Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[Sha]

No Candy... I wouldnt say you need to grow up. It's just hard when you are protective of someone you care about. Plus, you wont be missing out.. I am sure you will be included in many special things!


omghidanielle... there could be a few reasons for the statement from your Aunt. Hard to speculate. Will keep her and your family in prayers. They do still do mastectomies, but things to consider too, is that she may not be sharing all the information or maybe misunderstood something... or may not want to have one. There are other reasons.

These are a great group of ladies here how have lived this. Im just a bystander by being a daughter, niece and nurse of survivors.

 

[honugirl]

Good morning sistas. I figure I would check in early before I may have to deal with the pain issues of the day, so far so good though.

Lisa - I don't know what to say about your letter. I actually have never complained to a health care professional in a letter. I figure I just dont want to burn all my bridges since they network with others and I dont want to get a rep, but I do tell people verbally what doctors not to go to, like the one surgeon who almost killed me 11 years ago. I would say make it professional and to be point etc. I like the patient advocate thing too. Maybe Linda or Sha can give you some good advice too. Also, I saw you commmented back to the lady on the other thread. She was so impressed and thankful to you. Because of you her friends ds got diagnosed with Cushings, way to go sista and it just further goes along with what you say about your "ihstincts".

Thanks LMP! I would have complained in person 'cept she didn't give me a way to... sigh. I looked into the patent advocate thing. The only way they will get involved is if I clear the air first with the provider. Then if it's not resolved to my satisfaction, they will intervene, so that's kind of a dead end.

Yes, I finally found the other thread. Thanks! I'm so glad! It's such a hard disease to get diagnosed and live with.

I agree with this 100%. I would put the date and time of your appt on there. Also mention that you expected more output and feedback from such a specialized healthcare facility. ( It was a breast care center correct)

Yes, it was a specialized breast care center. I like the idea of putting the date and time in there and that I expected more output and feedback. That's good.


So here's what's happened so far in the "Vanishing Breast Care Provider" saga. I called the women's health center at OHSU today. I requested a time for my annual (fun stuff!) and segued into the fact that I want a TL done either before my next surgery or during. So I'm going to talk to someone about that soon, I don't like the procedure they do, I'm not sure it completely works, I'd rather have an old fashioned one, but that's beside the point). Apparently I can't have my annual done because my last one was done in November, so I have to wait until November. Not a good time. I don't want to piggyback that on top of major surgery, but I digress.

Anyway, she said, well, for the breast pain I'll refer you over to the breast center. Then she stops and goes, oh, I see you've already been there. Yup. Oh, I see you've already seen our first line provider. Yup. What happened? So I explained to her the whole thing and the girl on the phone was so apologetic about it. She says I never should have been treated like that and would I like to be scheduled with another provider? Yes I would. But.... since I haven't seen one of their GYN's in the last 3 years, I'm a new patient, so I'm going to have to fill out all the new patient paperwork and I can't get in until August 7th.

Sigh. Anyone else completely dazed and confused with me? I feel like I've just played ring around the rosie and got nowhere...

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good evening ladies

omghidanielle - sorry I cant answer your question as I have another form of cancer. But are any of your relatives designated as your aunts health care advocate or designated on a health care proxy to be allowed to discuss her case etc? That might help with correct communication and information. Wishing your aunt all the best and that she will get the treatment she needs.

Alice - Are you feeling doubly perky lately? I too had a psychotic episode today looking at my wound. O.K. who stole my belly button and why is the Grand Canyon now located there?

Sha - Thanks for the Miss Lee update. Prayers for her.

Candy - Sorry to hear your heart worrys for the daughter of your heart. It shows she is really in your heart!! And that is good. I too have a hard time letting go, I tell the ds sometimes I am not your mother, I am your smother!!

Laurie - Hope you and the family are o.k.

Well I survived the pre op with ds today. We got the np I had last time. She wasnt so know it all today. Everyone there was saying hi to me, the anesthesia resident, the other np etc. Wow, I tell ya, I have a rep there for sure. All went well except that his pcp didnt tell us one blood test he wanted was suppose to be fasting. They did it anyway but said he might have to get it done again. I had ds drive. We then stopped at the cvs to get my lovely new script of 40 percocet. I will give some to ds if he needs them post surgery etc. If the dr. writes him the same script of course, no I dont give out my meds to the family etc. Yest. I drove and picked up ds17 yest. from work. All I an say is I am glad I didnt take percocet so I could pick him up and then, iits not such a good idea to be driving around with a hole in your stomach!! I think I will have the dh do the week end driving. Also stupid me told dh he could go to penn. for a busines trip tues. Sorry Candy - only as far as Lancaster, but ds and I both have dr. appts at the same time tues. so I will have ds drop me off and go and pick me up too. etc. ehat a mess etc. Oh well.

