May I just say that my first impression of Carle Cancer Center / Mills Breast Cancer Institute, was awesome! Totally nice, clean, modern and comfortable. They immediately put me at ease. I met more people than I can remember - all very nice and I had plenty of time with each one of them. Sabrina escorted me again and took notes just as rapidly as she could write! I called her madam secretary once and she kindly reminded me that I am just a little bit involved in this whole ordeal :)
The only thing I wish I'd left there with and didn't, is a date for surgery. Sorry. But there has to be consultation with a plastic surgeon before that can be put on the calendar. We confirmed that I will have a bilateral mastectomy. Though the left breast is just suspicious at this point, and not proven cancerous .... suspicion is enough for me. Having read, heard, and learned what I have about Lobular cancer and how it works, I'd rather go ahead and take care of it now.
There can be no "staging" or confirmation of node involvement until I have surgery. Under certain circumstances, they can do a reconstructive surgery at the same time as a mastectomy. But that depends on a lot of things (thus the upcoming discussion with a plastic surgeon). So there are still some things I will not know for awhile. Such as chemo &/or radiation.... they won't know until after surgery, whether or not I'll be doing those.
The oncologist today, recommended me having surgery within the next month. I am asking to have it done as soon after I return from vacation as possible. Britt leaves for Kansas City on June 21st and I know she'd like to be here for me & comfort me afterwards - I would like that too :) My mom will be coming up for my surgery, and my friend Beth has offered to come help out. I am also surrounded by many kind and caring local friends who've stepped up to the plate & offered to do what they can. So me and my team will forge ahead and get through this as quickly and efficiently as possible.
On Tuesday morning, I meet with a genetics counselor and the plastic surgeon.
That's all for today ~ you enjoy your weekend!
4 comments:
and I hope you enjoy your weekend! it's gonna be a busy one! hang in there girlfriend! love you!
Wow, I am so happy you were impressed with the hospital and "The Team"! I can only imagine how much relief you felt once you met with them. Sabrina is such a wonderful friend and the fact she takes notes is priceless!
Ta ta! heheehe
It's important that you have confidence in your doctors and it seems it's all good in that department. I'm glad you have your mind set on a plan and are in high spirits.
It sounds like you are as positive as you can be and that is very important. You do have a winnin team!!!
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