How to find answers and information you need to make informed decisions…
aiming at the best possible outcome for mastectomy recovery and breast cancer surgery
Initially you will focused on the breast cancer treatments.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre offers information on what to discuss with your doctors, helping you to understand and be at peace with their
recommendations. We do not advise or discuss treatments with you.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Breast cancer is probably new territory for you ... like COVID-19 was to the world ... an unwelcome health challenge that went on longer than anticipated.
Knowledge in advance and during your breast cancer journey about the common (and often unexpected) issues that your medical team doesn't
have time to talk to you about can sometimes be more troubling than the treatments.
We aim to help you to prepare and tackle these secondary challenges with practical tools and confidence.
Our multi-media Resource Library and Private Facebook support group are designed to help you to make the best recovery possible ... physically, emotionally and sexually. We also offer support to you (and the ones who love you) as you travel through this journey from your breast cancer diagnosis onwards ... for as long as you need us.
We understand that many women are single or their partner is unable to be supportive.
This is not the time to 'do it alone' and we hope to fill that gap for you.
'The long shadow of breast cancer' of unresolved issues can last for months or years after treatments are completed, depending on how the recovery is facilitated.
Have a good look around the website and the value of the Pink Ribbon Kit.
Knowledge is power...and gives you the empowerment to travel your own breast cancer journey ... in the driver's seat.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre offers information on what to discuss with your doctors, helping you to understand and be at peace with their
recommendations. We do not advise or discuss treatments with you.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Breast cancer is probably new territory for you ... like COVID-19 was to the world ... an unwelcome health challenge that went on longer than anticipated.
Knowledge in advance and during your breast cancer journey about the common (and often unexpected) issues that your medical team doesn't
have time to talk to you about can sometimes be more troubling than the treatments.
We aim to help you to prepare and tackle these secondary challenges with practical tools and confidence.
Our multi-media Resource Library and Private Facebook support group are designed to help you to make the best recovery possible ... physically, emotionally and sexually. We also offer support to you (and the ones who love you) as you travel through this journey from your breast cancer diagnosis onwards ... for as long as you need us.
We understand that many women are single or their partner is unable to be supportive.
This is not the time to 'do it alone' and we hope to fill that gap for you.
'The long shadow of breast cancer' of unresolved issues can last for months or years after treatments are completed, depending on how the recovery is facilitated.
Have a good look around the website and the value of the Pink Ribbon Kit.
Knowledge is power...and gives you the empowerment to travel your own breast cancer journey ... in the driver's seat.
Common treatment options
- Double mastectomy
- Single mastectomy
- Radical mastectomy
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Bilateral mastectomy
- Breast reconstruction
- Prophylactic (preventative) mastectomy
- Modified radical mastectomy
- Lymph nodes
- Lymph cancer
Everyone is different…there isn't a “one size fits all” for breast cancer.
Some ladies want to follow conservative treatments, others opt for alternative therapies.
Often patients mix complementary therapies with the conservative surgery, chemotherapy and radiation regimes. This needs to be discussed with your medical team to make sure it's a good mix.
You need to be well informed of successful options and then be allowed to make your own decisions...with no judgement from anybody!
It is vital that when you go to a doctor’s office that someone who is calm and assertive goes with you to ensure that ALL your questions are addressed and the answers understood.
Yes, the doctor is busy, but this is a life threatening health challenge and must be given the appropriate support by the medical team. If the doctor is not spending enough time with you to explain everything properly then you need to think about changing doctors.
One article in our Resource Library is a list of the questions that you should be asking your doctors throughout your breast cancer journey.
The library is a comprehensive selection of multi-media information about common questions, issues and challenges for breast cancer patients,
including physical, emotional and sexuality challenges.
You are very welcome to join our breast cancer recovery centre
Hi! I’m Trish Duke, a holistic health professional and have been looking after patients just like you for 40 years as a physiotherapist..
(About Trish)
It concerned me that so many ladies struggled with both understanding and feeling comfortable with suggested treatment plans. Often patients felt they were on a “cancer conveyor belt", found a lump one day and were in surgery within days closely followed with chemotherapy and radiation before they had time to get over the shock of the initial diagnosis.
Can you relate to that? Did you feel powerless…not to mention terrified!
Along with other health professionals specialising in breast cancer and survivors, we have written and recorded tips and solutions to inform, encourage and support you throughout YOUR breast cancer journey. It's called the Pink Ribbon Kit...keep reading to learn more about how helpful the Kit could be for you, during your treatment phase and afterwards until you are completely recovered physically, emotionally and sexually.
Examples of resources in the library about treatment options are below.
Learn from an international breast cancer surgeon and nurse
Resource # 1
An international Breast Cancer Surgeon gives five exclusive radio interviews.