GTAGWTA. Have a great week end. Blessings to you all.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Lisa - well August 7th is somewhere, its just a little aways somewhere! Hang in there! It will probably all be worth it if you like the new provider.

O.K. As I promised, here is the website thing about Alyssa, sorry I dont know how to do a link and I hope this works if you try it...

This is the one with Katie Couric, they have one on ABC news that is better, a whole video

www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/10/assignment_america/main5151556.shtml

 

[Sha]

Walter Cronkite died I liked him.

 

[honugirl]

Lisa - well August 7th is somewhere, its just a little aways somewhere! Hang in there! It will probably all be worth it if you like the new provider.

Thanks LMP! It's somewhere. I hope I like the new provider. Normally I'm not big on female docs, but I'm seeing one, so I hope it goes OK. I've got my fingers crossed.

Walter Cronkite died I liked him.

I liked him too.

 

[Candy30]

No Candy... I wouldnt say you need to grow up. It's just hard when you are protective of someone you care about. Plus, you wont be missing out.. I am sure you will be included in many special things!
COLOR]

Thanks Sha

Anyway, she said, well, for the breast pain I'll refer you over to the breast center. Then she stops and goes, oh, I see you've already been there. Yup. Oh, I see you've already seen our first line provider. Yup. What happened? So I explained to her the whole thing and the girl on the phone was so apologetic about it. She says I never should have been treated like that and would I like to be scheduled with another provider? Yes I would. But.... since I haven't seen one of their GYN's in the last 3 years, I'm a new patient, so I'm going to have to fill out all the new patient paperwork and I can't get in until August 7th.

Sigh. Anyone else completely dazed and confused with me? I feel like I've just played ring around the rosie and got nowhere... [/SIZE]

I really abhor the health system. I can't stand all the hoops and jumps and screams, and migranes and upset stomach you get from them. Can you tell I hate insurances!!!!!

Walter Cronkite died I liked him.

Me too!!! I didn't even hear that!!!

Good evening ladies
Candy - Sorry to hear your heart worrys for the daughter of your heart. It shows she is really in your heart!! And that is good. I too have a hard time letting go, I tell the ds sometimes I am not your mother, I am your smother!!
QUOTE]
I love that one LMP I may have to use it.

OMG-I agree with everyone that you need to find out if there is anyone else that is listed as her designated health car proxy. Otherwise you will not be able to get any information about her condition. I suggest trying to talk with her in a comfortable setting and just express your concern about her health. My Mom had breast cancer and that was a big concern of her about losing that womanly feel. Upon her getting the big picture she realized that having her around was more important. It a little time for her to come to that conclusion. The ladies on this site are great! Ask anything? If they know they will give you the 411!

So this weeked went great! I like her Bo even more. They both stayed and we played some card games. I really got to see his personality. As you do with games. I feel better but not great about her leaving. She is in a wedding next month as the maid of honor and we are going to that. I plan on having a real nice dinner and stuff before she leaves in October. She promises that she will call. Her Bo gave me his cell phone and told me to call him if she didn't. My husband go real relaxed with him too. So I guess it's really gonna happen.

LMP I hope you were feeling better this weekend.

GAGWTA!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good aftrnoon ladies

Bad me. I just woke up from a nap and I still feel tired and no percocet either. I feel like I have to push myself to do everything. Wears me down for sure. O.K. who saw Extreme Home Makeover? I was crying I tell ya. Bless that little boy. Reminded me somewhat of Alyssas struggles without the house. Dh had to help me with the grocery shopping. I went to church and basically sat down most of the time but everyone was happy to see me back.
Well tomm.. is the lst post op at the surgeon. I am thinking of saying something like this...(but dont know if I should)..well if you havent been on vacation this summer I guess you can enjoy the view in the Grand Canyon. Hmm, would he find that funny or insulting. Maybe I should run it by the nurse first. She would know his personality more. After all I want him to do a good job on the next surgery etc.

Does anyone else feel like this? Next week I have to schedule a blood test. This one part of it will show if the cancer has come back. Already the endo has told me her only other patient with the rare type I have has had his come back the 3rd month, (this will be my 3rd month) and the most she says will be 3 years. and the rad. onc. never tells me anything as usual. So I am kind of dreading this test knowing what it could say..but I thank God I have alot of faith, so I am holding tight onto that. Just wondering if the human side of me is going a little paranoid etc.

