Breast Cancer Surgery

Question: Is it normal to have sharp pains in the breast and upper back after breast cancer surgery? My mom had a small cancerous tumor removed about 3 months ago and she had no discomfort nor pain until two days ago. She has been taking this radiation type of pill which she needs to take for the next five years and she has been on it for the last two weeks. Is this pain normal or should I make an appointment with her doctor. I have heard this pill gives her joint pain, but her breast and upper back also? thanks

Answer: Firstly, the pill is no a radiation type pill, it is closer to chemotherapy and clocer still to an anti-hormone pill. It can give joint pain, including spinal pain (the spine is a series of joints) but any pain should be reported to her oncologist. I can't wait for the next few months to be over so I can stop taking this and get rid of the aches!

Question: How long TAXOL be taken after breast cancer surgery ? My sister in law had breast cancer.One of her breast was removed surgically. Since then she has been taking TAXOL along with other drugs. She is 52 years old. She wants to know how long she needs to take TAXOL.

Answer: Hi .. this is a tough one. Paclitaxel (TAXOL) is most commonly used in combination chemotheraphy, ie with some other anticancer drug, most commonly, it would be doxorubicin. The regimens vary according to pre-operative staging and biopsy findings, however there would be most commonly up to 6-8 cycles of chemotherapy, 1 cycle every 3 weeks makes it 18-24 weeks. Again it is really hard to tell as no data provided.

Question: Is a Special diet after breast cancer surgery necessary? If you have both breasts removed, is it necessary to eat (or not eat) anything after chemotherapy and surgery? My cousin is coming to stay with me in cuba for a month for her recovery and I need to know what kind of groceries to buy...

Answer: She may have some pain to contend with, may be prescribed painkillers. If they're narcotics, that could have a constipating effect, so she'll want to get adequate fiber and fluids to help keep things moving along, and not be afraid to get some help from Senekot or Colace (both are recommended for chemo patients, so they're pretty gentle). Otherwise, I wasn't given any dietary restrictions post-lumpectomy/axillary dissection. I just tried to eat well: plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, plenty of protein to help the healing, whole grains for cellular repair, etc.

Question: Is there any help paying for breast cancer surgery? During a routine mammogram they found 2 lumps in left breast. I had to have a needle biopsy. I did. Now they tell me it's benign, But it needs to come out. Because it could harbor cancer cells. It cost almost 3,000.00. I do not have any more money for this surgery. Why didn't Drs. just do this first and spare me the extra money and trama?

Answer: You might try prosper.com

Question: Will Medicare cover a bra after after breast cancer surgery? If so, where do you go to get them?

Answer: Typically, your health insurance company will cover the cost of a mastectomy bra. (Actually, a couple of them.) Have your surgeon or medical oncologist write you a prescription for the garments and bring them to a store where they will fit you properly. Usually the stores that do fittings will know how to proceed with billing your insurance. (Some pharmacies and medical supply places will have women that assist you with fitting and ordering.)

Question: where can I find a petition that gets women with breast cancer surgery to stay in the hosptial longer? Jewel on lifetime ask for people too do it?

Answer: Hey, what about Lifetime.

Question: How did you deal with the nights between the time from being diagnosed to the surgery for breast cancer? I just turned 37 and found out Tuesday that I have breast cancer, I was currently nursing a 7 1/2 month old baby. I find the hardest time to deal with it at night. What did you do while you were waiting for surgery? I learned that it is stage 3.

