🩺Lumpectomy or mastectomy? Understanding the options
Hi everyone, we wanted to share a helpful resource about a decision many people face after a breast cancer diagnosis, choosing between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. For many people, both lumpectomy and mastectomy are safe and effective options, with similar long term survival outcomes in early stage breast cancer. A lumpectomy removes the cancer while keeping most of the breast and is usually followed by radiation. A mastectomy removes all breast tissue and may be recommended based on medical factors such as tumour size, multiple tumours or genetic risk, or chosen based on personal preference and peace of mind. Importantly, the article highlights that this decision is not just medical. Feelings about body image, anxiety, future follow up, recovery and quality of life all matter. There is no single right choice, only the choice that is right for you 💙 If you are facing this decision, taking time to ask questions, understand your options and talk openly with your care team can help you feel more confident moving forward. If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to share what helped you make your decision or a question you found important to ask. You are not alone, and this community is here to support you. 🌱 This information is derived from an article written by Melbourne breast surgeon Dr George Chou, published on the Melbourne Breast Cancer Surgery website. You can read the full article here if you would like more detail: 💬 Questions you might want to ask your care team Many people find it helpful to write down questions before appointments. Some that may support your decision making include: Are both options medically appropriate for me? What additional treatments would follow each option? How might each choice affect my recovery and daily life? What are the long term follow up needs? How might reconstruction or going flat fit into this decision? There is no rush to have all the answers at once. It is okay to take time, reflect, and seek support. Don't forget our Helpline is here to chat through anything that might help make this easier for you - call us on 1800 500 258.
Podcast Series: Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte To
Hello everyone! We have just launched our new podcast series: Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman Dr Charlotte Tottman established her own private practice in psycho oncology, providing psychological treatment for cancer-related distress, before being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, giving Charlotte’s understanding of a cancer experience a whole new dimension. Despite the circumstances, Charlotte’s own diagnosis and clinical experience enables her to connect with those who are going through comparable situations, giving them a place to reflect and relate, and learn to navigate and better understand psychological discomfort in a cancer space. Throughout the podcast series we have meaningful conversations about many topics, including the initial shock of diagnosis, emotional isolation, and coming to terms with those who show up, and those who may not during your journey, body image difficulties, how cancer changes your overall perception of life, the impact on sexuality and intimacy, and fear of cancer recurrence.   Charlotte’s own vulnerability is evident in each of the episodes, which lay out her lived experience, provide explanations of psychological triggers and responses, and practical strategies that may help someone on their own cancer journey. We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au. Listen to the full 10-episode series now via https://bit.ly/3oD0S0C or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Friday Update From The Roller Coaster!
While I sit here at the top of my Roller Coaster, with my ear phones belting out Hot Chocolate's "You Sexy Thing", I thought I would update the week that was.... I have even handed over the Remote Control to the Hubby....He has been watching some monotonous toned show about some equally monotonously boring hypothetical evolution of The Mayan. (Are you asleep yet from reading that?) Imagine me prior to the headphones, being held hostage because my computer is in the lounge room!!!!! L..M.A.O. Poor Man, he has had a seriously rough week and finally let out all his worry and stress after me quietly asking him too - so I gave him the remote control. I know, I am a good wife but he is bloody Amazing!! Monday, I woke up to TWO things: 1. A brand new song in my head. 2. Pathology / Scan Day 1. Seriously, a new damn song! If I didn't know myself so well,.....I might have the inclination to believe, Lois needed some meds or intervention! L.M.A.O. Even, I had to take a moment to elevate the relevance of this latest song - simply because the title has so many connotations! I got woken to The Gorgeous tones of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibbs singing "STAYING ALIVE". Minus the luscious image of a very gorgeous young John Travolta Strutting down the streets of New York. (Disappointment). So, while the Gibb Men belted out the song, i laid there, thinking about the title, the lyrics. I believe in fighting for my life, my family, my beliefs, my moral code and have always advocated for the underdog through situations in my life - I am going to "Stay Alive" and walk the streets of my life journey, head held high and give it all my determination, strength and courage. Staying Alive, Staying Alive...yeah! 2. The Bone Scan / Pathology meeting. the Bone Scan was easy - get injected, come back a couple of hours later, lay down, pretend you are on a beach for an hour, get up and leave. I was in agony with my arms being placed behind my head but least this radiologist tried helping me ease the pain with pillows. 