Candy - glad you and your dh got to see Bo's personality and that Bo is a go for you both.

Laura - Missing ya sista!!

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all. Where is everyone??

 

[honugirl]

GAGWTA everyone!

I really abhor the health system. I can't stand all the hoops and jumps and screams, and migranes and upset stomach you get from them. Can you tell I hate insurances!!!!!

For me, the frustration isn't in the insurance. In fact, mine has been outstanding throughout all this, it's the doctor's offices and staff that get me all riled up. I'm so tired of dealing with them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRR. If I never had to see another doctor (except for my orthopedist, neurosurgeon, and current Cushing's endo) it would be too soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So this weeked went great! I like her Bo even more. They both stayed and we played some card games. I really got to see his personality. As you do with games. I feel better but not great about her leaving. She is in a wedding next month as the maid of honor and we are going to that. I plan on having a real nice dinner and stuff before she leaves in October. She promises that she will call. Her Bo gave me his cell phone and told me to call him if she didn't. My husband go real relaxed with him too. So I guess it's really gonna happen.

LMP I hope you were feeling better this weekend.

GAGWTA!

Yay for a good weekend!

Good aftrnoon ladies

Bad me. I just woke up from a nap and I still feel tired and no percocet either. I feel like I have to push myself to do everything. Wears me down for sure. O.K. who saw Extreme Home Makeover? I was crying I tell ya. Bless that little boy. Reminded me somewhat of Alyssas struggles without the house. Dh had to help me with the grocery shopping. I went to church and basically sat down most of the time but everyone was happy to see me back.
Well tomm.. is the lst post op at the surgeon. I am thinking of saying something like this...(but dont know if I should)..well if you havent been on vacation this summer I guess you can enjoy the view in the Grand Canyon. Hmm, would he find that funny or insulting. Maybe I should run it by the nurse first. She would know his personality more. After all I want him to do a good job on the next surgery etc.

Does anyone else feel like this? Next week I have to schedule a blood test. This one part of it will show if the cancer has come back. Already the endo has told me her only other patient with the rare type I have has had his come back the 3rd month, (this will be my 3rd month) and the most she says will be 3 years. and the rad. onc. never tells me anything as usual. So I am kind of dreading this test knowing what it could say..but I thank God I have alot of faith, so I am holding tight onto that. Just wondering if the human side of me is going a little paranoid etc.

Candy - glad you and your dh got to see Bo's personality and that Bo is a go for you both.

Laura - Missing ya sista!!

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all. Where is everyone??

Hey LMP, hang in there. I know exactly how you're feeling, I went through that with every test after my last surgery. You're not going paranoid. It's normal to feel that way. We're here for you, whatever you need.

Not a good day today. Been feeling really awful. Didn't sleep. Had to get up early and have a camera shoved up my nose to check how my sinuses are healing. I had to admit to the ENT that we're talking about a second surgery so I need to keep my sinuses "clear" for the next couple of months in case we go that route, so I'm going to have to work extra hard doing a bunch of stuff to keep them healthy. Not like I have the energy to do it, but I have to. But that wasn't the really crappy part...

I talked with my best Jersey guy. We decided to pull the plug on our September trip. It's our annual pilgrimage to WDW. Between all the scans, doctors appointments, etc. There's just no time. Plus I don't really feel up to spending as much time as I'd like in the parks. I'm really bummed 'cause I really like spending time with him. When we're together it's so awesome. We have so much fun. At WDW we're like two kids in a candy store. We honestly could spend a month there and not be tired of it. He's got the best hugs too. It's the only time this year I was going to get to spend with him too, which is soooo hard.

It was hard enough to give up this coming hockey season 'cause of this stupid disease, now I have to give up time with one of my best friends and my happy place? I know I'm not supposed to say it, 'cause life ain't fair, but you know what, IT AIN'T FAIR!!!!!!!!!!! I've already lost so much from being sick, it had to take away my other favorite things too????????

 

[Aliceacc]

GAGWTA everyone!




Yay for a good weekend!



.

I talked with my best Jersey guy. We decided to pull the plug on our September trip. It's our annual pilgrimage to WDW. Between all the scans, doctors appointments, etc. There's just no time. Plus I don't really feel up to spending as much time as I'd like in the parks. I'm really bummed 'cause I really like spending time with him. When we're together it's so awesome. We have so much fun. At WDW we're like two kids in a candy store. We honestly could spend a month there and not be tired of it. He's got the best hugs too. It's the only time this year I was going to get to spend with him too, which is soooo hard. ?

