CancerCompass message board discussion started by babydumpling on 12/7/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,18708,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I my name is Judy Silveira, I am now 51yrs old.  This is my story.  Since turning 40, I routinely had mammograms which turned out to be fine - at least so I thought.  Last year when I turned 50 I went for a mammogram and was asked to repeat the exam.  I wasn't concerned because the thought of a problem never occurred to me.  Well, that day the examiner asked if I have any problem with my breast, I gently said no.  Well, she came back and said we need to do an ultrasound, so I said ok, I will call and make an appointment.  She said no, we have to do the exam now.  I had the ultrasound and the radiologist was very blunt.  She said I am seeing a mass and it could be cancer.  So I was sent to a surgeon who performed a needle biopsy - which turned out to be negative for cancer.  But since they found a lump we both dicided to have it removed anyway.  On Nov 22, 20006 I removed the lump.  The next day I got the bad news that they did find cancer(what if i didn't remove the lump).  I was overwhlemed and distrauted.  No one in my family have cancer.  My 83 year old monther is still alive and no cancer.  On Nov 28, 2006 I removed the right breast and two lymp nodes.  Today I am in remission and I thank the lord.  I had 4 months of Chemo, but no radiation.  I am taking AROMASIN. Its sometimes painfull.  I started out with pains in my left thumb, then the right thumb.  Now my fingers lock up routinely.  I sometime have a little sweat but it goes away promptly.  I am also feeling pains in my right arms a lot.  But its tolerable.  I have no choice but to take this drug.  My doctor said the alternative could be cancer again.  I dont ever want to go through that again.  So I will continue to take AROMASIN.    Please note:  that taking AROMASIN could lead to weak bones so its imperative to take a lot of calcium and vitamin D.  I will be doing breast reconstruciton on DEC, 19 at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  I am having a TRAMS FLAP WITH DIEP.  This is where they are removing my skin and fat to make me a new right breast.  They are not removing my muscle, this is better because I will be able to keep my muscle and still have a functioning stomach.  I will keep you guys posted as to my recovery.    babydumpling Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT