Gastric Bypass

Hi!
I am going to be having a mastectocmy in the near future and thinking
about reconstruction. I would love to hear your experiences in regards
to pain, recovery, and if you had it done at the time of your
mastectomy or if you had it down the road.
Also, where is a good place to read up on reconstruction?
Thanks!
Molly

I wanted to thank everyone here for their support that you have given
to me. I just had surgery on Tuesday. I am doing really well. I haven't
had much pain at all. I do have a drain and will be glad when that is
taken out, hopefully tomorrow. The Dr. said she had to take more tissue
than what she had planned. I think that was because I had to wait so
long between the biopsy and the surgery something about the clip was no
longer there. But I feel great so I am not complaining. I will keep you
up to date as I find out everything.
Thanks again.
Beth

Just wanted to say that with RA there are alot of things that you have
to look out for..My Dad was in the hospital last week as his white
cells were really low...he was feeling weak and was sleeping alot with
no appitite...Come to find out his Felty's Syndrome came back so I
would suggest anyone who has RA get checked ...This is a rare disease
which effects only 1% of americans..We knew about this disease but we
forgot about it..he was feeling so good that the doctor took him off
the medication that he needed to prevent this from happening...He is
home and doing alot better and we are all keeping a close watch on
him ..going to say it for an 82 year old he has alot of spunk in him
and loves to flirt with the ladies..I hope that everyone is well and
all of the people who joined I'm sorry that I wasn't here to welcome
you in...so Welcome to the group...take care and hugs to all...Marge

This from my cousin Carrie
It is with a heavy heart I bring you news today. I met with my doctor
and he told me there is an extensive amount of cancer in my spine. The
worst part is the lower thoracic region. Sadly it is heading toward
the spinal cord. My doctor looked me straight in the eye and told me
it could lead to paralysis. He discussed several options with me that
scared the living daylights out of me. We are going to start out with
radiation to the thoracic area. He will be watching me very closely.
Heaven forbid that doesn't work, the next step is to surgicly insert a
stunt into my brain and send the chemotherapy straight to the brain.
It is time to start praying for a miracle
Kathy Sickles

Yesterday I had a breast MRI. Dr called to today to tell me that the right side
showed a very small something. he said it very well could be nothing and
tomorrow they will try to see it with ultrasound and biopsy it. If they can't
see it the can do a biopsy that is mri guided. I have my CT scan tomorrow too.
Teresa

Dear Friend,
Gail Neuman (gin11153@...) thought you might be interested in this story
from AANP SmartBrief:

someone sent me this a few months ago and I think it also applies anyone in
stressful situations from cancer to job loss to divorce, etc.:
Original Article:_http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/resilience/MH00078_
(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/resilience/MH00078)
When something goes wrong, do you tend to bounce back or fall apart? People
with resilience harness inner strengths and rebound more quickly from a
setback or challenge, whether it's a job loss, an illness or the death of a
loved
one.
In contrast, people who are less resilient may dwell on problems, feel
victimized, become overwhelmed and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as
substance abuse. They may even be more inclined to develop mental health
problems.
Resilience won't necessarily make your problems go away. But resilience can
give you the ability to see past them, find some enjoyment in life and handle
future stressors better. If you aren't as resilient as you'd like, you can
work on skills to become more resilient.
Resilience means adapting to stress, adversity
Resilience is the ability to adapt well to stress, adversity, trauma or
tragedy. It means that, overall, you remain stable and maintain healthy levels
of
psychological and physical functioning in the face of disruption or chaos.
If you have resilience, you may experience temporary disruptions in your life
when faced with challenges. For instance, you may have a few weeks when you
don't sleep as well as you typically do. But you're able to continue on with
daily tasks, remain generally optimistic about life and rebound quickly.
Resilience isn't about toughing it out or living by old cliches, such as
"making lemonade out of lemons." It doesn't mean you ignore feelings of sadness
over a loss. Nor does it mean that you always have to be strong and that you
can't ask others for support â in fact, being willing to reach out to others
is a key component of being resilient. Resilience also doesn't mean that
you're emotionally distant, cold or unfeeling.
Resilience does offer protection for you â and your family â against
developing such conditions as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress
disorder. Actively working to promote your mental well-being is just as
important as
protecting yourself from such physical conditions as heart disease and
diabetes. Resilience may help offset certain risk factors that make it more
likely
that you'll develop a mental illness, such as lack of social support, being
bullied or previous trauma.
"People who are more resilient have the ability to say to themselves, "OK,
this bad thing happened, and I can either dwell on it or I can learn from it,"
explains Edward Creagan, M.D., an oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester,
Minn.
Check your resilience quotient
Do you consider yourself resilient or not resilient? Or maybe you fall
somewhere in between?
People with resilience tend to possess certain characteristics. Use this
chart to help get a general idea of how resilient you are. The statements on the
left are characteristics of people who are resilient. Put a check mark next
to each characteristic you agree that you have.
Characteristics of resilient people Statement Check if you agree I'm
able to adapt to change easily. I feel in control of my life. I tend to
bounce back after a hardship or illness. I have close, dependable
relationships.
I remain optimistic and don't give up, even if things seem hopeless. I
can think clearly and logically under pressure. I see the humor in
situations, even under stress. I am self-confident and feel strong as a
person. I
believe things happen for a reason. I can handle uncertainty or unpleasant
feelings. I know where to turn for help. I like challenges and feel
comfortable taking the lead.
Do you have few check marks or many? Think about the ones that you left
blank. You may want to focus on developing resilience skills in those areas.
Tips to improve your resilience
Don't worry if you didn't have as many check marks as you'd hoped or
expected. It's not too late to nurture resilience in yourself.
Use these tips to help become more resilient:
* Get connected. Build strong, positive relationships with family and
friends, who can listen to your concerns and offer support. Volunteer or get
involved in your community. "A sense of connectedness can sustain you in dark
times," Dr. Creagan notes.
* Use humor and laughter. Remaining positive or finding humor in
distressing or stressful situations doesn't mean you're in denial. Humor is a
helpful coping mechanism. If you simply can't find humor in your situation,
turn
to other sources for a laugh, such as a funny book or movie.
* Learn from your experiences. Recall how you've coped with hardships
in the past, either in healthy or unhealthy ways. Build on what helped you
through those rough times and don't repeat actions that didn't help.
* Remain hopeful and optimistic. While you can't change events, look
toward the future, even if it's just a glimmer of how things might improve.
Find something in each day that signals a change for the better. Expect good
results.
* Take care of yourself. Tend to your own needs and feelings, both
physically and emotionally. This includes participating in activities and
hobbies you enjoy, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and eating
well.
* Accept and anticipate change. Be flexible. Try not to be so rigid
that even minor changes upset you or that you become anxious in the face of
uncertainty. Expecting changes to occur makes it easier to adapt to them,
tolerate them and even welcome them.
* Work toward goals. Do something every day that gives you a sense of
accomplishment. Even small, everyday goals are important. Having goals helps
direct you toward the future.
* Take action. Don't just wish your problems would go away or try to
ignore them. Instead, figure out what needs to be done, make a plan to do it,
and then take action.
* Learn new things about yourself. Review past experiences and think
about how you've changed as a result. You may have gained a new appreciation
for life. If you feel worse as a result of your experiences, think about what
changes could help. Explore new interests, such as taking a cooking class or
visiting a museum.
* Think better of yourself. Be proud of yourself. Trust yourself to
solve problems and make sound decisions. Nurture your self-confidence and
self-esteem so that you feel strong, capable and self-reliant. This will give
you
a sense of control over events and situations in your life.
* Maintain perspective. Don't compare your situation to that of
somebody you think may be worse off. You'll probably feel guilty for being down
about your own problems. Rather, look at your situation in the larger context
of
your own life, and of the world. Keep a long-term perspective and know that
your situation can improve if you actively work at it.
Becoming resilient is an individual experience. Adapt these tips for your own
situation, keeping in mind what has and has not worked for you in the past.
If you don't feel you're making the kind of progress you'd like or you just
don't know where to start, consider talking to a mental health professional
about developing resilience. You don't have to have a specific mental disorder
to talk to a mental health professional. With their guidance, you can promote
positive mental well-being.
Resilience helps you thrive
Resilience can help you endure loss, chronic stress, traumatic events and
other challenges. It'll enable you to develop a reservoir of internal resources
that you can draw on, and it may protect you against developing some mental
illnesses. Resilience will help you survive challenges and even thrive in the
midst of chaos and hardship.
"In my experience," Dr. Creagan says, "resilient individuals have cultivated
a sense of forgiveness, and regardless of the setback or slight, they're able
to box it up, put it in a package and let go of it. Think of resiliency as
emotional buoyancy."
Gail Neuman
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

hi am 21 years old..my height is 5.7 ang weighs 52kgs.am in bangalore
india.i had fibroadenoma on my left breast 4 years back..so they
removed my half of the breast.is there any chances of regaining my
left breast plz help me.plz am waiting for ur reply....am requesting
u lot........