Can't you get together for a short trip somewhere else????

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Thinking of all of you!!

 

[honugirl]

Can't you get together for a short trip somewhere else????

Unfortunately, we live on opposite coasts. I guess we could meet in the middle, but I find Missouri much more charming that he does.

 

[Candy30]

Hi Alice and Jacks!

Honugirl: I agree with Alice. Are you close enough that you could spend a day or two there. Maybe at one of you favorite parks and eat at your favorite place? Or go someplace for the weekend? Or even a day? Don't give up or get down on yourself. You got the spunk and spark to make it happen. Even if it is for a day.

LMP: I just love your humor. I would crack up at that statement but given how he seems to be serious all the time, I would run it past his nurse. I hope you are feeling better and keep your chin up.

Ok so now I have my oldest leaving and last night my youngest started her cycle!!! She cried and said she didn't want to grow up. After we talked for a bit and I got her settled in bed then I went to my bed and I cried and said I don't want her to grow up!!!!
Now mind you I have been preparing HER for this for about a year now. Classes, Books, and talks. I think I should've been preparing myself. We talked for some time before she fell off to sleep. But now I just keep thinking in my head "She can have a baby". Crazy i know. Well I am glad that I am here for it even though it saddens me. She is still a little girl. Still likes build a bears and pretending and now this. I asked her if she was ok this AM and she seemed fine. I'm the one all tore up

 

[honugirl]

Hi Alice and Jacks!

Honugirl: I agree with Alice. Are you close enough that you could spend a day or two there. Maybe at one of you favorite parks and eat at your favorite place? Or go someplace for the weekend? Or even a day? Don't give up or get down on yourself. You got the spunk and spark to make it happen. Even if it is for a day.


LMP: I just love your humor. I would crack up at that statement but given how he seems to be serious all the time, I would run it past his nurse. I hope you are feeling better and keep your chin up.

Ok so now I have my oldest leaving and last night my youngest started her cycle!!! She cried and said she didn't want to grow up. After we talked for a bit and I got her settled in bed then I went to my bed and I cried and said I don't want her to grow up!!!!
Now mind you I have been preparing HER for this for about a year now. Classes, Books, and talks. I think I should've been preparing myself. We talked for some time before she fell off to sleep. But now I just keep thinking in my head "She can have a baby". Crazy i know. Well I am glad that I am here for it even though it saddens me. She is still a little girl. Still likes build a bears and pretending and now this. I asked her if she was ok this AM and she seemed fine. I'm the one all tore up

Thanks Alice and Candy!

It takes a whole day of flying for me to get there, he's just got a "movie flight." That's our lingo for flight under 3 hours... It's just not possible as much as we want it to be. It'll be OK. I'll see him next year. I can still talk to him on the phone.

For you and your daughter Candy. That must be rough.

I got tickets to see Larry the cable guy next month!!!!! I'm a pure redneck John Deere riding woman so this is like the mothership calling me home. I can't wait to go.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon sistas!!

O.K. I am doing the happy dance right now. Got some good news at the dr. and I didnt tell him my joke because the place was a zoo, lucky I found a chair, its shared by several surgeons and I could tell he was in his energizer bunny mode. He said the wound looks good, its good the infection is clearing up, he told me what it was, something rare as usual that hangs onto gortex material. He did say that the gortex graft that was in my stomach was "A mess". O.K. thank you dr. Nothing like a little challenge for ya, right? So I go back in 2 weeks. He said it will take 6 weeks total to heal. He really didnt want to talk too much about the next operation. I do however. He said there is a 20% chance I wont need it, um thats nice but you put a Temporary graft in me etc. I couldnt imagine going to Disney and having that thing rip apart etc. That has happened to me before but it wasnt a plane ride away etc.

Elizabeth - thanks for popping in. Must be hot as blazes there. How is the new stadium. I see the NBA allstar game will be there 2/14.

Alice - you must be getting busy planning, packing etc. I know you wanted to do something special for your ds. My ds like the fishing trip and now I see they even have an archery thing at Fort Wilderness.

Lisa - So how was the camera thing? My surgeon always says "I'm going to scope you etc. I think he will do it next time. He skipped the last time. Sorry that things didnt work out about the trip. Well as a former jersey girl I would say meet somewhere in Dallas if you ever do the half way trip. Of course I used to live there and ask Elizabeth, its a cool lpace to visit. Except in the sweating hot summer!!

