Home → Day-to-Day Matters → Talking to Your Family and Friends About Breast Cancer → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Family, Friends, Relationships → September 2004: Family and Loved Ones → Talk to girlfriend about reconstruction?

Talk to girlfriend about reconstruction?

Page last modified on: September 24, 2008

Question from Website Question: My girlfriend is very resistant about the idea of reconstruction. How can I get her to explore all the options?: Answers —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: There are a percentage of patients who prefer not to have reconstruction, and that may be the correct option for them. Also, reconstruction can be pursued at any time. So if she doesn't have reconstruction and several years later feels that she wants to, the option is open to her. Right now, your girlfriend needs to be free to explore or not to explore, as she wishes.; Marc Silver, author: That's something husbands need to understand as well. They should not pressure their wife to have reconstruction, because it's her decision, and she's the boss.

On Wednesday, September 15, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Family and Loved Ones. Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W., author Marc Silver, and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the issues surrounding family members and caregivers living with and caring for women affected by breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.

Marc Silver is the author of Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.