7 Hard Facts You Need to Consider before Having Breast Reconstruction Surgery

7 Hard Facts You Need to Consider before Having Breast Reconstruction Surgery
By Patricia Wagner

Have you recently been diagnosed as having breast cancer? If your doctor recommends that you undergo a radical mastectomy, then you may want to consider having breast reconstruction surgery afterwards. However, this surgery is not for every woman because of a number of factors that will be presented in this article.

There is really no reason to rush into breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy because you can have the reconstruction done at a later time. You will be using a plastic surgeon if you opt for this operation.

Reconstruction surgery doesn't just involve one method -- but there are several methods of choice for you that are available. If you choose breast reconstruction, you may want to have an implant inserted in your breast that consists of saline or silicone material. You need to be aware of the fact that silicone implants have been known to leak.

Fat and muscles from other parts of your body can also be used for your breast reconstruction surgery. This will be harvested from your back or lower abdomen or your buttocks. Your plastic surgeon will collect this fat and muscle tissue to make a breast-shaped implant to insert where your breast was removed. Your doctor may create a flap in order to create a new breast. He will need to stretch your skin so that the implant will be permanently placed under your gradually stretched skin. After surgery has been performed and your body has healed, the finishing touches are done by tattooing the skin over the implant to simulate a natural breast.

However, as in every other kind of surgery there are dangers involved. Here are some factors to consider before you decide to have breast reconstruction performed.

1. The rebuilt breast will never feel normal again.

2. Like every other surgery, infection is a very real possibility.

3. You may or may not be satisfied with the final results of your breast reconstruction surgery.

4. There are going to be scars no matter what.

5. The donor site on your body may be adversely affected and the changes will probably be permanent.

6. You may require more than one surgery.

7. Because your body may suffer lasting negative effects from choosing to have breast reconstruction surgery, you may wind up regretting having had it done.

However, you may be very pleased with the results and breast reconstruction could be a great benefit in helping you to feel more normal for the rest of your life.

You and your doctor have to decide if breast reconstruction surgery is worthwhile in your case and if you are likely to be pleased with the final permanent results.

Learn how to take care of yourself or ease the suffering of a loved one after breast cancer surgery. Patricia Wagner writes about a variety of health tips to help you be healthier.

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The Perfect Thing to Wear to a Mastectomy

The Perfect Thing to Wear to a Mastectomy
By Deanna Mayer

I strategically use humor. I have romance party plan business. I ask ladies to get their friends together so that I can sell them omance items. Many women are intrigued by the idea but extremely nervous at being embarrassed too. To make them comfortable, I liberally sprinkle my presentation with humor. The idea is to make them laugh so much they forget to be embarrassed. I want them to have fun and forget to be nervous. And let's face it. So many of those omance items are just begging for a joke. The best part of these parties is that so many of the guests are incredibly witty ladies that crack me up, too. I tend to get my best jokes from party goers and bless them for it.

Janet attended one of my parties several months ago. I was holding up one of my newest products called Tasty Pastease, showing that they come in black or white flower shapes or a cherry, heart shaped version. They have candies on dangling strings (think candy necklace type candies) and are worn, well, where a topless dancer who doesn't want to be completely topless would wear them. At a presentation, I usually just hold up the package and indicate that really there is no need for explanation here (since there is a picture and everything). Janet started giggling. Of course, so was everyone else, but Janet continued to giggle as though she was enjoying a private joke. I watched her throughout the rest of the presentation a little intrigued and decided I would have to figure this out.

Once my presentation concludes, I invite the ladies individually into a separate room to do their shopping. This offers them a little privacy and the opportunity to ask embarassing questions without an audience. When Janet came into the shopping room, I asked her if she had especially liked any of the items I showed her. (I do try to be subtle.) Janet immediately volunteered that she had to have a couple sets of the Tasty Pastease. She is a nurse just like many of the other guests that evening. She had also recently had a mastectomy, but she had not yet had the reconstructive surgery that follows. It was scheduled with a surgeon she knows pretty well. And, giggling, she told me that she had decided that a set of Tastee Pastees would be the perfect thing to wear into the OR. The more she thought about the look on her surgeon's face, the harder she laughed.

