Cathy Bossi, a flight attendant and cancer survivor, says TSA agents stopped their pat down when they got to her right breast. “She put her full hand on my breast and said, ‘What is this?’ And I said, ‘It’s my prosthesis because I’ve had breast cancer.’ And she said, ‘Well, you’ll need to show me that.’”

According to the TSA website, security officers aren’t supposed to require you to remove your prosthetic device, but these agents did.

“I do believe in security,” Bossi said. “But I do believe it has gone too far.”

Tom Sawyer, a former high school teacher from Michigan, is a bladder cancer survivor and thus wears a urostomy bag. During his pat-down, agents didn’t listen to his explanations, squeezed the bag until it ruptured and ended up spilling urine on him. The TSA later apologized to the man, but it was a case of too little, too late. He had to go onboard and travel with no bag and urine all over his clothes.

I wish I had an easy solution for anyone with medical issues going through these new invasive pat-downs, but the only thing we can do now is voice our opinions. This is all supposed to be about safety, but so many Americans are questioning whether or not these measures are really making us any safer. Texas Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has called on TSA officials to soften their approach. “We’ve got to do more,” she said. “The outcry is huge.”

If you want to speak out against the new pat-downs, you may want to review this petition to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Otherwise if you have a bad experience, report it to airport security and/or the TSA.

Some airports insist you go through either the body scanner or the pat-down. Others, however, won’t pull you aside unless you fail the metal detector. Whatever you experience, here are some tips to help you out:
• If you are wearing a medical device, warn the agent ahead of time. TSA says a very small percent of people actually have to go through a pat-down. Remember if you are required to go through the pat-down, you can always request a private room and a same-sex agent. You can also request that a witness be present.
• Don’t wear anything with metal that could set off the detector. If you have a belt, take it off and put it through with your shoes. Also remove metal watches, jewelry, pens, hair accessories, eyeglasses, keys, and anything in your pockets.
• Avoid big, bulky clothing, like flowing skirts or multiple layers, as it looks like you could be carrying something underneath. If you need that extra sweater, take it off before you go through the metal detector.
• If you have to choose between the electronic body scanner and the pat down, consider this: the scanner is faster, but it does expose you to a very low level of radiation. The pat down is quite intrusive and takes more time, but it does save you the radiation exposure. Consider what you would prefer ahead of time.
• Choose your top carefully—if you have to go through the body scanner, you’ll have to put your arms above your head. Depending on how you feel about your underarms, you may want to wear shirts with sleeves, and shirts that will stay down over your tummy when your hands are up.
• For more information, check out the TSA’s website.

How do you feel about the new pat-downs? Do you have any recommendations?

Photo courtesy Crazy Lady Rocks via Flickr.com.

“I had a bilateral mastectomy last week and came home with drains on both sides,” says fighter Louise414. “Shortly thereafter the drain on the right side stopped working. I saw the surgeon again thinking he would somehow fix the drain. Instead he removed it. I immediately developed seroma.”

Basically, a seroma is a collection of clear fluid (usually blood serum or blood plasma) under the skin. Drains are used post-mastectomy to dispose of the fluids that typically gather after surgery, but once these are removed, some fluid may still pool up in places like the surgery site, under the armpit, and even in the shoulder area, if muscle was removed to help in breast reconstruction. According to BreastCancer.org, they can show up 7–10 days after surgery, typically after the drainage tubes have been removed.

If the seroma isn’t causing you too much discomfort, it will usually absorb back into the body in about a month, though sometimes it can take much longer. If it is painful, you can go to your doctor to have it drained (much like you might drain a blister) with a needle and a syringe, though this can carry a slight risk of infection. Sometimes, you may have to have it drained more than once, or the doctor may use medications to help encourage the body to absorb the fluid.

Researchers have been studying seromas to try to find ways to reduce or eliminate them after surgery, but so far haven’t had a lot of luck. One study published in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology (December 9, 2004) concluded that it didn’t really matter when drains were removed, what type of dressings were used, how often the arm was moved, how old the patient was, what the status was of the lymph nodes, or how large the tumors were. They did find, however, that there was a 2.5 times higher risk of seroma in patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy as opposed to breast preservation.