Hello,
I'm asking if everyone will please send my cousin Carrie A
GET WELL CARD, she is a wonderful person and she was just diagnosed
with Bone Cancer in her neck, collerbone,spine and legs, she was in
remission from breast cancer for 6 years, before this diagnoses. Please
pray for her and her family.I'm trying to get alot of people to send
her cards, so please forward this to all your friends
Carrie Debartolo
6424 Kristina Avenue
Portage,Indiana 46368
Kathy Sickles
Please visit this sight and sign my cousin Carrie's guestbook
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carriedebartolo

Hello,
I'm asking if everyone will please send my cousin
Carrie A GET WELL CARD, she is a wonderful person and she was just
diagnosed with Bone Cancer in her neck, collerbone,spine and legs,
she was in remission from breast cancer for 6 years, before this
diagnoses. Please pray for her and her family.I'm trying to get alot
of people to send her cards, so please forward this to all your
friends
Carrie Debartolo
6424 Kristina Avenue
Portage,Indiana 46368
Kathy Sickles
Please visit this sight and sign my cousin Carrie's guestbook
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carriedebartolo
Please visit this sight and sign my cousin Carrie's guestbook

Teresa, so sorry that you had to join us in this way, but we've all been in
your shoes so please know that we are here to support you and send long
distance hugs. I had a 1.5mm invasive ductal tumor removed via lumpectomy in
9/04
and had 8 weeks of daily radiation.
Lots information for you to read at komen.org and breastcancer.com to read
about diagnosis, different kinds of surgery, chemo and/or radiation treatment,
etc.
Write down questions you have for your doctor when you go to your next
appointment, and try to bring someone with you to take notes.
Above all, try very hard to remain positive .
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW (BC survivor since 8/04)
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

Hi, I just turned 42. Saturday night I felt a lump, Monday I went to
the doctor, Tuesday they did a biopsy and Wed I found out I have
infultrating ductal carcinoma. I had a biopsy on a node yesterday at
the surgeons office. No word yet but it was twice the size it should
of been so its probably positive. I'm so scared. I just don't know
what to do or to expect.

my name is Dianne and I want to tyvm for allowing me to join
your support group.
I just had to have a double mastectomy on Sept.12,2007.
And it wasn,t easy but I thank my husband for being with me all the
way.
He is also a cancer patient he has a rare cancer and is haviing
trouble to gettiing answers to his questions from his onocologist
herre of late and the thing s that have him concerned has me
worried to death. and my oldest sisiter has ovarian cancer and
was just told shes at the end of her fight with cancer but she is a
fighter. and my one sister-in-law has the same cancer as my oldest
sister has and the owner of the recipe group i have joined is also
fighting cancer and lots of people are these days.
It would be nice to have somebody to talk to about worrys and
concerns that has been through this breast cancer.
Mine isn't over with yet I have to go back in 6 mths to a yr for
another operation for the breast cancer beccause the dr that doone
minne left a lot behind which puts me at a high risk to get it
back.so the operation I must have done is to remove all the tissue
she left behind when she done my operation.
Aand I have a sister that is a breast caancer survivor. who lives
in PA also.
Well I guess I taslked long enough sorry about that.
Your Friend always
shorezy56(Di)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
I finished up chemo a week ago (11/14) and now my ankles have a pink
rash that is itchy and heading up my legs. My ankles also look swollen.
Could the Taxol have caused this? I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow,
but was just wondering if anyone else had this happen.
Molly

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving...with peace and Love
for around the World and remember to say a Prayer for our Troops..Maybe
soon they will all be home save and sound...Hugs to all and Great
Blessings ...Marge

CURE magazine is a wonderful, wonderful, free magazine from the American
Cancer Society. It is an in-depth look at cancer but in layman's terms.
It
comes out about 4 times a year. The copy attached to this link is the
annual
resource guide. Other issues have included topics such as "Why people who
never smoke get lung cancer" the ethics of clinical trials, cancer myths,
caregiver issues, and one that was especially helpful to our family,
"Bladder
Cancer Obstacles." You can sign up by email.
_http://www.curetoday.com/backissues/v6n1/index.html_
(http://www.curetoday.com/backissues/v6n1/index.html)
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi Molly. My cancer in 8/04 was invasive ductal requiring a lumpectomy and 8
weeks of radiation, but I wish you peace with your surgery and decisions.
Take a step at a time. Write things down to review later and if the doctor's
talking too fast or using big medical words that you don't understand, speak
up!!
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

My name is Beth and I just recently found out that I have breast cancer.
I was wondering if anyone has rheumatoid arthritis. I am more worried
about that than I am the surgery. Because I can't take the Enbrel shots
1 week before and 1 week after surgery. Then I can't take them during
the raditian treatments. I am coping pretty good. My family is doing
well. My Mom was the most upset, but she is doing better.
Thanks for any info you pass my way.
Beth

I'm glad that CNN is doing this!!! Please forward this to others you know
who are not on the listservs-it's not only for cancer treatment:
_http://www.cnn.com/exchange/ireports/topics/forms/2007/11/healthcare.system.h
tml_
(http://www.cnn.com/exchange/ireports/topics/forms/2007/11/healthcare.system.htm\
l)
Is the health care system broken?
The CNN Medical News Unit wants to hear about your experience with the
health care system. Would getting sick ruin you financially, or do you feel
well-covered?
Have you had trouble finding insurance because of a "pre-existing
condition?" Have you put off needed medical care because of the cost? Have you
gone
into debt to pay for treatment? Or do you have a remarkably positive experience
to share? Tell us your story. Send us an email, photo or video. Please try to
keep your submission as brief as possible.
Use the form below to send files from your computer, or e-mail
_ireport@..._ (mailto:ireport@...) from your cell phone.
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi,
My name is Molly and I'm 41 years old. I was diagnosed with DCIS in
June and am just now finishing up chemo. I will be having surgery
between Thanksgiving and Christmas and am starting to get overwhelmed
by all of the decisions I will soon be making.
I am looking for some companionship from folks who have been
there/done that. I feel so alone at times.
Molly

_Insurer Cancelled Policies for Profits, Documents Show_
(http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-insure9nov09,0,4409342.story?coll=la-home\
-center)
Health Net Inc., one of Californiaâs largest health insurance companies, set
benchmarks and paid bonuses to employees based on how many policies were
cancelled and resulting profits. According to documents revealed this week, the
insurer rescinded approximately 1,600 policies between 2000 and 2006, saving
the company $35.5 million in medical costs. The company documents were made
public as part of an ongoing arbitration hearing involving a woman whose
coverage was rescinded in the middle of chemotherapy treatment for breast
cancer.
Lisa Girion, LA Times 11/09/2007
Read Article:
_http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-insure9nov09,0,4409342.story?coll=la-ho
me-center_
(http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-insure9nov09,0,4409342.story?coll=la-home\
-center)
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Dear Group, Now that I think about it, about what I wrote, maybe it was
Bad Phrasing or a poor choice of words. I didn't mean to be
Disrespectful,Rude or funny or insensitive. I guess I was thinking that
a womans breast may mean more to her than a man losing his breast. I
know that no one said anything about having a mastectomy, so again I
probably shouldn't have brought it up. I hope you all can forgive me,
the way I wrote what I said and the way it may have been taken is not
the way I meant for it to be taken.
P.S. Dear Bonnie, After I hit "Send" I realized you did not send the
posting I responded to about "is Bigger Better?", sorry Bonnie and to
Kate and the Group again I apologize. Take care, Chuck