I was shocked since her situation was not one I usually heard about in my shopping room, but I couldn't help but laugh with her. What a wonderful way to approach a difficult situation. I bet she really brightened up the day of that OR staff.

(You can find Tasty Pastease at www.DeannaMayer.SurpriseParties.com under For Tasting.)

Deanna Mayer is a Surprise Parties Representative in Colorado. When she isn't chasing her two boys around, she is teaching ladies how to Celebrate Romance in their lives with lingerie, lotions, and fun love stuff. She can be emailed at SurpriseLady1819@hotmail.com. And you can see her catalog at http://www.DeannaMayer.SurpriseParties.com

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What Is The Procedure For Prostate Biopsy

What Is The Procedure For Prostate Biopsy
By Donald Saunders

Although you doctor may suspect that you have prostate cancer the only was to be certain is to carry out a prostate gland biopsy in which one or more small samples of tissue are taken from the prostate gland for microscopic examination. But just what is the procedure for prostate biopsy?

A prostate biopsy will be carried out by a urologist (a doctor specializing in men's urinary problems) either in the doctor's office, a day surgery clinic or hospital and can take one of three forms.

In the first form of biopsy, which is known as a transrectal biopsy, you will normally be asked to kneel, lie on your side or lie on your back with your feet elevated in a pair of stirrups. The doctor will then inject a local anesthetic around the prostate gland before starting the procedure.

The transrectal biopsy is normally done using a spring loaded needle which is guided to the site from which tissue is to be taken by an ultrasound probe. In cases where the cancer can be felt during a digital rectal examination the doctor may use a gloved finger to guide the needle rather than an ultrasound probe. In either case, once in position, the needle is used to collect a small tissue sample which is removed and sent for microscopic laboratory examination. A transrectal biopsy usually takes about 30 minutes.

The second form of biopsy is referred to as transurethral biopsy and, as it's name suggests, the sample tissue is collected through the urethra. A lighted scope known as a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra, which passes through the prostate gland, and a cutting loop is then inserted into the cystoscope and used to collect a sample of tissue from the prostate. This procedure can be carried out either using a local anesthetic or general anesthesia and normally takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The third form of biopsy is known as a transperineal biopsy. A small incision is made in the perineum (the area between the anus and scrotum) and the doctor then inserts a finger into the rectum to hold the prostate in position while at the same time inserting a biopsy needle through the incision in the perineum and into the prostate gland to remove a sample of tissue. This form of biopsy is less common than the other two forms these days and is usually carried out under either local or general anesthetic and takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

In cases where a biopsy is carried out under local anesthetic patients are likely to feel a slight stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is administered and, in the case of a transrectal biopsy, a very brief but sharp pain as the biopsy needle enters the prostate gland.

Following the biopsy patients will normally experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days and may also notice some blood in the urine. There may also be some slight bleeding from the rectum in the case of a transrectal biopsy. In all cases there may be some discoloration of the semen for a period of three to four weeks.

There is also a small risk that the biopsy itself can give rise to an infection or cause bleeding into the urethra or bladder. In rare cases the patient may also have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used during the procedure. Patients who experience increased pain or a fever, heavy bleeding (or bleeding which continues for more than two or three days after a biopsy) or difficulty in urinating should consult their doctor without delay.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for more information on the procedure for prostate biopsy or for additional information on finding a prostate cancer cure

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Cancer Prevention Keeping Most Cancer At Bay

Cancer Prevention - Keeping Most Cancer At Bay
By Lucy Wong Moi

Cancer prevention - tips on cancer prevention

I have lived with cancer patients, have seen and understood their ailing conditions, felt the pain, the fear, the stress, the hopeless feelings and realized how much it affected their loved ones. I have surveyed a location where there were 10 homes at a small corner of my stay where 10 families resided. From my survey, I came to know that there were 8 cases of cancer, ranging from 2 leukemia, breast cancer, 2 uterus cancer, bone cancer and colon cancer. Out of the 8 cancer cases, left only 2 who are still living until now. The rest of them didn't survive the clutch of death, most of them suffering and dying a miserable death.

