Prevention
Modern medicine is increasingly transitioning towards preventive care. This shift towards prevention has also been observed in breast cancer care in recent years, particularly with the discovery of the BRCA gene. Subsequently, multiple genes and risk factors have been identified. Depending on these factors, a personalized screening strategy can be chosen. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these genetic and risk factors.
Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with cancer ... This website serves as a portal designed to assist you and your loved ones in accessing personal information and finding solutions to your concerns.
The primary goal of this website is to offer guidance and support to patients as they navigate their journey toward recovery and improved quality of life. The "Diagnosis" section of our website is divided into two main categories. Firstly, under "Anatomy and Physiology," we provide fundamental knowledge about the breast. Secondly, in the "Tumors and Disorders" section, we delve deeper into various breast-related conditions.
Moreover, we aim to provide information to women who may be concerned about potential breast issues but are hesitant to seek immediate medical advice. Knowledge and information can often offer immediate reassurance if a woman is able to identify the issue herself and determine that no specific treatment is necessary. Conversely, we also strive to educate women who have received a diagnosis of a serious breast condition, such as breast cancer, and wish to approach their doctor well-informed and prepared.
Treatment
The treatment for breast cancer should immediately include a discussion about reconstruction. Our foundation has no greater goal than to raise awareness of this among patients and oncological surgeons. By making an informed decision beforehand, we avoid closing off options for later reconstruction while still considering the oncological aspect. Of course, survival is paramount, and the decision of the oncologic surgeon will always take precedence.
The "Reconstruction or not?" page contains all the information you can expect during an initial consultation before undergoing tumor removal. This page is comprehensive, and your plastic surgeon will only provide information relevant to your situation.
"Removing the tumor" details the surgical procedure itself. This is the most crucial operation because effective tumor removal remains paramount. We guide you through the various methods of removal, a decision often made by a multidisciplinary team comprising oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, radiotherapists, breast nurses, gynecologists, oncological surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
The "Breast Reconstruction" section includes information and illustrations of the different reconstruction options along with corresponding steps.
Revalidation
Those treated for cancer often need a long period to recover.
Cancer is a radical illness with a heavy treatment. Often, people have to deal with psychosocial and/or physical problems afterwards, such as stress, anxiety, extreme fatigue, painful joints, reduced fitness, lymphedema... This can have a major impact on general well-being.
There are rehabilitation programmes offered by most hospitals. We cover some of the major topics here.
Quality of life
Quality of life is a key factor in coping with breast cancer. Therefore, it is important to find coping mechanisms that work, which will be different from patient to patient. For some, it may be finding enjoyment in activities they engaged in prior to diagnosis, taking time for appreciating life and expressing gratitude, volunteering, physical exercise... Of prime importance, studies have shown that accepting the disease as a part of one’s life is a key to effective coping, as well as focusing on mental strength to allow the patient to move on with life. In this section we are addressing some topics that patients experience during and after treatment and we are providing information to address them.
London again
updated 5-20
When I was told that I would need a double mastectomy my world crushed.
I have always been fit, and with a relatively nice figure.... my breast being one of the best features.
I felt that my husband would no longer want me and that he would leave me....
I went to all the top doctors in London, and all of them described the outcomes of their operations as "patched up carnage".
One even suggested putting pig skins inside to cover up my implants.
All doctors were unable to do a double mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction from the belly. I was told that I had enough fat for one breast only.
I was becoming more and more upset and low.
My reconstructive surgeon assured me and my mother (who had to have the same surgery) that we had enough fat for both breasts to be reconstructed at the same time and that there would be only one visible scar on each breast, in contrast to the huge visible scars proposed by the other surgeons.
I was very concerned what I would look like with no nipples, but my oncologist did not see the necessity of my nipples to be removed, so we went ahead with the operation.
My mother had her operation first, it was not an easy road... It lasted very long.
The coming out of the anaesthetic is the hardest and most unpleasant part of all.
The first few days are tough, as you get no sleep, as nurses check you out virtually every 30 mins.
On the 3rd day my mummy was walking. It took a good 7 days to get the energy to fly home.
However, the results... my mother was so happy.... she said that her breasts looked even better than when she was 18.
I was next. Horrible post anaesthetic feeling... pains and aches all over, but the result! Flat, perfect tummy and gorgeous breasts.
My husband has been so happy with the outcome, that it has been like a second honeymoon for us.
All the effects of breastfeeding are gone.....my breasts are perky, large and perfectly formed.
Last, but not least - The Blondeel team are astounding. Young, beautiful, fun to be with and so so talented!
I am due for my second stage of the procedure, and hope that it is as great as the first one!
Y.A.