Away we go...

Tim and I had our first appointment with the surgeon my pcp referred me to. We went in with every intention of letting her know we would be going for a second opinion. However, once we met her, we realized this lady knows her stuff. She is a very knowledgeable and confident doctor. She's a general surgeon but she said breast cancer is what she does. She wants to eventually have her own breast care center. So, we were sold.

She went over my test results and pretty much told us exactly what we already knew. The size of my tumor is about 3cm x 2cm. She is setting up a PETscan and breast MRI to be done within the next week. The PETscan will view my whole body and let her know if there is cancer anywhere else or if it has spread to my nodes. If I'm lucky and it's nowhere else, she is hopeful to do breast-conserving surgery. Which is basically a lumpectomy. They will remove the lump and any breast tissue surrounding the lump. I was a little unsure if any reconstruction would be involved in this surgery. This is what I get for not writing down my questions. If there is reconstruction, it will be done at the same time. Then I will follow up with radiation therapy and possibly chemotherapy. That is the call of the oncologist.

Now, if the monster has spread, there is the possibility of a mastectomy. Nasty business that one. They have to remove EVERYTHING and then you have to be reconstructed. Then chemo for sure. I'm not fond of that idea. I know, I know, my life is more important. I agree. However, the thought of losing my breast and hair is worrisome. My wonderful husband has informed me that we will do whatever is necessary to repair anything to my liking and, of course, my hair will grow back. Mind you, I WILL do whatever is necessary. I will just gripe in the process.

I'm not crying and moping around depressed over this. I've been through many challenges in my life. Some people know about, some don't. I've learned to be a fighter. I will fight this with every fiber of my being and win.

I hope I've answered all questions. If not, send me a post and I'll post again. Otherwise, I will let you know when my PETscan and MRI will be. She said that the tests and surgery will all take place in the next 2 weeks. I'm cool with that. I'm ready to get this beast out of my breast.