Friends, I have breast cancer (DCIS). It is in several locations in my right breast (as confirmed with biopsy). After discussion with multiple doctors and other women who have had this diagnosis, I have decided to have a double, simple skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. This will happen Tuesday, March 1st, in Tallahassee, at TMH. This should eliminate any need for radiation or chemotherapy ( except possible estrogen-suppressing treatment afterwards), and it should also eliminate any likelihood of breast cancer returning to my body. I will not lose my hair, only my natural breasts. Hopefully, the new ones will look similar in shape, albeit without nipples (yay! Finally able to go braless!!!)
For those of you who are interested, I did get the genetic screening, and I do not have the BRCA gene, so Lilith is at no greater risk for cancer than any other person. This also suggests I am not at elevated risk for ovarian and uterine cancer, so that's good.
The surgeons I am going with come very highly recommended, and both have done many mastectomies with reconstruction (Dr. Kirbo, my plastic surgeon particularly has a wide variety of experience with reconstructions, and has spent a lot of time discussing options with me.) I will be out of work for some time, healing is expected to take up to 6 weeks. I would be happy to talk about this scary journey I have come through, but request that people wait some time to let me rest and heal. I just want to focus on staying positive and healing. Prayers and well wishes are, of course, welcome.
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