[tousled1]

Moni,

First, let me say that your sister-in-law is lucky to have you as an advocate. She should definitely see an oncologist as cancer is their specialty. I'm not saying that her ob/gyn doctor isn't good, it's just that when you have cancer you want to make sure you have a doctor that is current in all areas of treatment. Since she is on Herceptin standard protocol is to receive either a MUGA scan or an electro-cardiogram before you begin Herceptin and then every 3 months while on Herceptin. The reason for the test is to determine the LVEF (left ventricular ejection factor). If the LVEF drops to 50% or less then you are usually taken off Herceptin until the LVEF rises again. Herceptin can cause heart problems so you want to make sure she sees a cardiologist as well. As for cream/lotion to put on the mastectomy scar -- aloe vera works wonderful. When I was going through radiation my radiation oncologist always gave me containers of aloe vera. You can purchase aloe vera off the shelf at any drug store/pharmacy and it really does work. A good thing about the aloe is that you have to rub it in and therefore you are at the same time massaging the incision area. I purchased a DVD called "The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing." It is a DVD that contains exercises that are great for breast cancer and also lymphedema. The exercises are simple to do and can be done either standing or sitting. I highly recommend it. Again, you sister-in-law is very lucky to have you in her corner.