Dear Kate, I just realized that your screen name is Bonnie,I was
confused. None-the less, I hope you can forgive me. Sincerely, Chuck

A Drug That Could Effectively Treat, Prevent The Spread Of Breast Cancer,
Shown By Mayo Clinic Study
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87513.php
Mammography Vs MRI - What Should You Get And When?
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87266.php
Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Causes Damage To Normal Tissue
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87240.php
Survey Of Breast Cancer Patients Reveals Strains On Relationships, UK
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87111.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87111.php)
Breast Cancer Return Prevented By Extra Radiation Dose
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87083.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87083.php)
Excess Body Fat Causes Cancer
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87350.php
Stay Lean, Active And Watch What You Eat To Avoid Cancer, New Report
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87313.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87313.php)
New Report Shows How Our Diet Must Change To Cut Cancer Risk
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87361.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87361.php)
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW ( breast cancer survivor since 8/04)
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

good to send to people who ask how they can help us:
What People with Cancer Want You to Know
Lori Hope
ne in two men and one in three women will get cancer during their lifetimes,
according to the American Cancer Society. The advent of new treatments has
allowed many cancer patients to live relatively normal lives, and about nine
million Americans are cancer survivors.
When someone has cancer, friends and family members want to help and give
support, but sometimes they unknowingly say things that may be disturbing. There
are many ways to express concern and love when someone is faced with cancer
or any serious illness... and just as many ways to make someone cringe.
Here's what cancer survivors wish people would do...
BE PRESENT
People may disappear or withdraw when a loved one gets sick. Some are afraid
of saying or doing the wrong thing. Others are geared toward fixing problems
and get frustrated when they can't help. Still others have experienced their
own tragedies with cancer and don't feel strong enough to face the emotional
turmoil again.
Though it's uncomfortable to confront a person's outpourings of fear and
grief, make the effort. Cancer patients need to cry and release their pain. One
of the greatest acts of love is to be with him/her, to listen as he shares his
fears.
If you live far away, call or write. Let him know that he's loved... that he
matters... and that your heart is with him.
If you simply can't be there, at least explain why the situation is too
difficult for you to cope with.
GIVE HOPE
People often talk about their own experiences when they meet a person who has
cancer. Their intention may be to show empathy or unload their own burdens,
but the stories can hurt more than help.
Example: When people heard about my diagnosis, many said things like, "Lung
cancer -- that's really bad." A waiter at an Italian restaurant even told me
that his wife died of the same cancer. He shared all the gruesome details --
about the surgery, how the cancer returned and how she died. It brought back
all of my own terror.
People who have cancer don't need to be reminded that they could die -- they
live with that fear every day. They would rather hear stories of hope and
success.
Better: When I told my cousin about my diagnosis, she related a story about
one of her professors who had had the same cancer 20 years before -- and who
is still alive and healthy.
When I told my best friend, with whom I have always taken an annual vacation,
she said that we would still be vacationing together when we're old ladies.
That's the type of encouragement people with cancer need to hear.
ASK PERMISSION
Few of us ask permission before sharing our feelings or advice, but asking
permission is important when you are dealing with someone who has a
life-threatening illness. That's when people are at their weakest and most
vulnerable.
People say things like, "You really should try this immune-boosting herb" or
"You should ask your doctor about this new treatment I read about." The word
"should" suggests that the person with cancer would be remiss not to take
your advice.
Instead, ask him if he is interested in your advice or information or wants
to hear your stories. Back off if he says no. Possible ways to ask...
"I have been looking into this type of cancer. Would you like to hear some of
the treatment options I've read about?"
"A friend told me about an herb that might help. Would you like to hear about
it?"
LAUGH
We all tend to be overly serious when we're with people who have serious
illnesses. That's appropriate some of the time, but not all the time. People
with cancer may want to forget the pain and just laugh and be happy.
I interviewed a woman who received a cancer diagnosis on a Friday. She had
all weekend to worry before she saw her doctor again on Monday, so to make
herself feel better, she went to a video store and rented a bunch of comedies.
Going through cancer is not all about fear. There's always room for humor and
joy.
DON'T HARP ON POSITIVE THINKING
It's normal to be angry, depressed or sad when you have cancer. No one feels
positive all the time. Nevertheless, friends and family members often nag
cancer patients about the importance of positive thinking and tune them out
when
they express worries, pessimism or fear.
The implication is that the cancer is somehow the patient's fault or that he
can control the outcome. There's a myth that some people have a "cancer
personality." There's no truth to it -- and it implicitly blames the patient for
causing the disease.
It is important to understand that people who have cancer need to allow
themselves to feel everything. They shouldn't have to hide their true emotions.
It's okay to feel rotten sometimes.
SPARE THE PLATITUDES
Platitudes are reassuring words that usually are said without much thought or
understanding.
Everyone with cancer has heard things like, "You never know how much time any
of us has -- you could go outside tomorrow and get hit by a truck."
One woman I talked to had heard this cliché at least 10 times from people she
knew -- even from her doctor. Her comment? "Okay, so then in addition to the
fact that I could die from cancer, I might also get hit by a truck." That
isn't comforting.
No one who has had cancer sees it as "a gift." Cancer patients don't want to
hear how lucky they are or what they can learn from the experience. They just
want to get better.
Silence and compassion are more helpful than empty words.
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**************************************************** You are
receiving this email because you signed up for breastcancer.org's
Email Updates. To unsubscribe, please follow the link at the bottom of
this email. **************************************************** Dear
breastcancer.org Community Member: It may not feel like winter yet,
but for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere it is time to plan
ahead and get your flu shot, so that you'll be protected during the
winter flu season. Getting a flu shot is especially important for
those affected by breast cancer. Read more about why in our section on
the immune system, at:
http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/immune/fight_infect.jsp

Sorry that you had to join us due to your new diagnosis, but we are hear to
support you-we've all been through what you are going through now so don't be
shy about venting, asking questions, etc. And whatever your doctor
recommends, always get a second opinion.
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW ( BC survivor since 8/04)
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi what can I say, got diagnosed a week ago, in total shock.
Bonnie

Hello. I am a cancer patient undergoing chemo that worked as a dog
groomer until two weeks ago. I'm looking for a little advice/help.
Guess what?
The short version is I got laid off from the doggy daycare place on
the same day. The reasons are still unclear. Unfortunately, the old
boss is lying to potential employers and so now our situation is
critical and needing repair. Jean's working part time at another
grooming place (part time because working full time and doing chemo
was going to land her in the hospital) and I was working until
yesterday (Sat) when my new boss called my old boss for information
and my crazy ex-boss accused me of stealing (yes, can you believe
it!!)so I was let go. I don't get it, but there it is.
I'm out of my league on this one , so if any of you have any
advice/help etc please let me know.
Our story begins...
I worked at Waggin' Tails for 2 1/2 years. The owner was certifiable
nuts, but she usually left me alone most of the time. One day
(payday), I noticed that my paycheck was missing $360. When I asked
the owner why she had docked me without notice, she flew into rage
(for my questioning her) and gave me a 30 days notice. The next day
I was laid off.
She then sent me an mail claiming I had stolen client lists,
hardware etc. She refused to give me my final paycheck over it (over
$900).
Come to find out, a few days before I got fired, my boss called my
doctor and demanded information on my cancer treatment (yes I know
that is illegal). I had only missed 4 hours in four months of chemo
so I dont know what the problem was. I still have no idea what the
woman's problem was/is.
She is now threatening to sue me because I sent out thank you
letters to some of my favorite clients (no solicitation, addresses
gathered off of the Internet/phone book).
Many of these people gave me cards and gift bags when they found out
I was starting chemo and I did not want them to worry that I had
gotten worse and had to stop working.
The good news is that I started a new grooming gig last week but I'm
any advice, please let me know.
thanks - Jean

