Sunday, December 21, 2008
Last visit with the plastic surgeon
12/18/08 This day was my last visit to the plastic surgeon before my surgery. The purpose for this visit was to finalize all my questions and concerns that is related to my breast reconstruction. The cancer doctor and the plastic surgeon will work together during the entire surgery. My surgery is scheduled for January 7 at 1:00pm. The reason why the surgery time can vary between four and five hours because it depends if the doctor needs to remove any of my lymph nodes. The doctor will remove two or three lymph nodes from each side at the beginning of the surgery and send it to the pathologist. The results will come back during the surgery and then the doctor will know to remove more lymph nodes if they are positive for cancer or leave them alone if no cancer was detected. If I have positive lymph nodes for cancer of four or more in one arm pit then I will need radiation. If its three and under then I will not need to go through radiation unless its growing out of the cell. Wow, I was a little relieved because I assume if I had a positive lymph node then I would need radiation. This is a positive situation that I hope I fall under. If I do need radiation, it would be five times a week for five - six weeks. The doctor mentioned that 20% of her patients are positive in their lymph nodes and only 9% of them need radiation. Yes, I will be going down in size for those of you wondering. I know every body's dream is to be a larger size but I had my share and will be happy when I get rid of these bad ones! I will be at Bridgeport Hospital for two nights unless I need additional time. I will be on pain medication as well as an antibiotic for precaution for an infection. My mom and Gene will be with me at the hospital and the doctors will review all my medical conditions with them during my recovery. After the surgery, I will have two drain tubes on each side of the breast to help drain out any extra fluid in my body. After a week, I will have one tube removed from each side. Depending on much drainage is coming out is when I will get the last two removed. The worst scenario would be to have the tubes up to four weeks, lets pray its not. I will need to sleep in a recliner chair for two weeks after the surgery because it will be to hard for me to push myself up out of bed. Gene and I have been in the process of re-decorating our bedroom and we were planning to buy new furniture. This bump in our life made the decision a little faster. I can't wait to try the new chairs, I think Gene will sleeping in them as well. They are called the perfect chair. There will be no food restrictions after my surgery. I will have to be careful with showers because I can't get the tubes wet. I will be seeing both doctors one a weekly basis after the surgery for the follow-ups. The doctors are in the same building so that will make it convenient. She gave me my prescriptions so I can fill them before my surgery and have them ready at home. She gave me Percocet,Valium, and antibiotic. She will be on a mini vacation after Christmas but gave me her e-mail address if I have any other questions. That was real nice of her! I have already e-mailed her with a few questions. She mentioned that she performs from five to ten surgery's a week just for breast reconstruction within CT and NY. That is really scary because that shows us how common breast cancer is. Breath.... I spoke with the Genetic counselor and my results are still not back. She mentioned that there are five of us waiting and that the company had some issues approving insurance and then they are backed up with the process. Have a wondeful Holiday!!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Surgery date
Today I was asked when is my surgery, and I forgot to let everybody know. I was so involved writing that I only mentioned after Christmas. The surgery date is January 7 at 1:00pm. It will be a long day because no food or drinks after midnight. The surgery will be around four hours maybe five hours if the doctors need to remove some lymph nodes. The genetic test results still haven't came back. I hope next week before the holidays. I saw the plastic surgeon this week and finalized my pre-surgery plans with her. I will try and post all that information tomorrow.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Genetics
I spoke with the genetics doctor and she still has no results. She said the company is backed up with the tests and she will call me as soon as she knows the results. I will post the results as soon as I have them.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
continue story, see bottom post for the beginning of blog
November 17, 2008 I was reviewing homework with my son around 7:20 PM when the call came in from the cancer doctor and homework was immediately over. I remember going upstairs away from my kids not knowing what the news was going to be. It was the worst words I ever heard! She explained that the results determined that I had Intraductal Carcinoma- category level of cancer between 0-1. I was stunned and I immediately didn't even cry! She spoke with me for about 20 minutes. She felt at this time that I would probably wouldn't need to go through chemo since the stage level is low but we will not know if I would need radiation until after my surgery. There is a concern that the cancer might have spread into my lymph nodes under my arm pits. The lymph nodes would be checked at the time of surgery and the pathologist will give an immediately response during surgery if they are affected or not. She also explained that half of my breast was full of the microcalcifications that she recommended that I have a mastectomy . I was so angry that I didn't want my breast and felt that was the right decision. It was so hard to believe because I don't have family history for breast cancer.I was trying to consume all the information but it was hard to focus. I hung up the phone and immediately started crying. My daughter kept coming upstairs and was asking me why my eyes were red. My husband wasn't home but I knew he would be returning in the next 10 minutes that seemed like a hour. I told my daughter that I wasn't feeling well and that I was going to get in the shower. She wanted me to watch TV with her but she didn't know I just received the worst news of my life! Gene came home and I just remember yelling out of the bedroom, get the kids to bed (yes it was past their bed time) and my daughter said mom's getting in the shower. He sensed something was wrong and ran quickly up the stairs. He couldn't believed the news and was hugging me in shock! He immediately put the kids down to sleep. I tried to compose myself and came out of my room to kiss and say goodnight to my kids. I needed to let them know I loved them! My husband had told them I had a real bad headache so they were surprised that I came to say goodnight. I spoke with Gene for a little while and I had to get in the shower to let the hot steam beat on me while I absorbed all this information. Gene asked me who I wanted him to call. I immediately responded with no-one because I didn't want to ruin anybodies night like mine was already. He said we should at least call my mom, his parents, and his sister so I said okay. We stayed up until 1:00am just talking and couldn't even think about sleeping. I didn't sleep much that night.
