I would like to know if there anyone who is positive for BRCA1 gene and facing a double mastectomy in the near future.  I would like to know what to expect with reconstruction. 

Also, maybe some advice on what to expect with the first chemo treatment.

Angi

Dear Angi,

Hi, this is Melissa. I am 37 years old and in April 2008 I was disgnosed with stage III breast cancer. In June I had a double mastectomy and expanders placed for reconstruction. From July - October I had chemotherapy (TAC= Taxotere, Adriamycin, Cytoxan). From November - December I had to have 30 treatments of Radiation. I was just cleared to have my final surgery which will be to have the expanders removed and saline or silicone implants placed.

As far as the BRC1 gene. My mother had breast cancer, my sister and I had IDENTICAL breast cancer! However, the gene came back negative!! My oncologist informed my that there is no doubt our cancer is genetic. They just haven't found the test to prove it.

I would love to talk to you and share with you my experiences with the chemo, etc. Please let me know if you would like to talk and then I will be glad to give you my phone number. Hope you are doing well.

Melissa

Hi try this site free ebook and inspirational story about please search it in google thankgodforebook I had breast cancer.

 Hi, what is the name of the book?

Thank you!

 Hi Melissa,

My name is Lyn and I am 47 years old, in Feb. 2009 I was diagnosed with stage 3 bc, I also had a double mastectomy with ex panders 8 rounds of chemo and am now in radiation.  I was wondering how you were doing??? and if you have had your reconstruction yet.  I would love to talk to you...

Hope all is well

Lyn

 Hi Lyn,

Thank you for your well wishes! I had my reconstruction on March 13, 2009. I am very happy that I had the reconstruction, however I am still trying to get use to my new body and life after cancer. Everything happened so fast and I was on survival mode for so long that now I need my heart and head to heal. Don't get me wrong, I have more good days then bad but I am learning to allow myself a bad day without guilt!

So...how are you! Have you finished radiation? I don't know about you, but radiation for me was so mentally draining not to mention physically exhausting. Are you using the RX cream on your skin "Biofine"...if not, ask your doctor for it right away, it is a miracle cream....loved it!

All my best to you!

Melissa

 Hi Melissa

Did you get my e-mail that I sent earlier?  I'm new at these message boards and sent you a note through my e-mail.  If you didn't get it please let me know so I can resend it.  It was great to hear from you.

Hope all is well.

Lyn

 Please be careful with wich creams you use.  Many of those has parabens which are known to cause cancer.  During my radiation tx I used a natural Aloe Vera.

Ada