Breast Cancer Patient Experiences

Thank you! I first found my lump while lying on my bed doing a self-breast exam. Since my mom was a breast cancer survivor, I did self exams occasionally, but never thought I would actually find a lump. At first, I didn't believe I actually had a lump. I didn't know what a lump would feel like, and since I was only 27, I thought for sure it was probably just a normal part of my breast. But when I went to the gynecologist for a different health issue, he was very concerned about my lump.

I personally did not have the test for a genetic mutation. My mom went through testing just months before she died, and the tests did not find any mutations that are currently known about. I discussed the results with my oncologist, and he agreed with my mom's genetic counselor that I do not need to have genetic testing since my results would be the same as my mom's testing.

The nipple reconstruction was a piece of cake. This was done with a local and I was actually able to walk into the OR. I would have to go back and look up the exact procedure to get the details right, but my plastic surgeon used the star flap technique to create a nipple mound. All I felt was a little tugging as he was suturing. I actually watched him do it. I looked up and could see what he was doing reflected in one of those overhead lights and commented on it. One of the nurses freaked out and said "We can move the light" and I said " I can also close my eyes" but I didn't because it was too interesting. Something I never would have imagined myself doing, but I guess that's what five surgeries in eight months can do for a person :) I couldn't resist making a joke when he finished, I waited a half a beat and said "I think you need to move it a little more to the left."

I was able to go back to work the next day, and for the next couple-three weeks he had me wear an eye patch (oval gauze pad they give you afer eye surgery) with a hole cut in the middle to cushion the fake nipple. After it healed I got the areola color tattooed in, which I was able to do over a lunch hour. I'm very pleased with the results. I know women who have skipped this step but I would have felt unfinished. It's a much better match with the other breast, the color in particular is just about perfect. No one looking closely at it would mistake it for the real thing but the only people in that camp are my husband and me and we both think it looks pretty good. I'm very satisfied with my overall reconstruction.

Well, that would take a book--ha ha--but a highlight would be that I had never heard of stage 0 breast cancer. I thought it only came in stages 1 through 4. The first thing my doctor told me was that my DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is not life-threatening. So I felt very lucky. When three different doctors recommended a mastectomy I went from feeling lucky to feeling very sorry for myself. I had to make my peace with something I considered pretty drastic for a non-life threatening cancer. Once I did, I went back to feeling lucky.

It's a wonderful diagnosis to have because the prognosis is so good, but you still have emotions and treatment choices that are similar to more advanced cancers. One thing I think is unique to stage 0 cancer is that you can feel a bit sheepish about it, and wonder if you're entitled to call yourself a survivor. I felt that way for awhile and I've talked to other women with stage 0 cancer who did too. But it's a big tent and the members are welcoming. I've never met a woman with advanced cancer who made me feel like I had "Cancer Light."

To help keep lymphedema at bay, I've started a series of strength training exercises 2-3x's a week. I've incorporated light weights with a slow methodical movement along with stretching after each rep. This has helped me immensely in keeping the lymph fluid moving. I will also do whats called Manual Lymphatic Drainage each morning in the shower. This light and gentle "pushing" of the lymph fluid from my arm also helps with any accumulation that may have occured at night. Wearing a compression sleeve and glove also helps to keep the swelling down in my arm, hand and fingers.
Along with exercise, limiting my sodium intake has also helped not only twith the lyphedema, but my overall health.

Hi! Yes, diagnosed at 37, had 4 surgeries including a bilateral mastectomy. Currently undergoing reconstruction... which is no fun. Praying my last surgery is in Oct for my exchange. I feel very blessed not to have gone through chemo or rads! I will definitely be checking out your blog! Today is my first 3 month follow up with my breast surgeon.. a little nervous I must say.