November 18, 2008 I was home for the entire day upset and still couldn't believe what was happening in my life. I spoke on the phone but not a lot. I was able to speak with an oncologist that was referred by my doctor friend. The oncologist had helped and cleared some questions I had. He mentioned that he felt I had one of the best cancer doctors in CT and the plastic surgeon I am using is the best in the country. That made me feel terrific. I was very comfortable with him and will be seeing him after my surgery for preventing cancer in the future. The entire day my mom, Gene, and I lived on the computer researching as much information about my cancer as we could find. This evening we had the kids school conferences and I didn't even know if I could attend. I was living hour by hour. I did decide to go but was low key when speaking with the teachers. At the end of each conference, Gene had mentioned to each of the teachers about the situation just in case the kids start to act different at school. We didn't tell the kids yet but wanted to let the teachers be aware of the situation. I couldn't speak about the situation yet because I would start to cry.
November 19, 2008 I met with the school counselor to inform her of my medical attention. She was very supportive and said she would watch over the kids while they were at school. She had some material about cancer that I could share with my kids and would have it ready for me the next day. I adventured out a little today to the store. I realized that I can't stay home and be upset that I am going to be positive and fight this. All of us continued to research on the internet. We had a talk with the kids at dinner about the next evening. We told them that mom and dad had to go to my doctors for an appointment the following day in the evening. Both of the kids had hockey practice to go to so we arranged for each of them to be picked up and they were watched by our friends during practice. After practice, we had a friend who was also at hockey take both of the kids back to her house for dinner and a play date. She lives in the same city where my doctor's office is so it made it convenient. The kids were thrilled to go over their friends house to play since two of her kids are the same age as mine 8 & 5. The kids didn't ask us any questions why we were going to the doctors. We made it a big deal that they get to go over a friends house during a school night.
November 20, 2008 In the morning, I finished preparing all my questions for the doctor. I was told that the doctor will answer all of our questions and give us as much time as we needed. That was great knowing I didn't have to rush to find out all I needed to know. My appointment was at 5:00 pm but we didn't see the cancer doctor until 6:30 pm. It was a long wait but something great happened during this time. The other patients had went into the rooms and the receptionist who worked there came over to ask me if I needed copies of my medical paperwork. I answered yes and I would need my pathology report. She mentioned that the doctor had my pathology report and she will be going over the results with me this evening. I told her that I already found out my results. The receptionist started talking with us and explained she just finished chemo and is starting radiation this week. She also had breast cancer. She stated that here she works at The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center and she was diagnosed as well. As we were talking, another patient walked in who finished her surgery two weeks prior. She started sharing her story as well. This was the best therapy for us and the patient who had surgery. We shared each others stories. She was open and answered any questions that we had. I think this was a blessing that we met each other. We spoke for at least 40 minutes before she was called in to see another doctor. At this time, I decided myself that I didn't want to keep my left breast. I had not made any decision until then but I was solid that I didn't need it. I am 37 y/o and I don't want to live in fear that the cancer can come back on the other side. Gene had a great idea today and told me about it when we arrived at the doctors office. He had bought a chip that fit into his cell phone so he could record our consultation with the doctor. That was a great idea so I didn't have to try to write down all the information. The doctor was okay with it. We finally went into her office and discussed in detail the findings and results. The pathology report stated intraductral carcinoma, extensive. The size was approximate 6.0 cm that was examined, nuclear grade ll, calcification present in DCIS, extensive. This means that the cancer is in my breast duct but is on its way out to other cells. I have non-invasive cancer. She explained that she wanted me to meet with the genetics doctor and to draw blood.This is a test to help determine if I have the genetic mutation gene that could appear in my left breast. After she explained that I would have to be on tamoxifen (cancer medication) for 5 years to help reduce the cancer going into my left breast and all the side affects, I was convinced to remove my left breast. The side affects of the medication were awful: pre-menopause, hot flashes, weight gain and even risk for ovarian cancer, strokes, blood clots in the lungs, no way. I will also have to have other test performed before my surgery. She stated that I have about a 2% chance that the cancer is in my lymph nodes, which is great. I will have to get dye injected into my right breast before surgery so she can review my lymph nodes to see if they have been affected by the cancer cells. There is always a chance that a cell or two traveled out. If the lymph nodes show cancer cells, she will go ahead and remove as many that are needed to be taken out. She was impressed that we knew so much about my cancer. We explained that we research as much as we could. I told her that I have chosen to remove both breast but I will still like to continue with the genetic testing. She reviewed the new law in which insurance has to pay for the reconstruction of the breast since I was diagnose with cancer. She wants me to follow up with the plastic surgeon, she works with for more detail about the reconstruction. She explained how the surgery will work. The surgery will be 4-5 hours long. I felt comfortable when we ended our consultation and will follow up with her the next week.