Answer: I finally found someone in the same stage as me. I am Stage 3B breast cancer. I am not going to lie to you and tell you that it is all going to be rosey and things are so easy. It is one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I did my chemo first due to the tumor attaching itself to my chest wall. Thank goodness it has come unattached and my surgery is scheduled for March 25th. I am actually excited because the cancer is finally going to be out of my body (atleast for the time being) I was really nervous between surgeries. Try not to do to much research on the internet and if you must don't get frightened by the statistics that they have. Statistics are meant to be broken. Keep your head up and if you need any more info. I would be glad to help. I just finished my chemo and then surgery then 6 weeks radiation. Remember to take your pills even if you do not feel nauseated because if you don't you will be laid up. Another thing you should check into is your local American Cancer Society they have a class called Look Good Feel Better and they teach you how to apply the make up especially if you are on the chemo that cause your eyebrows and your eyelashes to fall out. They offer free wigs and all that it is really worth it. You can contact me with any questions you might have or if you just need to vent. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.`

Question: Don't know how to deal with the pressure related to breast cancer surgery/chemo and day to day expenses. I am a 54 yrs. survivor of domestic violence. Just three months after police took him out of the house I was diagnosed with left breast cancer. It was already spreaded to the lymph nodes. I underwent surgery and chemo. Now Im in a treatment with a pill once a day for the next five years to prevent recurrency. I live alone and feel like I am walking on thin ice. Not only for the emotional effects but for the financial ones as well. I live in San Juan, Puerto Rico and has been hard for me to find help on this ordeal. Any suggestions as to where to look will be really appreciated.

Answer: I also ended an abusive marriage after 23 years and found out about a year later that I had BC. That was 2 years ago and I recently went through a recurrence. I know that the stress of the life we have lived contributes to health problems. The most important thing for you right now is to reduce stress and you can do this by finding women to talk to who have or are going through what you are. Reach out. Don't be afraid to tell people you have had BC. You will be surprised how many other lives have been touched by it and someday, you will be able to offer comfort and information to a woman newly diagnosed. Here are a couple of sites I have found helpful: http://www.y-me.org/ http://www.bcaction.org

Question: Can breast surgery cause cancer? My boyfriend is freaking me out. Im getting a breast reduction for back pain and he says I will greatly increase risk of breast cancer because of the trauma of surgery. Is he right ?

Answer: No he is not correct. IMO He just wants you to not have the surgery by scaring you like that. When they take out the breast tissue they should take it for a biopsy to make sure you have healthy breast tissue (that is what my doctor did, you could always ask your doctor if he will do that). Good luck on your surgery!

Question: my mom cant afford breast cancer surgery? she has had it since last year and it is getting really bad and painful.we cannot afford the surgery.what can we do?

Answer: There are a lot of organizations who can help her. Try contacting them yourself, and then tell mom about it. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act provides, in most states, Medicaid coverage for treatment to women who have been screened for and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions, through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For more information about eligibility and contacts for this program, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) “Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000� Web page, which is located at http://www.cdc.gov/CANCER/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm on the Internet. http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/cc_financial.php http://www.needymeds.com/ http://www.patientadvocate.org CancerCare 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) * AVONCares: Limited financial assistance for homecare, childcare and transportation. A program in partnership with the Avon Foundation. * Linking A.R.M.S.™: Limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication, lymphedema supplies and durable medical equipment. A program in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Question: Has any body had pain in back and arm after breast cancer surgery with reconstruction from back?

Answer: awwww bless you,hope you get well soon,im sure you will

Question: I'm having reconstructive breast surgery d/t breast cancer. Anyone had the diep procedure? Any advice? I have had a mastectomy d/t stage 3 breast cancer and want to have the diep reconstructive procedure. I am looking for advise from anyone who has had this procedure. Can you share anything about the surgery@ time off of work, realistic pain, time in the hospital, recovery time..was it worth it? Thanks!!!

Answer: I had the implants. Have you already had your mastectomy? I'm wondering why they didn't do the surgery all at once. I'm really just answering this to send you to this site: BREASTCANCER.ORG You will find thousands of registered women who are very active on the message boards there. It's an amazing place. If you're doing chemo, also check out CHEMOANGELS.COM it might be chemoangels.org.. one other support place is The Lydia Project, just google it. Trust me, you will find everything you need to know on breastcancer.org. Head there and check it out!