Against Breast Cancer Asks Breast Buddies To Make Their Thought 'literally'
Count, UK
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84904.php
Life After Treatment - October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84836.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84836.php)
AIBN Team Involved In Early Detection Tools For Breast Cancer, Australia
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84581.php
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84553.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84553.php)
Breast Health And Cancer Prevention Tips For Women And Men
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84430.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84430.php)
ACOG Co-Sponsors National Breast Cancer Awareness Month In October
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84345.php
Myths About Breast Cancer Still Prevail
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84357.php
How Early Breast Cancer Detection Can Save Lives
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84346.php
Improving Breast Cancer Screening And Reducing Mortality Receives Innovator
Award
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84326.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84326.php)
New Methods Of Beating Breast Cancer Announced By Manchester Researchers
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84324.php
Early Breast Cancer Detection Saves Lives
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84217.php
National Breast Cancer Coalition Survey Reveals That Heightened Breast
Cancer Awareness Has Insufficient Impact On Knowledge
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84216.php
American Cancer Society Report Finds Breast Cancer Death Rate Continues To
Drop
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84201.php
Improved Breast Cancer Awareness In Older Women Could Save Lives, UK
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84176.php
Lifestyle Changes Could Prevent One In Ten Cases Of Breast Cancer By 2024,
UK
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84175.php
MRI Is More Sensitive At Detecting Early Signs Of Breast Cancer Than
Mammography
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84741.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84741.php)
Dietary Calcium Could Possibly Prevent The Spread Of Breast Cancer To Bone
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84405.php
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi All, Well I'm happy to report that after starting this New Medicine
Toxall I did Not get sick at all. I will be taking Toxall for my Last 4
Treatments!!!!!!!!!!!! Then it is a Month of Radiation. For those of
you Suffering or have Loved ones Suffering know that you are in my
Thoughts and Prayers. For those of you that are Survivors, one day soon
I will Happily Join you!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care, Chuck

These are numbers that people can call to get help with their prescriptions
if they have no insurance:
Connection To Care: 1.800.707.8990
Bridge To Access: 1.866.728.4368
Partnership For Prescription Assistance: 1.888.477.2669
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Melissa has sent you the following news article found at
www.healthfinder.gov <http://www.healthfinder.gov
THURSDAY, Sept. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Three or more drinks a day boosts
a woman's risk for breast cancer by 30 percent. And it doesn't seem to
matter which form of alcohol -- wine, beer, or spirits -- is consumed,
researchers report.
"The majority of previous studies have found an association between
alcohol and elevated breast cancer risk," said lead researcher Dr. Yan
Li, an oncologist at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif.
What hasn't been as clear, she said, is how much alcohol raises the risk
and whether one type of alcohol boosts that risk more than another.
Li tackled those questions with Dr. Arthur Klatsky, an investigator at
the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland and a long-time
researcher on the health benefits and risks of alcoholic beverages.
Klatsky is due to present the team's findings Sept. 27 at the European
Cancer Conference in Barcelona, Spain.
The researchers first evaluated the drinking habits of more than 70,000
women, all members of the Kaiser Permanente HMO. The women had undergone
health exams during the years 1978 to 1985. By 2004, more than 2,800
women had experienced a breast cancer diagnosis.
Comparing the women's drinking habits to the incidence of breast cancer,
the team found that women who drank between one and two alcoholic drinks
a day increased their risk of breast cancer by 10 percent compared to
light drinkers -- defined as those who drank less than one drink a day.
That risk rose as drinking rates increased. "The risk of breast cancer
increased by 30 percent in women who drank three or more drinks per day"
compared to light drinkers, Li said.
"What we are saying is, whatever your baseline risk is of getting breast
cancer, by consuming alcohol you have this increment," Li said.
The risk of breast cancer in individual women varies greatly, Li said,
depending on their family history and whether they are genetically
predisposed due to mutations of the so-called breast cancer genes,
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2.
In the general population, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is
one in eight women, Li said. Based on the study findings, however, "if
you drink three or more drinks a day, that risk -- rather than one in
eight -- will be one in six," she said.
The increase in risk was similar no matter which type of beverage was
typically consumed. "It makes no difference whether women drink wine,
beer or liquor in terms of their risk of breast cancer," Li said. "It's
the alcohol itself. And it's the quantity consumed that increases breast
cancer risk."
The researchers didn't find any difference in risk between red and white
wine, although some previous research has found red wine more
heart-protective than white. That cardiovascular benefit has been linked
to the presence of antioxidant flavonoids in red wine, especially one
flavonoid called resveratrol.
Another expert familiar with the new study said the research adds some
valuable information to what is known about breast cancer risk.
Especially valuable -- because it is new -- is the information about all
types of alcohol seeming to raise risk equally, said Coral Lamartiniere,
a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Alabama
at Birmingham.
He has researched resveratrol, which has shown both antioxidant and
anticancer properties. In a study published in August in the journal
Carcinogenesis, Lamartiniere found that animals fed resveratrol had an
87 percent reduced risk of getting prostate tumors.
How do his findings that the resveratrol in wine protected against
prostate cancer -- at least in animals -- square with the new findings
that neither red nor white wine seem protective against breast cancer in
women? At least at first glance, "the alcohol is obviously a more potent
carcinogen than resveratrol is protective against cancer," Lamartiniere
said.
But, he said, "different red wines have different potencies of
resveratrol. Cabernet sauvignon has the highest." What isn't clear, he
added, is how much resveratrol was in the red wine typically consumed by
the women in the Kaiser study.
So, what's the best advice for women interested in minimizing their
breast cancer risk? "Modest consumption of anything is the way to go,"
Lamartiniere said.
Li emphasized that alcohol consumption is just one of the factors that
could raise breast cancer risk. To reduce overall breast cancer risk,
she advises women to follow a healthy lifestyle by eating a good diet,
exercising, not smoking and not drinking heavily.
More information
To learn more about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society
<http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_
factors_for_breast_cancer_5.asp
<http://healthfinder.gov/aboutus/exitdisclaimer.asp
News articles are available at http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/ for 1
year. Get the latest health news or easily search thousands of articles
in English or Spanish.
News articles are produced by HealthDayNews and are copyright (c) 2007
ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved. Articles are derived from various
sources and do not reflect federal policy. healthfinder.gov does not
endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in news stories.
For more information on health topics in the news, visit the
healthfinder.gov health library <http://www.healthfinder.gov/library/

hi!. im 26 years old. a breast CA survivor for almost 4yrs now. ive
been diagnosed at age 22 turning 23. ive joined this group to meet some
young women who have been suffer the same. i always have this
phrase. "with god all things are possible". its really true.:-)

Thanks for the website info, Gail. I spent the afternoon looking
through it.
There are new pre-existing rules in Florida at least. So I've been
told. Anyway, we are going to talk to his insurance--it's Blue Cross
Blue Shield and he gets it through work.
ar
--
Arlyn Grant
arlynsg@...