November 21, 2008 I went for a MRI today for both of my breast. I wasn't nervous to go even thou I had never had a MRI before. This was to verify that my left breast had no abnormalities and to help with my right breast findings for surgery. Boy, was I wrong not to take the valium the doctor had given me! It was the worst experience. I had to lay facing down into the machine but the bad part was that my left arm had an IV in it so it had to be out straight, my right arm was bent over my head and my head was facing left. This position made me cramp and lock up during the procedure. I couldn't move and my muscles were tighten every second I was in there. She even had me re-do a five minute test that made me more tense. She said it was blurry and not to move. I couldn't move but I guess my breathing was affecting it. If you never had a MRI, its loud and real hard to sleep. I even had ear plugs and still was loud. I was relieved when it was over but was real sore. My friend had drove me for this appointment and was lucky since I had a bad experience. That evening I went for a chair massage. This is the least I could do with all the stuff I have been going through.
November 22, 2008 Gene and I did some reading about how to talk to children when a parent has cancer. The important message that we learned was not to make a special meeting to tell them about my illness. You should inform the kids in a setting that is a routine for them. We decided to let them know today because the phone calls are pouring in, several people are aware of the situation and we wanted the kids to hear it from us. Gene started the conversation over breakfast time because I would just break down and cry, especially talking with my kids. We gave the overall description but not in every detail (like my blog). AJ (8 y/o) started to cry so I started to cry because I felt sad and also felt his fear. Emily (5 y/o) didn't seem to bother her that much. We told them the surgery would be after Xmas and that their aunt would be staying with us up to two weeks to help mommy and and with them. Emily was so excited about her aunt coming that she didn't understand what really is involved. I had AJ come over and sit on my lap and let him know that its okay to be upset. He didn't want to talk much. We read a book called "In Mommy's Garden", to help them understand. It told a story about a flower that got a weed and the weed needs to be removed. We had Emily go watch TV and explained a little more to AJ but he still didn't talk much. Afterwards we watched some TV together as a family. I went up stairs about 30 minutes later to get ready to go out to a craft fair. When I returned, Gene pulled me aside and informed me that AJ asked him if I was going to die. Wow those were hard words to hear especially from my own son. AJ not a big fan of craft shows asked if he can go with me so that was special that he wanted to be with me. He also asked me if I was going to die double wow first Gene and then me! I quickly answered him and had to turn my head so I didn't show him any more emotions. There were no more questions for the rest of the day. I am sure each child will ask more questions and show concerns when the time gets closer.
November 25, 2008 My mom and I went to see the genetics doctor. She reviewed all of our family history. She then drew one vial of blood to be sent out to Utah for the Brac Analysis test. There is only one place in the USA that performs this test. http://www.myriadtests.com/ The genes are known as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 (BR=breast; CA=cancer). When a mutation in either gene exists, there is a high risk of developing cancer. This will let me know if this gene was sporadic or heredity. If its sporadic no one can tell how I got the cancer. Then the test has no more information for me to gather. If its heredity that means one of my parents had passed the gene down to me. At this time, I am the first person in my family to have breast cancer. If the gene is positive then I will have another consultation to review my care. I will be at a higher rate for ovarian cancer. My risk jumps from 1% to 27-44% to get ovarian cancer. Women also face increased risk of developing a second breast cancer if they carry a mutation. I would possibility might need to take my ovaries out sometime down the road. Wow another thing to worry and think about. This test will take 2 weeks to get back. If I am positive, then my kids have a 50% chance that I pass the gene to them. My daughter would have to get mammograms and tested at 27 years old, 10 years prior to when I was diagnosed. My son would get examined about 28 years old. A man or a women may inherit and thus carry a BRCA mutation without ever developing cancer. I will keep you posted when I get my results. My family can opt for the testing if my results come back positive. I then met with the cancer doctor. She works in the same office. She went over my MRI results from the previous week. The MRI confirmed my cancer spots on my right breast but also saw a spot on my left breast. The report suggested that I have a needle localization biopsy that I had on my right breast. When she gave me the news, I knew I had made the right decision by removing the left breast. At this time, we won't know if the left breast has cancer cells until it is sent to the pathologist after surgery. The MRI also showed a suspicious enhance lymph node on the right side. She said this can be scar tissue from my biopsy, dense tissue, or a cell that left the duct area into my lymph nodes. If its in my lymph nodes then I will need to go through radiation. We discussed if the results came back and it is cancer then my lymph nodes on my left side will need to be examined. I told her while I am in surgery to go ahead and insert the dye onto the left side and check them as well so I don't have to return for a second surgery. I don't want to have worry later on that I didn't check the left side.
