to see the doctor in a few weeks to discuss the changes I want. This surgery is exciting to me, but I waited a long time to have it. I had the original DIEP flap surgery in 2006, then the follow-up in March 2007 — since then I haven’t had any additional work, cosmetic or otherwise, on my breasts. When you take into account the fact that it took me almost 13 years to grow the first set, it doesn’t seem like this new set is really taking that long to perfect. Breast cancer survivors get to do what a lot of women wish they could — get a new set of designer boobs. It is a hollow triumph, really, when you realize what we had to go through to earn them. But if you can get past the horror of the dia... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733249 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:16 +0100 3733249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714394&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-obsessed-after-breast-cancer%2F I have become a boob person. I am obsessed with breasts! I catch myself staring at women’s chests all the time. It is easy to find a pair to look at these days, with all the skimpy summer tops and t-shirts exposing cleavage. I wasn’t always like this. Before I had breast cancer, boobs weren’t a big deal. After my mastectomy, my interest began to grow, and I became fully obsessed while I was deciding on reconstruction. The only other time I developed a minor obsession was when I was 13 years old and my first set wasn’t growing as fast as those of my classmates. This is also similar to when I was bald during chemotherapy and I became obsessed with hair, especially blonde hair. Fortunately, I have more to do in my life than stare at women’s bodies, but when the opportunity arise... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714394 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:54:49 +0100 3714394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560443&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsomething-is-missing-from-my-reconstructed-breasts%2F A breast without a nipple is like a car without an engine — it is beautiful to look at but you can’t turn it on! I miss my real nipples. Talking to several women at the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto, many of them had the same lament. Regardless of the reconstructive procedure, we all miss the sensation we used to get from our nipples. I can’t conjure up that same feeling, and I have to honestly say sex is not the same. It is still great, don’t get me wrong, but that special effect that came from sensitive breasts is — well, regretfully gone. I have tried to view all the new changes to my body and psyche that came from breast cancer with curiosity. It compels me to research and study the effects of surgery and the drugs on my body and mind. I find it interesting ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560443 Wed, 12 May 2010 19:14:34 +0100 3560443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552510&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FY0f6m7CWOLc%2Fhow-much-does-breast-reconstruction.html The two most common questions among breast cancer patients considering breast reconstruction are "how much does breast reconstruction cost?" and "will my insurance cover it?". The good news is that even though breast reconstruction is performed by plastic surgeons, it is NOT considered cosmetic surgery. If the mastectomy is for breast cancer then the law states it must be covered by insurance. If the mastectomy is covered, the reconstruction will be too. The bad news is that even though insurance covers breast reconstruction, there are still some costs that the patient will be responsible for. Patients much research this ahead of time to limit the risk of a nasty financial surprise down the line. While the degree of coverage varies based on the insurance plan, there are some things that ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552510 Tue, 11 May 2010 01:30:43 +0100 3552510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529967&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-across-the-border%2F I am in Canada visiting with family this week while waiting to attend the breast cancer conference with Sister on Wednesday in Toronto. While lounging at Sister’s this weekend, I picked up a magazine from the stack under her coffee table. It was one of Canada’s premier women’s magazines, Chatelaine. I love this magazine — my mother used to buy me a subscription every year when I lived here. As far back as I remember, Chatelaine addressed breast cancer. They would have a supplemental section a couple of times a year for Look Good, Feel Better, the Canadian Cancer Society’s self-esteem program for women going through breast cancer treatment. Actually, when I was in my twenties I questioned why they would keep reminding women that they could get breast cancer — now I applaud t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529967 Mon, 03 May 2010 19:59:12 +0100 3529967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404094&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreasts-get-good-ratings-and-an-uncomfortable-viewer%2F Like a lot of people in America, I tuned in to watch Dancing with the Stars Monday night. It was the premiere for the new season and a new celebrity cast. It’s really fun to watch actually. Every season I notice the outfits become more risqué and the show becomes a little less family oriented. This new season is no exception. One thing that is pretty obvious, well a lot of things actually, is the women’s breasts. I don’t know if it is intentional to show the jiggle, or if it is just because breasts get good ratings. All I know is you can’t miss them.  Maybe America’ fascination with breasts is what makes losing one to breast cancer especially difficult. I don’t want to suggest that losing a body part and battling a terrifying disease as not difficult, but losing a breast real... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404094 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:19:08 +0100 3404094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208631&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FXBrMf3nIj-c%2Fbreast-reconstruction-surgery-options.html Every woman has a right to breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. This has been a federal mandate for some time and insurance companies have to pay for breast reconstruction surgery by law. There is no age limitation for breast reconstruction and there are many different options available. "Immediate" breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Advantages include: preserving most of the patient's breast skin, a shorter/less obvious mastectomy scar and waking up with the new breast already in place (and avoiding the experience of a flat chest). It also generally provides the best cosmetic results particularly when combined with nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy.

