Resources

The intention of this page is to develop, over time, as a resource area for all things breast cancer. Please note that here you will find links to outside websites and anecdotal information. There is a lot of information out there about recovery but there still isn't an agreement on best practice(I guess this is similar to treatments as well). You may have to do some research on your own, feel what is right for your body and ask/grill your doctor. My disclaimer is that this area is just a collection of information not a prescription, proceed at your own risk/pleasure.

Cancer, Breast

• 101
• Surgery
• Figuring out if Reconstruction is for you
• Did you know that the Women's Health act of 1998 helps protect your right to reconstruction? 
• Group insurance has to follow federal law so you are covered
• Self insured groups have to follow the state law and NOT all states follow the act. Colorado is one of those states....something to be aware of if you are part of a large self insured group. 
• I still need to blog on this topic but it keeps evolving...
• Mastectomy Scars
• Society
• Courage
• The Scar Project FB

Lymphedema

• Compression early on and or Lymphedema decompression
• My MD didn't prescribe or inform me to use compression
• Clear it with your MD because each surgeon has their own recipe but I can tell you I should have used it but would have needed some modifications like padding under the compression device
• I used a combination of
• Tight yoga tops
• ace wraps
• Boys Under Armour compression tops
• The boys size fit
• Ladies were V necks which reduced the compression
• They were cheaper than adult
• Lymphedema specialist
• This will either be an OT or a PT
• request to get a script from your MD once the drains are out (my suggestion)
• Each MD has their own plan but don't forget to ask
• This will assist in gaining range of motion (ROM) and decreasing the fullness feeling around your chest
• Not everyone experiences Lymphedema
• I was told I would have zero issues
• I didn't have limb edema
• I had truncal edema (specifically felt on the right side) and a tourniquet feel around armpit/shoulder area
• I was low risk but a very active person so my ROM might be greater than standard
• Resources
• Lymphedema Blog

   
Cording - Axillary Web Syndrome (Under Construction)

Exercise

• Yoga for Cancer Survivors and more - a personal connection - Laura - I knew Laura back when I worked at CorePower Yoga

Fun and More

Ahimsa - going back to my yoga roots from +CorePower Yoga - Ahimsa is a word that can guide you through this process. It is the first of the Yamas, interested then google it. It ultimately means no harm. This is utilized in many many ways in the Yoga industry but is most often related to no harm to a living being = Be a Vegan! Ok that isn't my point! YOU are a living being! There is NO other person on this planet that YOU are harder on that YOU, so stop it. Give yourself some space and practice doing no harm on yourself...no negative comments, no anti-body slams, acknowledging how far you have come vs where you should be comments, no I did this to myself comments....are you getting my point? Then go out and practice (do you remember what it is to practice something?) AHIMSA!

Laughter - is the best medicine - when you can't laugh at yourself then laugh with Tig Notaro