Breast Cancer

[skeetz81.livejournal.com]

Since my post about the results of my breast examination was deleted since it wouldn't generate discussion I'm going to post one that does. In case you didn't see it, my gyno is sending me to a breast surgeon because I either have inflammatory breast cancer or a TON of scar tissue from my breast reduction 3 years ago. Does anyone know of anyone who has survived breast cancer I could possibly talk to? I'm only 25 years old and possibly facing stage III of inflammatory breast cancer. I'm scared to death and I need people to talk to who have gone through this.

Do you guys just have any suggestions how my husband and I can deal with this? The gyno gave me 800mg ibuprofen and Vicaden, which is really helping with the pain, but doesn't help with the thoughts I may have cancer. Last night I kept trying to stay happy, but I could tell my husband was visibly upset.

Can anyone tell me anything more about cancers and treatments? I don't mean to sound conceited, but I have gorgeous red hair and I don't want to lose it! Will insurance cover treatments? Can you survive late stage cancers?

Also, is it really true birth control raises the possibility of breast cancer? I just need some support.

Comments

[thebootyfaerie.livejournal.com]

Don't know much about the cancer, but I've had my own problems with scar tissue.

According to my physical therapist, it generally takes two to three years for scar tissue to harden and lose its elasticity. When it first forms, it's stretchy, so your body doesn't even notice it. But after two or three years, it can start having problems. That's why a lot of athletes start having joint pain two to three years after they quit a sport.

I know my scar tissue was in a different location (hips), but it was broken up with ultrasound, not surgery. It might be worth it to check that out, if it is scar tissue. If you can't also do physical therapy on the location, though, ultrasound might not be enough on its own, so I don't know.

Whatever it turns out to be, best of luck to you.

[skeetz81.livejournal.com]

That's why it took 3 years. Is it because my surgeon messed up or is it something you just have to hope your body heals right?

[thebootyfaerie.livejournal.com]

It depends on your body.

Personally, I don't develop scars on my skin, but any time I get injured, I end up with masses of scar tissue on whichever joint was injured.

So really, it could be either. If I had the best surgeon in the world, I'd still end up with a lot of scar tissue. But a surgeon messing up would definitely contribute to scar tissue for anyone.

[skeetz81.livejournal.com]

It has to be my body. The surgeon my gyno recommended to me was the only one she recommended. And he was so good! My boobs look BEAUTIFUL. The scarring is very minumal.

[thebootyfaerie.livejournal.com]

Surface scars and internal scars are different. You can have lots of internal scars with no surface scars, and the other way around.