She also suggested I get the BRAC 1 & BRAC 2 genetic testing. This testing would tell me if I have a genetic mutation of some sort on a couple of specific genes. This may be important in deciding to have a single or double mastectomy, but more importantly, for me, it will tell me if this is something the girls may have to be concerned about as they get older (although not definitively - it all sounds complicated). I have included a reliable (albeit older, dated 2006) article about this test and different perspectives on it.
http://www.cancer.org/AboutUs/DrLensBlog/post/2006/03/21/Genetic-Tests-and-Breast-Cancer-Risk-Not-Perfect.aspx
I meant to explain the other day that I have yet to receive a "staging" of my cancer. That is something an oncologist does and will probably not do until after a surgery because 1 of the 3 parts to identifying the stage is the involvement of the lymph nodes. The other 2 parts of staging are the size of the tumor (mine is relatively big at 3cm x 3.2 cm) and whether or not the cancer has metastisized to distant sites in the body.
As for surgery, I am leaning toward having a double mastectomy using the TRAM flap procedure, if I can. I will explain more about that when the final decision is made and the surgery is scheduled.
Today I was able to schedule 2 doctor appts. for this week: I have an appt. with a surgeon at MD Anderson Cancer Center (part of ORMC hospitals) on Thursday morning, and I have an appt. with a plastic surgeon on Friday afternoon. Although I like the surgeon we met with last week, I just want to be sure about what I'm doing, get a second opinion, etc.
Thank you to all for your sweet and thoughtful sentiments! It is all appreciated.
in peace and love,
monique :)
Good, Monique. It sounds as if you have made some good progress in seeking information and beginning another part of the journey - endless decison making. I was thinking today about the questions you asked yourself on the sleepless night. Mainly "Why?". I still have no answer, but I can tell you this. I thought of all of the ways that I know you - friend, spouse, parrent, teacher, media specialist, daughter, politiacal activist (and I am sure there are more) and in every way, Monique, I truely admire your sincere way you throw yourself into being the best you can be. There is nothing that I can think of that would have sent the universe on a vengeance (spelling?) hunt for you. You have done so much good in your young life that I can't see that as any possibility.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your updates daily. I plan on giving you a call to schedule a puppy play date. I know that you have a lot on your plate and we may not be able to schedule one, but I thought it might be nice, too, to get out and just do something "normal". I love you, friend!
Margaret