December 4, 2008 Gene and I went to meet the plastic surgeon. We really liked her and she really seems to be very knowledgeable in her field. She travels down from Long Island, NY to CT once a week for office visits and twice a week for surgeries. She studied for some time in Germany specializing in breast reconstruction. She showed us some pictures and her work was fantastic, you couldn't tell the difference. Since I don't have to go through chemo, the implants will be inserted at the time of surgery. She will use saline implants. She explained that she will prepare the chest cavity during the surgery and if later down the road I can change to a different implant if I choose to (silicone or flap surgery). I have done some research and I am satisfied with saline. I feel this is the safest and best choice at this time. She will be using my existing skin to cover the implants. I will also have botox inserted in my upper chest for pain, it will only last for about a month. If I do need radiation, there is always a chance that I would need to have one or two implants re-inserted. This would be done on an outpatient basis and would only be a 1 hour procedure. There is always a small risk that my body would reject the implants but its the same risk with any other surgery. If that happened, we would talk about other procedure like waiting a few months and re-inserting the implants or doing the flap procedure which entitles removing skin for the stomach muscle to make the breast. That procedure takes about 10 hours and has many side effects. Even thou it sounded great to remove some of my stomach, I opted not to do this surgery! As far as the nipples, my right side can't be saved but I have the option of saving the left. No, is the answer I don't want any chances of this cancer returning. The nipples would be re-constructed using my skin from the bikini area. She showed us some pictures and they looked real! This procedure will be done approximately three months after my surgery. I will meet with the plastic surgeon again to finalize our decisions before surgery.
December 8-12, 2008 I had no doctors appointments this week and I haven't heard back about my results for the genetic test.
November 18, 2008 I was home for the entire day upset and still couldn't believe what was happening in my life. I spoke on the phone but not a lot. I was able to speak with an oncologist that was referred by my doctor friend. The oncologist had helped and cleared some questions I had. He mentioned that he felt I had one of the best cancer doctors in CT and the plastic surgeon I am using is the best in the country. That made me feel terrific. I was very comfortable with him and will be seeing him after my surgery for preventing cancer in the future. The entire day my mom, Gene, and I lived on the computer researching as much information about my cancer as we could find. This evening we had the kids school conferences and I didn't even know if I could attend. I was living hour by hour. I did decide to go but was low key when speaking with the teachers. At the end of each conference, Gene had mentioned to each of the teachers about the situation just in case the kids start to act different at school. We didn't tell the kids yet but wanted to let the teachers be aware of the situation. I couldn't speak about the situation yet because I would start to cry.
November 19, 2008 I met with the school counselor to inform her of my medical attention. She was very supportive and said she would watch over the kids while they were at school. She had some material about cancer that I could share with my kids and would have it ready for me the next day. I adventured out a little today to the store. I realized that I can't stay home and be upset that I am going to be positive and fight this. All of us continued to research on the internet. We had a talk with the kids at dinner about the next evening. We told them that mom and dad had to go to my doctors for an appointment the following day in the evening. Both of the kids had hockey practice to go to so we arranged for each of them to be picked up and they were watched by our friends during practice. After practice, we had a friend who was also at hockey take both of the kids back to her house for dinner and a play date. She lives in the same city where my doctor's office is so it made it convenient. The kids were thrilled to go over their friends house to play since two of her kids are the same age as mine 8 & 5. The kids didn't ask us any questions why we were going to the doctors. We made it a big deal that they get to go over a friends house during a school night.
