1. Posted by Karon K on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, 7:31 pm PDT

The loss of sensation was not even an issue with me. I did what I had to do to get rid of the cancer. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction [latissimus dorsi w/ silicone implant] and other than the scars look good.

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2. Posted by zfounder1 on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, 9:08 pm PDT

Out of curiosity, how many women who have breast cancer and wish to retain breast sensual sensitivity,and do not want to go under the knife, would also have their infant sons circumcised at the drop of a hat?

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3. Posted by Camelgirl on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, 9:45 pm PDT

I had a breast reduction. I had very little to almost no sensation to begin with, so it didin't really matter.

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4. Posted by mkstrength on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, 8:26 pm PDT

yes breast sensation may be important, but I would have to do what ever would save my life.

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5. Posted by Prunella on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, 9:54 am PDT

More important to me was the loss of the nipple. Reconstruction has not given satisfactory visual results. Loss of sensation has not been so important.

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6. Posted by Sharon on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, 11:17 am PDT

That is a good question. I have one Breast that did not have Cancer. it has sensation the the other does not. But I think I am lucky to have both Breasts. Now I have one smaller than the other, but at my age it does not matter. Over 65.

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7. Posted by Angie on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, 11:39 am PDT

Sensation is very important to me. I would like to preserve as much as possible a feeling/sensation of normalcy. Cancer can be so destructive so the ability to be normal even if its a semblance of normal is very important. I think we should be further ahead in supplying that to patients. Treatment is still based on survival oriented rather than quality of life oriented. More and more women are surviving but the deformaties left leave a devastating self image. Treatment should be about both.

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8. Posted by Sharon on Sun, Mar 16, 2008, 12:49 pm PDT

Thank Angie, Well put, Hopefully this new treatment will come about sooner, not later. For some reason it seems it takes longer to get things going. That is why a lot of people miss out having a treatment, that would make their self image brighter.

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9. Posted by keller3 on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 4:29 pm PDT

This was not on the radar at all for me. My only focus was to get rid of cancer and reduce risk of reoccurance. Period. I've seen people who chose conservative treatment because of sensation or cosmetic reasons who later ended up with metastatic cancer or who died. Would I have liked to have kept sensation? Sure. Would I have liked to have kept my breasts? Sure. But I am not about to play dice with my life. Eyes on the prize!

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10. Posted by Wally on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, 8:39 pm PDT

I had a bilateral mast because I had made the choice that my breast sensation was NOT more important. And my sex life was fine afterwards...until chemo and then tamoxifen...Now, it is very hard to reach orgasm--something I NEVER had a problem with. I didn't mind the breasts until this. Now I'm feeling all that I have lost. I'm only 42.

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11. Posted by beau d on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, 1:54 pm PDT

i have to get a mastectomy next week yippy my question was can my nipple be saved the answer was no i hope in the next few years the technique is available and viable option thanks brenda t

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12. Posted by Gina W on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, 6:57 pm PDT

it's totally important but the pros and cons MUST be responsibly considered

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13. Posted by Deb L on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, 7:05 pm PDT

I had double mastectomies in the summer of '07. I didn't even flinch when the decision was made, but now I miss the sensation I had in my breasts. It has definitely affected my sex life. Oh well, at least I'm alive!

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14. Posted by Deb L on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, 7:06 pm PDT

I had double mastectomies in the summer of '07. I didn't even flinch when the decision was made, but now I miss the sensation I had in my breasts. It has definitely affected my sex life. Oh well, at least I'm alive!

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15. Posted by Mary Ellen P on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, 7:09 pm PDT

personally I don't consider my breast a very important part of my sexually. I do believe I'm in the minority. I know most of my friends are very "wrapped up" in their breasts. Most would feel less attractive or even less womanly if they had to have a mastectomy. I would rather be sure I was cancer free then worry about my bust. But hey we are all different . Being witty and confidant makes me feel sexy.

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