 "Delayed" reconstruction generally takes place after the mastectomy has hea... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208631 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:04:41 +0100 3208631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200629&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbuying-shoes-to-get-through-chemo%2F I have decided that I need a pair of red patent leather high heel pumps with a platform. I saw them somewhere a couple of weeks ago and they keep creeping into my thoughts. I have a real weakness for shoes. This doesn’t make me unique as a woman, shoes have a real appeal for most of us. These shoes are pretty sensational though, they are shiny and the perfect shade of tomato red and have at least a four inch heel. I picture them with a skinny pair of jeans (I was envisioning when I was skinnier). Truthfully I didn’t buy them because I sensed they would end up with the rest of my collection of shoes, many of which are still new and in the box. OK, I confess, I am obsessed with shoes and have a very weird relationship with them. They make me happy! Before I had the second surgery... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200629 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:02:09 +0100 3200629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012591&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FivJfga5eg24%2Fgrow-breasts-from-fat-future-of-breast.html A new form of breast reconstruction that allows women to re-grow breasts from their own fat cells after a mastectomy could be offered to British and Australian breast cancer patients for the first time in 2010. A human trial of the new technique is being planned by plastic surgeons at a London hospital. The trial will study whether fat cells can be induced to multiply and fill a breast-shaped mold implanted under the chest skin to recreate a breast after mastectomy. Australian scientists also recently announced that they would start similar treatments on women within six months, following animal studies involving mice and pigs that successfully re-grew breasts from fat. If the human trials are as successful, this new technique could transform breast reconstruction surgery,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012591 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:39:12 +0100 3012591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995996&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FivJfga5eg24%2Fgrow-breasts-from-fat-future-of-breast.html A new form of breast reconstruction that allows women to re-grow breasts from their own fat cells after a mastectomy could be offered to British and Australian breast cancer patients for the first time in 2010. A human trial of the new technique is being planned by plastic surgeons at a London hospital. The trial will study whether fat cells can be induced to multiply and fill a breast-shaped mold implanted under the chest skin to recreate a breast after mastectomy. Australian scientists also recently announced that they would start similar treatments on women within six months, following animal studies involving mice and pigs that successfully re-grew breasts from fat. If the human trials are as successful, this new technique could transform breast reconstruction surgery,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995996 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:21:25 +0100 2995996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2970385&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-tattoo-to-cover-up-my-chemo-port-scar%2F A real growing trend is tattoos. Remember when you only saw them on sailors? Well if you are my age you do. Anyway, I have been researching tattoos for a paper I am writing for one of the classes I have been taking at the university this fall. It seems they could be dangerous, certainly hard to get rid of, and even a hindrance to success in the work place. Still, more and more people are getting them. As one young person told me; “By the time I make it to management, the CEO will have a tattoo, so my tattoo will be a usual thing.” He is probably right. For anyone that has had breast reconstruction you may have had your areola tattooed onto your new breast. One thing that I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for is my port scar. On the right side of my upper chest the scar that w... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2970385 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:28:57 +0100 2970385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2606190&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2Fgrtn0gd5cTE%2Fbreast-reconstruction-breast-cancer.html Despite the increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published report. Newly released statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008 - a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this, current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis."Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Those who are diagnosed should be immediately referred to a full team of p... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2606190 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:37:56 +0100 2606190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442583&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-regrets-about-my-breast-reconstruction%2F Breast reconstruction is a huge part of the decision many survivors make when deciding on mastectomy or lumpectomy. I had a mastectomy and then a year and a half later had reconstruction. The DIEP flap surgery that I had that involved removal of the healthy breast and replacing both with tissue from my tummy has proven over time to have been a great decision for me. I love that I have real breast lumps and that I look and feel normal. With summer coming I, like many women, am reassessing my body which includes yet another attempt to take off those pounds that crept on over the long, long winter in Michigan. This year though I am really motivated to get the final touches done to my breast reconstruction. I still need nipples and areolas. A final reshaping of one breast is required too but I... