Did you know that about half of all breast reconstruction is done with breast implants? This method requires less surgery than a tissue flap reconstruction (TRAM, SGAP, DIEP flap), and doesn't relocate any skin or muscle. You recover relatively quickly, and with some implants, can have expansion done after you've healed from the surgery (see the figure). Find out if you're a good candidate for breast implant reconstruction, and what the benefits and drawbacks may be.
Radiation to the breast is meant to give the maximum dose to a tumor, or tumor bed, while doing the least harm to your healthy tissue. You and the radiation beam must be in the right position during each treatment for the best results. But if radiation is accidentally aimed at healthy tissue, or if the dose is significantly higher than you need, it can affect your quality of life as well as your chances of long-term survival after completing treatment. The DVS® (Dose Verification System) implantable dosimeter helps your radiology team accurately measure how much radiation your tissue absorbs during each treatment. Learn more about the DVS dosimeter.
Depression and Anxiety Are Common, But So Is Help A diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most devastating things a woman can hear. After such shocking news, it is normal to feel a range of emotions, from despair to rage. But for some patients, even once the initial confusion and grief have dissipated, a serious mental health issue may develop. Read on to find out how common post-diagnosis depression can be, and how to get help.
You might think that if you were diagnosed with breast cancer, then the first course of action would be to determine your treatment options and get started right away. But for some patients, the treatment of choice may be no treatment at all. Learn about decision-making and alternative therapies.
For Mother's Day or any day, the Orawave "Pink Ribbon" 2-Minute TwinSpin Power Toothbrush helps clean teeth as well as donating funds to breast cancer research. For each $6.99 toothbrush purchased, Orawave will donate 10% of the sales price to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help fund breast cancer research, education, treatment and screening. These electric toothbrushes come in pink and white, and have the pink ribbon symbol on the handle. As a bonus, you can receive a pink ribbon pin if you participate in the mail-in offer.
As women make the journey through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and post treatment, exercise can provide energy, a sense of self-worth and relief from treatment side effects. There is even evidence that exercise has a positive impact on recovery and survival. Learn about the benefits of exercise, how to get started and when to hold back.
Bikini's for breast cancer awareness? Well, Ralph Lauren started it in 1994, with the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer worldwide campaign. This year, Anna Friel, star of the TV drama Pushing Daisies, will help advertise the campaign. Fashions purchased from Marks & Spencer (such as the Bandeaux Bikini) will help raise funds - every designated item will create a 10% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer UK. Want to learn more? There's also gifts for Mother's Day!
When you've had a lumpectomy, you lose the tumor but wind up with a breast that is no longer smooth and curvy. It may have a dimple or divot in the surface, marking the former location of the tumor, a thing you might like to forget. Now Cytori Therapeutics is working on a solution - this is still investigational - which is really appealing. Using the Celution™ System, you can actually have unwanted fat (think tummy, thighs, hips) liposuctioned off, and then transplanted into your lumpectomy area. This liposuctioned fat contains your own stem cells and regenerative cells. When these are injected into your breast, you won't have an instant lumpectomy repair, but when these cells settle in (about a month) they will fill out that dip or dimple. In a Japanese study, patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with the results, and even after 18 months, no ill effects were found.
Samantha was my favorite wig during chemo. She always looked perfect, was easy to shampoo and style, and once she almost fooled a cosmetic expert! But a year after my chemo was complete, I felt I could part with "Sam", so I recycled her! Here's what you can do with your wigs and hairpieces after you complete treatment for breast cancer:
Donate gently used wigs to the American Cancer Society - they will give these out to women who can't afford to buy wigs.
Give your wigs and accessories (wig stand, shampoo, brushes) to your local breast cancer support group - these can be given to women who are in immediate need.
Sell your wigs online, and donate the money to a breast cancer support organization.
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy for the treatment of breast cancer, you can achieve a symmetrical appearance again by using a breast prosthesis. These come in silicone, form rubber, fiberfill or cotton. But if you can knit, you can create a breast prosthesis yourself - or knit one for a friend that is recovering from a mastectomy. Learn about breast prostheses options.
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