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Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Deciding over Breast Cancer Treatments: Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

By PJ Hamel, Health Guide Sunday, March 09, 2008
I had a flashback to one of the worst parts of cancer treatment recently. No, not the prolonged pain of raising my arm over my head for radiation, when said arm was still protesting the role it had played in my very recent mastectomy and reconstruction. And not the guilt and anger at missing my high ...
3/10/08 11:43pm

Amen! !

 

You described something very similar to what I went through...and what we all go through, usually numerous times, during the course of this challenge that is breast cancer.  I agree wholeheartedly with all of your observations and suggestions!  Thanks, PJ!

 

Jolene

Anonymous
Vickie
3/14/08 8:54am

PJ

I had the same experience in 2001 when I did the lumpectomy & radiation. I was advised to take 3 rounds of chemo. I thought why go through that when my margins are clear & no lymph node involvement. In 2003 my cancer came back in the same breast & I had a double mastectomy & reconstructive surgery & of course chemo. When I look back I only have one regret & that is I wished I had taken chemo in 2001. He only recommended 3 rounds in 2001 & I had 6 rounds in 2003. My hair did not fall out nor did I start feeling bad until my 4th chemo. From my personal experience I would always if asked to do the chemo. Give it all they have to throw at it the first time & maybe you won't have to do it again. As I stated on my profile I take aromisin. I am nearly 5 years cancer free. I do have achy joints & bone pain but there are pain meds for that. I have 1 more year on the aromasin & then I can get off. It is possible the bone & joint pain will go away after being on the drug. I was in my Rhuematoligist's office & read an article about aromasin unleasing rheumatoid arthritis or bone pain but I am nearly 5 years out & cancer free.

I couldn't tolerate the other drugs they gave me so that is how I ended up with aromasin.

No doctor should every tell her he needs to know in 24 hours but the sooner the better.

 Ladies life is hard & cancer makes it harder but if you do all you can to kick cancers *** then later you may never have to deal with it again. I wish your friend all the best in the world & without a doubt if I had it to do all over again I would take the chemo. Osteoperosis is a side effect but as we age & don't ake hormones the body naturally will loose bone mass. They also have meds for the osteporisi.

FYI

Vickie   

PJ Hamel, Health Guide
3/14/08 9:42am
Vickie, I bet you can't wait to get off that Aromasin and get rid of the bone pain! It's a long journey, for sure... but, as you say, worth every step if you're on the path that leads to health and LIFE. Best wishes- PJH
By PJ Hamel, Health Guide— Last Modified: 10/28/12, First Published: 03/09/08