Welcome to my CaringBridge website. I created it to keep friends and family updated about my treatment.
Visit often to read the latest journal entries, visit the photo gallery, and write a note in the guestbook.
Well, "How did I get here?"as the song asks? One month ago (3-26-12), I had an excisional biopsy to remove 2 lumps I had been assured showed no indication of being invasive and that may even be pre-cancerous lesions which could be removed fully during a surgical biopsy. The initial needle biopsy in February was "atypical", which could potentially not be cancerous, but still sounded scary. The radiologist advised re-doing the biopsy, monitoring the lump, or consulting a surgeon "just to be safe". I chose to consult the surgeon. Having had a negative biopsy in the past, I had every reason to trust the repeated assurances that each step was being taken "just to be safe". My surgeon advised removing the lump I found along with a second lump which had been found 3 years earlier by mammogram, "just to be safe". 3 days later I received the phone call advising me that unfortunately both areas checked were indeed cancerous,and that because multiple areas of invasive ductal carcinoma were involved, a mastectomy was the only suitable course of action.
Thinking back in time to when I found the lump in January, I remember a premonition the minute I touched the lump that it was cancerous. Even though I told myself it was probably nothing, and every doctor I consulted told me it didn't appear consistent with a cancerous lesion, I now remember that cold premonition I felt. I can't say the same for the other cancerous lump they removed: it was found by mammogram about 3 years ago and monitored by ultrasound ("just to be safe") every six months until I was declared safe to return to a regular mammogram schedule over the summer. I guess the moral of that story is that premonition may or may not be of any value, but mammogram results are certainly not very useful if you don't follow up on them with a biopsy! Anyway, don't mention anything to me with the caveat "just to be safe" and expect me to be reassured at this point!
Back to the present. I've now had an MRI and another biopsy on the other breast due to an area of "suspicion". The biopsy was negative, but we're going with the bilateral mastectomy anyway because multiple lesions have already been found and apparently small dense breast are very difficult to get good analysis on. I'm not overly willing to trust any other option at this point anyway. The plastic surgeon has assured me this is better for her anyway....because they don't make implants small enough for her to have made both sides equal if I'd only had one side removed. Gee, thanks!
I'm now in the waiting pattern for may May 11 surgery. I have already learned to hate the insurance system!
Good Morning all! I am now home and plenty tired! I got home around 10:30 last night and have been dozing off and on since then. The surgery ended up being delayed until 4, which left me nauseated because I was hungry (my guess at least). We got it under control while I got the nerve block. The doctor feels the surgery went well, with no complications, and the remains were sent for pathology to be safe. She stressed the first 3 weeks are critical to avoid infection and protect the fragile skin repair. The following 3 weeks are have the biggest risk of rejection.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. The power of prayer is mighty, and I am overwhelmed by your support.
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