Breast Cancer and the Unknown

I hope you enjoy listening to today's podcast.  I chat briefly about my thoughts and feelings surrounding "anniversaries".  I just passed my 4 year mark of when I finished chemo and it really got me thinking.  I would love to hear your thoughts surrounding this topic!  Much Love Marce 

Wedge Pillow for the win!!! If you listen to this episode you will hear from multiple survivors how a wedge pillow aided in their comfort after have breast surgery.  Lying flat after surgery can be quite uncomfortable.  A wedge pillow helps you sleep at an incline... and we know how important sleep is!  Some other tips and tricks mentioned in this episode- BUT remember, these are things that worked for other survivors, we are not medical professionals and everyone's journey is different. Listen to your body and if you ever have any questions, contact your Oncologist! My biggest recommendation is to get some exercise! Start slow, go at your own pace and listen to your body.  Getting outside, breathing in that fresh air and feeling the sun on your face feels so good and can help to aid in your healing process.  Ashely a 2 time survivor recommends a wedge pillow for sleep and throw blankets or a mastectomy pillow to help put a cushion between you and your kids, so you can still snuggle and be close to them and helps you feel more comfortable and safe doing that. Anita who had the DIEP flap surgery recommends a lift recliner.  Before surgery she felt that would be overkill, but is so glad she decided to use one.  It really helped her get up from a laying position with more ease and comfort.  She also recommended Arnica Pellets , which are homeopathic and she felt aided in her speedy recovery. Christy who had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction recommends a wedge pillow and she said she wouldn't go anywhere without her deodorant wipes! Amanda, who had a single mastectomy with reconstruction used a wedge pillow and was able to pass on to other survivors going through surgery. She also used a lanyard in the shower to hold her drains and a fanny pack to put the drains in when she was out and about. Amanda did not particularly like her implant for many reasons (you will find out in a future episode!) so she decided to opt for a removal of the implant with a flat closure.  She has been dealing with a persistent seroma since her last surgery and has been using a bra-extender (makes your bra into a backless bra)  along with an Athleta Foam Insert to help keep pressure on her chest wall which will aide in the healing of the seroma.    Julie had a mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction.  Her go to after surgery were soft pajama bottoms.  With the drains she could not do a top, but once she was drain free she splurged and got an amaizing nightgown at Barefoot Dreams , which she basically lived in for the remaining of her healing process.   Jess, a 5 year survivor had a lumpectomy and recommends a nice cozy blanket to cuddle up in,  good bralette with support and elasticity,  and a good TV show! (Schitts Creek anyone?!) Sarah was diagnosed in 2020, she had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and reduction. She recommends a wedge pillow and she got herself a "cancer bed" as she calls it.  She splurged on a comfortable bed because she knew how important sleep was and was tired of trying to get comfortable on the couch! She also recommends a good book.  She read Untamed By Glennon Doyle.  Lastly (which I wish I knew!!) she got 2 free cleaning services through New England Cancer Center where she was receiving her treatment- hint...if your treatment center offers this, wait to get it until after surgery! Penny Cassleman, BRACA2 Breast Cancer Survivor and the author of How to Get a Free Boob Job  .  She recommends button front pajamas.  They are easy on, easy off, comfortable and she did not have to worry about pulling things over her head.  She also recommends a wedge pillow (told you it was the big winner!) One thing she wished she had during her recovery and her days at the treatment center was noise cancelling headphones.  The hospital and treatment center can be loud and stressful and she feels noise cancelling headphones would have really helped her "check out" and relax more.        

Welcome back to Breast Cancer and the Unknown. On today's episode I chat with Katelyn about the hard decisions that have to be made surrounding fertility so shortly after a Breast Cancer diagnosis.  She also highlights the fact that after treatment is done, there are still many decisions to be made regarding pregnancy, adoption and surrogacy.  I hope you enjoy listening to Katelyn's journey as she takes on Breast Cancer one day at a time. Below are some things Katelyn found helpful during and after treatment: Book:  Broken Open  by: Elizabeth Lesser Crossfit gym: Maniac Community Fitness in South Portland, Maine (owned by brother in law).   Surrogacy inquires: reach out to me via email katelyn.burrell2417@gmail.com or on IF at @kbfittofight  Bravery scarfs - Bravery Scarves 

Welcome back to Breast Cancer and the Unknown. In today's episode I chat about an amazing resource I used during treatment.  That resource is called Meal Train. There are 3 different options when using the Meal Train.   1- Meal Train 2- Meal Train Plus 3- Potluck Head over to their site and check it out! I also mention the support group I run called Tatas and Tapas.  If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter where you are in your journey, head over to Facebook and join our group for amazing support from other survivors like you! If you would like to share your story or have any resources you would like to share please send me an email at breastcancerandtheunknown@gmail.com  I would love to hear from you! Love, Your Breastie Marce

