Change is constant

I'm quickly discovering the world of cancer is ever-changing. I'm not talking about advances in medicine. I'm referring to each new doctor's plan of attack. As you know we met with my surgeon yesterday. His opinion is completely different from my oncologist. Dr. McBath said that since the tumor is located in the center of my breast behind the nipple there isn't a good way to remove it and leave me looking nice. He feels the best option is mastectomy with reconstruction. Basically that translates to removing my breast and the cancer and giving me a nice new perky one in it's place. Not a bad trade off in my mind.

We discussed that due to the fact that I am young, I have an increased chance of getting breast cancer again in the remaining breast. I asked about removing it as well for prevention's sake. He said it isn't uncommon, but it is aggressive. I may never get cancer again so we'd be removing it for now reason. If by chance more breast cancer is in my future though, this would help to eliminate that possibility. I am leaning towards this option. I would rather have them both removed and reconstructed and have peace of mind. I know if I didn't I'd always be worried and checking my remaining breast daily probably. And hey, who are we kidding? Two new breasts is much better than one new one and one droopy, shriveled up, breastfeeding boob. It really is a no-brainer for me.

We have an appointment with the plastic surgeon today. She will go over my options for reconstruction and help to decide whether we'll be reconstructing at the time of mastectomy or wait until after chemo.

We have an appointment Thursday with Dr. Q to discuss my scan results as well as this new development with mastectomy. I will discuss with him taking both breasts and whether he thinks that is wise. We will probably discuss chemo treatments too. I probably won't have to have radiation now as there won't be anything left to radiate. Normally they direct the radiation at the site where the lump was removed, but no breast means no area to treat.

Dr. McB said we need to do surgery before November is over so I fully expect for them to set up surgery for some time next week. I don't know if they put Thanksgiving into the equation, but to me the sooner the better. I just want to get on with this process and get my life back.

For those of you worried about me losing one or both of "the girls"--DON'T. I'm not losing my breasts, I'm losing cancer! Assuming it isn't anywhere else in my body, when they remove my breast the cancer goes with it. I will be instantly cured. The chemo will be to kill any cells that may have slipped under the radar. I can be cancer free in a matter of days and that gives me such peace. I don't have to worry about it invading the rest of my body while we try to treat it.

So that is the plan as of this moment. As I said before, things seem to change quickly. I'll post as I know more.