These interviews cover all aspects of breast cancer surgery as if you were sitting with the surgeon for almost an hour and able to ask her all the questions you need to know…or should know.
Interview # 1
- Diagnosis and the start of your life-changing journey
- The 3 main breast cancer groups
- Treatment choices
Interview # 2
- Early detection
- Diagnostic techniques
- A history of breast cancer treatments. Why your mother might be freaking out!
- Surgical options for both men and women
- How urgent is it to operate?
- Taking your time to make an educated decision
- Can anti-perspirants cause breast cancer?
Interview # 3
- Why the surgeon operates under your arm
- Pathology tests on axillary lymph notes
- Lymph gland removal and test options
- Subsequent risks of reduced shoulder movement/function
- Who is at risk of lymphedema?
- False negative test reports
Interview # 4
- Making treatment decisions you will happy with in the long term
- Surgical options. Mastectomy and /or reconstruction
- When is the best time to have a breast reconstruction?
- Is it ever too late to have a reconstruction?
- Nipple building options
Interview # 5
- Key points to remember
- Breast cancer treatments are not “one size fits all”
- From “panic pill” at your diagnosis to the end of your treatments
- Dealing with treatment plans
Resource # 2
Four exclusive radio Interviews with a breast cancer nurse:
“How a Mastectomy Affects a Woman and Her World”
Interview # 1
- What is a mastectomy?
- How much pain will I feel?
- The effect of losing the weight of a breast
- How others will see you
- How I might see myself
- That first look in the mirror
- How your femininity is affected
- Sexuality after breast cancer
- How a man can help his wife
- Is breastfeeding still possible?
- Do my relationships change for the better or worse?
Interview # 2
- The grief of losing a breast
- How breast cancer affects my emotionally
- 1 in 3 women suffer depression post-op
- Breast cancer can affect your life positively
- A support group is not for everyone
- One-on-one support may be a perfect fit for your lifestyle
Interview # 3
- Having fun after a mastectomy
- Activities and sports
- Regaining you physical fitness and emotional confidence
- Swimwear and sport bras
Interview # 4
- 1 in 4 women are at risk of lymphedema post-op
- What is lymphedema?
- Dangers of airline travel to lymphedema
- Pros and cons of breast reconstruction surgery
- Life will never be the same
- With the right information and support there can be a high quality and productive life after breast cancer!
Resource # 3
I wrote a series of 7 e-Books called “Mastectomy Recovery” (best sellers on Amazon.com).
One of the books is called “Understanding Treatment Options” and includes transcripts from the radio interviews:
- The breast cancer journey
- Learn from a specialist nurse
- A breast cancer surgeon answers your questions
- What is a breast cancer?
- Different types of breast cancer
- Understanding your treatment options
- Is treatment always urgent?
- Why do surgeons operate under my arm?
- Breast Reconstruction surgery
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These three resources together will save you time and worry.
You will learn:
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The Pink Ribbon Kit
The 'Pink Ribbon Kit' aims to help YOU to tackle the unexpected challenges that most patients face throughout their breast cancer journey ...
and for months after treatments are completed.
The Kit is available to you as a lifetime resource and designed to assist you from diagnosis to the point when breast cancer is no longer an issue in your life.
The ‘long shadow’ after breast cancer can include lymphedema, body image and sexual issues, mild depression, changed relationships.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
The Pink Ribbon Kit includes:
The Resource Library has links to the best international breast cancer websites and unique multi-media resources … saving you time (and stress) instead of frantically searching on the internet for answers to questions you were not expecting to ask!
Learn from international health professionals and breast cancer survivors using the compendium of videos,radio interviews, e-books, audio, research articles and TV programs etc.
Coupled with the FB support group, you will have tools 24/7 to dip into before or during a challenge. You (the patient) can invite a loved one or personal VIP into the FB group. They often need as much support as yourself.
Contributors to the Pink Ribbon Resource Library:
You are very welcome to join our international mastectomy recovery community!
Click here to check out the contents of the RESOURCE LIBRARY
Click here to obtain your lifetime access to the PINK RIBBON KIT
Ladies who are single or have a partner who feels unable to support them throughout their treatment and recovery can choose the option of additional ‘one-on-one ' support.
Enlightened health professionals know that you benefit from ongoing encouragement and information for at least the same time period as your treatments last.
That means if your treatments lasted for one year, then you usually still need support and information for a year afterwards. Helping you to make the best recovery possible physically, emotionally and sexually.
When your treatments are completed, the medical team may tell you to “Get on with your life now” ... but some ladies are left feeling abandoned, bewildered and possibly traumatised afterwards.
At this point, some cancer support groups wish you luck and expect you to make room for new patients.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre is still ‘there for you’ until you no longer need us …although you might like to visit the FB support group from time to time to encourage ladies travelling on their breast cancer journey.
