Looking Forward

This afternoon we had our first visit with the breast surgeon since the cancer diagnosis last week.  We came away with a lot more information – it’s a lot to process. 

We already knew that the next steps are to get the breast MRI (again) next week.  She also had them draw blood for the BRCA genetic screening.  This tests for a specific gene mutation that makes it much more likely that the cancer will recur in the future.

We will have results from both test by the end of next week. Those results will drive one of three basic paths we will take from here:

1. Lumpectomy + Radiation: If the genetic test comes back negative, and the MRI does not find any other suspicious spots, then the prudent course of action seems to be a lumpectomy. 

   This surgery removes the cancerous tissue and the surrounding tissue.  The cells on the edge are tested, and if there’s more then that have to do another surgery to remove more.

   It would be followed by a 6 week course of localized radiation.  She would visit 5 days a week for a 10 minute treatment.

2. Single Mastectomy: If the genetic test comes back negative, but the MRI shows other suspect areas, those would have to be biopsied.  If they are cancerous also, there’s a high chance the whole breast would have to be removed.  Specifically, the doctor is worried about the rest of the duct that was producing the blood that started this whole charade. 

   The surgery would also involve a Plastic Surgeon immediately reconstructing the affected breast. 

3. Double Mastectomy: This is obviously the most radical option.  If the MRI showed it in both breasts (unlikely), or the genetic test came back positive, we would have seriously consider a double mastectomy.

   While this is common surgery now, it has serious implications that weigh heavy on us.  We may be meeting with a Plastic Surgeon soon to talk about what this would look like.

Q&A:

Some things you may be thinking…

• If it’s not invasive why do anything? 
  Because it can grow, and has a 50% chance of turning invasive.
• Are you considering holistic/natural/alternative alternatives?
  Yes!  We are looking for a natropath/nutritionist in DFW to work with to compliment the traditional therapies.  If you know if someone email us.
• How long will the surgeries take to recover from?
  The lumpectomy is outpatient surgery that takes 2-5 days fully bounce back from.  The mastectomy takes 1-2 weeks to fully recover from.
• What are the side affects of radiation?
  Not much since it’s it’s local.
• What about chemotherapy?
  There’s only one drug, Tamoxifen, that can help with this type of Stage 0 cancer.  Based on the tests so far, it doesn’t seem to be a fit, so we probably won’t need any.
• Will Holly loose her hair?
  Hair loss is usually cause by some of the chemotherapy drugs.  Since that seems very unlikely at this point, she should not loose any of her luscious locks.
• What’s the timeframe on all this?
  The surgeon said she would like to see the surgery happen in the next 30 days.

Thanks for all the sweet notes and prayers.  We feel every one, and there are times that’s all that seems to sustain. 

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