<p>There is no history of breast cancer in my family but I have several friends in the early 40’s who feel as if they are just waiting for the tests to come back positive. So for those who have been through this, or thought about it - what do you think?</p>
<p>I had an axillary dissection and because of the nature of my cancer, would have had to have had one even under this new protocol. It was much harder to recover from than the modified radical mastectomy I had at the same time. I had several months of physical therapy for lymphedema, and for years had to wear a compression sleeve when I lifted weights. Unless your doc is sure you need it, don’t get it.</p>
<p>My MIL had a few nodes removed when she had her mastectomy (this was about 8 years ago - she was stage 2, I believe) and is still suffering from severe lymphedema. She’s been to several specialists and there’s apparently nothing they can do. I feel for her. My mom had stage 1 last year and, thank goodness, they didn’t take any nodes. I think they’re being more conservative about it these days.</p>
<p>They’re also saying that most men with prostate cancer don’t need radical prostatectomies and, yet, two close family members had them recently. Both said their surgeons said it was necessary and most cancer patients just want the most aggressive cancer treatment possible. Unfortunately, things like radical prostatectomies and lymphedema can be hugely affect one’s quality of life. It’s scary to think it wasn’t necessary.</p>
<p>I’ve had nodes removed and it does cause negative changes to your life in several ways. I’ve had one minor bout with lymphedema but thankfully nothing major.</p>
<p>However, I will say that I personally would find it difficult to think I had cancer somewhere and not get it cut out, if it could be cut out. I also think they don’t discuss clearly all the possible downsides to the treatment alternatives to mastectomy. For example, if you have radiation in lieu of mastectomy, if you have a recurrence in that breast, you can’t come back and have more radiation there. Also, just disclosing clearly the rates of recurrence in the breast. Having to come back and have more treatment from a local recurrence is traumatic.</p>
<p>Of course, the whole thing is incredibly traumatic no matter which choice you make. I will be glad when they improve imaging to the point that all tumors can be identified from a mammogram. The percentage that don’t show up on mammograms is very significant.</p>
<p>Had it all–mastectomy,Node removal, 6 months of chemo, radiation (even an extra two weeks after I was still standing after 8 weeks), Tamoxifen for 5 years. It will be 19 years next Thursday. No problems ever. I am one lucky chick!</p>
<p>I follow the blog of a woman who suffers from IBC and has recently entered into a clinical trial. Several weeks ago, she posted about a group called “Crickett’s Answer for Cancer”. If you or someone you know needs lymphedema and needs sleeves, you can apply for financial assistance. It’s my understanding that many insurance plans do not cover these. Crickett’s is a registered 501(c)(3) and provides support for many services and products that insurance may not cover. I don’t want to run afoul of posting links to outside blogs but if you google Toddler Planet you will find more specifics. </p>
<p>Re: the radical prostatectomies; my father died a relatively young man from prostate cancer (barely 66). His initial treatment involved radiation to be followed by robotic surgery (or was planned) so that a radical prostatectomy could be avoided. Radiation did not work, the robotic surgery could not be performed and he underwent the radical surgery after a significant delay. My father suffered an agonizing death after pursuing option after option. I can’t tell you how many times I have wondered if he would still be here if the most aggressive option had been utilized from the beginning.</p>