November 20, 2008 In the morning, I finished preparing all my questions for the doctor. I was told that the doctor will answer all of our questions and give us as much time as we needed. That was great knowing I didn't have to rush to find out all I needed to know. My appointment was at 5:00 pm but we didn't see the cancer doctor until 6:30 pm. It was a long wait but something great happened during this time. The other patients had went into the rooms and the receptionist who worked there came over to ask me if I needed copies of my medical paperwork. I answered yes and I would need my pathology report. She mentioned that the doctor had my pathology report and she will be going over the results with me this evening. I told her that I already found out my results. The receptionist started talking with us and explained she just finished chemo and is starting radiation this week. She also had breast cancer. She stated that here she works at The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center and she was diagnosed as well. As we were talking, another patient walked in who finished her surgery two weeks prior. She started sharing her story as well. This was the best therapy for us and the patient who had surgery. We shared each others stories. She was open and answered any questions that we had. I think this was a blessing that we met each other. We spoke for at least 40 minutes before she was called in to see another doctor. At this time, I decided myself that I didn't want to keep my left breast. I had not made any decision until then but I was solid that I didn't need it. I am 37 y/o and I don't want to live in fear that the cancer can come back on the other side. Gene had a great idea today and told me about it when we arrived at the doctors office. He had bought a chip that fit into his cell phone so he could record our consultation with the doctor. That was a great idea so I didn't have to try to write down all the information. The doctor was okay with it. We finally went into her office and discussed in detail the findings and results. The pathology report stated intraductral carcinoma, extensive. The size was approximate 6.0 cm that was examined, nuclear grade ll, calcification present in DCIS, extensive. This means that the cancer is in my breast duct but is on its way out to other cells. I have non-invasive cancer. She explained that she wanted me to meet with the genetics doctor and to draw blood.This is a test to help determine if I have the genetic mutation gene that could appear in my left breast. After she explained that I would have to be on tamoxifen (cancer medication) for 5 years to help reduce the cancer going into my left breast and all the side affects, I was convinced to remove my left breast. The side affects of the medication were awful: pre-menopause, hot flashes, weight gain and even risk for ovarian cancer, strokes, blood clots in the lungs, no way. I will also have to have other test performed before my surgery. She stated that I have about a 2% chance that the cancer is in my lymph nodes, which is great. I will have to get dye injected into my right breast before surgery so she can review my lymph nodes to see if they have been affected by the cancer cells. There is always a chance that a cell or two traveled out. If the lymph nodes show cancer cells, she will go ahead and remove as many that are needed to be taken out. She was impressed that we knew so much about my cancer. We explained that we research as much as we could. I told her that I have chosen to remove both breast but I will still like to continue with the genetic testing. She reviewed the new law in which insurance has to pay for the reconstruction of the breast since I was diagnose with cancer. She wants me to follow up with the plastic surgeon, she works with for more detail about the reconstruction. She explained how the surgery will work. The surgery will be 4-5 hours long. I felt comfortable when we ended our consultation and will follow up with her the next week.
November 21, 2008 I went for a MRI today for both of my breast. I wasn't nervous to go even thou I had never had a MRI before. This was to verify that my left breast had no abnormalities and to help with my right breast findings for surgery. Boy, was I wrong not to take the valium the doctor had given me! It was the worst experience. I had to lay facing down into the machine but the bad part was that my left arm had an IV in it so it had to be out straight, my right arm was bent over my head and my head was facing left. This position made me cramp and lock up during the procedure. I couldn't move and my muscles were tighten every second I was in there. She even had me re-do a five minute test that made me more tense. She said it was blurry and not to move. I couldn't move but I guess my breathing was affecting it. If you never had a MRI, its loud and real hard to sleep. I even had ear plugs and still was loud. I was relieved when it was over but was real sore. My friend had drove me for this appointment and was lucky since I had a bad experience. That evening I went for a chair massage. This is the least I could do with all the stuff I have been going through.
November 22, 2008 Gene and I did some reading about how to talk to children when a parent has cancer. The important message that we learned was not to make a special meeting to tell them about my illness. You should inform the kids in a setting that is a routine for them. We decided to let them know today because the phone calls are pouring in, several people are aware of the situation and we wanted the kids to hear it from us. Gene started the conversation over breakfast time because I would just break down and cry, especially talking with my kids. We gave the overall description but not in every detail (like my blog). AJ (8 y/o) started to cry so I started to cry because I felt sad and also felt his fear. Emily (5 y/o) didn't seem to bother her that much. We told them the surgery would be after Xmas and that their aunt would be staying with us up to two weeks to help mommy and and with them. Emily was so excited about her aunt coming that she didn't understand what really is involved. I had AJ come over and sit on my lap and let him know that its okay to be upset. He didn't want to talk much. We read a book called "In Mommy's Garden", to help them understand. It told a story about a flower that got a weed and the weed needs to be removed. We had Emily go watch TV and explained a little more to AJ but he still didn't talk much. Afterwards we watched some TV together as a family. I went up stairs about 30 minutes later to get ready to go out to a craft fair. When I returned, Gene pulled me aside and informed me that AJ asked him if I was going to die. Wow those were hard words to hear especially from my own son. AJ not a big fan of craft shows asked if he can go with me so that was special that he wanted to be with me. He also asked me if I was going to die double wow first Gene and then me! I quickly answered him and had to turn my head so I didn't show him any more emotions. There were no more questions for the rest of the day. I am sure each child will ask more questions and show concerns when the time gets closer.