A current clinical trial begun in 2006 is exploring the use of steroids (i.e., glucocorticoid) after surgery to help prevent seromas from forming. Surmising that seroma formation is the result of inflammation, researchers wonder if substances that decrease inflammation might decrease the chance of seroma formation as well.

If you notice a swollen, tender area developing after your breast-cancer surgery—that feels like a pocket of fluid or hard like a lump underneath—check with your doctor, but don’t panic. It could very well be a seroma. Fighter Becky says, “I am three weeks out from a radical mastectomy and thought I had injured myself by doing too much too soon. Knowing that the seroma is a normal by-product of the surgery is very helpful. It is certainly uncomfortable, but knowing that it is a common occurrence makes it less scary.”

If the fluid seems to be increasing, the seroma getting larger, or if you’re experiencing pressure on the healing area, see your doctor. If you do have it drained, watch for signs of infection, like redness, warmth, or tenderness.

Have you had to deal with seromas after surgery? How did you deal with it?

Photo courtesy jogya via Flickr.com.

Cancer scars can have a similar “I’ve-been-there-and-survived” type quality, but they can also be tight, painful, and embarrassing. At their worst, lumps following breast surgery that feel like scar tissue can sometimes be new tumors.

Scar tissue is the body’s natural reaction to healing damaged areas. It’s like a latticework laid down over the injured area—which can be anywhere on or in the body—through which new connective tissues are weaved. (Think of a scab over a wound on your arm.) However, these tissues are usually denser and thicker than surrounding tissues, so they are more limited in movement, circulation, and sensation.

Though scars on the skin usually pale and fade without further irritation, larger scars from surgery— particularly from mastectomy or other significant surgeries—can create limitations in movement, and may become so stiff that they cause pressure or pain. “After mastectomy surgery,” writes Nancy J. Roberge, PT, DPT, M.Ed., “you may experience tightness emanating from your surgical site. This is caused by scar tissue, which is the body’s way of healing from surgery. The result can be very dense tissue under your incision, which is painful and which can restrict your arm’s range of motion.” She suggests physical therapy to improve flexibility, movement, and comfort.

What else can you do about thick, uncomfortable scar tissue? Vitamin E, cocoa butter, and other moisturizing creams applied to the area every day can help soften the tissue. Laura Kupperman, breast-cancer survivor and Cinco Vidas expert, recommends yoga to help restore movement and posture. Massage can also help loosen tightness. “To regain skin elasticity and to help your stretching,” says survivor Anstiss Morrill, “you will want to massage your scar tissue frequently. Ask your surgeon or physical therapist where you can make a gentle start.”

Other options for treating scar tissue include:

• Surgical treatments—for serious, stubborn scars, surgical options are available that can reduce (but not completely remove) the scar
• Dermabrasion and chemical peels—these procedures remove the top layer of skin, allowing new skin to grow and reducing scar tissue
• Needling—in this process, the affected area is “needled” to allow formation of collagen, which helps remove scar tissue
• Silicone-based scar sheets—worn for at least 8 weeks, 12 hours a day, have been helpful for reducing some scars

Though all these may be effective, you may want to try natural remedies first, to see if you can reduce scar tissue without the side effects of other treatments. Home remedies include lemon juice (applied to the scar), sandalwood paste (applied on the scar and left overnight), fenugreek seeds (washed on the scar once a week), and oil massage (with lavender, olive, cod-liver, coconut, and vitamin E oils).

Finally, if you feel a “lump-like” scar in an area where you had surgery, you may want to insist on thorough investigation to make sure it isn’t another tumor, an abscess, or something similar that requires attention. “When I had all that pain after my surgery (4 weeks later),” says fighter DulcimerGal, “the Doc’s office kept telling me to take pills—it was probably just scar tissue pulling they said…PHOOEY! It turned out to be that massive abscess the size of an orange.”

Have you found a great solution to scar tissue? Please let us know.

Photo courtesy of zomerstorm via Flickr.com.

