Friday, October 29, 2010

Pre Surgery

Thanks for your prayers, good wishes and concern.  I'm doing well--very well.  I've talked with friends 'who have gone before me' and are doing well.  My Mom had breast cancer when she was 73 (I'm only 69).  She had one of the first lumpectomy's followed by radiation.  She was 90 when she died with no recurrence.  I'm expecting the same. Because I'm having a mastectomy, I most likely won't have radiation.  If my lymph nodes are negative--no chemo either.

I've been surrounded by love since this challenge began; it's done wonders to keep away fear.  So, I've been quite peaceful throughout this whole process.  The cancer was found very early so that's another positive sign.

I have a wonderful surgeon who's kept me informed of every detail of what is, will or could take place.  She's also very supportive.  All the medical people that I've had contact with have been extraordinary--providing hugs, prayers and support as well as great medical care.  It's been an amazing journey.

My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3 at Crittenton Hospital.  Keep me in your prayers, send good wishes/positive energy or whatever you do for those that you care about.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

How the adventure began...

On August 17 I had my annual GYN exam and was given an A+.  A few weeks later I had my usual mammogram. I needed to do a repeat, then an ultra sound, next some core biopsies, and finally an MRI.

This past Wednesday, I had a 2-1/2 hour meeting with my doctor who specializes in breast diseases and she answered all of my questions before I had an opportunity to ask them. I'm confident in her knowledge and skills.  I'm feeling really good about what's happening.

I'm doing quite well--very well.  I'll be having a mastectomy of my right breast unless I have a spontaneous remission.  Yesterday I met with a plastic surgeon and I'll meet with another one next week.  I'm not sure yet whether I want reconstructive surgery--am at 60/40.  I'll probably have my surgery within the next two to three weeks; the reconstruction is started at the time of the mastectomy.

The MRI showed another tumor running from the first mass to the nipple (about 3.5mm).  If I have a lumpectomy, there's a good chance that I might have to have a second surgery--more removal of the tissue or more likely, a mastectomy.  I'd rather have one surgery. Also, with a mastectomy, the likelihood of radiation is very, very low.  Chemo would occur only if I have positive lymph node involvement.  She'll be doing sentinel node surgery.  So far, pathology reports did not show lymph involvement.  I have estrogen receptor positive cells (which has advantages), progesterone negative and ERT2 negative .

I'm feeling fine--do not have a clue of what's going on in my body. If I'd skipped my mammogram, I'd think I was just fine...

I've been uplifted by family and friends.  I've always believed in living in the moment which I'm continuing to do. I'm surrounded by love of friends and family that keeps out all fear and anxiety.  I'm still sleeping well at night, that's my gauge that I'm being honest with myself.

I'm making changes to my life--nurturing myself more than others--creating a balance in my life that was off balance.  This is another learning experience for me in this lifetime. It's exciting and an adventure in many ways. I know and feel that "all will be well".