OT: Another Sister Update

My sister saw the surgeon today... Good news: 1. The surgeon thinks this is early stage cancer. 2. The surgeon thinks that unless the pathology shows otherwise that Pam won't need radiation and possibly not chemo (but probably hormonal therapy - Femara which is the newer replacement for Tamixofen). 3. The surgeon doesn't think that there is any cancer presently in the other breast. 4. The surgeon thinks the cancer is far out enough in the breast that the deep tissue and musculature are uneffected. 5. The surgeon does not feel anything in the lymph nodes but won't be sure until the sentinel nodes are biopsied. 6. The surgeon thinks that she can leave the skin of the breast intact for reconstruction. Other than good news: My sister decided on a bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts). There is more than one spot in the one breast that appears the same as the biopsied areas so a lumpectomy wouldn't be the surgery of choice. While my sister's other breast doesn't show any unusual signs at the moment she does have calcifications in that breast and the surgeon feels that down the road, that might be an issue. My sister wants to address this ALL now rather than wait for problems to surface. She'd rather go more drastic now but not have to worry about it later. I don't blame her and given the same information would opt to do the same. She has an appointment with the plastic surgeon about reconstruction surgery (she opted not to get implants) a week from Thursday. He is on vacation now. He is one of the doctors in the country that does a newer breast reconstruction wish does not use stomach muscle in the reconstruction and leaves many more blood vessels. The procedure is called DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator). Looks interesting from what I've read. So after she sees the plastic surgeon on the 18th, the two doctors will talk and align their schedules. That's the scoop! Thanks Everyone! PS, I called my Ob/Gyn regarding my mammogram which has been showing benign calcifications for two years to see what/if anything should be done given that there is new family history in the mix. The triage nurse is going to talk to her tomorrow and will call me back. Had a nice chat with the nurse about my own concerns to make sure that my health is looked after. Kathy

Kathy, As a 10 year BC survivor, I think your sister made the best choices. She has a long hard road ahead of her but with your help and God's care I think she will be fine. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Kat

Thanks Kathy for the update on your sis, Good news and also difficult news. Sounds like she is in good hands. When they do a mastectomy without implants do they ever take fat lipo'd from another place on the body to fill in a bit? The reconstruction type you mentioned is greek to me but sounds like a wise choice and fine doctor. Hugs, p.s. glad you are looking into your own breast issues in light of the recent situation/history . Bless you and yours, Mary

Thanks for the update, Kathy. I will keep Pam and her family in my prayers.

Kathy, Such good news... so glad for your sister! I think she is doing the right thing! I'll keep her in my prayers! Hugs Marla

Kathy, I think your sister is doing the right thing. I remember when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago. I had this feeling that I wanted to do the least invasive treatments possible, where some patients were choosing double mastectomies, like your sister, even though they had my early breast cancer diagnosis. I was stunned. I couldn't even think of it at the time. But, now, going through what I've gone through over this last 4 years and the fear that grips me each time a mammogram comes back abnormal or just takes too long like the other day, I think if breast cancer ever resurfaces for me, I will take the path your sister is taking. Without thinking twice about it. Lori

Thanks, Lori! I appreciate words like these from people that have "been there". Hugs, Kathy