1 pm: I met with the Surgeon and Breast Care Nurse. Got belted into my seat and prepared for being blasted out into a momentary flash of "wow I can cope with that view, before hurtling off at warp speed into diabolical, death defying angles.....of my roller Coaster. First words I got greeted with: Wow, we did not expect "Brian" to be so H.U.G.E.! or get 4 Positive nodes!" You and Me both! the C.T. full body scan showed I was clear of any metastases to the organs - YOU know the relief that brings! - the bone scan imagery "looked all clear" but within an hour of leaving the appointment, I was being told I was having a P.E.T. Scan done Thursday, because it was "ambiguous." Polite term for: Oh Geez, I seriously can't make my mind up and I am feeling slightly overwhelmed with having to make a decision - right now! As my kids would say: YOU HAD ONE JOB!!! lol. The appointment got even better:- Any thought of "escaping" with a lumpectomy and a zap of radiation went out the door. Instead, I have been upgraded to the Penthouse Suite - Mastectomy of the left breast, complete removal of nodes, chemotherapy and radiation. Discussions about: time frames, surgery, Oncology teams, hospital appointments and mastectomy bras, scars, healing, chemotherapy (that was an eye opener!) and what seemed like a brain overload of info - all within an hour. However, one discussion brought up a slight bit of "Doctor - I could cheerfully smack you over the head".....being left with one size 22DD boob hanging off my chest wall and why the hell I cant just get both removed NOW! yes, yes, I know the cancer is the primary occupant to be evicted but seriously, the absurdity of the "look", "weight born on one side' and yes, I will admit - that one boob being a constant reminder. I left there feeling relieved, frustrated and feeling like I could have sunk at least 8 very stiff, dry Martinis with super ease!!!!!!! Another few days sitting at the top of the roller Coaster, while I wait for the results to the P.E.T. scan and surgery date for the mastectomy. So, as I sign off.....I leave you with a Song title "Better Together" by Jack Johnson! My Life is always better spent together with my man and family. Big Hugs, Lois (who has also been making Chicken Noodle Soup, while listening to music in the kitchen!)
Breast reconstruction awareness event 21 February - Tamworth
You are invited to attend a free information forum about breast reconstruction coming up soon in Tamworth, NSW. A variety of guest speakers include surgeons and women sharing their personal stories. Information will include the various types of breast reconstruction available, how to navigate the referral process, emotional well being, the reality of living with reconstruction and samples of medical devices to look at and handle (including expanders and implants). When: Thursday, 21st February from 5.30pm to 9pm Where: West Tamworth Leagues Club - Phillip St, West Tamworth Registration is essential and you will receive a take-home Tool Kit of information. Please register at www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au We look forward to seeing you there.
Central Coast NSW Peer Support Lunch - Reclaim Your Curves
Happy New Year everyone, The Central Coast Reclaim Your Curves Peer support lunch will be held Sunday February 23rd. I've booked the Deck Meeting Room at The Breakers Country Club for 12md. Our speaker will be Kate Perkins from Lymphatic Solutions in Erina who'll discuss Scar Management. Everyone is so welcome Look forward to seeing you there. Anne
Reclaim Your Curves Breast Reconstruction Group - lunch Sunday 27th October - Sydney
Hi Ladies Our next Reclaim Your Curves lunch is at Dragonfly Cafe Eden Gardens Macquarie Park Sydney on Sunday 27t October 12 noon to approx 3pm. We aim to be a very casual group mainly discussing breast reconstruction option and experiences. All new ladies are very welcome. Come and enjoy a relaxed and friendly meal with no topic off limits. Please rsvp if you can join us xx AnnmareeCentral Coast Support Lunch 25 August 2019
Our next Central Coast Support Lunch is coming up on Sunday, 25th August and we'd love to see you there. Come and join us for a relaxing lunch and chat at the Ocean View Café within Wamberal Surf Club - 12 midday. Please RSVP so we can book you a seat at the table.Reclaim Your Curves - Sydney Support Lunch - Sunday 28th April 2019
Come along and join us over lunch - a relaxed and informal setting in which you can ask any questions you may have, share any gems of information that you may have gathered, and meet up with other women who understand and share a similar experience to yours. Dragonfly Cafe - Eden Gardens Macquarie Park 12noon to 3pm https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/sydney.htmlBunbury Support Lunch WA 23 March 2019
Ladies in the Bunbury, WA area - this one is for you! When: Saturday, 23rd March 2019 from 12 midday to 3pm Where: Corners on King Cafe, 2 Austral Pd Bunbury Come along to the Bunbury Support Group lunch and meet your host, Jen, and other lovely ladies from this area. The lunches are a great opportunity to meet others who are walking a similar path to you, share your experiences, ask your questions and gain valuable information particularly into what breast reconstruction is all about. Please ensure you RSVP so we can book you a seat at the table. We look forward to meeting you.
