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Mastectomy
Breast removal
Question: mastectomy? When my grandmother had breast cancer, the doctors performed a mastectomy on her.. which is removing of the whole breast.
I do not have breast cancer, but I do suffer from fibrocystic breast disease (fbd). I have gone to many doctors about it and they have all told me that because I have breast cancer in my family history, then I should also go through with something LIKE a mastectomy, but they would not remove the whole breast, and they preserve the nipple and they would replace to removed tissue with an implant.
If you have had breast surgery for FBD, can you tell me what the process was like? Are you happy you got the surgery? Do you recommend it? I was told there might be "decent" results, so I want to be sure that I will be happy about my decision..
Thank you for anyone's help.
Answer: My friend had this done about 7 years ago. She did not have fbd or breast cancer but she lost her whole family (2 sisters and her mother) to breast cancer and decided she did not want to run the risk of ever having it. She had both breasts removed and still says to this day that its the best decision she ever made. She has a loving partner and to be honest, you wouldnt even know she's had her breasts removed unless she showed you. She still wears great clothes with good 'padded' bra's.
She could undergo reconstructive surgery to give her breasts but her sisters both had it done and the cancer came back with a vengeance.
I think she's one brave lady. Good luck Ems.
Question: How long do you think a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery should take? Is it possible to arrive at 11 am, have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery (to a full b cup from a AA cup) and leave by say 3:30 or 3:45?
Answer: No it isn't.
After a mastectomy you will stay in hospital at least overnight; I was in for a week.
And if you had reconstruction at the same time, you would be recovering for longer.
Reconstruction is a major operation, much more so than mastectomy. It takes several hours, sometimes as long as 14 hours.
And as you seem to be talking about either a double mastectomy and recon or enhancement of the unaffected breast, it will take longer.
Question: How long is the average hospital stay for a double mastectomy? I just found out yesterday that an aunt of mine has breast cancer. I have no idea how severe the cancer is. She is going thru a double mastectomy today. Anyone have a clue on how long a hospital stay is for this? thanks so much.
Answer: I am trying to remember how long I stayed in. I think it was 2 nights, but I am not positive. I will be thinking of you and your family today, and hoping for the best.
Question: Why would it be a radical mastectomy instead of elephantiasis? While walking down the street, you and your friend see an elderly woman whose left arm appears to be swollen to several times its normal size. Your friend remarks that the woman must have been in the tropics and contracted a form of filariasis that produces elephantiasis. You disagree, saying that it is more likely that the woman had a radical mastectomy (removal of a breast because of cancer). Explain the rationale behind your answer.
Answer: It is not either, it can be the result of a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Here is some info on this subject.
The condition is called Lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema, or acquired lymphedema, can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema.
Secondary lymphedema can develop immediately post-operatively, or weeks, months, even years later. It can also develop when chemotherapy is unwisely administered to the already affected area (the side on which the surgery was performed) or after repeated aspirations of a seroma (a pocket of fluid which occurs commonly post-operatively) in the axilla, around the breast incision, or groin area. This often causes infection and, subsequently, lymphedema.
Aircraft flight has also been linked to the onset of lymphedema in patients post-cancer surgery (likely due to the decreased cabin pressure). For more information, see the NLN Position Paper on Air Travel (pdf format, 231kb).
Another cause of lower extremity lymphedema is that resulting from the use of Tamoxifen. This medication can cause blood clots and subsequent DVT (deep venous thrombosis).
Radiation therapy, used in the treatment of various cancers and some AIDS-related diseases (such as Kaposi-Sarcoma), can damage otherwise healthy lymph nodes and vessels, causing scar tissue to form which interrupts the normal flow of the lymphatic fluid. Radiation can also cause skin dermatitis or a burn similar to sunburn. It is important to closely monitor the radiated area for any skin changes, such as increased temperature, discoloration (erythema) or blistering which can lead into the development of lymphedema. Be sure to keep the area soft with lotion recommended by your radiation oncologist.
Lymphedema can develop secondary to lymphangitis (an infection) which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway function. A severe traumatic injury in which the lymphatic system is interrupted and/or damaged in any way may also trigger the onset of lymphedema. Although extremely rare in developed countries, there is a form of lymphedema called Filariasis which affects as many as 200 million people worldwide (primarily in the endemic areas of southeast Asia, India and Africa). When the filarial larvae from a mosquito bite enters the lymphatic system, these larvae mature into adult worms in the peripheral lymphatic channels, causing severe lymphedema in the arms, legs and genitalia (also known as Elephantiasis).
