Bret and I met with Dr. Kerlakian today. He reviewed the results of the path. report. The area that was removed was 4 cm of pre-cancerous calcifications. The area that actually contained cancer was only 2 mm. Based on this, I'm in Stage I. I was thrilled with this because I was so concerned by both radiologists being so concerned because the area was so large. My next step is to meet with 2 onconogists to discuss treatment options. The easiast route would be radiation and maybe chemo. The more intensive option would be a bi-lateral masectomy with reconstruction.
Dr. K. explained that I am in a unique situation due to my age (39...at least for a few more weeks). Pre-menopausal, young women only make up 5% of the breast cancer patients today. Our cancer tends to be more aggressive and if/when we have a re-occurence it tends to be more invasive (has spread further and more difficult to treat). If I go the rads/chemo route I will have to worry about re-ocurrence in both breasts. If I choose the masectomy I would know that we took the most aggressive option and that my cure rate could be as high as 98-99%.
This was a lot to take in but luckily I did a lot of studying until 2 am this morning. I already knew that my age was a negative factor in this situation. It is overwhelming how much you need to learn to make good decisions....I feel like I am in med school....
As for right now, I am just thrilled with the Stage I diagnosis and I am open to learning about all options to give me the best outcome! (It's kind of crazy to see myself write that I am happy about Stage I cancer...two weeks ago this would have seemed impossible for me to handle). If masectomy is the option chosen, I really think I would be okay....I even wanted the surgeon to tell me he would do a masectomy last week if he saw something worse than what he expected....obviously, that was not an option but at this point, I want to do whatever it takes to get this cancer completely out of my body----I have too many great reasons to live!!!
For those of you that know Bret well, you will appreciate this....after discussing masectomies and I told him that I want to investigate it, he asked me if I was planning on going to Double D's!!!! Gotta love him!!!
Thanks to all for your constant prayers and support - they really keep me going!!
5 comments:
Jan, you are an amazing, brave, couragous woman (although I would expect no less from you) Not only are you dealing with this head on, you are an inspiration to many by sharing your experience with us. We will keep the prayers coming, you just work on getting better.
Bret, you are a sick puppy. It sounds like something I would tell my wife.
Vuk
Hi Jan - you keep digging, praying, thinking - you'll get it figured out what is best for you and your family. You've got the love and support of everyone surrounding you..... I had to laugh at Bret's comment - typical male. Reminds me of a boob joke - wish I could remember it - I just remember that it was pretty funny - and D's were - DANG, and double D's were DOUBLE DANG.... Well, you take care! Thinking about you DAILY and praying for you. You'll get the wisdom you need to make the right decesion! Love you - - - Sue T.
Trust yourself and any decision you and Bret come to will be the right one!
I have so much faith in you doing what is best for yourself and your family.
Love ya,
Kay
Jan,
I have been thinking about you with everything you are going through. You are a very strong woman and I know if anyone can conquer this it is you. Know that my family and I are keeping you and yours in our prayers. Love from the sunshine state, Ginger
Good morning Jan - hope you rested well last night. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you! Love you - - - - Sue T.
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