Big update…surgery time!

It’s taken me way too long to write this update but now that I have some time with the holidays I can finally get those items done that I’ve put off. Many of you all see that I like to keep myself pretty busy but now I’m being forced to slow down and I think that’s a good thing. Last Wednesday, I went in for my weekly chemotherapy appointment but the day felt different. The week before on December 13 – I had a very busy day. I went for weekly chemo, completed a MRI scan and met with my breast surgeon…The MRI was needed to compare the size and activity of the tumor from the first MRI that I had at the end of August before I started my chemo treatments. At this time, I suspected something was going on with the tumor. It’s a little more tender to touch and it seems larger. My surgeon did not have an official report from the radiologist but she did confirm that the tumor was not getting smaller and surgery would probably be needed soon rather than later. I am opting for the bilateral mastectomy even though the tumor is only in the right breast. I feel they are a pair and if the right one has to go the left has to go as well. So my surgeon consulted with my medical oncologist and before my appointment last Wednesday and they were both in agreement that surgery needed to happen VERY soon. So soon that chemo is on an indefinite hiatus. Next week…Thursday, January 5, 2017, I will be having a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Now – I was mentally getting prepared for surgery in mid-March 2017 but now I’m becoming more accepting and thankful for the surgery next week.

My gratitude list of the moment…

1. If the chemo cocktail that works in 90% of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is not working, there is no need to continue with the chemo. I’ve accepted I’m the 10% and it’s time to change strategies. 1A. I’m thankful for a chemo free holiday. 1B. I’m thankful that the doctors are in agreement and I was able to get a surgery date so soon after the new year.
2. I’m thankful that chemo did not ravish my body which allowed me to get a surgery scheduled quickly.
3. I’m thankful that my doctors and nurses are true advocates for me.
4. I’m thankful that surgery is next week so I can heal sooner and not have chemo and other cancer-related treatments massively occupy my 2017.
5. I’m thankful that I have a supportive employer and decent medical insurance so I can take care of these issues timely and as needed.
6. I’m thankful for all of my friends and family that have prayed for me throughout this illness.
7. I’m thankful that I do not feel sick at all and the only reminders that I have of this on a daily basis is the tumor that I can feel, my discolored fingernails, and bald head. The tumor will be removed next week, the discolored fingernails will grow out and the hair will grow back. Amen.

What’s next…Tomorrow, I have an appointment with the surgeon that will be doing the reconstruction portion of the surgery. I’ll probably write an update soon after the appointment to share and document what I learned.
Thanks for reading!