Opinions/Advise Wanted

SophieP started this discussion · 10/31/2013

This is non pole related but I thought it would be the perfect place to get great advise. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer last Friday and everything has kind of been a blur since then. Things are moving very quickly and I will be getting surgery on Monday. I am still debating on weather to get a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Has anyone gone thru this? suggestions? regrets? All comments welcome, good or bad. Thanks in advance ladies!

19 replies

DestinyPoles · 10/31/2013
I just wanted to say that there are so many strong breast cancer survivors out there, and you'll still be beautiful with any procedure you choose to undergo ! I know it's hard but it's so so important to your health to stay positive and you will most definitely overcome this. Cancer is very scary, and I got diagnosed with HPV two years ago, and I every single day all I thought about was that it would eventually lead to cervical cancer and I'd never be able to have a family. I've had my first normal pap a few months ago..! Make sure you read about women that have won their battle against breast cancer, because they're everywhere! (: when I worried I would always look up cervical cancer stories and that helped me feel confident about conquering it.
sassylina · 10/31/2013
I am a 3.5 years breast cancer survivor. Now I am also a volunteer for ASC. When I got diagnosed, I was stage II. I went for a lumpectomy. The week after I got a call from the surgeon that they had found 3 more tumors that hadnt shown up on the mammogram. I had the choice of doing an other lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I went for the mastectomy, just to increase my changes. These choices are very personal. I never went for reconstruction and I am very comfy with the way I look. On the beach or at the pool I am lump sided because I dont want to wear a prostheses. Now that I have my own pole at home I can just wear a sports top and am flat chested on one side as well. I can tell you, there is life after cancer and it can be very beautiful. before cancer I had a job I didn't like and I was a fitness instructor on the side. Now I am only a fitness instructor, because it gives me joy and pleasure and I get to help other people reach their goals. I don't make as much anymore, but my happiness and health are far more important now then a bigger paycheck. You can always sent me a private msg if you have any questions or concerns. If there is an ACS in your neighborhood, they have an awesome program called "reach to recovery". They pair you up with a volunteer who went trough breast cancer as well. Mostly similar to your age etc. And they can give a lot of info as well. Most important is keep on smiling, fighting and enjoy every single moment that you can.
Lollipop82 · 11/1/2013
First of all I'm very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I work in radiation therapy so I am with cancer patients on a daily basis. I have seen many people young and old in similar situations to yourself. In particular there are a lot of support groups out there for breast cancer patients at varying levels in the process. Canadian cancer society should have some links on there. It might help to discuss or read previous discussions on the topic from people just like you. It's hard to comment too much without knowing your actual diagnosis and staging, there are many things to be considered that will help decide what course of treatment to go with, and prognosis, etc. I would do my best to become as informed as possible about your diagnosis, disease, and the factors that should be considered when deciding treatment options. I agree with sassylina that these decisions are very personal. I think there are so many options for reconstruction and prosthesis these days as well so I would research a little and talk about these options with your doctor. That way you can make an informed decision. You must be very overwhelmed with all this new information. Take a deep breath and try to forget about the deadline of making a decision for Monday for a little bit and instead focus on learning a bit about your diagnosis and what options are available today for women facing a similar decision. You might learn new information that will help you with your decision. There is a huge amount of info and support out there for people with breast cancer because it is so common. Good luck with your decision, i'm sure you will make the right choice for you. Feel free to send me a private message if you have any other questions or wanna talk:)
SophieP · 11/6/2013
Thanks ladies! It means alot that you took time out of your day to share this with me! I've had a lumpectomy on monday and i'm waiting on more news. Thanks again :)
Phoenix Hunter · 11/6/2013
Hope you are doing well. I will be thinking about you in my prayers. Sending some healing vibes your way...
Lyme Lyte · 11/7/2013
Thinking of you.....keep us posted!
verucablue · 11/7/2013
Just saw this - it's a very personal issue and you have to follow the path that is right for you. I would say though to create a strong support system for yourself - while I have not had breast cancer I went through similar ovarian issues and having people I could talk to that truly understood my emotional and health situation was a blessing😄
brittanymoyce3448 · 11/7/2013
This is a crazy personal choice but, I have to say if it was me, I would get a mastectomy. Probably, to be totally honest, go for a double and say F#$& the risk. But, I also am priveledged to live in a country (Canada) where my provincial/federal health care will pay for a complete reconstruction after a mastectomy. I wish you all the luck and health in the world. My best friend's mother just finished radiation and chemo, and she is doing very well.
Lee lee · 11/7/2013
I have no advice to give, but I just wanted to wish you all the best. I hope that you end up hearing good news (fingers crossed).
SophieP · 11/11/2013
Thanks girls! This means alot! I will keep you posted.
Saphyre · 11/11/2013
No personal advise, but I am wishing you a healthy recovery. Keep us posted!! xo
PoleDanceAddixx · 11/11/2013
Wish u all the best lady,whatever u chose to do!!!
Neesy118 · 11/11/2013
Sending love & prayers for a speedy recovery and and the best possible outcome
grayeyes · 11/12/2013
SophieP, please do keep us posted. I hope you recover quickly, that the cancer was found early and that the lumpectomy will be the only treatment you need.
grayeyes · 11/17/2013
SophieP, Been thinking about you. Hope you're doing okay. Post an update when you're up to it.
TigeressLily · 11/18/2013
Hi guys, I'm new to StudioVeena, just wanted to say good luck Hunny and stay strong! I am currently waiting on a diagnosis myself, but remember us women together are the strongest force around! We can overcome anything that tries to stand in our way!!! Please keep us up to date. Best of luck. Xx
Former member · 11/20/2013
Hi Sophie; I don't have any good advice, but I wanted to send my love and support. I'll be thinking of you!!!! TigeressLily, you too!!! If I can do anything to help, PM me and I'll be there for you!!! xoxoxoxo
SophieP · 11/22/2013
I can't thanks you girls enough for the kind words, advice and positive thoughts. I am still waiting for the news to see if it was caught on time or if it has spread. TigressLily I hope you get good news, best of luck to you! brittanymoyce3448 I hear you, I was considering mastectomy but there are still chances of the cancer returning, the difference between the two is minor plus it was a longer waiting time and longer healing time which affected how soon I could start the treatments. Hopefully I will not need another operation but i still need to go thru chemo and radiation. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to listen, this means a lot! xoxox
Lina Spiralyne · 11/22/2013
I really hope you will be fine SophieP!