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442583 Mon, 18 May 2009 20:58:15 +0100 2442583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415731&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-regrest-about-my-breast-reconstruction%2F Breast reconstruction is a huge part of the decision many survivors make when deciding on mastectomy or lumpectomy. I had a mastectomy and then a year and a half later had reconstruction. The DIEP flap surgery that I had that involved removal of the healthy breast and replacing both with tissue from my tummy has proven over time to have been a great decision for me. I love that I have real breast lumps and that I look and feel normal. With summer coming I, like many women, am reassessing my body which includes yet another attempt to take off those pounds that crept on over the long, long winter in Michigan. This year though I am really motivated to get the final touches done to my breast reconstruction. I still need nipples and areolas. A final reshaping of one breast is required too but I... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415731 Mon, 18 May 2009 20:58:15 +0100 2415731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382769&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmeditation-for-stress-and-breast-cancer-treatment%2F Years ago I discovered meditation as a method to reduce stress. I always thought there was some secret to it involving Far Eastern chants and pretzel poses. I actually fell into a method of meditation that worked for me and now describe it as a place in your mind to retreat to for peace and calm. It started by realizing that I needed to get away but didn’t have the means or resources to do that.   So I took a few moments one morning to imagine a place that would provide complete calm away from my world. See, it doesn’t sound eerie or bizarre in any way! The place that came to me was a room overlooking the ocean with two balcony doors wide open to the outside with gauze curtain panels blowing in the breeze.  The best part about my envisioned room was that the only furniture in the roo... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382769 Fri, 01 May 2009 17:52:10 +0100 2382769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349545&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftrue-recovery-begins-after-breast-cancer-treatment%2F You completed your surgery or treatment, the surgical wounds have begun to fade and chemotherapy is a bad memory. Perhaps reconstruction is behind you and your hair is back on your head where it belongs. By all outward appearances you have begun to heal, or may even think you are fully healed from breast cancer. I’m sure your doctor, like mine is careful not to say that you are cured. My husband was told he was cured after his prostate cancer treatment and other cancers can be cured, but for breast cancer the word cured is not used. So we heal and we go on. Some of us can leave it behind and some of us carry the scars and overshadowing of cancer with us throughout our life.  Most of us I have discovered have fought breast cancer and won, but we haven’t healed. Healing is a process. Wh... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349545 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:11:17 +0100 2349545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512756&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F72Z2i8eyaUM%2Fbreast-reconstruction-surgery-part-iii.html The ideal breast reconstruction technique is one which allows reconstruction of a “natural”, warm, soft breast with the least impact on the patient’s body. While breast reconstruction with stem cells may not be too far off, until it becomes a reality we are limited to using the patient’s own tissue to achieve these goals. As discussed in the previous posts in this breast reconstruction series, until fairly recently the only “tissue reconstruction” options involved sacrificing muscle. This made recovery from the surgery difficult and painful, not to mention the risk of long-term muscle function loss and weakness. Perforator flap techniques use skin and fat from various parts of the body. All muscles are preserved. Since no muscle is sacrificed recovery is much easier and muscle ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512756 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:52:05 +0100 2512756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512755&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FJRoEzt_XnDE%2Fbreast-reconstruction-surgery-part-ii.html Women interested in breast reconstruction after mastectomy have several reconstruction options to choose from. In Part I of this series we discussed tissue expanders, breast implants and Alloderm.Though implant reconstruction remains the most common method of breast reconstruction in the US, many women are now steering away from this option, opting instead to use their own tissue for more “natural” results. Muscle flaps have, until fairly recently, been the only choice available for these tissue reconstructions. The most commonly offered muscle flaps are the latissimus and TRAM flap procedures.Latissimus Dorsi Flap:The latissimus procedure uses muscle from the back of the shoulder blade which is brought around to the breast mound to help create a new breast. During the procedure a sect... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512755 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:43:38 +0100 2512755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2084355&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbeating-cancerthis-time%2F I’m off to see my oncologist for my regular three month follow-up this morning. It’s funny, I can’t remember any appointment or meeting unless I write it down, but I never forget the oncologist appointment, so that one I rarely write down, although I do get the times mixed up but never the day. The only thing that is a bit of a nuisance is that the office is busy and since these follow-up appointments take maybe 15 or 20 minutes, it doesn’t seem worth the 20- to 30-minute wait to see the doctor. Oh well, they’ve stuck with me this long, I’m sure I can weather the inconvenience. After almost five years since starting treatment, I am feeling pretty confident. I am told my risk of cancer spreading gets lower as time goes by and I am pretty sure that I won&#... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2084355 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:50:40 +0100 2084355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512757&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FqfGMMFMK6GQ%2Fbreast-reconstruction-with-tissue-much.html This study involved the largest reported series of patients who sequentially underwent mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation therapy. Ninety-two patients were observed for a period of 38 months following breast reconstruction and radiation therapy. Researchers found that autologous breast reconstruction is better tolerated by breast cancer patients because it is associated with fewer long-term complications and better cosmetic results than tissue expander/implant reconstruction.None of the 23 patients reconstructed with their own tissue required further surgery while 33% of tissue expander/implant patients needed surgery to correct a problem with their reconstruction. Eighty-three percent of autologous reconstruction patients reported acceptable cosmetic results... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512757 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:14:25 +0100 2512757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512759&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FHm93VdEYnNI%2Favoiding-denervation-of-abdominal.html Conclusions: Nerves innervating the rectus abdominis are at risk during DIEP flap harvest. Small, type 1 nerves have overlapping innervation from adjacent nerves and may be sacrificed without functional detriment. However, large type 2 nerves at the level of the arcuate line innervate the entire width of rectus muscle without adjacent overlap and may contribute to donor-site morbidity if sacrificed.******Here's my take....The long and the short of it is that for DIEP flap surgery to be considered successful several things need to happen (in my opinion):1) the tissue (flap) transferred to the chest to create the new breast must survive. ie the new breast must live. Obvious.2) the patient must not suffer any ill-effects from removal of the tissue ("flap") from the abdomen. This is what we ca... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512759 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:13:42 +0100 2512759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512758&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FUvv9n0Edy3g%2Fbreast-cancer-recurrence-not-related-to.html One of my breast cancer patients called me today. She recently underwent bilateral mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps. She recovered very well from the surgery but unfortunately her pathology results showed that she had cancer extending almost to the edge of the mastectomy specimen. The exact medical jargon used by the pathologist was.... "invasive carcinoma extending to 1mm from the margin". She also had DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) "extending to 0.2mm from the margin."From a purist's perspective, these results still represent "clear margins". In other words, no tumor was found at the edge of the mastectomy specimen so there is no reason to believe there is any cancer left in my patient's breast. BUT, it's very close and that is certainly worrisome.She cal... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512758 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:12:25 +0100 2512758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1970951&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F457936417%2Favoiding-denervation-of-abdominal.html Conclusions: Nerves innervating the rectus abdominis are at risk during DIEP flap harvest. Small, type 1 nerves have overlapping innervation from adjacent nerves and may be sacrificed without functional detriment. However, large type 2 nerves at the level of the arcuate line innervate the entire width of rectus muscle without adjacent overlap and may contribute to donor-site morbidity if sacrificed.******Here's my take....The long and the short of it is that for DIEP flap surgery to be considered successful several things need to happen (in my opinion):1) the tissue (flap) transferred to the chest to create the new breast must survive. ie the new breast must live. Obvious.2) the patient must not suffer any ill-effects from removal of the tissue ("flap") from the abdomen. This is what we ca... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1970951 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:48:30 +0100 1970951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512764&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FkDdBuAHlYXk%2Fplastic-surgeon-using-new-technology-in.html Wendy Rigby- KENS 5 Eyewitness NewsSan Antonio's Methodist Hospital is one of only two facilities in the country offering a new technology to help in breast reconstruction surgery — a system that gives doctors a more precise way to see what they are operating on.Plastic surgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is a man on a mission. He wants more breast cancer patients to know that when they face a mastectomy, they can have their breast reconstructed at the same time. Dr. Chrysopoulo performs the new procedure at the Methodist Hospital.It's a specialized form of breast reconstruction surgery called the "DIEP flap", where doctors take skin and fat from the patient's abdomen, and use it to form a natural-looking breast by using Novadaq's new imaging system called "SPY…" the doctor is able to prese... