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A MASTECTOMY ISN'T ALWAYS THE ONLY ANSWER

During the month of October, traditionally Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women around the world have the opportunity to reflect on their good fortune if they are healthy, learn to empathise with those who are not, cope with the ordeal of breast cancer and remind themselves that it can be curbed if a vigilant approach is taken.

Breast Cancer Month is also a time to hear from those who have been through the ordeal. Such a person is Janet Muller, ironically, the owner and proprietor of Pandora Bra Studio.

Janet is a professional bra-fitting consultant who has inspired and trained a number if consultants throughout South Africa, building a network of studios around the country.

While her focus has always been to ensure that women leave her studio feeling confident and comfortable because they are wearing well-fitting bras, she has also spent the past nine years helping women with prosthesis-fitting as a result of breast surgery.

Known to many as 'the breast lady', Janet has dealt with and supported survivors of breast cancer, and she feels that this made all the difference when she was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year. She knew that there could be life after cancer and felt fortunate to have been exposed to so many women who bear testimony to the fact that with early detection and quick action, breast cancer can be dealt with to a positive end.

Janet was initially advised by her GP and surgeon that she should have a total mastectomy. Although the biopsy reflected a small malignancy and there appeared to be few cancer cells, they both told her that they were 'from the old school' and did not like to take any chances. A conservative approach was recommended, whereby the entire breast and some lymph nodes would be removed.

Janet decided to phone the Cancer Association of South Africa and found their support most helpful. On hearing that few cancer cells had been detected and that it was still in its early stage, they advised her to contact the Bone and Breast Care Centre where she would find the best equipment and female doctors who would be more sympathetic towards her needs.

This, Janet says, turned out to be quite true. The doctor at the Bone and Breast Care Centre spent a number of hours locating the tiny lumps and concluded that a mastectomy was not necessary. Not only did they offer her sound advice, but the support she received from an emotional point of view was invaluable.

'So many doctors don't take the necessary emotional healing process into account,' she says, 'and it is an important part of the healing process to still feel in touch with one's femininity.'

Today, Janet has a small scar to show for her tenacity, rather than the absence of her breast. Her advice to women is, firstly, don't panic.

'It is essential to take the necessary time to really find out what is wrong and how advanced the cancer is' she advises. 'It is also vital to get a second, and even a third and fourth opinion, if you're not sure.'

'We are so accustomed to accepting what doctors have to say at face value, and yet there are many women out there who do not necessarily have to lose a breast.'

She cautions, however, that early detection is vital and that a woman should be realistic about how far you should take it to fight for your breast.

'Don't be afraid of having a mammogram,' she concludes, 'because it is certainly not the painful process that some people have described. Have regular check-ups and make sure that you switch into action the minute you suspect something.'

A bit about Pandora Bra Studios
Pandora Bra Studio is a professional bra fitting service offering a range of exclusive imported bras and shape-enhancers. With Pandora distributorships established around the country, women in South Africa don't have to battle with their bras. All they need to learn is that the sizzle is in the correct fit and that the correct fit can be achieved by seeing a professional fitting consultant who sells you what you need, not simply what happens to be available in the shop.

Pandora Bra Studios sorts out breast problems no matter what they are: under-or over-endowment, mastectomies, self-confidence issues, or simply the standard 36B or C woman who is struggling with the right fit.

For more info, contact The Bone and Breast Care Centre
Tel: + 27 11 447 2770
Email: bbcc@mweb.co.za
Dr. Shirley Lipcshitz
Dr. Louella Ritz

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