Question: How to offer support for lady requiring breast surgery for cancer? Just met a very nice lady recently, and during our getting to know each other, she shared with me her up coming need for a mastectomy with followup reconstruction. I've never been around anyone with a problem like this, and I want to be a good friend to her, and be there if she needs me. What do I need to know?

Answer: emotionally, she's gonna need you and all her friends to be there but also to treat her like she isn't a cancer patient but like who she has always been. does that make sense? i have breast cancer and the hardest part for me was seeing all the sad looks on peoples faces. i know they meant to show concern, but i felt they were looking at me like i really had a death sentence! i still wanted to joke and have fun and they were getting all serious on me. i wanted to hear about their kids and lives and not just talk about the disease. on the practical side, bringing over meals for her(and family) is always good... stuff that can just be reheated. offering to grocery shop, a couple hours of a cleaning service, a couple good books, a nite shirt, slippers and cocoa butter (for the scars) are great gifts. she's also going to have to be reminded to be patient with herself and her healing process. she's going to have great days and some not so great days as she goes through the healing/recovery process. i find that pretty hard sometimes. i want to be better now. let he know she's entitled to her bad days, but don't let herself fall into depression because it does not help the healing. once she's over the surgery , it will probably be time for chemo and radiation and that's a whole new game. let her know she's stronger than she knows and that there are a lot of people sending good thoughts her way. there are also some great websites out there. one i found is breastcancerstories.com. she can read about other womens experiences and create her own blog page to keep friends and family up to date with her treatment and it's a great way to put down your thoughts and feelings. that's really helped me. remind her this is HER experience with cancer, not cancers experience with her. good luck to you both

Question: Where can my mom have a surgery for breast cancer? She has been diagnosis with cancer 2 week ago, she is resident of USA, the doctor said that she needs soon the surgery the best time is no more that 2 weeks; maybe in 3 months they could make the surgery. But also it could be to late for her. She doesn't have insurance in USA, and she is poor to paid for it. Do some body knows where she can have the surgery done

Answer: Call the Maine cancer Society and they will tell you where to go, and if she doesn't work or on disabibity, she could qualify for MaineCare through the Department Of Human Services in Portland Maine. As far as a hospital goes I LOVE Mercy Hospital they treat their patients very well and are vaery nice to them.

Question: How do I get rid of my new fake nails? ( I have had anxillary surgery following breast cancer)? I just got false nail tips with an acrylic coating but bumped one and its sore. I remembered that I have to be careful of my hands as I have have had surgery to remove the lymph glands under my arm and may get lymphodema from any type of infection in that arm or hand. I know I made a mistake but how to fix it!

Answer: First thing you need to do is wash your hands carefully with soap and water and if there is any broken skin or even suspected broken skin where the fingernail is sore you should apply antibiotic ointment for a couple days until you are sure there is no infection. You should do this same routine every time you have any potential skin breaks or scratches. I'd go have the fake nails removed and then do the cleansing routines described above and hope that no infection gets started. Lymphedema can be a real pain and once it gets started you have to deal with it daily - all day every day. My advice is to always take very good care of your skin at all times because it just took a tiny nick to get my lymphedema started. good luck

Question: breast cancer surgery? my mom had her breast removed jan.16 07 cancer was in lympnodes under arm removed the breast but couldnt find lympnodes .no ct,mri or pet scan all they did was blood work.dr. said they had shrunk to small for him to find.she went back to her dr. 2 weeks later and he told her they didnt get all of the cancer how does he know that he didnt do the surgery he got another dr to do it for him.now she is going to have to go through chemo again should she get another opnion or just listen to him? she has done had 32 rounds already plus the cancer pill and is still taking the pill .need some advice soon she goes back to the dr.in 2 more weeks.

Answer: I would go for a 2nd opinion just because this doc should have found everything. My mom went through the same thing so I feel for her. Chemo is no fun and it will break down the immune system again. It is like putting rat poison in her blood. It isn't fair and I am really sorry to hear of this. This doc is wacky. They should have gotten it all the first time, removed all lymph nodes no matter what and be done with it all.