We usually don't approve thes kind of posts but this one time i will as some of
you may want to look into it. hope you are all well happy
Deb
Hi everyone,
My name is Kelly Brown and I am a granddaughter of a survivor of
breast, stomach, prostate and skin cancer, the daughter of a survivor
of kidney cancer, and the niece to the victim of brain cancer. I am so
amazed by everyone here and the strength and knowledge they bring. God
willing, I will never face the challenges you have faced and are
facing now. But if I do, I know I have somewhere I can turn! Thank
you! In honor of my grandmothers, grandfather, father, and uncle my
family has decided to help fight this battle by raising support,
awareness, and money. We have set a $20,000 goal for breast cancer,
with Vons & Walmart matching our donation. If anyone would like to
help by purchasing a hope & support bracelet or pin, joining a prayer
team for the lives affected and lives hopefully saved, or committing
to selling 10 bracelets or pins please let me know! Again thanks so
much and I am blessed by you all!
Kelly
Cookies for a Cure
909-838-7737

Has anyone here heard from Marge lately? Is she ok? Let me know
please.
Deb

Getting remarried to be under his insurance can work only if he has a group
plan, because with an individual plan, they don't cover pre-existing problems.
There's a lot of good info you for you on the breastcancer.org , komen.org
and y-me.org sites on DCIS and followup treatments-explained very well.
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW(BC survivor since 8/04)
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

in case you didn't get this:
Dear breastcancer.org Community Member:
It's not easy to hold down a job while undergoing breast cancer treatment.
There are so many challenges. How can you work if you're worried about your
health? What if you need a reduced work schedule because you're fatigued, but
your manager won't allow it? What happens if your employer's insurance plan
doesn't cover all of your treatment?
Join us tomorrow night, Wednesday, September 19th, between 9:30 p.m. and
11:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)* (2:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. GMT September
20th) for this month's Ask-the-Expert Online Conference: Working During
Treatment.
If you'd like to ask a question for our WORKING DURING TREATMENT conference
but will not be able to join the conference tomorrow, you can submit your
question now at:
http://chat.liveworld.com/events/ibreast/
We'll answer as many questions as we can during the conference. A conference
transcript will be posted at breastcancer.org by September 25th, 2007.
To join the conference, go to www.breastcancer.org any time between 9:30
p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EDT* tomorrow and click on the "Join Conference" button. No
special software is required.
For more details about the conference, go to
http://www.breastcancer.org/community/ask_expert/index.jsp
I look forward to having you join our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference
tomorrow!
Take care,
Marisa
Marisa Weiss, M.D.
President and Founder
www.breastcancer.org
*breastcancer.org welcomes conference participants from all over the world.
To help you figure out when the conference will take place in your time zone,
you can compare your local time to the current time on the East Coast of the
United States. See:
http://www.breastcancer.org/time.jsp

RAINBOW BRAS IS YOU'R SOLUTION
If you are tired of trying to find Mastectomy Foundation Garments
to match your stylish outfits. You have come to the right place.
We are introducing them in a RAINBOW OF COLORS....
Try our SLEEPING BEAUTY BRA. This bra is so comfortable it is ideal
for after surgery, sleeping or lounging as well as everyday
wear..Each bra cup has a pocket to hold the breast form.. and they
stay in place... no Jack in the Box pop ups.
II tried for years to find a comfortable Mastectomy Foundation
Garment that kept the breast forms in place with no success.. but
now we are offering just that and they come in custom Rainbow
Colors.. not just the boring white, beige and maybe if you are lucky
black.
www.rainbowbras.com

Hi. My name is Cindy. I just joined because my mother has been diagnosed
with breast cancer. We are a high risk family so it isn't really a surprise.
She was told she will need to have a masectomy. We go next Friday for the
first visit to an oncoligist (sp?) We do not know as of yet if it is in her
lymph nodes or not. What I've been told is that will determine if she has to
go for radiation.
I am 1 of 5 children. Out of all the children I live the closest to her and
know that I will be the one to walk through this with her. I will be honest
and say I'm afraid because she had to do the same for her mother when cancer
took over. When they found it in my grandmother it was too late and she
suffered a great deal. That was 20 yrs ago.
My mother has been very active in watching and hoping they found it early
enough that if they remove the breast she won't have the concern of it
coming back.
Blessings
cindy

It's official--the biopsy shows DCIS. Tonight I need to choose a
surgeon and the case manager will make the appointment for me. I have
no idea what to think or what to expect. I'm assuming the surgeon will
want to do a lumpectomy. The case manager told me to expect - best
case scenario - six weeks of radiation, etc.
My ex wants us to get remarried so I'll be covered under his
insurance. :) I'll have to decide if that's a good idea or not.
ar

to help you be proactive in your care:
FDA Approves New Uses For Evista - Drug Reduces Risk Of Invasive Breast
Cancer In Postmenopausal Women
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82687.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82687.php)
Loophole Allows States To Avoid Covering Breast, Cervical Cancer Treatments
For Some Uninsured Women, Wall Street Journal Reports
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82427.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82427.php)
Fatigue In Breast Cancer Survivors May Be Caused By Chemotherapy
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82111.php
Side Effects Could Cause Women To Stop Taking Drugs Aimed At Preventing
Breast Cancer Recurrence, Studies Say
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82054.php
Drug's Side Effects Cause 13 Percent Of Women To Stop Their Treatment For
Breast Cancer
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/81848.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/81848.php)
Inhibiting The Growth Of Tumors With Vitamin C
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82099.php_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82099.php)
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

this is so applicable to life:
Life's game plan includes some changes you can anticipate and plan on. But
it will also be filled with sneaky speed bumps, strange detours, frustrating
dead ends, sudden lane changes, and unscheduled exits. If you anticipate both
the major "expected" changes as well as probable unexpected changes, you'll
stand a better chance of reaching your destination
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

You can't have lumpectomies instead?
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi
Whew, I already feel better contacting people who know how I feel. I
am looking for guidance and wisdom as I am scheduled for a double
masectomy with TRAM in a couple of weeks.
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal c and am trying to decide between
a regular TRAM or a Free TRAM. I look forward to hearing from anyone
who has had either.
This is the first steps of my journey with c. My chemo questions will
be later....
Thanks!
Caroline

Hi Everyone! i am new to this group and i am interested to learn more
about it. I am currently attending College and as a part of my major i
have to join a supprt group and seek someone who is willing to answer
my 12 assigned questions. Our chat however has to be through email so
if anyone is interested please email me ASAP. (Everthing is
confidential only your answers to my questions will be turned in to
the professor) Thank you for your time and I would be greatly
appreciated.
~Vanessa

Welcome to the list. Sorry to hear you are feeling alone but you've come to
the right place to vent. I had a lumpectomy in 9/04, and radiation for 8
weeks. Like you, I also take Arimidex. I don't like taking pills either but
Arimidex has been shown to cut the chance of a recurrence by up to 40% so
please
don't stop taking it.
Gail
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

I found out I had cancer last November. I have a lot of family,friends,
and a wonderfull boyfriend who have been helping me a lot. But I really
have no one to talk to about my feelings who has breast cancer. I would
really like to be able to talk to somone in my boat. I have had a
lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I am currently on Arimidex. For seven
years I had not been to a doctor before this. I had very little faith
in them due to prior bad experiences. I had been going the Herbal way.
So now I havwe to adjust to taking medicines and am having a really
hard time with them. I was a per son who did not even take tylenol but
perhaps once or twice a year. I try to tell the Doctor that I am
reacting to some of it worse than most people and they say things
like: It should not be that difficult for you. I know of no one else
that has these reactions. etc. etc. Am I the only one who feels this
way? I had really long hair that was straight. Now it is very curly.
And has come in very thick. I am sick of some peoples reactions to my
hair. I cant even straighten it with a blow dryer. I really need to
talk to someone Please.Thank You. Kat

