Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hey there andreadinane i don't have a tattoo yet, but am getting a yin/yang- have the design and colors ready to go- I had a partial mastectomy,reduction and reconstruction in October- so I am waiting to be healed a bit more. Would love to hear from others also. I was in the doctors office when they told me they probably won't be able to save my nipple, but they could get the margins they needed- my daughter replied the yin/yang of cancer- black/white, saving you,taking a part of you- and that became my mantra-so I will wear it proudly!!  I will look for your blog ... View more

Hi Pat, Thanks for the thoughts and response- I feel good on day 3 off it- my bones don't ache ! When I can't can't see what's causing the pain, its hard to for me to believe its real- I think is it in my head? Im going to ask if I can go off if needed again or if it will affect my treatment.For now I'm enjoying it! Thanks again Lori ... View more

Hello Juliets My Dr.s prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment during radiation 2x daily, It works well, goes on like vasoline so wear tank top ,t shirt you don't care about. I had 4 power doses at the end that were painful two weeks after. My daughter found ALHYDRAN- medical grade Aloe- you can order directly from them or other suppliers, works very well - still using it daily for scaring. i was also using silverdyne at night. best of luck- Ring that bell when you're done! Lori ... View more

hello Happy Gardner, I am 63 years old, was diagnosed in sept with DCIS, stage 0- was reccomended for lumpectomy and reconstruction- my mass was large. Got a second opinion- (have the best cancer hospital in my back yard) I ended up with a partial mastectomy, went to stage 1, no lymph involement- though they did remove some. Reconstruction and reduction on other one, and radiation. % months later,  I am very comfortable with my decision, the mass ended up being 6 x 4 cm, they took 2/3 of my breast with the cancer, and reduced the other to match- i don't have a nipple, but i am getting a yin/yang tattoo where my nipple should be and i have very nice B boobs- no bra necessary! I was told no rush also, went to Costa Rica with my daughter and zip lined down a volcano!- was a great trip. It is a difficult decision no doubt, and painful at times- make sure you can trust your doctors decision- all of mine are women- I asked my surgeon how she would treat her mother, and she replied the same course we are recommending to you- All I can say is whatever you decide, be ok with it once you decide, own it and go for it! Best of luck- be well let me know how you are doing Lori ... View more

Hey Wonky, Lori here- new to this forum, new to cancer-so sorry you are feeling what you are feeling.Im not on board with the BC warrior thing, nothing against it, I feel cancer is another aspect of life.I didn't choose this nor would I ,If given the option!! i mean who would! i am fortunate to have great insurance and Dr.'s but I am overwhelmed with the fact the treatment is making me feel so bad.And then I feel bad for feeling bad- That's survival mode, or survivor's guilt?- When you talk about resetting to "normal" isn't that now survival mode?We all have a new normal now. I'm taking a 2 week leave from anastrozole,hopefully to another in this group of meds that I tolerate better. Thanks for the space to vent,and to knowing you're all ther. Be well Lori ... View more

Hi All, Ive been on Anastrozole for 5 months- i just went off for two weeks, my oncologist is going to try something else in this group. The bone pain arms and legs, shoulders- and headaches were horrible- I was eating Tylenol 6-8 times daily. Forget about sleeping- that just doesn't happen. Today is day two off meds, only slight headache and very little bone pain. Hoping there is another med that I tolerate better. I was diagnost in October, had partial mastectomy,and reconstruction on both breast and radiation. This is already getting old- I have 4 1/2 years on hormones to go ! i do find doing aerobics, weights in the pool does help. Good luck, be well Lori ... View more

Hey there,  I found AnaOno to be the best bra's- Started by a women with breast cancer and surgery/recovery issues. I had a partial mastectomy and lymph nodes removed-They are soft, front close,attachments for drains, racerback- super company. They also take some insurance ( i get 4/year). Look them up on internet. Be well ... View more