Symptoms of Lymphedema
Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. If you notice persistent swelling, it is very important that you seek immediate medical advice (and get at least one second opinion) as early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition.
Lymphedema develops in a number of stages, from mild to severe,referred to as Stage 1, 2 and 3:
Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible):
Tissue is still at the "pitting" stage, which means that when pressed by fingertips, the area indents and holds the indentation. Usually, upon waking in the morning, the limb(s) or affected area is normal or almost normal size.
Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible):
The tissue now has a spongy consistency and is "non-pitting," meaning that when pressed by fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation forming). Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.
Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis):
At this stage the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) is/are very large. The tissue is hard (fibrotic) and unresponsive; some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery called "debulking" at this stage.
When lymphedema remains untreated, protein-rich fluid continues to accumulate, leading to an increase of swelling and a hardening or fibrosis of the tissue. In this state, the swollen limb(s) becomes a perfect culture medium for bacteria and subsequent recurrent lymphangitis (infections). Moreover, untreated lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the limb(s), skin breakdown, chronic infections and, sometimes, irreversible complications. In the most severe cases, untreated lymphedema can develop into a rare form of lymphatic cancer called Lymphangiosarcoma (most often in secondary lymphedema).
Question: Could a mastectomy be considered preventive medicine for a trans man? I am a trans boy and I know that surgeries are going to be expensive and not at all covered by my insurance. But there is also a risk of breast cancer in my family. Could a mastectomy be considered preventive medicine in my case? Does anyone know if it would be covered by a healthcare plan?
Answer: Only if your doctor is grossly negligent. Nobody removes large amounts of tissue solely for the purpose that it may become diseased. Breast cancer may be the highest-incidence cancer among women (I think), but it still only appears in .08% of the population.
Your healthcare plan already has a long list of every condition and every prescription (that is, treatment) they will cover. If you ask them, they will simply look it up. You can probably petition, but nobody ever convinces the insurance company to pay for something they already will not provide. You'd have better luck suing them.
Question: Can I get mastectomy without having a disease? I'm wondering if I can get breast removal because my breasts make me feel physically uncomfortable, depressed, & I don't feel happy having female parts.
I'm losing weight so hopefuly surgery will be more easy without all the fat in the way.
I'm also wondering what type of mastectomy I can get. Is it possible to remove all tissue & the nipples as well?
Answer: Check out a breast ''reduction''.
Question: What are the side effects of having a mastectomy? My mum is going in hospital on the 7th to get a mastectomy, she has been diagnosed with malignant breast cancer. I want to know how long it takes her to heal and what are the possible side effects?
Answer: In the hospital on the day of surgery, you’ll change into a hospital gown and wait in a preoperative holding area. Some hospitals will allow you to have one or two friends or family members with you in the room.
Your surgeon or a nurse may draw markings on your breast that show where the incision will be made. Usually this is done with a felt-tip marker. You’ll be sitting up while this happens so that the natural crease of your breast can be marked.
Question: How does it feel to sleep on your stomach with saline implants after a mastectomy? I am getting a double mastectomy after learning I have lobular carcinoma in situ. My doctor says it may be uncomfortable to sleep on my stomach due to the implants. I have neuropathy in my feet and they burn at night. The best position is to lay on my stomach. Any one have experience with this?
Answer: I think you could sleep on your stomach if it relieves the problem with your feet. I still have the plastic tissue expanders and I'm awaiting the saline implant surgery. I can lie on my stomach but it is the loss of any sensation that makes it unnerving - a bit like chewing food after dental anesthesia - you're not completely confident that you aren't causing bruising. But it's mind over matter and I'm sure you would get used to it. Good luck with the surgery. I have no regrets.
Question: How long after a double mastectomy does chemo begin? My aunt is currently in hospital having a double mastectomy and I was wondering how long will is it usually before they start chemo/radiation.
Answer: Each treatment regime is tailored to the patient and teh cancer.
Surgery , chemo and radiation are all options.
Sometimes we have one of these, sometimes 2 and sometimes all 3.
The order they are given when more than one treatment is used can vary between patients.
With breast cancer, a common regime is surgery, 3-6 weeks later, 6 chemo treatments at 3 - 4 week intervals, then 5 weeks radiation.
What will be prescribed for your aunt will depend on her case and so don't be suprised if it varies from this.