Hello everyone, I've just joined but I wanted to let you all know a
little about myself and I was hoping to get some support. I'm
feeling kind of lost here.
My name is Heather, I'm a 22 year old college student on a waiting
list for nursing school and I live in Wisconsin. I live 3 hours away
from my mom who was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer for
the second time. She is only 45 right now and the first time she had
it was 6 years ago and it was caught so early that they were able to
remove it during a biopsy. This time around is completely
different. She has been having her annual mammograms however all of
them have been comeing clean, then 2 months ago she felt a lump and
went to her doctor. That mammogram came back clean too but they
couldn't even see the lump they could feel. So they did an MRI.
Originally they said there was an intricate network of tumors with
tendrills attatched to the lymph nodes and that she was in terminal
cancer. Then the next day they came back and said she had
fibrocystic breast disease and everything they saw were cysts from
the disease and that none of them were tumors. Her doctor looked at
the report and decided to actually look at the pictures (normally
only the radiologist does that apparently). Anyways he decided to
biopsy 3 tumors. One came back as early stage cancer. So my mom had
a lumpectomy and they said they expected everything to be fine after
that. 3 days after the lumpectomy the doctor called and said it
doesn't look good and scheduled an appointment. The tumor was
actually stage II ductal carcinoma in situ, but the doctor said they
got it all and that's not what worried her. She said that she found
a suspicous looking lymph node and removed that too. The results of
that show that she has another type of cancer which arose separetely
from the tumor and it's invasive and known to be aggressive not to
mention it's already in her lymph nodes. So no she is having a
mastectomy and they are removing just the lymph nodes in her chest.
She will then be having chemo and possibly radiation depending on the
results after the lumpectomy. Right now they are staging her at a
III but they said that may change depending on what they find with
the mastectomy. Also this week they are scanning her other breast
(which they didn't do because they wanted to deal with the cancer
first). They didn't say how they expect that to come out however
when they scheduled the mastectomy they set aside enought time to do
a double mastectomy and reconstruction. So to me that seems to say a
lot.
I've been feeling kind of lost here. I don't really know what to do
for her. I was there for her lumpectomy and will be there for the
mastectomy. I know she's got to work through a lot of this on her
own but I feel like I'm not there for her like I should be. I've
talked with my friends but they don't understand at all and I guess I
just want to talk with people who have been through it before.
Thank you all for reading this.
Heather

Hey there everyone.
Today the radiologist said I have microcalcifications in a "suspicious
cluster" and he is recommending a biopsy. He said quite point blank
that it could be cancer. I'm 42 and premenapausal. All info on the web
seems rather negative. My mother died in December from some sort of
gynocological cancer, no one really knows what it was. She was 69. We
are all rather healthy people and so were taken by surprise with my
mother's cancer.
I was wondering if anyone else here has been diagnosed through
microcalcifications and what kind of information they can share.
Thanks!
Arlyn
--
Arlyn Grant
arlynsg@...

Hello everyone. I have somewhat of an odd question. My roommate is in
her third round of chemo and the last two nights she has woken up in
the middle of the night because she has had a dream where she couldnt
breathe. When she wakes up, she says it feels like an asthma attack,
but isnt one because it stops immediatly when she wakes up.
This has never happened before so she's a little freaked out about it.
Have any of you ever run into something like this before?
Thanks
Nancy

I found out I had Breast cancer last Nov. I now live with my boyfriend who is
wonderfull. It is hard when I try to talk sometimes about my feelings as he cant
really understand as he does not have this. I receive food stamps and title 19
for medical. But he pays for all the rest. I have not been able to work as I
react to the medicine badly. That is just me. For years all I have taken is
Herbal medicine. My body is just not used to all of this and at times I feel
like I need to talk to someone who knows what I am ,have been, going threw. I
would appreciate the opportunity to talk to someone like me. Thank you Kat.

Hi Everybody, I know I haven't posted in awhile, not a whole lot has
been going on. I did get some Exciting News a few days ago though. This
upcoming event will be a Great Ending to All my Treatments. on Nov.27
I'm going to New York to see the Radio City Rocketts Christmas
Spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. My next Round of Chemo is next Wednesday.
I will also be seeing Most of my Relatives on Sept.8 for the 1st time
since my Diagnosis. I'm sure they will be Surprised seeing me Bald. I
hope everybody has a Great Labor Day Weekend !!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care
Sincerely,Chuck

Lots of cancer related videos here, for many types of cancer, radiation
therapy, clinical trials, grieving, going back to work, mammograms, quitting
smoking, sleeping and cancer, etc.
_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthvideos.php?vidcat=10_
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthvideos.php?vidcat=10)
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW ( BC survivor since 8/04)
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

I had an ultrasound done along with a second opinion & Thanks to God
the calcifications are benign.

I got this in a newsletter and thought I'd share because it's an important
message:
It's Good to Second-Guess Your Doctor
My friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and
told by her doctor that she should have a mastectomy. Yet
rather than rush to have surgery, she is seeking a second
opinion... a very good idea. A new study has found that a
second opinion from a team of specialists after an initial
diagnosis of breast cancer resulted in a significant change
in treatment protocol in more than half of the cases... and
six of the women were found not to have breast cancer at
all! This study underscores what many medical experts have
been telling us for years -- getting a second opinion for a
major medical problem is one of the most important things
you can do to protect your health and life.
In the study, 149 patients diagnosed with breast cancer
were referred to a breast cancer clinic at the University
of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, where a
multidisciplinary review board consisting of oncologists,
surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists
and nurses reviewed and discussed the patients' medical
information including mammograms, biopsy slides and their
referring surgeons' treatment recommendations. This second
evaluation of these patients led to changes in the
recommendations for surgical treatment in 77 patients
studied (52%). The specialists had differing opinions
regarding everything from the interpretation of the
patients' mammograms to the necessity for mastectomy.
"We certainly expected that there would be some impact
on these cases from the multidisciplinary review board, but
we were surprised that more than half of the patients had
some kind of change in their management," said Michael
S. Sabel, MD, study coauthor and a surgical oncologist at
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The study supports the growing body of evidence that second
opinions can provide patients with critical information
when making difficult treatment decisions. "I
encourage patients to get a second opinion," said Dr.
Sabel. "Patients need to know what their choices are.
There may be new treatment approaches to consider, or they
may find that the diagnosis is entirely wrong, as was the
case for some patients in this study."
FINDING THE BEST TREATMENT
The study's findings come as no surprise to Mehmet C. Oz,
MD, who is a professor of surgery at Columbia University
Medical Center in New York. He emphasizes the importance of
getting a second opinion in his bestselling book, You: The
Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best
Treatment (Free Press). He told me that overall, not just
with breast cancer, "research has shown that getting a
second opinion results in new diagnoses in as many as 30%
of all cases."
http://link.dhn.bottomlinesecrets.com/t/9Y4S/0Z6I/ZH/KFZU1
However, in spite of the apparent value of second opinions,
few people get them. "Only 20% of people who seek
medical care every year get a second opinion," said
Dr. Oz. "Many people are embarrassed about it or they
don't want to offend their doctors."
Always seek a second opinion if...
*Your doctor says you need surgery.
*Your doctor is stumped by your condition and can't
diagnose it.
*Your doctor isn't a specialist in the disease you have.
*Your treatment isn't working.
*Your doctor doesn't seem to be taking your symptoms
seriously.
*You want to try other treatment options.
*A serious diagnosis has been made (to confirm its
accuracy).
You should also get a second opinion if you are taking
several medications simultaneously, Dr. Oz told me, noting
that "a recent study showed if you're on six or more
medications, the chance of having a drug interaction is
94%. This means if you're on more than six drugs, you'd
better get a second opinion about them."
HERE'S HOW TO DO IT
Not only will most insurance companies cover second
opinions, since it makes financial sense, many insurers
actually require one before they'll pay for certain major
procedures. Medicare typically covers most or all of the
cost for second opinions for important treatments such as
surgery. (Note: Some Medicare managed care plans require a
referral from your primary doctor prior to the visit.)
HMOs usually will pay for second opinions from doctors who
are in the plan's network. And, more and more often, cancer
centers automatically review cases with a multidisciplinary
tumor board, making second opinions routine for their patients.
Once you've decided to get a second opinion, learn as much
as you can about your medical problem. According to Dr. Oz,
patients who do their homework use their appointment time
more productively and are better able to make decisions
regarding their treatment. Internet Web sites, such as
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus, www.cancer.gov or
www.healthweb.org -- and our own Bottom Line archive of
information at www.bottomlinesecrets.com -- can provide a
wealth of useful health information, research and
resources. Also, says Dr. Oz, "the Internet is a
great way to find top experts in a medical field. Many
people don't know that they can research academic papers
that are written by health experts in their field, and find
out where the authors of these papers are from. Even if
they don't live nearby, these experts can always refer you
to someone who does live near you." Another good
source for referrals is Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a
health information resource company that researches and
makes available lists (www.castleconnolly.com) of the
country's most highly regarded physicians in every specialty.
Once you find a doctor for a second opinion, ask what you
should bring to your appointment, which may include all
relevant X-rays, test results and reports. It is also a
good idea to make a list of questions ahead of time, and to
bring a friend or relative along for moral support and to
listen to what the doctor is recommending, which may be a
great help afterward.
VIRTUAL SECOND OPINIONS MAY BE AN OPTION
If you'd rather consult with a doctor without leaving the
comfort of your home or if the best doctor to meet with is
very far away, several Internet Web sites (sponsored by
private organizations, medical universities and hospitals)
offer second opinions for a small fee, such as Cleveland
Clinic, http://eclevelandclinic.com/cms/myconsult.html. You
submit your X-rays or test results to specialists who
review them and send an opinion back to you via e-mail.
Although this approach can provide you with additional
information, Dr. Oz believes it does not compare with a
face-to-face meeting with a doctor. "It's hard to
believe that someone who is sitting across from you and
knows the nuances of your case wouldn't be a much better
choice," he said, adding "but it is better than
doing nothing."
Of course, in the event that there is a real difference of
opinions, you may need a third opinion, says Dr. Oz. Some
insurance plans will pay for it -- but if not, this may be
an occasion when it makes sense to dig as deeply as you
need to for the real, right answer.
Source(s):
Michael S. Sabel, MD, assistant professor of surgery at
University of Michigan Health System. Dr. Sabel is
coauthor of the new University of Michigan Comprehensive
Cancer Center's study "Changes in Surgical Management
Resulting from Case Review at a Breast Cancer
Multidisciplinary Tumor Board," which was published in the
November 15, 2006 issue of the journal Cancer.
Mehmet C. Oz, MD, is professor of surgery at Columbia
University Medical Center and attending surgeon at New York
- Presbyterian Hospital. He is also director of the
Cardiovascular Institute. He is coauthor, with Michael F.
Roizen, MD, of You: The Smart Patient: An Insider's
Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment (Free
Press).

