Jewish Journal

Breast Cancer Tips Doctors Don’t Share

by Wendy J. Madnick

October 14, 2004 | 8:00 pm




So, for all those out there who are or will be new members of the Breast Cancer Sisterhood -- the sorority no one chooses to join but is, especially in the Jewish community, very popular -- here is a list of what to expect during treatment:


There are many choices when it comes to breast cancer surgery: lumpectomy, simple mastectomy, bilateral mastectomy. If you decide to opt for the "extreme makeover," take comfort in the fact that, at least, both sides will match.


There are advantages to not having nipples. Clothes look better on you, it's harder to tell if your breasts are uneven and no one knows when you are cold.


The best hair substitute for nighttime: ski caps.




Scarves and hats are a lot more comfortable, but they tend to draw attention to you, especially if you are young. However, I've noticed on the days when I am wearing a scarf, more people go out of their way to be nice to me -- which is a big boost when you're feeling unwell.

Not-So-Glorious Food

Although it might be tempting to eat your favorite meal the evening before or the day of chemo, don't. The associations between food and nausea are so strong you might never want that meal to cross your palate again.


Chemotherapy tends to make people anemic, so think Atkins.

You will crave strange things, or only be able to eat a certain food after one chemo session and a different one after the next. (For me, it was the Caesar salad from Sharky's, alternated with, of all things, pea soup.) If it's legal and you can eat it, go for it.


Emotional Rollercoaster




Unexpected people will come out of the woodwork to support you. Outside of my family, my two best friends through this whole process have been Ronette K., who teaches at my mom's school, and Linda C., my brother's girlfriend's mother. Ronette sent me funny get-well cards after every chemo (I had 10 courses) and kept me in mystery books during my recovery from surgery; Linda ended her chemotherapy the day I got my diagnosis and was my mentor through the whole treatment process. I wouldn't have made it without either one of them.

All in the Family



Kids can be your greatest allies. For little ones, you don't have to tell them much, just what they might need to know. Like that Mommy will be living in the bathroom for the next three days.

Beam Me Up, Scotty


Yes, you will be asked to get tattooed. If this freaks you out, there are alternatives, but a tattoo provides the best record for any possible future radiation. The tattoos are tiny, not the big, rosy "Mother" ones found on certain bikers. Your doctor can give you a note for the chevra kadisha (burial society) if you feel the need.


Words to remember: body lotion. Some people swear by aloe vera; I like Aveeno with the colloidal oatmeal (which, by the way, doesn't mean any kind of special oatmeal -- it's just minced up really fine so they can get it in the lotion).

The machinery used during radiation emits a loud, annoying whine that makes it difficult to lie still. Find a "theme song" you can run through your head to distract you. (Mine is the overture from "Star Wars.")


Just when you start getting good at dealing with the chemo and radiation, it's over. Thank God.


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