by: Annabel Cruz

With today’s advanced surgical procedures, most women who undergo surgery for breast cancer are candidates for breast reconstruction. There are various types of reconstruction, and they are available to women who have had a mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy.

The decision of whether to have breast reconstruction arises at a very emotional time usually at the same time a woman learns she has breast cancer and needs surgery. It is a time when many questions come up about reconstruction, the most common of which are answered here briefly:

Is age a factor?

As long as a woman is in good general health and chooses a procedure that is compatible with her physical condition, age is usually not a factor. Breast reconstruction is frequently done for women in their 70s.

Who should not have breast reconstruction?

Women who are in poor general health, who have psychological problems that would be exacerbated by the surgery, or who have severe diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, a recent stroke nine-art attack, or severe lung disease usually should not have breast reconstruction.

Do I have to make a decision about having reconstruction before I have the mastectomy?

No, but the best time to think about breast reconstruction and to consult with a reconstruction surgeon is before you have your mastectomy. Depending on the type of mastectomy you have, you may be able to undergo immediate reconstruction while you’re still on the operating table. There are advantages and disadvantages to having immediate reconstruction (see below). Not all mastectomies lend themselves to this approach, however, which means it is important for you to understand all your options prior to mastectomy. Then if you choose to delay reconstruction, you at least were given the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Are there any health conditions that could have a negative effect on reconstruction?

Women who smoke are more susceptible to postoperative infections and slow healing, so if you smoke it is best to quit before surgery. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, blood clots in the legs, and complications related to anesthesia. The results of both types of reconstruction (implant and flap, both described below) are frequently unsatisfactory in obese women.

How many operations are involved in breast reconstruction?

Most breast reconstructions can be completed in two operations. The majority of the work is done during the first procedure, and the second usually involves reconstructing the nipple and areola, improving symmetry of the breasts, and making any minor adjustments.

Does breast reconstruction cause cancer?

There is no evidence that breast reconstruction causes or contributes to the development of cancer.

How will my breast reconstruction look in 5 to 10 years? The long-term results of breast reconstruction are different for each woman and depend on the type of procedure you have, your weight, and whether you experience intervening infections or other breast problems.

Immediate Reconstruction: Yes or No?

Once you know you must undergo mastectomy, it is usually difficult to also have to think about reconstruction. This is the time to surround yourself with supportive individuals, be they family, friends, health care providers, or breast cancer support group members. It is also the time to educate yourself about reconstruction. This is a way to take charge of your health, to have some control over the direction your life is taking.

When it comes to the question of whether you are a candidate for immediate or delayed reconstruction, ask your breast and reconstruction surgeons to explain why they are recommending one or the other.

The primary factor that determines the best approach is whether the cancer has affected the lymph nodes and to what extent. Chemotherapy usually is not started until 2 or 3 weeks after mastectomy to allow for healing. If your surgeons believe you must begin chemotherapy immediately to get the best possible outcome, they may recommend delaying reconstruction.

Combining mastectomy and reconstruction adds days and occasionally weeks to the healing period, which would significantly delay chemotherapy and possibly have a negative impact on your prognosis.

If your surgeons say immediate reconstruction is an option for you, you must decide if it’s best for you.

To help you make a decision, it may help to look at the pros and cons (outlined below) and to discuss your concerns with those close to you. The best candidates for immediate reconstruction are women with early breast cancer who are in good general health, women with small breasts, and those who need both breasts reconstructed. However, even if you are ready physically, you may not be mentally or emotionally prepared. In that case, it may be better to delay reconstruction.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Immediate Reconstruction

PROS

· Avoiding an additional surgical procedure.
· One less procedure means less chance of complications.
· Less recovery time needed.
· Costs less money
· Less time to dwell on the cancer.
· Less negative impact on body image.
· Faster opportunity to get on with your life.

CONS

· Less time to gather information to make an informed decision.
· Surgical procedure is longer, which increases the chances of complications.
· Possible dissatisfaction with the results
· May delay mourning period for the missing breast

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This article is not designed as a substitute for personal medical advice but as a supplement to advice for those wishes to understand more about her condition.

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About The Author
Annabel Cruz is a researcher that studies Natural healing by combining both Western and Eastern ways. Feel free to use this article on your website or ezine as long as the following information about author/website is included. And we provide best pueraria mirifica information on the site.

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Breast Cancer Treatment: Coping With A Mastectomy

 
by: Melissa Buhmeyer

As women, especially American women, much of our femininity is centered on our breasts. No matter where you look, there are pictures, billboards, commercials, television shows, and movies with women with these beautiful breasts and ample cleavage. The thought of losing one or both breasts, to breast cancer, can be devastating for many of us. Sure, there’s reconstruction, but will it ever really look the same again? Even if you have reconstruction, you’ll never have sensation there again and, for many of us, that definitely affects our sexuality.

I went through two separate mastectomies, for my breast cancer, despite the fact that I wanted them both done at the same time. Two different surgeons told me that wasn’t necessary. They found out, later, that it was, as I had the same breast cancer in both breasts. Through these surgeries, I learned a few things about what to expect, and how to get up and running again, after a mastectomy for breast cancer.

The first thing to realize is that, apart from the emotional aspect of such an operation, this is a simple surgery. The breast is composed, mostly, of fatty tissue and, of course, milk ducts and lobes. The removal of this breast tissue is way easier than operating on an organ, but carries much more emotional impact for most of us. Most surgeons will get as much of the breast tissue out as they can to help alleviate the chance of a recurrence of your breast cancer. You will typically wind up with a horizontal scar about four inches long. The scar may be red for quite a while but, ultimately, should fade to where you can hardly see it anymore.