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512764 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:02:58 +0100 2512764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859827&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbringing-sexy-back-into-your-life-after-breast-cancer%2F Years ago before breast cancer touched my life, I saw a photograph of a beautiful woman who had lost a breast to cancer. The self portrait showed this woman naked from the waist up with up stretched arms and a scar where a breast should have been. The other breast was hidden by the pose. She was truly beautiful and the photograph was sexy. I didn’t get it then, but now I realize that she was extraordinary to have been able to reveal her sexuality and the brutality of the disease at the same time. For me sexy doesn’t come as easy. The last time I felt really sexy was when my husband whisked me off wig, prophylactic bra and all for a romantic weekend for Valentines Day during my chemotherapy. Just a few months later, after treatment was complete, all the sexy was gone. Well, it’s time ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859827 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:37:38 +0100 1859827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512769&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FQybDdi37FTM%2F98-of-mastectomy-patients-would-have.html This study shows that women with cancer in one breast who choose to have their other breast removed as a preventive measure are happy with their decision and a high percentage would do it again,” said Scott Spear, MD, study co-author and past ASPS president. “More remarkable is the 100 percent satisfaction level, as well as the 100 percent willingness to have breast reconstruction again, for the women who chose to have both breasts removed.”The study examined 74 women who had preventive mastectomies and subsequent breast reconstruction between 2000 and 2005. Forty-seven patients had breast cancer in one breast and elected to surgically remove their other breast (unilateral prophylactic mastectomy). Twenty-seven patients did not have breast cancer, but chose to surgically remove both ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512769 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:10:08 +0100 2512769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512768&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2Fye5LDKO2r3k%2Fchristina-applegate-mastectomy-calls.html Actress Christina Applegate’s public disclosure of her breast cancer, her decision to have a double mastectomy, and plans to go forth with breast reconstruction surgery, calls attention to the need for a medical “team” approach in the treatment and recovery from breast cancer.“A decision to have breast reconstruction is a decision to have plastic surgery. And, that ought to be done by a plastic surgeon. This is what we train for and do everyday. Plastic surgeons have pioneered and refined all of the state-of-the-art techniques in breast reconstruction including implant approaches and autologous tissue (natural) transfers,” said Richard D’Amico, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).The methods for treating women with breast cancer have evolved and we ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512768 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:19:04 +0100 2512768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1783012&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhigh-health-insurance-costs-mean-no-vacation%2F Sister is in Italy swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. She and her husband have taken a much-deserved vacation, but who doesn’t deserve a vacation? After five and a half years of marriage I am still waiting for a honeymoon. When I got married I was an immigrant from Canada so I couldn’t leave the country for three months while I was being processed. Then that very summer while we were planning our romantic trip, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the rest is well-documented on this Life with Breast Cancer blog. I want a vacation and a honeymoon, and I don’t want to take them at the same time. Travel is great fun, but not when you’re sick or recovering. Even the car travel after reconstructive surgery in Baltimore (a ten hour drive from Detroit) was a challenge. Baltimore is a di... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1783012 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:39:47 +0100 1783012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1764337&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchristina-applegate-ups-the-ante-in-the-fight-against-breast-cancer%2F Last week when the young actress Christina Applegate announced that she had battled breast cancer by having her breasts removed, I was elated that she turned her battle into a crusade to promote MRI screenings and genetic counseling. I was saddened more so by the fact that such a young woman has to be struck with it in the first place. She has been diagnosed as a BRCA II carrier with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. I can write a blog post every day about it, but you know that if a young Hollywood actress is talking about it millions of people are listening. This makes me ecstatic about the possibilities that this may open up, now that Hollywood is taking a stand against cancer. A while back, two Hollywood producers were introduced to each other through their oncologist while eac... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1764337 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:30:18 +0100 1764337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709804&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffinding-lumps-after-breast-reconstruction%2F For the most part, my reconstructed breasts are smooth and natural. Pressing in on them, however, reveals to me small, hard masses. I only have a couple that I can find, but it did cause some alarm initially. The surgeon assured me that they were fat tissue that had hardened as a result of the transplanted tissue and were completely unrelated to any breast cancer issues. I sometimes wonder if I am completely safe though. Last week the other breast cancer blogger on HealthTalk, Suzette, wrote about her recent experience in finding a lump and undergoing a biopsy only months after breast reconstruction. The thing I admire about Suzette is her knowledge of her body and her vigilance against recurring breast cancer. I learn a lot from reading her blog posts. Thankfully, the results were negativ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709804 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:56:25 +0100 1709804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1649367&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsoaking-up-life-the-cancer-survivor-way%2F Twenty-one years ago this summer is the one and only time I ever played golf. You might then wonder, as my husband did, why I bought a brand new set of ladies golf clubs last week. Well, for one thing they were on sale but most importantly they were blazoned with the breast cancer hope pink ribbon, and the shafts of the clubs are pink. I bought the Wilson Hope ladies (pictured below) set of golf clubs. I am reaching my five year breast cancer survivorship since my diagnosis. I have decided that my life needs to be filled with more fun things so I am taking up golf since Tiger Woods makes it look fun and lucrative. My family has even planned a trip to Lake Tahoe for Christmas! I don’t ski, but I foresee a set of pink skis in my future to stand beside my new golf set. These past sever... