Cathy Ghoca

In May of 2017 I found out I had breast cancer.  Two tumors in my left breast.  Initial diagnosis for both was Stage 1A Grade 1.  I had options:  mastectomy, mastectomy with reconstruction, or partial mastectomy with radiation.  I researched and deliberated all summer.  I came to the decision to have a single mastectomy with reconstruction.   The radiation oncologist recommended that I have the sentinel lymph node biopsy prior to mastectomy to confirm there was no cancer in my lymph nodes.  Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed there was.  This changed my stage to IIA.  My course of treatment changed as well based on my surgeon's recommendation, which was to have a partial mastectomy, followed by radiation and other treatments as needed.   This seems odd, I know - cancer is worse, but now we're not doing a full mastectomy.  It's mainly because radiation can cause complications with reconstruction and to avoid removing all my lymph nodes.  I can explain more in person if you'd like to know.  So now, here I go.  Wish me luck :)  Love, Cathy