Forum
A forum is an online space for the exchange of information about a specific topic in the form of posted messages. The messages are saved and can be accessed later.
Are you looking for advice about breast cancer? Do you have an experience you’re willing to share? Do you have a tip to deposit in the bank of knowledge? You’ll find a list of discussion topics below. Clicking on a topic will take you to its page, where you can contribute to the current discussion threads on that topic or start a new thread. Remember always to be kind. We are all doing our best.
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Tag: radiation
# | Post Title | Date | User |
Deep Inspiration Breath Hold | 1 week ago | janedoe7 | |
Protect your skin | 2 months ago | SharonT | |
Jenny Carter | 3 months ago | janedoe7 | |
Started a few months after the end of treatment | 4 months ago | janedoe7 | |
New research on prevention | 4 months ago | janedoe7 | |
Dr. Brad Koffman | 4 months ago | janedoe7 | |
Super Globals
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MENUMENU
- Talking About CancerYour first decision upon diagnosis will likely be what to share and with whom. Some people are public about their cancer from the moment of diagnosis, while others choose to wait until after treatment to discuss it, if they ever do. There is no one right way. Share your decision and its impact, including anything you learned or wish you’d done differently.
- TreatmentsBreast cancer can be treated in several ways, depending on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Most care plans include a combination of approaches. Use this section to ask questions about or share your experience with these treatments for breast cancer.
- Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)
- Mastectomy
- Reconstruction
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane, tamoxifen, fulvestrant, etc.)
- Targeted therapies (Enhertu, Herceptin, Kisqali, Perjeta, Trodelvy, Verzenio, etc.)
- Immunotherapy (Keytruda, Jemperli)
- Complementary and alternative medicine (acupuncture, reiki, biofeedback, herbs, yoga, meditation, etc.)
- Treatment DecisionsThese are common decisions that patients have to make. Ask questions, or if you’ve already made these decisions, tell us about them. How did you decide what to do? How was your experience? Are you pleased with the outcome? Do you have any regrets?
- Deciding whether to have a mastectomy to prevent breast cancer when high risk
- Deciding whether to have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy to treat your breast cancer
- Deciding whether to have a single or double mastectomy when the second breast is healthy
- Deciding whether to remove nipples or spare them
- Deciding whether to do reconstruction or aesthetic flat closure after mastectomy
- Deciding whether to do reconstruction with breast implants or with your own tissue
- Deciding whether to take hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms when you have a history of breast cancer or are at high risk
- Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial
- Deciding whether to also have gynecologic surgery (hysterectomy and/or ovarian removal surgery)
- Deciding whether to do genetic testing
- Deciding whether to seek to cure my breast cancer or manage pain and symptoms
- Deciding how to proceed after borderline or ambiguous results or scores
- Deciding whether to get a second opinion
- Other
- Local ProvidersThese are the kinds of providers that patients might need when treating or taking action to prevent breast cancer. Ask for recommendations or, if you’ve already been through treatment, tell us who your providers were, why you chose them and how your experience was. Reviews should be an authentic account of your firsthand experiences. Negative reviews are allowed, but you must always be respectful.
- Radiologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Breast surgeons
- Reconstructive and plastic surgeons
- Genetic counselors
- Psychotherapists
- Physical therapists and occupational therapists
- Gynecologic oncologists
- Sexual health therapists
- Lymphedema specialists
- Nutritionists
- Holistic and naturopathic doctors
- Cancer goods providers (breast forms, custom breast prostheses, wigs, etc.)
- Other (acupuncturists, energy healers, tattoo artists, etc.)
- Local Treatment CentersThese are the places to receive care in Kansas City. Ask for recommendations or, if you’ve already been through treatment, tell us where you had your care, why you chose to receive care there, and how your experience was. Leave your tips, big and small. Everything counts, even your recommendations on where to park or get a good cup of coffee. Reviews should be an authentic account of your firsthand experiences. Negative reviews are allowed, but you must always be respectful.
- Effects of Cancer and Cancer TreatmentThese are the most common effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Ask your questions or, if you’ve experienced any of these effects, tell us about them. When did they start, and how long did they last? What helped? Remember, effects can also be positive!
- Effects on my body
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Skin and nail changes
- Pain or stiffness related to surgery or radiation
- Lymphedema
- Sleep problems
- Hair changes or loss
- Hot flashes
- Urogenital problems
- Loss of periods
- Painful or difficult intercourse
- Loss of libido
- Fertility concerns or infertility
- Impotence/erectile dysfunction
- Cording or axillary web syndrome
- Capsular contracture
- Radiation fibrosis
- Neuropathy
- Phantom breast syndrome
- Radiation “burn”
- Scar tissue
- Undesirable cosmetic results
- Increased risk of infection
- Oral problems
- Bone thinning
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Heart damage
- Second cancers (acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes)
- Other
- Effects on my mental or emotional state
- Effects on my spouse or partner
- Effects on my children
- Effects on my friendships
- Effects on my work
- Effects on my faith or spirituality
- Effects on my finances
- Effects on my body