Introduction

This is my second time around. I was diagnosed in 2011. Had a lumpectomy in my right breast. Took tamoxifen and evista but had side effects. I did 6 weeks of radiation. Mammogram in Feb of this year showed some abnormality pre-cancerous cells. Had mastectomy in April with right breast reconstruction. Still recovering, had 2nd revision surgery on May 30th. Plastic surgeon says I may need 2 more surgeries before it's all done. Taking Aromasin.

Welcome Jan! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, and was treated in 2007 and 2008. I have been cancer-free since, although I have a really bad genetic syndrome which makes me very likely to get other cancers. I try to really appreciate every single day. A positive outlook is the best thing to have. :-)

Hi Jan,
My name is Janis, and a number of my friends call me Jan. I found out I had Breast cancer in November of 2008. I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I was approaching my 63rd Birthday at that time. I had my surgery on December 8th of 2008, and I am a breast cancer survivor of almost 10 1/2 years. I chose to have a double mastectomy. By the way, I had 1st stage breast cancer. I did not need to take any radiation or kemo. I can't recall the anti-cancer drug I took back then but remember it was expensive; it had no generic. My husband's insurance covered it, and when I went on medicare, I was put on the generic, I believe it's the one you are taking. I had the reconstructive surgery. I remember being a bit uncomfortable at times until all was completed, and of course the healing that begins after our surgery. I was able to avoid the radiation by having a mastectomy, but as I said I chose to have both breasts removed since my insurance covered it.
I'm here for you, Jan, to support you, just as the many on this team will. You are in my prayers.

Hey Jan! You seem to have a great attitude, and a good plan going forward. I wasn’t on Arimidex, so I can’t help with that part, but it’s great to know about the alpha lipoic acid. I take it every day, even though my surgery was years ago

Welcome to the team, Jan!

Hi, My name is Jan. My journey started after having my yearly mammogram in Sept. Got a letter to make an appointment for an ultra sound, 10/23 had biopsy on my left breast. Nov 1st results were cancer. Had a lumpectomy on Jan 3. On 1/18 post op results margins still had cancer cells. I told my surgeon let's do the Bi lateral mastectomy. Both my mother & grandmother had breast cancer so I just wanted to be done. 2/14 had the mastectomy. Surgeon asked if I wanted reconstruction & I told her at age 75 "NO". Didn't really have any pain to speak; just discomfort. The nerve endings zapping me along the incision line was the worst but since I started taking the 600 mg of Alpha Lipic Acid that is almost gone. No chemo or radiation required. Will be on Anastrozole (generic for Arimidex) for 5 years. Trying to keep a positive outlook. So glad to be back on Sparkpeople as I need the tracking to keep my food intake under control. I might not be to active on the team for awhile until I get in the full swing of my tracking. Hope everyone is well.