Welcome to Episode 5 of Breast Cancer and the Unknown.  I am your Breastie, Marce, and on this episode I chat with my warrior sister and friend Nicolle.  Nicolle was diagnosed with Stage 4 invasive lobular carcinoma in February of 2019.  She is a daughter, a wife, a mom, a friend and a total badass!!!! I hope her story inspires you as much as it did me. Below are some links to resources and products Nicolle recommends. You can also see her Instagram handle which showcases some of her amazing artwork and pieces for purchase.  If you are looking to buy local this year, look no more.  Not only will you be supporting Nicolle but a portion of the proceeds go to metavivor.org , a metastatic breast cancer research, awareness and support site. Nicolle's handle is cocomorneault22  Other resources Nicolle discusses: Salty Girl : organic cosmetics and skin care products.  They also run a non-profit called Foundation4Love Warrior Revolution: If you are a woman who has had cancer or you are still in treatment, the Warrior Revolution helps you navigate your life on your way back to wellness. metavivor.org Nicolle's recommendations to help with side effects of medication, chemo  and living with MBC Acupuncture- Nicolle sees Beth at Rocky Coast Acupuncture Exercise is huge for Nicolle! She takes spin and yoga at Crisp in Scarborough, Maine.  Nicolle has her own cbd/thc salve made by a local friend but she is a huge proponent of any good quality salve for overall pain. Support groups like Tatas and Tapas and are very important to Nicolle. Nicolle highly recommends PT for pelvic floor issues.      

Thank you so much for joining me in episode 4 of "Breast Cancer and the Unknown".  On today's episode, I talk about a resource I used during my journey with Breast Cancer; CaringBridge   CaringBridge is an online tool that helps you create a page and post journal entries.  This allows your friends and family to check in on you without having to check in on you! There is a lot more to this site, but when I was going through breast cancer, I used CaringBridge as a tool to post updates about my treatment, side effects, etc.  It also gave us something to do to pass the time... which as you know can be hours!! I hope you enjoy learning a little more about myself and about CaringBridge.    

Jess was diagnosed at age 34 with stage 2 triple positive breast cancer.  This was just two months after getting engaged. After going through two full years of treatment she was given the green light to try to have a baby, a life long dream of hers.  In September of 2019, she was blessed with a baby boy.  Jess says My life has had an entirely different meaning since our son joined our lives.  Most days are filled with the distractions of being a mother and a wife but the fear of cancer is still a very real and consistent part of my every day life. I hope you enjoy Jess's story.  Below are the links to the amazing non-profit she started called In This Together as well as information about Maine Cancer Foundation and Tri for a Cure.  Although Jess and I are not medical professionals, our goal is to let you, the listener, know what worked for us during and after treatment.  Remember, everyone's journey is different.  This is Jess's!   In This Together Maine Cancer Foundation Tri for a Cure Tips from Jess calendula salve- to help with skin irritation during radiation warm fuzzy blanket for treatment room Hydrate!  Walk/ slow jog during treatment- but listen to your body and don't overdue it! **Also, don't decide to become a runner during treatment =)  

Interview with Alicia to talk about her Breast Cancer journey.   Book: Making Room for Cancer  By:Anita Lichman  

