Before breast cancer surgery, consider consulting a breast cancer specialist; I later learned my axillary lymph node dissection may not have been necessary because modern protocols typically begin with a sentinel lymph node biopsy and remove additional nodes only if cancer is detected, and tumor boards exist so multiple doctors can review and guide treatment decisions based on evidence.

#BreastCancerJourney #PatientAdvocacy #CancerCare #MedicalAwareness #WomensHealth

After a recent car accident, airbags struck my sternum and potential rib fractures were initially dismissed because I appeared composed; breast cancer survivors often develop extremely high pain tolerance from surgeries and treatment, making it difficult to gauge injury, and that strength can become a hidden risk when real damage is overlooked.

#BreastCancerJourney #ChronicPainAwareness #HiddenInjury #PatientAdvocacy #Resilience

A few days after my axillary lymph node dissection, my left arm swelled painfully from trapped lymphatic fluid; the pressure and inflammation were intense, yet I walked to the doctor with my young son singing beside me, reminding me that even in post-surgical complications and lymphedema recovery, strength often shows up quietly in the hardest moments.

#LymphedemaAwareness #BreastCancerJourney #PostSurgeryRecovery #ChronicPain #PatientAdvocacy

Lymphedema is often mistaken for visible limb swelling, yet it can exist internally in the chest and back, causing persistent stabbing shoulder blade pain and surgical complications due to blocked lymphatic fluid. As a breast cancer survivor living with chronic pain, I am sharing this so others recognize hidden symptoms and advocate for proper diagnosis before complications escalate.

#LymphedemaAwareness #BreastCancerJourney #ChronicPain #WomensHealth #PatientAdvocacy

#ShieldAlert: #AndSteiner, GenderDiverse #HumanRightsActivist, targeted for #PatientAdvocacy at #LemuelShattuck.

Urgent Update: #Whistleblower And Steiner Still in Danger Despite Recent Concessions

September 22, 2025: "#MindFreedomInternational (#MFI) is pleased to report that, in response to our previous Shield Alert update, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital has allowed And Steiner to see a covering provider of their choice and assured that And’s requests are being taken seriously. However, MFI remains concerned about And’s safety and well-being despite these concessions.

"As a reminder, And is a #Massachusetts (MA) Department of Mental Health (DMH) patient at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and whistleblower alleging criminal misconduct and abuse within the Massachusetts #DMH system, and has faced a pattern of retaliation including illegal #ForcedTransfer, assault, and harassment and denial of #DueProcess. A staff member has also warned that DMH plans to continue this targeting and harassment."

See link below to learn what you can do.

"Main talking points:

- And Steiner is a whistleblower who has reported alleged criminal misconduct and abuse within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health system.
- And is currently under the care of those they are whistleblowing about.
- A staff member has warned an MFI volunteer of DMH’s intentions to target and harass And.
- And has faced retaliation, including illegal forced transfer, assault, verbal and sexual harassment, and denial of due process, including recent targeted discrimination and abuse by staff.
- Ivy McCall, a friend of And’s with a masters degree in social work, who has attended many of And’s Team Meetings, has come forward saying she believes DMH is targeting and abusing And and that And is not safe.
- All Massachusetts State entities have refused to intervene despite an easily provable #patternOfAbuse and targeting by DMH towards And for at least 3 years.
- Many staff members have filed complaints regarding And’s care.
- #MindFreedom and many advocates and you remain concerned that this pattern will continue without intervention."

https://mindfreedom.org/front-page/and-steiner/

#LemuelShattuck #Queer #BIPOC #Transgender #LGBTQ #PatientAbuse #LetterWriting #Psychiatry #Fascism #Massachusetts #MassDMH
#HumanRightsAbuses

Something that changed my approach to doctor appointments: bringing actual data instead of trying to remember everything on the spot. When I started logging my symptoms daily, I stopped blanking out the moment they asked how I've been doing. Even just a week of notes makes such a difference.

#ChronicIllness #PatientAdvocacy #SymptomTracking #DoctorAppointment #HealthData

I just contacted my legislators about the Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act.

I use prescribed oral medical nutrition specifically to prevent needing a feeding tube. Right now the system will often cover the tube and hospital care but not the treatment that helps avoid it in the first place.

For many disabled and chronically ill patients this is the difference between staying stable and medical decline, especially for people on Medicaid or fixed incomes.

If you are in the US and this applies to you, the Rare Disease Action Network has a quick form you can use to contact your representatives.

https://rarediseases.quorum.us/campaign/154665

#MedicalFoods #RareDisease #DisabilityAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #ChronicIllness #Medicaid #PatientAdvocacy