November 25, 2008 My mom and I went to see the genetics doctor. She reviewed all of our family history. She then drew one vial of blood to be sent out to Utah for the Brac Analysis test. There is only one place in the USA that performs this test. http://www.myriadtests.com/ The genes are known as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 (BR=breast; CA=cancer). When a mutation in either gene exists, there is a high risk of developing cancer. This will let me know if this gene was sporadic or heredity. If its sporadic no one can tell how I got the cancer. Then the test has no more information for me to gather. If its heredity that means one of my parents had passed the gene down to me. At this time, I am the first person in my family to have breast cancer. If the gene is positive then I will have another consultation to review my care. I will be at a higher rate for ovarian cancer. My risk jumps from 1% to 27-44% to get ovarian cancer. Women also face increased risk of developing a second breast cancer if they carry a mutation. I would possibility might need to take my ovaries out sometime down the road. Wow another thing to worry and think about. This test will take 2 weeks to get back. If I am positive, then my kids have a 50% chance that I pass the gene to them. My daughter would have to get mammograms and tested at 27 years old, 10 years prior to when I was diagnosed. My son would get examined about 28 years old. A man or a women may inherit and thus carry a BRCA mutation without ever developing cancer. I will keep you posted when I get my results. My family can opt for the testing if my results come back positive. I then met with the cancer doctor. She works in the same office. She went over my MRI results from the previous week. The MRI confirmed my cancer spots on my right breast but also saw a spot on my left breast. The report suggested that I have a needle localization biopsy that I had on my right breast. When she gave me the news, I knew I had made the right decision by removing the left breast. At this time, we won't know if the left breast has cancer cells until it is sent to the pathologist after surgery. The MRI also showed a suspicious enhance lymph node on the right side. She said this can be scar tissue from my biopsy, dense tissue, or a cell that left the duct area into my lymph nodes. If its in my lymph nodes then I will need to go through radiation. We discussed if the results came back and it is cancer then my lymph nodes on my left side will need to be examined. I told her while I am in surgery to go ahead and insert the dye onto the left side and check them as well so I don't have to return for a second surgery. I don't want to have worry later on that I didn't check the left side.
December 4, 2008 Gene and I went to meet the plastic surgeon. We really liked her and she really seems to be very knowledgeable in her field. She travels down from Long Island, NY to CT once a week for office visits and twice a week for surgeries. She studied for some time in Germany specializing in breast reconstruction. She showed us some pictures and her work was fantastic, you couldn't tell the difference. Since I don't have to go through chemo, the implants will be inserted at the time of surgery. She will use saline implants. She explained that she will prepare the chest cavity during the surgery and if later down the road I can change to a different implant if I choose to (silicone or flap surgery). I have done some research and I am satisfied with saline. I feel this is the safest and best choice at this time. She will be using my existing skin to cover the implants. I will also have botox inserted in my upper chest for pain, it will only last for about a month. If I do need radiation, there is always a chance that I would need to have one or two implants re-inserted. This would be done on an outpatient basis and would only be a 1 hour procedure. There is always a small risk that my body would reject the implants but its the same risk with any other surgery. If that happened, we would talk about other procedure like waiting a few months and re-inserting the implants or doing the flap procedure which entitles removing skin for the stomach muscle to make the breast. That procedure takes about 10 hours and has many side effects. Even thou it sounded great to remove some of my stomach, I opted not to do this surgery! As far as the nipples, my right side can't be saved but I have the option of saving the left. No, is the answer I don't want any chances of this cancer returning. The nipples would be re-constructed using my skin from the bikini area. She showed us some pictures and they looked real! This procedure will be done approximately three months after my surgery. I will meet with the plastic surgeon again to finalize our decisions before surgery.
December 8-12, 2008 I had no doctors appointments this week and I haven't heard back about my results for the genetic test.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Story overview
On October 22, 2008 I went for my baseline mammogram and thought I was going in for my first visit that my OB/GYN recommended to have before I was 40. The next day I received a phone call informing me that I needed to return to have further pictures taken of my right breast. I was told that I had several spots that needed to be examined and I would get the new results at the time of the appointment. I was a little shocked but at this time not too upset.
