Conference turris::womannotes-v1

    I can empathize with your concern as I had a "scare" a few
    years ago.  I cannot recommend a surgeon, however I do remember
    meeting a woman a few years back who had breast cancer successfully
    treated without surgery.  So I strongly advise you to explore all
    possible treatments before opting for surgery.
    
    Good luck, you have my strongest wishes for a healthy and speedy
    recovery.
    
    Alicia

     I also had that worry and concern. The best doctor and specialist
    I know is Dr. Susan M. Love. 1269 Beacon Street, Brooline, Ma. 02146. 
    (617)277-8877.
                                                        
    She uses surgical intervention only as the last resort and only
    if the big "C" is found. She is well know for her surgical skill
    and will do reconstruction as well. Give her a call, she is often
    the choice of doctors every where for a second opinion.

    I had a double-sub-cue masectame (please excuse any missspelled
    words) when I was 24, I am now 34, I was diagnoised as having bialadera
    fibersistics deseas with an unown problem in the left side.  I had
    the best plastic surgen in Biloxi, Ms., unforchently I had no one
    to give advise to me on alternatives.  To make a long story short
    after ten years and thirty operations I lost everything and do not
    evon use a prosteses at the present time, to day this can be preventted
    so look at every avenew take time to make desions and ask others
    whoe have actualy been through it before you make a desision.

    A friend here at work told me about a surgeon that was recommended
    to her sister - who unfortunately had to have a mastectomy.  The
    surgeon worked with the doctor who did the mastectomy and he rebuilt
    the breast immediately.  His name is Dr. Loverme and I believe he
    works out of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton.  I'm sure they'd
    give you his office address.  All I know is that her sister was
    very pleased with the work he did - his manner and she said that
    the nurses (who knows better?) are in awe of him - his work, his
    caring attitude.  All in all, considering the trauma involved, I
    know I'd look him up if it were me.
    
    Good luck.
    Trudy

    This month's LIFE magazine has an excellent article (written after
    a year of work) following the life of a woman after a mastectomy
    and breast reconstruction.  I recommend it; it was tastefully done
    and well-written.
    
    Rita
    

Happy to report that the lump proved to be benign.  I had it removed
sugically the week before last, and I'm slowly recovering from the
anethesia, pain, and turmoil!  Amazing how much more slowly you recover
when you're pushing 40!

Thanks to all of you for support.  A few words about what I learned in 
the process...

The procedure was done at the Andover Day Surgery Clinic, where the 
staff was informative, upbeat, and supportive.  The surgeon recommended 
to me in Andover was Dr. Michael Twomey, and he did a superb job.  He 
answered all my questions before and after the procedure, and he gave 
me the information I needed to make intelligent decisions.  Despite the
fact that the lump was so deep, he did a great job with the incision.
It looks as though it will heal to a hairline scar about an inch and a
half long.  I recommend both the surgeon and the facility.

Because I am now considered at increased risk, I will need yearly
mammograms and exams.  I am considering having those done back at
UMass Medical Center in Worcester, since their Breast Counciling Clinic
and various surgeons participate in a national study on breast cancer.  
I wouldn't mind having my medical history fed into such a study, if it 
increases our knowledge about breast cancer and other disorders.

    Sorry Folks..
    
    No road maps of LA here....
    
    P.S.  this has to do with the deletion of .2

    seen the article in Life, gave me hope again.  In Dec. I will be
    going back to John Handcock insurance and will be looking into what
    can be done.