If you choose the option of ‘one-on-one’ support, Trish Duke is your key support person/mentor/coach and will talk with you by email, WhatsApp, Skype, phone, etc. She has been a qualified cancer support group facilitator for many years and treated breast cancer patients for over four decades as a physiotherapist. (About)
This option has limited places to ensure adequate care and time for each person. Applicants for 'one-on-one' support are accepted only after a chat with Trish to make sure that it's a right fit for you.
We invite YOU to join the mastectomy recovery community!
and for months after treatments are completed.
The Kit is available to you as a lifetime resource and designed to assist you from diagnosis to the point when breast cancer is no longer an issue in your life.
The ‘long shadow’ after breast cancer can include lymphedema, body image and sexual issues, mild depression, changed relationships.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
The Pink Ribbon Kit includes:
- A comprehensive, multi-media Resource Library with practical tips and solutions to speed up your recovery …physically, emotionally and sexually.
- A private Facebook group focused on being supportive, helpful and positive!
- Make new friends in the FB group who 'get' where you are at this point in your life.
- Prayer support is offered.
- You have an option to invest in yourself with ‘one-on-one’ support.
The Resource Library has links to the best international breast cancer websites and unique multi-media resources … saving you time (and stress) instead of frantically searching on the internet for answers to questions you were not expecting to ask!
Learn from international health professionals and breast cancer survivors using the compendium of videos,radio interviews, e-books, audio, research articles and TV programs etc.
Coupled with the FB support group, you will have tools 24/7 to dip into before or during a challenge. You (the patient) can invite a loved one or personal VIP into the FB group. They often need as much support as yourself.
Contributors to the Pink Ribbon Resource Library:
- Breast cancer surgeon
- Family Doctors
- Breast Cancer Nurse
- Senior breast cancer Physiotherapist
- Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones
- Best-selling authors on Amazon.com
- Award-winning documentary maker
- Ongoing new contributors and resources
You are very welcome to join our international mastectomy recovery community!
Click here to check out the contents of the RESOURCE LIBRARY
Click here to obtain your lifetime access to the PINK RIBBON KIT
Ladies who are single or have a partner who feels unable to support them throughout their treatment and recovery can choose the option of additional ‘one-on-one ' support.
Enlightened health professionals know that you benefit from ongoing encouragement and information for at least the same time period as your treatments last.
That means if your treatments lasted for one year, then you usually still need support and information for a year afterwards. Helping you to make the best recovery possible physically, emotionally and sexually.
When your treatments are completed, the medical team may tell you to “Get on with your life now” ... but some ladies are left feeling abandoned, bewildered and possibly traumatised afterwards.
At this point, some cancer support groups wish you luck and expect you to make room for new patients.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre is still ‘there for you’ until you no longer need us …although you might like to visit the FB support group from time to time to encourage ladies travelling on their breast cancer journey.
If you choose the option of ‘one-on-one’ support, Trish Duke is your key support person/mentor/coach and will talk with you by email, WhatsApp, Skype, phone, etc. She has been a qualified cancer support group facilitator for many years and treated breast cancer patients for over four decades as a physiotherapist. (About)
This option has limited places to ensure adequate care and time for each person. Applicants for 'one-on-one' support are accepted only after a chat with Trish to make sure that it's a right fit for you.
We invite YOU to join the mastectomy recovery community!
TRISH DUKE
Cancer support facilitator
& Recovery Coach
If you choose one-on-one support then you can expect:
There are only 5 places per year on the one-on-one option.
If you would like to explore if this would interest you, then contact Trish to request a phone call.
What I can’t offer you is treatment advice, but I can help you to ask your medical team the right questions and help you to research your options.
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to breast cancer…knowledge is power in your hands!
Research shows that:
right information + right support = less stress + less pain + better recovery (physical, emotional and sexual)
Click here to check out the contents of the Resource Library
Click here to obtain your lifetime Pink Ribbon Kit
- I will listen to you without judgement
- Confidentiality
- I will be there for you throughout the entire breast cancer journey
- Motivate and encourage you to make the best recovery possible
- Help you to find the answers you need
- I will be open and honest with youIf you would like prayer, I can pray with and for you
There are only 5 places per year on the one-on-one option.
If you would like to explore if this would interest you, then contact Trish to request a phone call.
What I can’t offer you is treatment advice, but I can help you to ask your medical team the right questions and help you to research your options.
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to breast cancer…knowledge is power in your hands!
Research shows that:
right information + right support = less stress + less pain + better recovery (physical, emotional and sexual)
Click here to check out the contents of the Resource Library
Click here to obtain your lifetime Pink Ribbon Kit