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1649367 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:34:16 +0100 1649367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1475464&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-finishing-touches-of-breast-reconstruction%2F With summer weather approaching, not having nipples is actually pretty convenient. It is easier to throw on a bathing suit or tank top and not concern myself with what may be poking through. However, I have decided to continue with this part of the reconstruction of my breasts, and have nipples created and the areola tattooed. Reconstruction for me has been a journey, and not a short one. Many women know the length of the process involved in getting implants and taking the time to inflate the original pouch before replacing it with the final implant. DIEP flap, although a major surgery, does not take as much time to get to the final results; perhaps just the follow-up surgery to create the cosmetic nipples and any touchups. Part of the reason it has taken so long with me is that I have bee... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475464 Wed, 28 May 2008 21:11:30 +0100 1475464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1361281&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fanother-day-with-chemo-brain%2F I have blogged often on chemo brain, and I was reading a recent comment on an old blog where a reader stated that after several years she is convinced that chemo brain doesn’t go away. That got me to thinking about my own struggle with the effects of chemo brain like absentmindedness, not remembering words while I’m talking and a feeling of disconnection from my own brain. These are still prevalent effects. Even though my brain still works and I am learning new things by taking college courses, the impaired memory and stuck-on-a -thought incidences still linger. Some days, I actually feel completely disconnected from my brain and that I am just acting on instinct. What if it never goes away? In fact, what if my thinking it is getting better is only because I have learned to live with m... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1361281 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:24:17 +0100 1361281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1307938&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-fatigue-a-symptom-of-something-more%2F Fatigue has been overtaking me by about 4:00 p.m. each day regardless of the sleep I have managed to accrue the night before. I would like to write it off as the effects of the long cold winter that we have been having in Michigan, but I don’t have that luxury. I am a breast cancer survivor that had cancer spread to my lymph nodes. Although I have taken preventative measures like having a mastectomy of the affected breast and a prophylactic mastectomy of the other breast in addition to having my ovaries removed and taking a hormonal drug, I have to be concerned about anything in my health that is askew. It is like knowing that someone is out there that wants you dead, only this enemy has already infiltrated your life once. Cancer is that same enemy that I have to continue to be vigilant ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1307938 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:19:21 +0100 1307938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1263529&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-emotional-impact-of-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis%2F Is it possible to be unemotionally affected by a breast cancer diagnosis? My decision to volunteer in the research study about the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis has me realizing that there was indeed a huge assault to my emotional well-being from a cancer diagnosis. (It is outlined in my February 18th blog “A study on ways to cope with a breast cancer diagnosis”) Initially I was strong and even prepared for the breast cancer diagnosis I received. I thought it would be easy to go through the lumpectomy and get on with my life. After the surgery to remove just the lump, I was far more shaken to learn that the margins weren’t clear, that I would have to lose a breast, and that cancer had invaded eight lymph nodes. The idea of dying from cancer became a reality, and the p... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1263529 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:59:43 +0100 1263529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173536&cid=t_155329_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-nerve-of-breast-cancer-intruding-like-that%2F Breast cancer certainly has no discretion when it decides to show up. After celebrating five years of marriage on December 29, 2007, I couldn’t help but think how this disease has woven itself through the fiber of my wedded bliss. Our first summer in our new home only seven months married, and I found the lump. The ensuing battle that accompanied treatment took all my energy for the next six months. Thankfully, I had a husband who participated in the battle and had no intention of altering his commitment to me - so much though for the newlywed honeymoon period. Losing the breast and being exposed to treatment deteriorated some of the passion I felt as a new bride. My husband, bless his heart, embraced his bald, one-breasted wife with the same vigor and desire he showed me the day we got ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173536 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:30:24 +0100 1173536