Hey everyone, I'm Lisa and I just found this group. I just finished my
chemo for breast cancer about a week and a half ago. I am hoping to see
some hair soon. Hope to talk to you all soon too.
Lisa

Sorry to hear that. Chuck. But try to focus on the end of the rainbow,
because your hair will grow back when you have finished chemo.
Gail
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New Radiation Technique Reduces Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78811&nfid=nl
Women At High Risk For Breast Cancer Benefit From Screening MRI
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78459&nfid=nl
Potential Cost-Effective Cancer Diagnosis Using Gold Nanoparticles
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78451&nfid=nl
Robin Roberts, From Good Morning America, Has Breast Cancer
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=78756&nfid=nl
Newly Available Guidelines Promise Better Results In Breast Cancer Care
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78602&nfid=nl
Screening Matters This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UK
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78559&nfid=nl
Rep. Weiner To Introduce Legislation To Increase Medicare Reimbursement For
Mammograms
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78526&nfid=nl
National Breast Cancer Foundation Unveils Innovative Web Site For Survivors
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78298&nfid=nl
FDA Panel OKs Osteoporosis Drug To Cut Breast Cancer Risk
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78227&nfid=nl
BC Cancer Agency Study Tests Value Of Online Emotional Support, Canada
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=78206&nfid=nl
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW ( BC survivor since 8/04)
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
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I'm new here. My name is Kate.
I recently learned my Granny has breast cancer. My mom is a two time survivor.
My Granny is in Stage 4. She's been told all they can do at this point is
something called super cocktails? I'm in Philly and my family is in Wisconsin.
I'm going to be visiting there in a few days and I know it's going to be hard. I
only get to visit once a year and it sounds like Granny won't be there next
year.
Katy

Hi Everybody, Well Hair Today/Gone Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two days prior
to my next Treatment I started losing my hair. I washed it and Hair
just started falling out all over the place, and when I dried it more
fell out. Since I know it is going to all come out anyhow, I had my
Mother sheer the rest off. It will take some getting used to. I've had
Thick,Beautiful hair most of my life. I know though that since my hair
follicles are dying that means the Chemo drugs are working. My next
treatment is Wednesday(15th)August. I will let you all know how it
goes. Everybody take care and have a Good Week. Sincerely,Chuck

Good gawd gal.!!! sure getting some strange stuff in pending lately!!! haveyou
noticed? I didn't delete or reject them as I wanted you to see
(smiling) Have a great Saturday!!!
Deb
The one that sent 3 "hot" posts ;-)~ is no longer allowed to post though.
(smiling again)

Was just sitting here wondering how you are doing with the
chemo.........Hope all is going as smoothly as possible. Wanted to
let you know I was thinking about you.
Hang in there,
Deb

another 'sister' to add to our list:

Hi, this is Michele, founder of this online support group. When I
started this in May of 2004 I had no idea that this many people would
be looking for others who knew what they were going through and could
help them by communicating back and forth with them online.
Soon after I created this site my own life became much more hectic
than I thought it could, but your children getting older can do that
for you. Marge came along and wanted to help out so I turned over
the running of things to her as she had the time to do it. She told
me that Deb would be wonderful at helping out as well and she has. I
do still read the messages from time to time.
This site wouldn't be up and running still if not for Marge and Deb
and a few others I'm sure that I'm not aware of. I want to thank
everyone for their help and support that they freely give and for
being such compassionate people in the first place. The world needs
a few more like you!
I will soon be a five year survivor myself and so far things are
looking good in the cancer department. One of my doctors told me he
considered me cured...I hope he's right. Now if I could just keep
other health issues away I'd be doing wonderfully well. I did
however manage to go back to work full time after ten years of being
at home rearing children. I love the job I do and fortunately it's a
sit down job, otherwise my back and hips would give out on me.
Keep up the good work and I hope that all can keep up their spirits.
I know at times you want to throw in the towel, but don't. God gives
us each the strength to get through and hopefully the sense of humor
to deal with it as well. My doctors told me that my sense of humor
got me through as much as anything else. I still make them laugh
when I have to see them. I laughed when I could because it sure beat
crying all the time and feeling sorry and asking why me? Besides I
kind of knew it would happen to me one day since it ran like wildfire
in my Mother's family.
My prayers go out to each and every one of you who are going through
this "joy ride" called cancer and to all of you who have kicked its
butt! God Bless You and Keep You.
Michele

Type and staging are done on the tumor at the time of surgery because they
have to go by the size of the tumor, if it invaded any surrounding tissue, etc.
The oncologist will sit down with you and go over everything-take a note pad
to write things down, and if you can take someone along to take notes, like
a spouse, mother, sister, etc. it would help because sometimes when we are
sitting there shaking and scared, we don't hear everything being told to us.
When I was diagnosed in 8/04, I immediately went to _www.breastcancer.org_
(http://www.breastcancer.org) and also _www.y-me.org_ (http://www.y-me.org) as
they have the best info of any other website on diagnosis, treatment, etc.
Be proactive in your care and don't be shy about getting a second
opinion-that's vital.
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

I see where two messages we approved today.......Does this mean you are
home from vacation?
Tell us all about it.........Have fun?
Huggzzzzz
Deb

Hi everyone,
I just joined your list a few days ago. My name is Gloria. I was
diagnosed with breast cancer Feb 2006. I found the lump during one of
my monthly checks. Told my doctor about it and then we set up a
mammogram even though was not due for one for about 5 months. (thank
goodness we did !) The lump showed up on mammogram so had biopsy that
showed up was cancer. End of may 2006, had lumpectomy followed by 35
radiation treatments.
I am still nervous, concerned about finding another lump that could
be cancer. I was naive in that I thought since cancer did not run in
my family, I could not get it. Boy, was i in for a rude awakening on
that one. I really do not have a support group of breast cancer
survivors, patients, etc. because due to other health problems i
cannot drive and the only ones in my area are times when my husband
works 2nd shift. So i thought next best thing would be to turn to the
internet for a "support group" which is how I found my way here.
Well, I will close for now. Hope to hear from you all and share
with one another.
Take care,
---Gloria in SC

Hello to all,
I have just joined this group. I am 30 years old and diagnosed with
breast cancer a couple of weeks ago.
I found a lump and my dr ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. After
that, I had an ultrasound biopsy which showed positive for cancer.
Then, I had an MRI which revealed additional spots on the same breast
and one spot on the other breast. I have another ultrasound today to
review further. If that shows areas of concern, I'm sure I'll have
another biopsy. They are also watching a couple of calcifications.
A couple of questions-
1. Should I have been given a stage of cancer yet?
2. Should I have been given an official type of breast cancer yet?
I have only met with my breast surgeon so far. I meet with the
oncologist next week.

