I talked to my boob surgeon today. When we thought it was only one small spot, she left the decision of mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation up to me. Now that they've found the second one, there is no longer a decision to make. She says there is a six centimeter line that is likely to be malignant, at least in parts of it. Now, the only decision is whether to dump one or both.
I believe my decision will be to dump both. Then, I can use estrogen like there is no tomorrow, and won't have to worry about another malignancy. My cancer is weakly estrogen positive so without a mastectomy, estrogen would be out plus I'd have to take those bone-trashing drugs.
The procedure I'm going to have is called a DIEP.
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/diep.jsp
Only one place in Colorado does this surgery. It is relatively complicated, takes 10 - 12 hours, and involves micro surgery, but I think it is by far the best alternative. The chance of ever needing another surgery is minimal - no saline bags to burst, no silicone to leak.
This won't be happening until January because the body stitchers are booked until then.
I guess grief is part of being betrayed. I can't even be funny today.
Val
ReplyDeleteI've seen the reconstruction using the muscle and the recovery is very painful.
You seem to have things under control,researched the best treatment available, are able to go where you need to to get that care.
Don't expect you to be funny but I'll try to be
quote:
DIEP reconstruction can be performed after a double mastectomy, provided you have enough extra abdominal fat.unquote
One time that having that spare abdominal fat pays off...
Sorry you have to go through all of this
With DIEP, they don't take any muscle as in other flaps. I wouldn't be willing to lose any muscle "there." Supposedly, the recovery is easier. I think any flap is harder to recover from than implants. I just do not want implants. My friends seem to need remodeled implants too often and I don't want to go through this again. Yeah, being too fat is good.
ReplyDeleteVal,
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you remember me, but we corresponded a while back (re: Pat/Janie/thyroid) - and we're FB friends.
I'm now following your blog. And although I know zilch about breast cancer I do know about praying. It seems like every Christian I know right now is going through some type of difficult trial - and so my prayer list is a long one. But I wanted to let you know you're now on it.
Cindi
Cindi, I absolutely do remember you! I see your comments now and then but didn't make the connection until just now. Thank you so much for making contact and thank you for caring and praying.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about this Val. My mother fought a very long, hard road with breast cancer, that beat her in the end. A diagnosis is not the end of this path, it is a battle cry. Your attitude is in the right place, and you're equipped to fight this.
ReplyDeletePrayers to you Val.