And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:13
It has been another exciting week. I was able to have an ultrasound of my liver and abdomen on Tuesday and the preliminary results are that it looks healthy. I still would like to meet with an oncologist but can’t get an appointment until September. I decided to do genetic testing because I might choose a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy if I am prone to cancers. It is now only a few hundred dollars to get tested now even if it isn’t covered by insurance. They tell me that it used to cost several thousand dollars. I will get a reading of 30 to 70 genes. Not sure if I want to have all that information!
I am talking to people about breast implants. My cancer book says that it is not a life time procedure meaning more surgeries down the road. If I did have a mastectomy it would save me from getting radiation and I think I would not need mammograms anymore. There is a 3 to 9% chance of developing cancer in the other breast by the time I am 85 years old. Not a huge risk but something to think about. The other option for breast reconstruction is to take tissue from your buttocks, thighs, lats, abdominal area or other area but this is a 6 hour surgery. No thank you.
I have an appointment with a second breast surgeon on Monday August 23. This surgeon would be able to do radiation during surgery as opposed to doing it afterwards. It takes 30 min extra in surgery and would save me from having to do a week of radiation with a weird catheter or weeks of going in for traditional external beam therapy. I have to find out if I am a candidate. There are more medical appointments, 3 this week alone.
I had my first support group zoom meeting. 27 women who had or are dealing with the same type of thing I am. Many have more aggressive cancer requiring more aggressive treatment. It is good to hear survivors but a little sobering to hear about the recovery for breast surgery. No showers for 2 weeks. No washing your hair because you are not allowed to reach up that high. One lady didn’t know if she could use the microwave because it was above the stove. She will probably get a small one for the counter. Other ladies get French toilet Bidet at costco or Amazon.
I don’t cry as much anymore and am focused on gathering information so that I can make a good decision about my treatment. Kinda wish someone would just tell me what is best.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Will keep you posted.
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