Question: Has any one had a bilateral mastectomy tram flap reconstruction,what were the results? I am due to have a bilateral mastectomy this week, have just heard about loss of stomach muscles and numbness. Can any one help me with this. Any info would be appreciated.
Answer: I looked into it, but was concerned about something about disconnect of some muscles or something...also if lose or gain weight, it doesn't lose or gain weight in proportion. Started with a prosthesis, it was hot, heavy and uncomfortable and expensive...now prefer a rolled up sock (even tho not quite match up)...very light and very cool and comfortable.
here are a few links to tram flap
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Breast_Reconstruction_After_Mastectomy_5.asp
http://www.breastcancer.org/tram_flap.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tram-flap-breast-reconstruction/WO00096
http://www.drman.com/breast_reconstruction.html
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/BreastReconstruction.cfm?CFID=72938205&CFTOKEN=91276111
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/WO/00096.html
there is also a procedure called a DIEP flap...think I looked into that too, but the plastic surgeon that I consulted with didn't believe in it or something? I don't remember all the details...Oh I think the DIEP flap is where the muscle is snaked up (still connected to its blood supply and nerve supply) under the chest skin and supposed to take hold and live by a nerve and blood supply from the belly, but it is hard to make it work and take hold and the tissue may die? I think that is the story...don't quote me on that..has been 3 years since I looked into this... I think DIEP is associated with a tummy tuck and TRAM is a back muscle taken out and put in front)
http://www.breastflap.com/
http://www.breastflap.com/tram_flap.htm
Question: is mastectomy really necessary for a stage 2 breast cancer patient? Is there any other alternatives? My mom have been diagnosed with a stage 2 breast cancer. the doctor wants her to undergo a mastectomy ( an operation where the whole breast will be removed). But she is scared to undergo such an operation and wants to opt for some herbal medicines that promises to heal cancer patients.
Answer: The decision is your mother's but I would opt for the surgery.
She could possibly discuss the option af a lumpectomy with her oncologist, this may be a viable alternative in her case.
I would be wanting scientific proof before I put my trust in herbal remedies, either that or be at a point where Dr's are saying there is nothing further they can do.
I have yet to hear anything other than anecdotal evidence for herbal cures.
If she goes down the herbal remedy track she may find that by the time she gives up on this and returns to the oncologist they are unagle to treat the spread of her cancer.
Chances of recovery after mastectomy are high, if treatment starts early.
Question: After how long, is it safe to take a blood pressure on someone who has had a mastectomy? Is it ever okay to do when someone has had a mastectomy or should it just be avoided no matter how long its been? And if you should avoid, how do you take a BP of someone who has had a bilateral mastectomy?
Answer: When lymph nodes have been removed, the risk of lymphoedema to the affected arm is lifelong.
That means avoiding blood pressure cuffs, injections and blood tests to that arm for the rest of your life, as well as doing all you can to avoid any other injury or stress to that arm, such as cuts, burns, insect bites, sunburn, animal and other scratches, heavy lifting.
I developed lymphoedema well over two years after my mastectomy; I'm not even sure how, but think it may have been carrying some heavy shopping bags.
Others have explained how blood pressure may be taken after a double mastectomy with lymph node removal.
Question: If you have had a tram flap surg as reconstruction for a mastectomy, can it be fixed? In Jan of 2004, I had a bilateral mastectomy. I had a tram flap for reconstruction. If you are not familiar with the surgery, you probably cannot help here. Too much to explain. But, with the tram, the doctor cuts the ab muscles and crosses them over each other with the lower ab tissue attached to be pushed through the torso skin and placed where the breasts used to be. Then skin sewn into the blank space on the breast to complete it all. Mesh is sewn into the ab area to hold your guts in.
I hate it. I hate how I look. The breasts, according to my oncologist, are done really well. But, the crossed over ab muscles beneath them bulge and makes my body all deformed looking. I would love it if the ab muscles, any part of them, could be replaced.
Does anyone know of any surgery that has been done to correct this issue? When I lose weight it is more prominent. Now I have MS and I just need a break.
The person who shared the link, thanks but that has nothing to do with breast cancer and reconstruction. I knew of other types, like the diep, but no one in this area did that surgery. I am going to see my plastic surgeon. I am just searching to see if anyone has had any kind of modification to a tram to either restore and part of the abdominal muscle muscle or decrease the look of the abdominal area? I feel like a sausage. I frigging hate it. I would still do it over implants but cancer is bad enough, it would seem you could at least not look like misshapen afterward. And the mesh gives with time, and there is nothing you can do about that.
