Breast Surgeon Consult

Last Tuesday, I met with the breast surgeon. This is the same one who performed my lumpectomy in 2016, so I know her and trust her. My hubby went along for support. It was nice he was able to, given that we're living in a pandemic. 

The last 2 times I was diagnosed, I had DCIS and ADH, so they were considered pre-cancer. This time I have IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma), so things are a bit different. My decisions are harder. 

Until I have surgery, I won't know the stage of my cancer. Along with removing the masses in my right breast, the surgeon is also going to remove lymph nodes. This didn't happen in 2012 or 2016. If cancer has traveled to the lymph nodes, then my stage will be higher than if it hasn't. That said, I have to decide if I want another lumpectomy (this will be my 3rd, although in a different breast this time around) with radiation or a double mastectomy (with or without breast reconstruction). 

It's a lot to process. 

I go for more tests this coming week. I'm having a CEDM (contrast-enhanced digital mammogram) to make sure nothing was missed during my diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound. Also this time around, I will have the BRCA genetic testing to find out if I have the gene mutation for breast/ovarian cancer. In addition to possibly shaping my treatment plan, it will also provide information I can pass along to my older son. Finally, I will meet with the radiation oncologist since I was asked to make a tentative decision on what kind of surgery I think I might undergo. For now, I said lumpectomy. But that's subject to change based on what the CEDM uncovers and how many weeks of radiation are recommended. 

The cancer is HR+ (hormone-receptor positive), just like the last 2 times. In a nutshell, this means it feeds on estrogen. In order to block the effects of estrogen on the breast tissue, I've been told a hormone blocker is essential. I tried tamoxifen in 2016. For me, the side effects were the worst. This is the part I dread more than anything. I went off the stuff after 1 1/2 weeks because I couldn't be a full-time caregiver to my younger son (and be a good mom to either of my sons) with the horrendous side effects. We'll see how it goes this time around. I want to be around for my older kiddo, but I also want a good quality of life. I've asked to see integrative medicine to help me with this. 

To be frank, I refuse to let cancer be the predominant aspect of my life. I have worked really hard since my younger son passed away to find spiritual calm. If I have to go through 5-6 weeks of daily radiation treatments, then all that grief work goes to hell. If life sucks because of tamoxifen, then all I'm doing is living to possibly keep a recurrence at bay. My life will be centered around this flipping cancer, which is not good for me mentally, physically, or spiritually. 

So I'll see what this week brings. For now, I am appreciating the free days I have until I go back to the hospital for more tests and consultations. 

Prayers and good thoughts are welcomed. 

Comments

  1. JeanAugust 23, 2020 at 4:53 PM

    You know that you have my love and support. I will pray for best outcomes for YOU. I love you. Is there a way to be notified when you post a new entry? I think I am signed up for your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SusanAugust 23, 2020 at 5:21 PM

      Thank you, Jean. I really appreciate it. Before they changed the layout of Blogger, there was a place to sign up. Let me poke around and get back to you.

      Delete
  2. SamanthaAugust 24, 2020 at 11:57 AM

    I love you Susan! You are the 3rd person I know diagnosed in this past week. Gisela's coach announced her breast cancer on Thursday and yesterday delived her miracle baby that was 9 yrs in the making. She will start chemo immediately. Please let me know what I can do for you!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SusanAugust 27, 2020 at 11:24 AM

      Thank you, Samantha. I'm sorry to hear about the others who have been dx'd. I'll let you know if I need anything <3

      Delete
  3. Theresa MilsteinAugust 24, 2020 at 1:05 PM

    Susan, I wish there were better options, so you could maintain balance. I'm sorry you're going through this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SusanAugust 27, 2020 at 11:25 AM

      I wish there were other options, too. Although, things have advanced in the four years since I was last diagnoses, which is promising.

      Delete
  4. CindySeptember 2, 2020 at 4:08 PM

    I hope that you get the very best care, with the best doctors ever to help you make good decisions throughout this journey. Thank you for the update on your blog. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Sending you positive energy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SusanSeptember 9, 2020 at 1:21 PM

      Thank you so much. I truly appreciate the well wishes.

      Delete

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