You want to be sure to take loose-fitting, button-down shirts (raiding your hubby’s closet is helpful) with you, to the hospital, as you won’t be able to raise your arms over your head for a while. You will also need a sports bra and I would highly recommend one that fastens in the front. They will put that on you after your surgery. Typically, you should be able to stay in the hospital for one night. If you’re going to have lymph nodes removed, a small pillow, to slip under that arm, will help make you more comfortable. Check with your local American Cancer Society as they may have small pillows for you. An extra pillow to hold to your chest, if you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh, can help keep your incision from hurting.

When you wake up, you will have a couple of drain tubes for each side you have done. These tubes are important as they allow the excess fluid, which your body will produce, to drain out. If you didn’t have them, the fluid would have to be aspirated with a needle. The drains, even though they’re no fun, are better than that. These drains will have to be emptied a couple of times a day and you will have to write down how much fluid you drain so the doctor will know when you’ve slowed down enough to remove them. You may not know where to put these drains under your clothing. I pinned mine up to the sports bra and that way, they didn’t pull when I moved.

When you get home, plan on having someone there to help you for the first few days. You won’t be allowed to reach into your cabinets and definitely won’t be able to clean house or pick up your children, if you have little ones. You’ll be sent home with pain meds and definitely take them if you need them. Studies show that you will heal faster if you keep yourself out of pain, so don’t be afraid to take them as prescribed.

If you have a recliner, you might consider moving it into the bedroom as you won’t be able to lie flat for a while. You’ll need to sleep in a partial sitting position. If you don’t have one, or don’t have space for it in your bedroom, lots of pillows will work, too. That’s what I used. Just be sure you have enough pillows to keep yourself comfortable propped up.

If you would like someone who’s been there before you to visit with, be sure to call your local American Cancer Society and ask for a Reach 2 Recovery volunteer. This is an American Cancer Society program where they try to match you with one of their volunteers who have as similar experience as you’re facing. This woman will come visit you and will bring you all sorts of brochures and information on conventional treatment. She will also bring you a list of exercises you can start to do to regain your mobility and range of motion.

This is VERY important. It hurts to stretch your arm up, after surgery, but if you haven’t had reconstruction, and you don’t start soon, you will lose that range of motion. I would recommend starting to gently, slowly reach your arm up … let your body be your guide … the day after your surgery. This is ONLY if you have not had reconstruction. If you have, let your plastic surgeon tell you when to start stretching. Push to where it hurts just a little, but do not push too far past that. Little by little, you’ll find yourself able to stretch a little farther every couple of days.

Most of all, allow yourself to heal emotionally, as well as physically. Some of us just can’t look at that incision right away. That’s OK. Take as much time as you need. I know I felt like some kind of freak with no breasts and, even six years later, I still do sometimes. But remind yourself that these scars are your battle scars. They do not make you less of a woman. They make you a warrior.

About The Author

Melissa Buhmeyer is a breast cancer survivor and has been so for seven years. She is also the founder of http://www.breastcancer-treatment.us, a site focusing on breast cancer treatment options, news, articles, and survivor experiences.

My wife was researching information on breast cancer the other day. This did not surprise me one little bit. I know she has an interest in the medical field, and she always likes to keep up with current events regarding health. This is prudent if you ask me. I am basically the same way. So, what do you know about breast cancer? Were you aware that you don’t have to be female to get it?

It’s funny, but a lot of men assume they can’t become afflicted with this illness. They’re more worried about prostate cancer. I can understand this as well. We men have to take good care of our bodies just like women do in order to prevent cancer. One thing I discovered while sorting through current information on breast cancer and other types of cancer was diet. Do you really pay close attention to yours? If you’re not watching what you put into your body, then I strongly suggest that you do. With all the chemicals, hormones, antibiotics and GMOs out there, you have to be cautious. You generally don’t want to consume these things or it can affect cancer cells.

It’s a synch to gather valid information on breast cancer or any cancer for that matter. As long as you’ve got your PC or Mac handy, you’re well on your way. Pop open Google and attain a little information on breast cancer now. You never know; things may have changed.

By Steve Valentino

Breast cancer is a cancer that affects the breast tissue. The primary victims of this type of cancer are females. Statistics show that approximately one out of 11 to 12 women of the Western world are affected by breast cancer. Medical researches have tried aggressively to find a solution to detect the problem earlier or to treat the problem. About 20 percent of the women affected by breast cancer still fall prey to it and eventually die. In fact, breast cancer ranks second in cancer deaths for women.

Most breast cancer starts in the cells that line up the ducts. There are occasions where the cancer cells originate from the lobules, and then spread to other tissues.

Many breast cancer diagnosis starts in the checking of lumps I the breast. Although most cases of lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, but doctors often ask a patient to undergo biopsy to make sure that cells are not malignant. Most of the lumps are caused by cysts. These lumps may cause pain and swelling of the breast accompanied at times by clear or cloudy discharge in the nipple which happens before the menstrual cycle period is about to begin in a woman. The symptoms may lead to the person to seek a medical check-up.

Male Victims

Breast cancer is not limited to women though; male victims are present as well. The breast of both male and female have identical tissues, so a man is also prone to acquiring the cancer. It is believed that females are more prone to men because the breast of a woman constantly goes through growth changing hormones, thus the cells are more exposed to cancerous change.

Breast Cancer Awareness

As more and more people fall ill to breast cancer, the month of October has been deemed as breast cancer month, to commemorate those who passed away from the cancer, the family and friends survived by the deceased. A pink ribbon is the symbol that a person is joining in the commemoration.

Breast Cancer provides detailed information on Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Treatments, Breast Cancer Symptoms, Cause Of Breast Cancer and more. Breast Cancer is affiliated with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

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