You’ve just been diagnosed with Breast cancer, your whole world has changed in an instant. The next few days you are seeing a new doctor every day and information is coming at you fast & furious.
You will see a Breast Surgeon, Oncologist, Radiologist, & Plastic Surgeon. Oh wait, you didn’t know you should see a plastic surgeon prior to your Breast Cancer Treatment. A consultation with a Plastic Surgeon is a very important piece of the puzzle, to know your options prior to breast cancer treatment gives you the knowledge to make the best medical decision for yourself and to make sure you have the best outcome from surgery.
You will realize on this journey how important it is to be your own advocate, along with family & friends helping to make sure you know all your options.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics:
Many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery are not being informed of their options. All women should know their options. It’s time to close the loop on breast cancer.
- Eighty-nine percent of women want to see breast reconstruction surgery results before undergoing cancer treatment.
- Less than 23 percent of women know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
- Only 22 percent of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes that can be expected.
- Only 19 percent of women understand that the timing of their treatment for breast cancer and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results.
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, health insurance plans that offer mastectomy coverage must also provide coverage for reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Not covering breast reconstruction is like not offering a prosthesis to someone who has lost a limb. This coverage includes reconstruction of the breast removed by mastectomy, reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance, breast prostheses, and treatment of physical complications at all stages of the mastectomy.
Fight to know your options from the very beginning:
The Different types of Breast Reconstruction
An individual’s reconstruction may be the use of an implant following tissue expansion technique; or flaps following a lumpectomy and radiation. We also understand that a woman who is in the process of breast cancer survival might be looking for less invasive procedures that require the least amount of recovery and downtime. Expanders are an option for many women. It can be placed beneath the chest muscle and is filled with sterile saline solution over many weeks, creating a breast mound. The tissue expander is then replaced with a new implant that feels and is shaped like a breast. After a few months, Dr. Jewell can reconstruct a nipple and tattooing can be done to color the areola. Dr. Jewell also performs surgery on the opposite-side breast to help it match the size of the reconstructed breast.
A “team approach” between breast surgeon, oncologist, and plastic surgeon is an essential part of cancer treatment. Knowing the options early enhances a woman’s journey through her cancer recovery, signifying a return to self and sense of feeling whole again.
“Fight to know your Options” is this years theme for our bra entry for Bras for a Cause. This will be Dr. Jewell & Staff’s 4th year participating in this great community event to help raise money for the Oregon Cancer Foundation and Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day 2016. BRA DAY! There are several ways to vote for our Bra. 1. Purchase a HydraFacial for $125.00 & $5.00 goes to our votes. 2. Donate in office or call 541-683-3234 $1.00 = 1 vote. 3. Go to www.brasforcause.org.
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