Answer: I had the tram flap in April of 2005. I am trying to envision what the bulge looks like, and I think I finally understand. It almost seems as if the ab muscles were twisted and not layed flat, I don't know how else it would bulge like that. In my opinion, if we go through that big of a surgery (which is VERY big!) that the results should be something we like, something that we know isn't perfect but something that is acceptable.
I would go back to my plastic surgeon and see if something went wrong as those are not the results you were supposed to have. And if something is wrong, how are they going to fix it? You deserve more than that. We have lost our real breasts, the least that we could have is somewhat of a decent body form. I hope things go well for you, I will be thinking about you!
Question: what is the fastest way of getting rid of all trapped fluids after mastectomy aside from drain tubes & syringe the patient has had mastectomy one monhth ago but the trapped fluids still persists every now & then. No drain tube was applied after the surgery.the trapped fluids were removed by syringe. Does the patient need to avoid any kind of intake which might be producing or in any way making these body fluids trapped?
Answer: I think gentle massage is beneficial but I would go to someone who knows what they are doing. I think the fluid accumulates because of the lymphatic system being damaged after surgery.
Question: Why is nipple sensation more often lost with bilateral mastectomy and not augmentation? With bilateral mastectomy it is nearly impossible to regain erotic nipple sensation, why isn't this the case for breast augmentation, surely both procedures are likely damage or cut the nipple nerve stem under neath.
Answer: Already mentioned...but just remember that in a mastectomy ur removing lots of tissue (often including the axillary contents) from the mammaries and the underarm areas. In augmentation, ur sliting to get an opening, then adding...way different outcomes.
Question: woman has undergone a left radical mastectomy her left arm is swollen and painful can you explain her symptom? Mrs. Jackson, a 59-year-old woman, has undergone a left radical mastectomy (removal of the left breast and left axillary lymph nodes and vessels). Her left arm is severely swollen and painful, and she is unable to raise it to more than shoulder height. (a) Explain her signs and symptoms. (b) Can she expect to have relief from these symptoms in time? How so?
Answer: Lymphodema. She needs her doctor to put a special kind of stocking(for lack of a better word) that puts pressure on the arm and helps push fluid out and away from the arm. I recommend going immediatly to the hospital and how come her doctor isn't aware of this and treating her? This is serious.
Question: Should a woman consider a double mastectomy if cancer is only in one breast? I have a friend who has gone through surgery, chemo and radiation and the cancer appears to be gone, but after undergoing genetic testing has decided she should consider a double mastectomy.
Answer: I had a friend that had the double and reconstruction at the same time.. that was about 25 years ago and she is a surivor still.. hope this helps... good luck to your friend.
Question: Where can I purchase a mastectomy bra? I'm 26 and had a mastectomy 6 years ago. I ordered a mastectomy bra from a Dr. Leonard's catalog, but it was not very comfortable. I don't like the ones that have a line going right through the middle of them. I have a hard time finding anything in my size 34B.
Answer: I was 29 when I was diagnosed and I got my 1st two mastectomy bras from a local fitter. Two. Two bras to last a whole year, according to my insurance...yikes. But they were very expensive. I ended up going to eBay and bought new ones for half the cost of the ones from the fitter. You might want to give that a try since they are so expensive. Good luck, keep on keeping on sister!
Question: How does a person become a Mastectomy fitter?
This is a person that helps women get fitted for special bras and prostheses after they have had a mastectomy.
Answer: My wife got her prostheses at Nordstom''s department store. They had a specialist there that helped my wife with her mastectomy. She did a great job, I would start there. Call them up and see what you need for qualifications.
They were very nice and made my wife feel great. Very professional and helpful to make sure it fit perfectly.
Question: How effective is reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy ? I was wondering because Christina Applegate did this, and she thinks she'll have cute boobs for the rest of her life.
Answer: In my case NO it was not effective. I was in the hospital 9 times in 9 months. The doctors tried Reconstruction 3 times and my chest looks nasty ... I was told I had the best doctor in town, and all I can do is pray that she has better luck then I did. One of my Implants has now moved under my arm, and I have to go back in again and get cut on again.. add more scares and I will have to accept the fact that I will have to go another 6 months without being able to pick up anything and add more to the fact that my cat can cut my chest and I can not feel anything...all of my chest area is died no feeling at all, not to hot not to cold.. No feeling at all.. So maybe seeing she has really good money she will have the cute little boob, in my case Bad insurance coverages I got butchered
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