Glad to hear you are feeling better!
Gail
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Hi everyone,
I apologize if this message comes thru twice. My computer
"hiccupped" and message may have gone thru when i hit send button or
may not have. Thank you for your understanding if it does come thru
twice.
From a newbie,
---Gloria
Hi everyone,
I just joined your list a few days ago. My name is Gloria. I was
diagnosed with breast cancer Feb 2006. I found the lump during one of
my monthly checks. Told my doctor about it and then we set up a
mammogram even though was not due for one for about 5 months. (thank
goodness we did !) The lump showed up on mammogram so had biopsy that
showed up was cancer. End of may 2006, had lumpectomy followed by 35
radiation treatments.
I am still nervous, concerned about finding another lump that could
be cancer. I was naive in that I thought since cancer did not run in
my family, I could not get it. Boy, was i in for a rude awakening on
that one. I really do not have a support group of breast cancer
survivors, patients, etc. because due to other health problems i
cannot drive and the only ones in my area are times when my husband
works 2nd shift. So i thought next best thing would be to turn to the
internet for a "support group" which is how I found my way here.
Well, I will close for now. Hope to hear from you all and share
with one another.
Take care,
---Gloria in SC

Hi all, I just wanted to check in and let you know I am starting to
feel human again. No pain meds today!!!! Yeah!!!! Maybe I can go
shopping for a fake boob soon! Walking around lopsided is kind of
wierd. I have an appointment with the oncologist next Thursday. I hope
everyone is doing well and thanks so much for your support.
Sue

Thanks for answering my question.
Cheryl :)

Dear Friends, I know I haven't written in a little while, but that is
because on my end there hasn't been much going on. My thoughts and
prayers do go out though to All of you who still have Cancer and
Congrats to those of you who are Survivors. My first Round of Chemo is
Tomorrow. I will let you all know how it goes. I've been told I won't
feel the Side Effects for about a week, so we'll see how it goes.
thanks to those of you who have sent me your caring thoughts and
keeping me in your prayers. Take care, Chuck

Millions of women have calcifications scattered through their breasts. They
don't turn cancerous. However, on a mammogram, if a bunch of calcifications
are clustered in one area, that can signal that a cancerous tumor is growing
there and feeds further evaluation.
Mammograms are the best test for seeing the calcifications-they don't show
up well on an ultrasound, MRI or CT, so that's why someone like you needs to
have regular mammograms and clinical breast exams by a medical provider.
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

From what I know, even though they say the anti rejection drugs increase the
chance of a recurrence , I think it's still a very low rate.
Probably asking your oncologist would be best for current research on that.
I will keep my fingers crossed for your continued good health.
Gail
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
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Hi All:
I'm new to this group. My name is Cheryl. I had to mammograms with
calcifications showing up on them. My question to the group is do
calcifications ever turn into breast cancer?
Thank you kindly.
Cheryl :)

sorry i am late with posting today. I've had no cable in the house
until a few minutes ago.
Deb

Hello,
My name is Tina --My son and I live in Reno, Nv. --I thought I was
done with is. But is back in the right breast now. Last year thet
taken my left breast for green junk comiing out of it. I think I was
on the group last year.
Thanks for your time
Tina

Hello everyone! My name is Kelly and I have not posted on this board
for many years. I'm so happy to see that the love and support I found
here many years ago is still going strong. I was 33 years old when i
was diagnosed. Initially I was told I was too young for BC and since
I had no family history, it was probabaly an infection. Needless to
say, 3 weeks later I was told I had Stage 3 cancer in an aggressive
form. 4/9 lymph nodes were involved. I had Adriamyacin and Cytoxin,
40 rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant. That was over 9
years ago, and today, no cancer! At the time of my diagnosis I was
young and scared out of my mind. This board and all the lovely women
who shared their experience, strength and hope with me was such a
comfort. I found myself on this site in the middle of the night
searching for encouragement and support. I made amazing friends as a
result. I wish for all of you newly diagnosed ladies that you find
the strength and wisdom in these women that I found. You are not
alone.
I now face a kidney transplant due to a gentic disease, (PKD). I am
scheduled for a transplant on Sept 20 and hope all will go well. My
only concern is the anti-rejection drugs I will be on will put me at
great risk for a cancer recurrance. Does anyone here have any
experience with these drugs? I am high risk for a recurrance, but I
truly believe that if that is God's will for me, I will fight the
fight once again.
God bless you all!
Kelly

I hope you tell all your friends and family how important breast self exam
is after your experience. I also diagnosed my lump, with 2 negative mammograms
8 months apart, including the day of doctor diagnosis.
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

I enjoy reading all the messages from all of you. I found my cancer
when I was doing my monthly self exam in the shower. I was scared
because I had a lump in my throat and my breast cancer did not run in
my family but I heard that it still can happen. I called my dr the
next day and she ordered a mammogram and a exam appointment for 2 days
after. It clearly showed up on the mammogram,a lump was present I
cried alot. My next step was a needle byobsee. I had the needle
byobsee and was told I would have to get the lump removed. I had great
support from my husband of 23 years and my two boys 16 and 22 years
old and of course my heavenly father up above . I have to have a
mammogram every 4 months which is a pain but its better to be safe
than sorry. I have been cancer free for 3 and on half years God bless
everyone

Hi all,
I made it through surgery and my lymphnodes were clear!!! yeah!! I am kinda
down about my missing breast. I didn't think it would be so hard on me
mentally! I just have to keep telling myself once I get a fake one it will be
ok. I am healing well and am so thankful the nodes were clear. Now to see the
oncologist and see what other treatment I need.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Sue

Sorry i'm a little slow logging on and getting your messages posted to
the group. I have an excuse though........It's my B-Day. i will try
to get this done sooner in the days to come. hope this finds you all
having one great day.
Deb

They will most likely schedule you for a breast MRI because that sees
through dense tissue. It involves injecting a dye through an intravenous line
into
your vein. It's an extremely sensitive test. In order to do a biopsy, they
have to see where the area in question is. Mammograms can miss up to 20% of
tumors but ultrasound usually gets almost all.
Gail Neuman RNC CPHW
student midwife and student nurse practitioner
certified high risk OB/OB legal consultant
Perinatal Nurse Associates
801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 314-7070
(714) 838-1479 fax
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

Welcome, April! Please tell us why you're here-for youself, or a friend/
family member.
Gail
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
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Dear Marge/Deb and everyone, I'm New to the Group and look forward
getting to know All of you. I'm a 42yr. old male who was recently
diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I found a Lump while
showering. I put it off, not being a woman I didn't think that much
about it. After about a Month I told my Mother about it(an Ex-Nurse). I
went to the Hospital to have a Lumpectomy and when I found out it was
Malignant I transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital. At Hopkins I had a
Mastectomy of my left Breast. When they checked my