Traditional medical opinion states that women with metastatic breast cancer are not candidates for breast reconstruction. Once metastases are diagnosed (stage 4 breast cancer), attention turns solely to aggressive medical treatment to prolong life. Breast reconstruction is typically no longer discussed as an option. At least that was the consensus up until fairly recently. Opinions have started to change over the last few years.
While we are still losing the battle with stage 4 breast cancer, some women with stable metastatic disease are interested in pursuing breast reconstruction. As long as these patients have stable, unchanged disease that is medically controlled for some time, and they have the approval of their medical oncologist, the psycho-social and quality of life benefits that breast reconstruction can provide should not be ignored. Breast reconstruction should still be discussed and considered in interested, appropriate candidates.
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Dr Chrysopoulo is a breast reconstruction surgeon and microsurgeon in San Antonio, TX, specializing in state-of-the-art breast reconstruction procedures . He is in-network for most US insurance plans. Patients are welcomed from across and outside the US. Please call (800) 692-5565 or email patientadvocate@PRMAplasticsurgery.com to learn more about your breast reconstruction options. Connect with Dr C on Twitter and Facebook.
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3 comments:
Hi Adimin..
Breast Cancer Signs - What All Women Should Know (Breast Cancer)
Breast cancer affects women of all ages. That is why it is important to know about breast cancer signs and what action should be taken if you experience any of them. While you may experience symptoms of breast cancer, only a doctor can make the diagnosis that for sure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
A lump, one which does not feel like the surrounding tissue, is often the first of several breast cancer signs. This is why it's important to do a regular self exam, because early detection is important. If you pay attention to breast cancer signs, you can have any symptoms investigated early on, and the sooner you are diagnosed, the more likely you are to triumph over this awful disease.
Cheers,
breast cancer
Who says we are losing the battle with Stage IV breast cancer? This all depends on the site of the metastatis and type of BC.
The responses to your post so far have been corporate ones regarding the site or general information regarding breast cancer anyone can find.
For those truly interested in reconstruction for women w/stage iv bc consider this:
1) those w/mets to bone have the possibility of living years (YEARS) beyond their prognosis;
2) it is not for any of us to judge what any woman with mets might want to aid and empower her recovery; and
3) if reconstruction is feasible then I (reconstructed after locally advanced treatment including radiation) am more than happy to "show" her my results.
Blessings to those women fighting BC. Anything we can do to help her matters.
Thank you for your post,
Jody
Jody,
I couldn't agree with you more, on all counts.
Only 30% of all breast cancer patients, as you know, are even offered the option of breast reconstruction. This % drops even further for patients that are stable after treatment for stage VI disease.
You are right, the reality is that we are doing MUCH better against the disease but that has only recently started to change people's perceptions. More people (docs included) need to get onboard.
Times need to change and educated patients like yourself are the ones that are most likely to really force that change.
Thanks for the first sincere response to this post!!
Please keep doing what you're doing.
Best,
Dr C
http://www.prma-enhance.com
http://www.facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery
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