October 24, 2008 I made an appointment right away because I wanted to follow up as soon as possible. This day was suppose to be about a hour appointment that lasted 3 1/2 hours. What a day! I had 8 more pictures taken of my right breast and I was told they were called abnormality calcifications. As I waited in the coffee/tea room with other women who were there for different reasons, I started to wonder how my results would turn out. I spoke with some women that were diagnosed with calcifications and they explained to me that everything was okay and they received mammograms every six months to follow up. As those women were told their results were okay and they could go home, I was still sitting in this room. I was told that I was waiting for an ultrasound for the breast. I was called in for my ultrasound and she explained to me she was going to perform the ultrasound on both breast to help review findings that were shown on the mammogram. While she did the test, she explained that sometimes these calcifications don't show up on the ultrasound. The test was over and she went to get the doctor to review all my results with me. The sonogram evaluation of both breast demonstrates normal underlying fibroglandular tissue with no solid or cystic masses were seen. The doctor felt that I should see a surgeon because of the abnormalities in my right breast according to the mammogram pictures. The findings showed diffuse grouped microcalifications were identified scattered through out my right breast and I had no signs of abnormality in my left breast. She explained that sometimes the surgeon might perform a biopsy to help determine the outcome. She explained to me that this was not caused by the food I ate, medications I took or because I breast fed my children. She asked me to wait as they printed out my films to bring to the next doctor and that my OB/GYN will call me later in the afternoon with some doctors names she recommend to see. I started to get upset when I got into my car. I called Gene (my husband) and was crying and explained what was happening. Yes, several thoughts were going through my mind at this time. He calmed me down and said lets see what the next doctor has to say. I drove home upset and couldn't believe just like that my life is being turned upside down. At this time, I didn't have any other indications that something was wrong(no bumps, discharge, redness or feeling sick). I am a healthy 37 year old who was going for a routine visit. Thank God for technology! I received a call from my OB/GYN shortly after I got home with three names of doctors. I then spoke with my husband again not knowing what doctor to make an appointment with. I decided that I wanted to see a breast surgeon not just a general surgeon. At this time, I wasn't embarrassed of my situation I just needed to know who's the best doctor I can go see. My husband suggested to call one of our friends (thank you for hockey because this is where we met him) who's a doctor (Cardiologist) and works at the hospital to see who he knows in this field. My friend who's the doctor suggested one of the doctor's my OB/GYN suggested so I felt comfortable with that decision plus she is a women who specializes in the breast. I was concerned that I wouldn't get an appointment with her for over a month since she is so busy. Thank you for my doctor friend (keeping name anonymous) for calling the doctor's office directly and getting me an appointment to see her quickly. My family was getting ready to leave on October 30 to Lake Placid for my sons hockey tournament for four days. The trip kept my mind busy not to think about what was happening in my life. I only told a few people and we didn't discuss it through-out the weekend. I had an appointment on Monday November 3, the day after I got back from our mini trip.
November 3, 2008 Gene and I went to meet the cancer doctor and to discuss what the next step was. She explained that she has seen this situation where its in one breast and not in the other but was concerned that I had so much. This was my first mammogram so she didn't have any other films to compare it too. She explained the best results would be to perform a needle aspiration or possibility a biopsy to determine what the tissue was. She asked if she could get a second opinion who she felt and trusted in the field to review my films. We agreed that would be a great idea.
November 4, 2008 I received a call from the cancer doctor and she explained that the second opinion doctor suggested to perform the needle localization biopsy. She felt that there was too much tissue that has been affected at this time. The procedure was scheduled to be performed at the hospital on November 12. We got some suggestions what to tell our kids at this time. We decided not to tell them anything until a few days before the procedure.
November 10, 2008 At dinner time, not making a big ordeal we told the kids that mom has to have a procedure done at the hospital that couldn't be performed in the office. We didn't tell them at this time what the procedure was about. We explained that the doctors had to do some test and are checking and making sure mom is okay. We had to explain this to the kids even thou it was an out patient surgery because my mom (grandma) had to come watch them before they left for school. I was also going to have stitches and be sore in my chest area so they needed to know not to climb on me. The kids were okay and didn't asked to many questions. They knew we would be home after they got off the bus.
November 12, 2008 I arrived at the hospital at 7:30am. I had to go to the radiology department before my surgery to get some additional mammograms before the surgery. This was a long process. After a few pictures were taken they had to insert a wire into my breast to know where the biopsy would be taken from. I was numb and only felt pressure from the wire. The worst thing about the procedure in which all the women can understand was I had to stay in the mammogram machine during this procedure. This was the worst part of my day so far! Even the nurse in the room said she felt for the patients when this procedure is being done because its an uncomfortable position. Okay all done and off to get my IV and ready for procedure. Another bump, the surgery before me took longer than expected so I was laying in the bed for 1 1/2 hours before they started my surgery. I was then wheeled off to the surgery room and given anesthesia. The surgery took a little over a hour. Then next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room. I was given some drugs and was going to be sent home with Tylenol but I had to request some Percocet pills because the pain was stronger then I expected. The cancer doctor came over and spoke with me and explained that the tissue was being sent to the pathologist and will take 4-5 days to get the results back. I requested to be called as soon as she knew rather than wait for the follow up office visit to check my incision. I came home and went to bed since I felt nauseous and sleepy. This was going to be the longest 4-5 days of my entire life