I guess I was in my twenties when I did that survey. I saw them affected, suffered and died. They were short-lived from the day they were affected. No one lived more than 5 years, some as early as within a year. Nothing is ever seen or talked of them any more. Moreover, the 10 families include several diabetes cases, few strokes and many families that are also affected by B Hepatitis. Most of them have high blood pressure and are dependent on pills and medicines to maintain their health condition.

Sometimes in the still darkness of night, I would still feel the rush of unshed tears when I recalled those cases. Cancer was such a taboo to talk about and most people were scared stiff to hear about incurable cancer. But I was the inquisitive type that would go to just any limits in search for the answer. So, it was lucky of me when I got myself involved in this holistic approach towards treatment and preventive cures from food, herbs and natural, inexpensive and safe ways. I was glad that I managed to master all those skills.

From my over 20 years of experiences in holistic approaches in preventive cures and treatment, I hereby would like to share with all of you about cancer-prevention, hopeful that cancer can be placed far away from us. Here are 10 tips on how to prevent cancer. These are taken from my personal column on Alternative Health in http://articlesubmission.info.

[1 Consume a variety of natural foods that contains high and good antioxidants excellent in detoxifying our body system from accumulated toxemia and acidosis. Drink enough clean unpolluted air to help flush out wastes products.

[2 Eat more locally planted vegetables and fruits, 5 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fruits per day is advisable. Best taken raw which is rich in life-enhancing enzymes. Make sure that they are organically planted.

[3 Consume more beans or legumes that can help to prevent cells mutation

[4 Be conscious of our weight, don't over eat or stuff oneself, most cancer cases comes from overeating wrong foods and drinks. [the mandarin word of cancer is made up of 3 mouths that makes up the mountain of it, meaning overeating

[5 Exercising moderately, go for stretching and proper breathing and make sure that our body cells are well irrigated with oxygen and rid off waste products.

[6 Don't eat burnt foods or stale fats. Fats easily go bad and are unstable and contains carcinogens when overheated or disturbed. [Beware of groundnuts, rich in fats but when those fats have distorted or gone stale, will taste weird, don't eat

[7 Eat meats or fish sparingly [too acidic in nature

[8 Refrain from too much alcohol drinks, refrain from smoking [don't purposely poison our body

[9 Don't eat canned, processed, preserved foods that are high in carcinogens or preservatives, artificial flavourings and colorings

[10 'Breathe in' positives like hope, love, self-affirmation of good health and exhale negatives like stress, fear, worries, sickness or destructive emotions.

There are some other reasons not included or explained. But you might have heard about this. 'Starve the cancer cells', don't feed them with animal proteins. Get acquainted with the wonder sprouts that contains high phyto-factors that will boost one's immune system. Prevention is so much better than cure. Spend our money wisely, do not buy 'troubles', do not 'invite' them..

Humans actually don't fall sick easily. Humans are extremely tough and strong and healthy provided we don't purposely poison ourselves with improper foods that causes toxemia and acidosis. Be grateful that our heart has been pumping blood into our circulatory system ever since we were born. Be grateful that our lungs, our kidneys and livers have been working for us the many years until now. Our kidney can still work even when left with 5% capability.

We should heed preventive measures. It is never too difficult nor too far away or impossible! Don't be too ignorant that the 'demon of illness' will not strike just anybody. Don't prepare a condition that welcomes it to strike us. Don't invite, but scare it off, ward it with strong immune system and again be thankful that we are endowed with plentiful of vegetables, fruits and herbs that can prevent cancer at the first place. Yes, there are cancer-preventing foods in abundance so near us.

If there are foods that can cause cancer, there are also certain foods that can prevent it, be aware of this fact.

Lucy Wong is a health and nutrition consultant. She is keen in sharing and helping and likes to talk on attaining four levels of health, aiming at attaining total health and happiness. She has written many articles on health related issues at her personal column on Alternative Health in http://articlesubmission.info.com Read more about alternative approach of maintaining good health at Health Article Directory where you will discover the secrets of maintaining good health in men, women and teens.

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