After this Cancer Adventure is over, we will go back to pretending that I am the Boss but for now... Being the Boss is over-rated! Can't somebody else make all the decisions here?
I have been very lucky to find some great resources here for information and a chance to have the "if I had to do it again- I would have done this" advice. Invaluable!
First, Brett & I had the chance to meet with Dr. Ari Taheri. She is a lady who works out at the Y. She had a bilateral mastectomy last year for DCIS. Since she is in the medical field (not in oncology but still a doctor) it was great to see her perspective. After finding a lump and doing a biopsy she was diagnosed with non-invasive Stage 0 breast cancer. But she wanted to take care of it before it turned into anything. She started by having two lumpectomy surgeries done. Each a month apart because they couldn't get clear margins. Then she made a million phone calls to some prestigious doctors all over the country. That's when she decided to go with the bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. She told me a little about recovery from a mastectomy. It is not the easy road for sure. It sounds like it something that you need more help with than chemo. It's at least 2 weeks without lifting your arms above your shoulders, emptying 4 fluid bags 3 times a day, and needed a lot of extra help for a bit. Eeek! But good to be prepared though.
Next, Justice's teacher Shawn Roehrich has been a fabulous resource for me. She had a very similar case of breast cancer. She finished up her treatments last June. She choose chemo, a lumpectomy and radiation. She shared with me some of the things that she went through during chemo. She ended up having the Nulsta shot to boost her blood count with her chemo treatments.She said that was the hardest part. Luckily, Dr. Panwalker is not suggesting it for me. But it was so great to hear about all of it first hand from someone that just went through it. She also said if she had to do it again she would have done a double mastectomy. She said that they pushed her a bit to get a lumpectomy and she just wanted it gone as quickly as possible. But now she is always worried about the other one. She's actually had a couple scares during some of her followup visits. Something good to consider. She also offered to go with me to the Breast Cancer Support group held at the beginning of each month. It's so nice of her!
Also, Michelle Honek from Brett's work has been a fabulous support. She just finished up all her treatments this last year as well. She has been so kind and her experience has made Brett's entire office very aware of our situation. We've talked a lot about wigs and she even let me borrow hers. She always sends a thoughtful email or text just at the right time. What great people we've been blessed to have in our life at this time.
I did a little of my own research on the web about reconstruction as well. Can you say...Kucky! Most say that the expanders are immensely painful. To the point where a few almost went into the emergency room and asked them to just cut them out. Is it really worth it?
Anywho- I just feel like there is so much information and so many decisions to make. Sometimes I feel like I should just play Eenie Meenie Miny Moe. Is that legal? What if it's the wrong decision? Can someone else be the Boss?
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