October 24, 2008 I made an appointment right away because I wanted to follow up as soon as possible. This day was suppose to be about a hour appointment that lasted 3 1/2 hours. What a day! I had 8 more pictures taken of my right breast and I was told they were called abnormality calcifications. As I waited in the coffee/tea room with other women who were there for different reasons, I started to wonder how my results would turn out. I spoke with some women that were diagnosed with calcifications and they explained to me that everything was okay and they received mammograms every six months to follow up. As those women were told their results were okay and they could go home, I was still sitting in this room. I was told that I was waiting for an ultrasound for the breast. I was called in for my ultrasound and she explained to me she was going to perform the ultrasound on both breast to help review findings that were shown on the mammogram. While she did the test, she explained that sometimes these calcifications don't show up on the ultrasound. The test was over and she went to get the doctor to review all my results with me. The sonogram evaluation of both breast demonstrates normal underlying fibroglandular tissue with no solid or cystic masses were seen. The doctor felt that I should see a surgeon because of the abnormalities in my right breast according to the mammogram pictures. The findings showed diffuse grouped microcalifications were identified scattered through out my right breast and I had no signs of abnormality in my left breast. She explained that sometimes the surgeon might perform a biopsy to help determine the outcome. She explained to me that this was not caused by the food I ate, medications I took or because I breast fed my children. She asked me to wait as they printed out my films to bring to the next doctor and that my OB/GYN will call me later in the afternoon with some doctors names she recommend to see. I started to get upset when I got into my car. I called Gene (my husband) and was crying and explained what was happening. Yes, several thoughts were going through my mind at this time. He calmed me down and said lets see what the next doctor has to say. I drove home upset and couldn't believe just like that my life is being turned upside down. At this time, I didn't have any other indications that something was wrong(no bumps, discharge, redness or feeling sick). I am a healthy 37 year old who was going for a routine visit. Thank God for technology! I received a call from my OB/GYN shortly after I got home with three names of doctors. I then spoke with my husband again not knowing what doctor to make an appointment with. I decided that I wanted to see a breast surgeon not just a general surgeon. At this time, I wasn't embarrassed of my situation I just needed to know who's the best doctor I can go see. My husband suggested to call one of our friends (thank you for hockey because this is where we met him) who's a doctor (Cardiologist) and works at the hospital to see who he knows in this field. My friend who's the doctor suggested one of the doctor's my OB/GYN suggested so I felt comfortable with that decision plus she is a women who specializes in the breast. I was concerned that I wouldn't get an appointment with her for over a month since she is so busy. Thank you for my doctor friend (keeping name anonymous) for calling the doctor's office directly and getting me an appointment to see her quickly. My family was getting ready to leave on October 30 to Lake Placid for my sons hockey tournament for four days. The trip kept my mind busy not to think about what was happening in my life. I only told a few people and we didn't discuss it through-out the weekend. I had an appointment on Monday November 3, the day after I got back from our mini trip.
November 3, 2008 Gene and I went to meet the cancer doctor and to discuss what the next step was. She explained that she has seen this situation where its in one breast and not in the other but was concerned that I had so much. This was my first mammogram so she didn't have any other films to compare it too. She explained the best results would be to perform a needle aspiration or possibility a biopsy to determine what the tissue was. She asked if she could get a second opinion who she felt and trusted in the field to review my films. We agreed that would be a great idea.
November 4, 2008 I received a call from the cancer doctor and she explained that the second opinion doctor suggested to perform the needle localization biopsy. She felt that there was too much tissue that has been affected at this time. The procedure was scheduled to be performed at the hospital on November 12. We got some suggestions what to tell our kids at this time. We decided not to tell them anything until a few days before the procedure.
November 10, 2008 At dinner time, not making a big ordeal we told the kids that mom has to have a procedure done at the hospital that couldn't be performed in the office. We didn't tell them at this time what the procedure was about. We explained that the doctors had to do some test and are checking and making sure mom is okay. We had to explain this to the kids even thou it was an out patient surgery because my mom (grandma) had to come watch them before they left for school. I was also going to have stitches and be sore in my chest area so they needed to know not to climb on me. The kids were okay and didn't asked to many questions. They knew we would be home after they got off the bus.
November 12, 2008 I arrived at the hospital at 7:30am. I had to go to the radiology department before my surgery to get some additional mammograms before the surgery. This was a long process. After a few pictures were taken they had to insert a wire into my breast to know where the biopsy would be taken from. I was numb and only felt pressure from the wire. The worst thing about the procedure in which all the women can understand was I had to stay in the mammogram machine during this procedure. This was the worst part of my day so far! Even the nurse in the room said she felt for the patients when this procedure is being done because its an uncomfortable position. Okay all done and off to get my IV and ready for procedure. Another bump, the surgery before me took longer than expected so I was laying in the bed for 1 1/2 hours before they started my surgery. I was then wheeled off to the surgery room and given anesthesia. The surgery took a little over a hour. Then next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room. I was given some drugs and was going to be sent home with Tylenol but I had to request some Percocet pills because the pain was stronger then I expected. The cancer doctor came over and spoke with me and explained that the tissue was being sent to the pathologist and will take 4-5 days to get the results back. I requested to be called as soon as she knew rather than wait for the follow up office visit to check my incision. I came home and went to bed since I felt nauseous and sleepy. This was going to be the longest 4-5 days of my entire life
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