Breast Cancer Advice Center

Are their new treatments these days for breast cancer?

I am an almost 39 yr old mother of 3 children. 2 time cancer survivor. 2 different cancers as a matter of fact. I am a fit woman, i'd like to think i take of myself. Anyway, i found a lump in my breast and i am having a mammagram done in a couple days. My biggest fear is that this time i may not be so lucky. I may not beat this if it is cancer. I love life..i love my chidren..i want to see my grandchildren born, ilook foward to the day. I have very long hair, to my waist, i dont want to loose it. So, thats why i have asked, if it is cancer, are their any new meds. that would keep me from loosing my hair, or making me sick..like Chemo would?

Public Comments

1. As a partner of a wife with an agressive form of hormone related breast cancer I think you are too early to worry about treatment right now. In the past two years of this terrible rollecoaster ride I have been through with my wife I both wondered why there is so much unknown about breastcancer althought the disease has been known for over a hundred years. On the other hand research and medicines have made enourmous progress over the past few years.
   
   There are several forms of breast cancer all getting different treatments. Unless you know which type and it's progress you can delve into reading about treatment.
   
   I also think that cancer and the reaction on a certain treatment is highly individual. Some women react on a certain type of chemo therapy, others don't. Despite having the same type of breast cancer.
   
   Right now my wife has for the second time chemo. The first time she lost all of her body hair. This time (different stuff) she seems to keep her hair.
   I understand your fear of loosing your hair. There are experimental methods like ice packs that sometimes work if using a chemo therapy that makes you loose your hair.
   
   On the other hand, if this helps to cure the disease or in the worst case scenario prolongs your life, you learn to live without hair. It grows back! On a lighter note, you don't have to shave your legs (my wife mentions this...as positive). Don't worry about the children. I don't know how old they are. Our children (5 and 7) took everything for granted.
   
   What helped us: When we heard she would lose her hair we all went to a special hairdressers (also had wigs) where she had her hair cut short and sporty (she had long blond hair). It was for her a step towards excepting that she would loose her hair and on a practical side would also lessen the plucks of hair you will find on your pillow.
   
   I wish you all the best in this turbulent times.
   
   Regards Barra
   Netherlands
2. I SURVIVED BREAST CANCER AND REMOVAL OF 11 CANCEROUS LYMPH NODES UNDER MY RIGHT ARM. I LOST MY HAIR, I CRIED. I WAS FIT, ATE VEGGIES AND FRUITS-IT DIDN'T MATTER. IT DOES NOT RUN IN MY FAMILY. NOT ALL CHEMO-THERAPIES CAUSE YOU TO LOSE YOUR HAIR, BUT, LIVING, SURVIVING BEATS DYING ANY DAY SO SHOW YOUR KIDS AND HUBBY HOW STRONG YOU ARE AND GET THAT CHECKED AND JUMP RIGHT INTO TREATMENT.