Almost 2 weeks after my bilateral lumpectomy the surgeon FINALLY called me.
The left side that had hinkey looking cysts/tissue was not cancerous but definitely needed to come out. She said it was more lobular than ductal.
The right side, the breast that betrayed me from the beginning had 2 tumors. One just under the nipple that was now dead. The other that was found on the MRI, that they couldn’t biopsy was 2 cm and ACTIVE cancer. Unfortunately, she didn’t get clear enough margins and it looks like I’m headed back to surgery.
I asked about a mastectomy even if just the right side since we are going back but she still isn’t a fan. She would prefer I be a few more years out.
Also, nothing is going to happen until I have my PET/CT on the 30th. I have what could be (at least it feels like and acts like) a new met on my 5th or 6th rib. Whatever this is, it’s a hard mass that is painful. It feels like it wants to bust out of my skin and makes it difficult to use my right arm.
So, plan right now is PET/CT and decide if I’m still a surgical candidate and whether or not I also have radiation on the right breast. I will also need to decide what new Aromatase Inhibitor I go on now. If I do have a new spot (or spots) it may be a game changer. I want to keep chemo as far away from me as possible for as long as possible.
The moral of this blog is this: If you feel that something is best for YOU, and everyone disagrees with you, DON’T GIVE UP. It’s your body. You know it better than anyone else. BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE. Keep pushing and asking questions.
The surgeon validated me by saying I was absolutely correct in having this surgery because the exemestane didn’t kill it and the PET wasn’t picking it up. Everyone was telling me I was NED when really, I wasn’t.
I am sorry about the new developments. I hope you are feeling better from your surgery. Wishing you a faster recovery the second time around and great results. And thank you for the reminder about trusting our instincts. xx
Sorry they found cancer, but glad you stuck to your guns!
Thanks lady. Hope you’re feeling OK. Xox
Great post. Sometimes it seems we’re battling the medical community to get them to listen. You are SO right–always trust your instincts and stick to your guns.
Thank you. I just wish they would agree to do the mastectomy now.
Have you gotten other opinions?
I’m working on it. Wish my own Oncologist would call me back.
I’m glad you listened to yourself, but I wish the news were better. Crud. xoxo, Kathi
Me too but could always be worse. ☺
you have done well listening to your body, very inspirational post