support for foregoing radiation?

[mimi1952]

You need to wait at least one year after radiation to have reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants. Even then, no guarantee. I had 37 rounds of radiation because margin was less than 1mm to chest wall. If not for that, knowing what I know now, I never would have had radiation. The permanent damage that was done caused my lung issues(still dealing with) and having failed expander/implant reconstruction and had to do tram flap. I had hysterectomy scar too and dr. could still do a fabulous job with flap. I opted for bilateral mastecomies and bilateral reconstruction. Glad I did, looks good and can purchase normal bras!!!

[StephN]

Hi Nora -
I can't give advice on recon as I did not need it, but I did take taxanes and had to keep my tum under control.

Taking a stomach acid blocker from the start did help. I drank a lot of herbal teas that are good for your digestion and other innerds. Also, watched the citrus. Could not drink orange juice or eat grapefruit. Small amounts of cran raspberry juice a bit watered down were good for a pick up and hydration.

I ate a lot of bananas, and chicken broth with rice.

I had 30 rads with boost. Burn was not bad for me and I am quite fair skinned. Only the last few days did I get something like a rather bad sunburn, but without blisters.

Good luck.

[Jackie07]

Nora,

Wondered if the LBBC recording might help you make your decision on reconstruction?

New Podcasts on Reconstruction, Lymphedema, Menopausal Symptoms

Many LBBC programs are recorded and posted on our website so you can listen to them when your schedule permits. These recordings from our annual fall conference this past October are now available:

• Breast Reconstruction with Ariel N. Rad, MD, PhD
• Lymphedema with Wilma Morgan-Hazelwood, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
• The Big “M”: Managing Menopausal Symptoms with Beverly Vaughn, MD

Visit the lbbc.org event archive for a list of past programs.



Jaime’s Story: It’s a Celebration




“Usually when you talk about celebrating you think about birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, and so on. You think about the dancing, the balloons, the food, and the people you are spending your time with. You think about celebrating things that make you smile.
You don’t think about celebrating your battle with cancer. My husband has been telling me over the past few months he wants to throw me a party to celebrate my accomplishments over the past year. I keep putting him off on the back burner.”
Read the rest of Jaime’s story.

Take A Survey, Support LBBC




Find A Cure Panel is looking for people with metastatic breast cancer and caregivers of people with metastatic breast cancer to participate in qualitative research that will take about 60 minutes of your time. This is open to U.S.-based participants only. To qualify, you or the person you care for needs to:

• Have a diagnosis of metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer
• Have HER2-positive breast cancer
• Currently be in treatment

If you participate, FACP will donate $100 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. If you are interested in participating, please contact FACP at info@findacurepanel.com.

Upcoming Programs and Events





12/1 Understanding Lymphedema (teleconference)
2/24-26 C4YW – Annual Conference for Young Women(New Orleans, LA)

Warmly,
Jean
Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP
LBBC Chief Executive Officer
Toll-free Survivors’ Helpline: (888) 753-LBBC (5222)
354 West Lancaster Ave, Suite 224
Haverford , PA 19041
(610) 645-4567