Candy - aw, your baby is growing up. Those milestones are so traumatic for us moms!! I remember I wanted to be a tomboy instead of a girl!! Hmm, probably why God blessed me with the 3 ds!! All I can say is thank God for early menopause!!

Hugs to Laura, Laurie (we know you are secretly saying the word Bingo in your dreams!!), Sha,Linda (you must be by the pool enjoying a cool beverage on vacation)Melissa, Maureen, Ann and everyone else. GTAGWTA.

 

[honugirl]

Good afternoon sistas!!

O.K. I am doing the happy dance right now. Got some good news at the dr. and I didnt tell him my joke because the place was a zoo, lucky I found a chair, its shared by several surgeons and I could tell he was in his energizer bunny mode. He said the wound looks good, its good the infection is clearing up, he told me what it was, something rare as usual that hangs onto gortex material. He did say that the gortex graft that was in my stomach was "A mess". O.K. thank you dr. Nothing like a little challenge for ya, right? So I go back in 2 weeks. He said it will take 6 weeks total to heal. He really didnt want to talk too much about the next operation. I do however. He said there is a 20% chance I wont need it, um thats nice but you put a Temporary graft in me etc. I couldnt imagine going to Disney and having that thing rip apart etc. That has happened to me before but it wasnt a plane ride away etc.


Yay for good doctor's appointments!!

Lisa - So how was the camera thing? My surgeon always says "I'm going to scope you etc. I think he will do it next time. He skipped the last time. Sorry that things didnt work out about the trip. Well as a former jersey girl I would say meet somewhere in Dallas if you ever do the half way trip. Of course I used to live there and ask Elizabeth, its a cool lpace to visit. Except in the sweating hot summer!!

It was the third time I've had the camera thing done. It's not so bad when the attending doctor does it, but ay chi wa wa baby when the resident does it!!!!! I keep getting new residents too... I also had a French medical student in there as well so I felt like I was in some sort of educational film... Your sinuses and you, a post-surgical experience. They keep insisting that they can't print pictures so I never get to see my surgical site. It's rather comical.

Dallas wouldn't be too bad. I actually would pick San Antonio and Houston. I had a god time down there. I'd love to go back to Jersey. I actually really like it there. Plus he's right across the river from my favorite city of all... NYC!!!!!!!! Eh, someday I'll be well enough to travel farther than an hour away again.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Hi sistas!!

Nothing too much new. I did survive another amazing ride with ds17. Hmm, I guess the word I would use to describe my experience is "erratic" and as always thank God I am alive!! Boy this boy needs practice. Just not with me!!

A week from tomm. will be ds19 surgery and then dh is trying to make an apt. at the cardiologist. O.K. they want to see his ekg and a referral from Dr. Bozo, um, I mean our pcp. I will let him take care of this.

Lisa - Wow I would never let a resident scope me. I think I would be too scared if the camera went the wrong way etc., or could it?? Thank heavens they dont have an ent resident program at the hosp. I think they are trying to re establish it though. I always see the pictures on the tv screen. He only prints them when he wants I think.

Thinking of you all. GTAGWTA

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Checking in and catching up.

Our bags were tied to the roof of our car for much of the 12 hr drive in the rain yesterday - needless to say all our freshly washed laundry (done at the hotel) was soaking wet today. So much for trying to get ahead - it would have been better if our nasty bag of dirty laundry was tied up there.

Glad to see everyone's hanging in there.

My Aunt (66 years old) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy, which was not successful. She is starting radiation and chemotherapy soon, and is very very insistent that they no longer offer massectomys.

Is this at all true? I certainly do not believe it at all.

She is acting very...ummm....odd about this? She initially refused to have the breast removed because 'I need to wear a bathingsuit'.

This is a very sad time for my entire family, and I can't help but be angry at her that she isn't taking this as seriously as she should. I do understand that it is her body, and she is very well entitled to make her own decisions, but I feel like something just isn't 'right' about most of the information she relays to us about her condition.

I just cannot believe that Doctors and Hospitals just 'dont do' massectomys on patients who have very aggressive cancer, and would put them through mass doses of therapies as opposed to trying to nab it all at once and hopefully solve the problem in that way.

Maybe she's just telling us that because it's spread and there's no point in removing it? I just don't know...

Welcome omghidanielle.

