Met with the surgeon today (Dr. Clark). Surgery is scheduled for January 16th, about 4 weeks after the last round of chemo (December 20th). Glad to have it on the calendar, even though it is very intimidating. It will be a double radical mastectomy and they will also take out the cancer infected lymph nodes.
About a month after surgery, I'll start a 7 week regime of daily radiation treatments. There will be a one week break about mid-way through so that I can get some Vitamin D therapy in Arizona (Spring Training) .
I've been highly focused on getting through the chemo and put thinking about the surgery on the back-burner so I wasn't overwhelmed. The past couple of weeks, as I was preparing for the discussion with the surgeon, I knew there were some heavy decisions to be made...
Single side surgery since on the left side has cancer or double in order to reduce the chance of recurrence? Reconstruction expanders put in during the initial surgery or wait until later? My priority has to be the best chance of being long-term cancer free.
It comes down to a simple equation. How I will look is far less important to me than being alive to enjoy my children and grandchildren. It is as simple as that. Special shout-out to Carol and Leslie for letting me talk this out tonight and helping me laugh, cry, count my many blessings, and feel confident in the way ahead.
A side note: A kind friend was visibly bummed for me today that I have chemo tomorrow and will be chemo-sick over the Thanksgiving weekend. While I appreciated her love and concern, in my mind, I am trading this Thanksgiving for 20 more down the road. Seems like more than a fair trade. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Heavenly Father is in charge. I have faith in Him. I have great friends and family. Life is good!
Wise decision, in my opinion Kathy--to go for the total package at the beginning. Did I ever mention I have a good friend here who 20 years ago went through what you're going through....and treatment was much different then. Anyway, she's around 85 and going strong and is just a most delightful person with (I think) 72 great grand children now!!! She gets excited and has to take a trip to welcome each one too! The numbers might be different....but I like to envision you with that agenda in the future!
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