Before You Donate
Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.
Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.
Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.
Mastectomy, Partial Mastectomy, Lumpectomy
(Breast Conserving Surgery)
Entering into a discussion of these procedures is hazardous at best. Many women already have their minds made up, and do not want to hear of other options. I was one of those women. Mastectomy, for me, was the only way, and as soon as possible. It is and has been my belief for many years that breast cancer is multicentric, and therefore a surgical disease.
Yes, there are countless women who say they had breast cancer fifteen or twenty years ago an had the lump removed and today they are fine. They may be fine, but they may not have had breast cancer, either. Pathology techniques have changed greatly since that time. Other women have opted for a lumpectomy, followed by radiation and had no recurrence for five years and believe they are cancer free.
When I say breast cancer is multicentric, I mean it is in more than one part of the affected breast, or in the opposite breast, just not yet diagnosed. Most of us forget that a malignancy is growing for 8-10 years before it can be detected - until now!
FDA Approval: December 23, 1999
With the new Star Wars dynamic area thelethermometry scanner, nitric oxide can be detected, in a non-invasive, no radiological, non-nuclear manner - the patient just sites in a chair and any physician can operate the scanner. No special rooms are required, and all types of cancer can be scanned for: bone, skin, breast etc. The results re transmitted to a specialist, no biopsy is necessary, and all information is available in a matter of minutes, at a low cost. You can learn more by clicking on the site above, or going to http://www.omnicorder.com.
MASTECTOMY
In July of 1998, I had a right sided complete mastectomy. I wanted this surgery, however, if I thought about it, I was very scared, and I did not want the perceived mutilation. However, I had searched long and hard for a surgeon who was qualified to perform certain lymph node examinations (Sentinel Node dissection), and was a member of the American society of Breast Surgeons. Furthermore, I had to respect and like this individual. At that time, I also requested that a plastic surgeon 'close' the wound for me but I later found that unnecessary, other than having two wonderful physicians and excellently trained surgeons working on my case.
In another place on this web site I describe the experience, however, I can tell you that it was not as painful as the partial mastectomy I had had the prior month - not by a long shot.
I would offer the following advice:I found personal solace in all of the above, yet my decision to turn to a psychoanalyst has taught me more than I ever thought was possible. And, yes, it/he has enabled me through consistent support, to find the real me, and help that inner individual grow in spite of the severe trauma, angst, anguish, pain, and doubts. This was not undertaken lightly - I spent the first four weeks speaking to him with a pillow in front of my face most of the time. And, I hated being 'weak,' or losing control, or crying!
- One is naturally upset prior to this surgery therefore, pay special attention to your emotional well-being, and physical by:
- Doing your best to eat well with plenty of fruits and vegetables, grains, etc.
- Perform some arm strengthening exercises. The Arthritis Foundation certifies instructors in aquatic therapy, which is perfect for the strengthening of your arm prior to and after surgery. This lessens any lymphedema that may occur. It does not always eliminate it, because myself, it accumulates behind my armpit, and I notice my rings are tighter since the surgeries. But, it does not show like a lot of women who have extensive lymphedema.
- Your psychological well-being:
- This is the most important aspect of one's life, yet perhaps the least considered.
- Find a support group. The Internet is a wonderful resource for you, and without a computer, the American Cancer Society, and hospitals "I Can Cope" groups are always there for you. Do NOT wait for your doctor to make the referral or suggest anything. Most of the time they don't. You may go to the Resource page herein for some support groups on the Internet.
- If you have a pastor, or priest in who you find solace, or a friend, or philosophy, do secure additional support at this time.
- If you are able to consider psychological or psychiatric help during this crisis, do that. It is very hard for most of us to reach out and begin to tell someone we do not know what our inner most fears, feelings, experiences are, but during this process of a disease such as cancer, it is a time to 'let go,' learn and listen - a time for growth.
You may at any time email me through this site, and find support. If I am unable to provide it, there are a host of loving cancer survivors who are more than willing to help me out, thus YOU.
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