Hey guys! Marce Lamontagne here.  Thank you so much for joining me in my first episode of Breast Cancer and the Unknown.  In todays episode I want to tell you a little about myself and my journey that brought me to create this podcast and what I am hoping you as a listener will get out of it.  When I was first diagnosed in 2016, my brother who is a pretty well known podcaster URGED me to start a podcast.  I was like, “Yeah, yeah, I'll do it”, but the fear of the unknowns of starting a podcast and putting myself out there, really gave me hesitation.  So months pas,  then years, and I thought at some point he would stop bugging me, but he didn't! So when covid hit I thought, “Marce…if there is anytime to start a podcast now is the time.  There are so many people out there struggling with not only being newly diagnosed with Breast Cancer, but going through it during Covid with all those unknowns and fears.” I felt that if my story and others like mine could help even one person, I could get over my own fears of starting a podcast and just do it!  I mean, starting a podcast is definitely not as scary as being diagnosed with breast cancer.  So here I am, putting myself out there, I hope you enjoy it! As I said, I was diagnosed back in 2016.  I was 35 years old, a part time nurse, full time mom to a 5 year old girl (KC) and a 2 year old boy (will) and had just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with my husband when I felt a lump on my left breast. I was pretty healthy overall and had actually just finished an 8 week beachbody program.   I had  FINALLY lost the last 10 pounds of baby weight I had been carrying around!!!   I wasn't really worried but I asked my mom who is also a nurse what her thoughts were.  Since breast cancer runs in my family she recommended me setting up an apt with my PCP.  Since I alllllways listen to my mom, I made an apt for the following week and had my dr do an exam.  Although breast cancer runs strongly in my family, my doctor wasn't overally concerned. We decided to monito it and set up an apt for a follow up a month later.  when October came around I went in for my apt and my doctor said she felt the lump was the same and still was not concerned. She did however offer a mammogram to be safe, and usually I would have been like “nah- if you are not concerned neither am I” but something in my gut urged me to go ahead and set up an apt. 2 weeks later I headed in for my mammogram- not even thinking my life could drastically change, yet I walked out a completely different person.  My apt went like this- mammogram to Ultra sound which showed an enlarged lymph node, to the radiologist coming in saying they saw something worrisome and wanted to set up a biopsy.  My drive home was such a blur and when I got home THANK GOD my husband Justin was there.  He asked me how my apt went.  I immediately started crying. I remember saying… They saw something and said it was worrisome….not suspicious….worrisome…worrisome is better than suspicious right?? He gave me a big hug…Im sure not knowing what to say, but the hug I definitely needed.  I got a call the next day to set up a biopsy.  10 days later…10 days…like an eternity!! So I waited…and waited the best I could.  But by day 8 I couldn't take it anymore.   I called the Breast Center in Scarborough Maine and they were able to get me an apt to see the Nurse Practitioner Karen (my god I love Karen!)  She pulled up the mammogram and said to me- look Marce, I can tell you without even having a biopsy that you are atleast stage 2, it has spread to your lymph nodes and we will need to do chemo.  I mean if my mouth didn't hit the floor right then I would be shocked!    Fast forward through all the waiting…waiting for my biopsy results…I ended up being triple positive, waiting for second opinions, waiting for scans, genetic counseling…the works.  I mean lets be honest…this part SUCKED!! Like really SUCKED.  My head was spinning with questions…whats the treatment plan, has is spread, will I live to see my kids grow up? The waiting and fear of the Unknown was THE WORST!!! But slowly, the days past, my treatment plan turned into action, and I began my journey as a Survivor.  It wasn't easy..we know this! But atleast I was actively killing the cancer and that gave me a feeling of power and control. My treatment plan went a little something like this….4 rounds of Adrimycin and cytoxin, followed by 12 rounds of taxol and Herceptin and perjeta, Left breast mastectomy with full axillary dissection, 33 rounds of radiation and then a prophilatctic right breast mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the DIEP flap method. I also was able to have whats called a lymphovenous bypass, which basically means after my lymph nodes were removed Dr. Singhal at Beth Isreal went in and shot some dye into my armpit and was able to reconnect two lymphatic channels to blood vessels.  This decreased my chance of having lymphedema was 33 percent down to 10 percent.  Pretty cool right?!?  Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding my treatment plan!! I was also very lucky to have an amazing support system. Each week different friends and family members would come hang out with me during treatment and we would have a blast.  They would make fun of me after I got the benedryl and started saying random and sometimes incoherrant things.  My BFF Colleen who came to almost all my treatments (I love you girl!!)  would write up a post to put on my caring bridge page- and let me tell you, going back and reading these is pretty hilarious! I definitely recommend setting one up so that family and friends can read updates and you don't get like 100 text messages a day asking how you are doing, where you are in treatment etc.   Although I was so lucky to have such a kick ass support system, I was still a 35 year old women, newly diagnosed with cancer, knowing NO ONE my age who had been through an experience like this. I felt so alone.  That's when my oncologist recommended a young womens support group called tits and tacos…best name ever right! We would meet at a Mexican restaurant once a month and talk about our journeys and let me tell you, that group helped me stay positive during my treatment.  I love online support groups and am part of many of them, but meeting these women in person and being able to see that my fears and anxieties were not crazy and also to see how they were thriving after a cancer diagnosis  and not allowing it to take over their entire life, gave me hope that someday I would be where they were…not just surviving but thriving!!  You will hear some of these ladies stories in future episodes!!  Unfortunately that group fell by the wayside shortly after I finished treatment.  But I never forgot what that group meant to me, so when a couple of my girlfriends were diagnosed two days apart and my sister in law asked if I would chat with her firend from HS show was recently diagnosed…I said to myself…Marce…its time to get that support group up and running.  I created a private facebook group, made up some cards for my oncology office to hand out and that's how Tatas and Tapas was born! Anyone listening is welcome to check us out to see if we could be of any help to you throughout your journey!!  We do have meetups, but also have women who live out of state and just check in with questions about treatment, side effects etc.  Here I am, almost three years cancer free and felt like it was time to take a leap of faith and create this podcast.  I may have had a little push….or shove from my brother who is a pretty well known podcaster himself.  But he helped me realize that my story and others like mine can help so many women and men who are just beginning their journey. You are not alone.   We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for and we are stronger together!!  I hope you will benefit from listening to other survivor stories and consider sharing your own. There are also many resources out there that focus on supporting survivors through their journey and I will be sharing that information as well.  If you would like to share your journey or any resources that have been helpful to you,  feel free to contact me at breastcancerandtheunknown@gmail.com.