When given the choice these days, most people will choose a lumpectomy. That is because the type of surgery you have does not determine whether you live or die from this disease - cells that got away prior to the cancer being found do. That process is known as metastasis and chemo is designed to halt any further growth from those cells distally (with radiation being what cleans up cells locally after surgery). They know this information based on whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive on biopsy and pathology study of the tissue removed during surgery.

With that said, it's generally a given that it's necessary to obtain "clean margins" with a lumpectomy. That means that a pathologist studies the entire tissue removed and makes sure there's a good amount of healthy tissue all along the margins, completely, as if there are cancer cells at the edge, the ones still left in her body can continue to grow and can cause both recurrence in the breast and/or metastasis. It's hard to tell exactly in her case what's going on, as I'm not sure if that's what you meant by unsuccessful, but that would be my guess. Usually they go in again until there are clean margins. It helps to have large breasts here, as there is more tissue to work with. Sometimes small chested women have to have a mastectomy because there's not enough tissue there to get a good cosmetic effect.

So yes, they still do mastectomies, and many patients are given a choice which type of surgery they prefer if at all possible. (If there is a large tumor or multiple tumors, a mastectomy may be the only choice; lumpectomies are generally reserved for fairly small, single tumors). They educate you on the choices and what I explained above (which I wasn't aware of either before my diagnosis - you get a very quick education, unfortunately). But you would need to get more information to figure out what's going on with your aunt. Sometimes if cancer is diagnosed at late stage, they don't do surgery at all ( just chemo), but that doesn't seem to be the case here. It could be that there were other circumstances, such as an extremely small area of unclean margins, which they thought might clean up well with radiation. But I have no way of really knowing for sure without reading through her records. If she's agreeable and knows you're concerned, she may allow you to come to one of her appointments (probably with an oncologist at this point) so they can explain the reasoning to you.

Good luck, and thanks for your concern for your aunt. Let us know how she makes out. PS I hope she's going to a really good cancer center.

GAGWTA

 

[omghidanielle]

Thank you, everyone

I will keep you updated as best I can.

 

[omghidanielle]

Welcome omghidanielle.

When given the choice these days, most people will choose a lumpectomy. That is because the type of surgery you have does not determine whether you live or die from this disease - cells that got away prior to the cancer being found do. That process is known as metastasis and chemo is designed to halt any further growth from those cells distally (with radiation being what cleans up cells locally after surgery). They know this information based on whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive on biopsy and pathology study of the tissue removed during surgery.

With that said, it's generally a given that it's necessary to obtain "clean margins" with a lumpectomy. That means that a pathologist studies the entire tissue removed and makes sure there's a good amount of healthy tissue all along the margins, completely, as if there are cancer cells at the edge, the ones still left in her body can continue to grow and can cause both recurrence in the breast and/or metastasis. It's hard to tell exactly in her case what's going on, as I'm not sure if that's what you meant by unsuccessful, but that would be my guess. Usually they go in again until there are clean margins. It helps to have large breasts here, as there is more tissue to work with. Sometimes small chested women have to have a mastectomy because there's not enough tissue there to get a good cosmetic effect.

So yes, they still do mastectomies, and most patients are given a choice which type of surgery they prefer. They educate you on the choices and what I explained above (which I wasn't aware of either before my diagnosis - you get a very quick education, unfortunately). But you would need to get more information to figure out what's going on with your aunt. Sometimes if cancer is diagnosed at late stage, they don't do surgery at all ( just chemo), but that doesn't seem to be the case here. It could be that there were other circumstances, such as an extremely small area of unclean margins, which they thought might clean up well with radiation. But I have no way of really knowing for sure without reading through her records. If she's agreeable and knows you're concerned, she may allow you to come to one of her appointments (probably with an oncologist at this point) so they can explain the reasoning to you.

Good luck, and thanks for your concern for your aunt. Let us know how she makes out. PS I hope she's going to a really good cancer center.

GAGWTA

Thank you very much for all of this information.

I wouldn't be able to elaborate on what I stated, because that is literally what I was told by her as to what was going on with her health. I'd like to voice my opinion on this, and I'd like to go with her to her Dr, but she would never, in a million years, let me go with her.

Personally, I don't think she's at a very good CC...she is at a very good hospital, but I think their CC is lacking. I have a co-worker who just lost her sister to lung cancer, and was unhappy with the hospital/staff.

PLUS when you live in Philadelphia, you have Fox Chase Cancer Center and University of Penn! I don't understand why she didn't go there...again, something I mentioned that fell upon deaf ears. She is very stubborn and doesn't listen to anyone's opinions.