Pam and I met with my breast cancer surgeon today. A very intense, serious, yet compassionate woman. We also met members of my "team" who will work with me and support me during my battle with breast cancer. It was decided that my best option will be to have a mastectomy and completely remove my left breast. There are two other areas with clusters of calcifications similar to the one that was biopsied and the only way to know if they are also cancerous is to do another Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy. After Tuesday's experience, I can assure you: that just ain't going to happen!!! The chances are good that at least one of the sites will also be malignant plus I have many individual calcifications spread throughout the breast. There is no way to biopsy them all and with one cluster confirmed to be malignant, a "wait and see" approach is not a viable option. For these reasons, with my doctor's agreement, I decided that a lumpectomy just wouldn't be a reasonable approach for my situation. At the very least, I would need 5 to 7 weeks of daily radiation treatments (at a hospital 45 minutes from where I live) to follow up if I went with the lumpectomy.
Dr. Johnson suggested that I am a good candidate for reconstructive surgery so Pam and I will meet with a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction next Wednesday. After that appointment, we go back to see Dr. Johnson and set up my surgery. It will either take place late next week or the following week. I'm anxious to get it done with. I feel good about my chances for a full recovery and I just want to get the surgical part over and done with so I can start healing.
Again.
Oh Nancy! When in the world did all THIS happen? I fell out of the loop somewhere. My thoughts and prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery are with you ~ you already have the positive thoughts and the supportive people. I have no doubt you will triumph quickly!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry this happened to you. My friend Linda went through this two years ago and came out fine. I think you've made a great decision. I wish you a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have such a great outlook. I am going to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you as you go on this journey.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a good team, and I KNOW you have great support with your kids and friends and fellow bloggers. It's a huge comfort and blessing to know that. Keep us updated, we are thinking of you every day!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you will heal my dear woman! And apparently be a candidate for those new perky perfect breasts! Should I send a copy? Love you lots and lots
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God bless!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby's mother had a mastectomy long before they had 'reconstructive surgery'. I didn't know until we'd been married almost 10 years and he told me.
It never bothered her and she did fine. I'm sure you will too. ♥
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear your confident additude. It will be a major ingredient in your treatment.
I speak from experience. I have had two masectomies. For two different kinds of breast cancer. I had this done 18 & 16 years ago and I am doing fine. I am sure you will as well. You have shown us what a resilent woman you are. And you have such a great support with your family. We are thinking of them as well.
I am hoping that your outcome from the surgery will be like mine. I was suprized to not have any major pain. Intersting because a couple of my biopsy's were painfull. But other than muscle soreness in my arm it was suprizingly NOT REALLY PAINFULL.
And in my case even the chemo was not so bad. Because of the early detection...like your case...lower doses could be used. Didn't loose my hair. No heaving up. Just tired a lot. I tell folks this not to brag but to take the scare out of this whole business. This is something to fight head on agressively. Show it who is boss!
I did not have recunstruction surgury and must admit that at time I wish I had. However I am saving $$ not having to buy bra's :)
YOU GO GIRL!!
We all are in your corner cheering you on.
Marilyn
You guys are SO WONDERFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much all of the support and encouragement means to me. I also appreciate hearing of other people's experiences. Wouldn't it be great if we all could learn a little something new and perhaps even help someone else live by encouraging regular mammograms for early detection? I have no doubt that "we" will get through this ~ and perhaps make a few new friends along the way...
Hugs right back to you all!
Hi Nancy, A big hug to you and your family is in order at this point. I was thinking of you a lot yesterday. IMO you and your med team made a wise choice--same choice I would make in your choice.
ReplyDeleteMore email later--Terry
Nancy, in the rush of my week, I haven't been able to visit your blog. Now I wish I'd made the time...There are so many things that I want to say to you right now, but I will only say that I admire your strength, your attitude, and your courage. I know at times like this having friends and family near is such a blessing, and while we've never met, I hope you will number me among your friends who are here on the sidelines cheering you on, and keeping you in my prayers for peace and comfort and the strength for the coming days. Also, I'm sorry but this is not going to get you off the hook to make me that scarf!! :-))) Please consider yourself virtually hugged and know that I'm thinking of you!!!
ReplyDeleteNancy, I'm echoing thoughts above. I can't believe that I missed yet another important post. I just don't spend much time indoors on the computer during the summer months but I'm really sorry. I've just read back through the previous posts and I want you to know that Chris and I, Fox and Whisper and the flock are all sending warming healing vibes across the pond. It's lovely to know that you have such wonderful family looking after you. With much love, Jenny x
ReplyDeleteNancy I read this news with a heavy heart, but also with a bushel bunch of hope! You are a woman with an immense amount of courage and strength that will not fail you. With the support of your family and friends (of which your blog "family" can be counted)I know you will triumph!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers and thoughts Nancy!
Tina xo
It sounds like you made the best decision. Now you need to take really good care of yourself and heal.
ReplyDelete