There’s a wide variety of mastectomy swimwear available that’s fun, fashionable, and functional. Built for breast-cancer survivors, they have pockets where prosthetic breasts can be inserted. And don’t worry—they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so you’ll be able to find something that looks great on you. Land’s End has its own line (reputed to be more affordable than some), as does the popular Jodee brand. Hanes has suits at great prices, while Nicola Jane and Anita offer more up-to-date styles.

How do you go about choosing the right suit? Try them on. To find the best fit, experts say the key is to find a good match between the swimsuit and the prosthetic breasts. One thing to keep in mind—silicone prostheses will easily survive the sea or the pool, but they may take on water, swell slightly and feel a little heavier. If you don’t want to deal with the drag, you can get non-silicone swim forms, which are specifically made for mastectomy swimwear. They’ll still absorb some water, but not as much as you’re everyday prostheses. These can also be pinned or sewn into a non-mastectomy swimsuit, if you have one you’re just dying to wear again. Breast-free.org says you can even make your swim form with a bath puff or shower scrubby! It’s almost weightless and drains quickly, so if you’re looking for an economical option, this may work for you. Tightly-wound puffs are reported to work best.

Next, let’s talk evenness. If you have one natural breast, you may be concerned about appearing symmetrical in the water. Here’s where a suit with adjustable straps can come in handy. “You are going to need a bit more lift on your natural side than your prosthesis,” says Vera Garofalo, manager of Hope’s Boutique at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University. Having adjustable straps gives you the option of creating more lift where you want it. For greater security, choose a suit that fits snugly over your chest.

What about the 2-piece? You may want to try the popular “tankini,” which gives you a little more coverage on top with the free-feeling of a two-piece. This one by Queen Lingerie has a tankini top and skirt-type shorts. Land’s End also has a sport tankini style, as does Penbrooke.

As for scars, don’t worry—mastectomy suits typically offer more material around the chest area, so you’ll be covered. Then again, you may want to wear your scar with pride. “It takes awhile to get used to the fact that your body looks different,” says Mary McCabe, RN, director of the Cancer Survivorship program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. “I remember seeing a woman one summer who was wearing a very low-cut top, and I could see the top end of her surgical scar. I was so excited to see someone else who had a scar!”

So, are you getting excited about summer yet? Seriously, you’ve survived breast cancer and you probably feel happy to be alive—a swimsuit may be just what you need to feel happy to be a woman.

(A few more stores: Make Me Heal, mastectomy.com, the American Cancer Society’s TLC, Heidi’s Mastectomy Swimwear, and the Lady Jane Boutique. To find them in your area, check your phone book for mastectomy boutiques.)

Have any suggestions for looking great at the beach after breast-cancer surgery? Please share!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

Do you feel like you have absolutely nothing to wear after undergoing a recent surgery for cancer?

To begin with, one of the most difficult (and painful) tasks to tackle after a lumpectomy is finding the right bra to wear. Many doctors would recommend wearing a sports bra after an invasive procedure, but the fighters at Cancer Compass message boards recommend “finding a bra that is comfortable for you now, removing any wiring and stitching, and remodeling the straps so they don’t pinch sensitive areas.” Many women recommend contacting a local Reach For Recovery program (to help find the best bra possible), or checking out post-mastectomy lingerie and bras available from the Wear Ease brand.

What do you wear if you’ve already had a mastectomy or are dealing with asymmetry in your breasts? We personally love the clothing line Chikara, which was designed specifically for women dealing with breast-cancer-related bodily concerns, who want to feel confident and beautiful after their operation. We also recommend the Confident Clothing Company, which was established for patients in recovery who want to feel…well, confident! Although there are limited amounts of garments available, each item was designed specifically to keep mastectomy-related drains in place, while concealing them completely. Fashionable and functional? Sounds perfect to us!

For more ideas on dressing after breast cancer, please read the article Fashion Hints After Your Mastectomy, or message board opinions on cancer clothing lines at the My Breast Cancer Network website.

Do you have any tips or tricks for dressing after breast cancer? How do you make yourself feel confident through clothing? Please share your ideas, opinions and advice!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village