I am not really sure what to think about my appointment with the surgeon. Only because it left me to make some decisions that I really need to think about. I LOVED the surgeon. She was kind, personable, calm, and very helpful. She explained things to us tons of times until we understood what she meant. I am so excited that she will be my surgeon. I was also excited because everyone else that I have dealt with in this process so far has been kind of gloomy- ohhh you have a bad prognosis. poor poor you. Nope, not Dr. Chow. She felt very positive, and although she did confirm that it was a very aggressive type, that we can beat this.
The timeline looks like this:
Surgery the first of August (apparently even aggressive cancer isn't going to grow too much in one month)
After surgery, I will start chemo + herceptin. The chemo will last 5 or 6 months. Some people get 'special' chemo that doesn't have bad side effects, like hair falling out. I don't get 'special' chemo. I get the regular stuff- for half of an entire year. That is a long time to be bald. After that 5-6 month period, I will continue taking Herceptin for another year, I think she said- not a biggie, it does not have many side effects.
After chemo is finished I will do radiation for 6-7 weeks 5 days a week*IF* I opt for a lumpectomy vs mastectomy.
So now the tricky part. She said I am a very good candidate for a lumpectomy. The incision would be right along the top part of my breast, and they would take out a chunk.
A lumpectomy will give me a 10-12% chance for cancer coming back.
a mastectomy would give me a 3-5% chance.
She said that while I would have a higher chance for getting cancer again, my survival chances did not change any, even if I got cancer again. sooooooo what do I do with THAT information? ack.
Honestly, I am still leaning toward mastectomy- at least in my right breast but it just isn't as set in stone as I thought it was.
The next step is an MRI to determine if any other lumps are anywhere else on the breasts that the other scans are not showing. That should be done by next week. Also, I will get getting a genetic test done to see if I carry the gene for it. It isn't on my moms side, but may be on my dads. The importance for getting this test will be possibly for a double mastectomy as well as having my ovaries removed. Apparently if you test positive for this gene, you are at very high risk of also getting ovarian cancer. boooo! But at least those tests are painless and quick.
Jim and I have decided to wait and see what the medical oncologyst says when I meet with her. Maybe she will sway our decision one way or the other. After that, we need to hurry and make a decision because if it is mastectomy then we need to get everything scheduled for the plastic surgeon to be in surgery same time as oncology breast surgeon.
Any thoughts on this are welcome :)
Yay on having a great surgeon!! The tone your doctor takes makes such a difference.
ReplyDeleteChoices, choices. :) It's all weighing odds and statistics. (There have been some cases where breast cancer has returned even after a double mastectomy.) I went with chemo, then lumpectomy, then radiation. But you and your husband need to do what's best for the two of you. It is a very good idea to have the plastic surgeon consulting in the initial surgery (mine reduced the unaffected breast at the same time the surgeon was removing my cancer).
You think the hair will be a big thing, but I didn't find it so. It grows back (as I said before under the name "Mistfox"). You can create a "Look" while it's gone. ;-)
Thank you Jean. I am so glad I have people to walk me though this :)
DeleteYour tone is so positive. You are amazing. I know you will make the right decision. I am praying that you will have great confidence in your decision that will bring you peace about the whole process. I also pray that you will continue to have positive appointments with your doctors. If they knew you at all, they would know you WILL beat this!!'
ReplyDeleteYay on having options and a good surgeon!!! That is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLike Jean said, you think the hair will be a big thing, but think of the fun you could have with the wigs! You can try out new colors and styles you never tried before (LOL, may spice things up ;-) ), and your own hair will grow back. :-)
regarding colors: Well, I have done black, purple, orange, and red.... I guess that leaves blue, pink, and blonde
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ReplyDeleteMy mother in law (a cancer survivor) had some advice she told me to pass along. She said to go now and find your wig and as soon as you see that you are losing your hair, shave it off. She said its so much better than seeing it fall out. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteThose women who live bald always sent a powerful message to me as a child. I wondered and continue to wonder if I could be as badass.
ReplyDeleteSame w breasts. I love my hair and breasts, and ache with the thought of your losing yours in your fight. Guess you are badass, Tara.
You seem to be holding all your facts and data in your hand as you go forward. The answers will make themselves known.