Breast Cancer and the Unknown Marce Lamontagne

I am very excited to welcome back Katelyn, as she talks about her journey with starting a family after a breast cancer diagnosis.   In 2019 Katelyn's life changed when she suffered a miscarrage and then just 2 months later was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Although she feels her baby saved her life, it does not take away the pain of losing something so precious.  2 years later, on her diagnosis date, something amazing happened.  Life doesn't always go the way we plan, but Katelyn did not let the limitations that were put in front of her stop her from having what she always dreamed of....a family.  Listen to see how she  made her dreams become a reality!

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.