I am in the process of "organizing" again for my last round of chemo. I had really good news about surgery today and wanted to share.
I am currently scheduled to have two surgeries on March 3rd - a mastectomy and a right axillary dissection. I have been quite concerned about having my lymph nodes removed (right axillary dissection). Although the secondary cancer was found in my axilla lymph node(s), the primary tumor is in my right breast. Removal of the lymph nodes if often for diagnostic purposes to determine whether chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy will happen. I am already finishing up chemotherapy and in the process of scheduling radiation therapy this Spring. There is a very good chance that if I had this surgery - followed by radiation therapy (which was the plan) within 5 years I will start to have long term mobility issues in my right arm.
So, I scheduled an appointment with my surgeon for next week (just in case we needed to change what surgeries we are doing) and met with my oncologist today. I prepared my arguments against having this surgery and hoped to be convinced otherwise or confirmed in my own assessment.
My oncologist listened to me as he was looking through my chart then looked up and asked me to stop talking. "My turn to talk" he said. He then explained that he agreed that I shouldn't be having this surgery. The lymph nodes that were cancerous have shrunk and are not detectable by touch. My MRI in December reported that surgery had removed the nodes (radiologist assessing the images assumed surgery had already taken place as there was such a marked difference). Chemotherapy is doing what it should and Radiation will "mop up" any possible stray cancer cells and deal with them.
So, I will still have a mastectomy on my right breast, but I will not have the second surgery as well. To be honest it was this other surgery that I was more concerned about, as the mobility issues can be quite severe and they are for life.
A breast, frankly, can be reconstructed. That I can live with.
4 comments:
Hey Sara Jane, I'm with you. I'm glad that you're advocating for yourself. Navigating the health system is both a challenge and a blessing - as I'm learning.
I'm very glad to hear that you're not having the second surgery.
You're in my prayers.
Strength to you,
with love,
Buff
SJ,
You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Am glad for this good news and am praying that all will be well.
B
I have tried on several occasiions to post a reply and for some reason it never seems to work. Hope this one does. Lillian and i are often tinking of you and praying for you. I only wish we lived closer to you guys so we could be of some useful help to you. We love you lots and continue to pray for your comfort and well being. Love you......Jim
Hi Sara Jane, you probably do not remember me because you and your folks left Newmarket when you were pretty small. I love the picture of you, Paul and Aaron that you posted. That must have been taken very shortly before you went to Toronto. I am amazed by the strength and and knowledge of your condition that you exude in your blog. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Ed Golem
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