Finally making plans

[Ms. Toad]

Tentative as they may be . . .

Surgery the week of May 16 or 23, after we get genetic tests back. The tests will make the difference between lumpectomy and bilateral mastectomy (60% greater risk of cancer => bilateral mastectomy.)

Otherwise the news is good. ER+, PR+, and HER2-. The best combination. They will probably do an oncotype test during surgery - there is a small chance i will need chemotherapy if it falls into a range that suggests a high propensity to regrow.

The size is slightly larger than previously suggested - so likely shading into stage II, by 1 mm. Grade 1.

If I have a lumpectomy - radiation daily for 4-6 weeks. If I have a mastectomy - no radiation.

Then there is the reconstruction question. I'd always assumed I would not have reconstruction - but since I've just lost 57 lbs, and fit into all my clothes, I'd like to enjoy them a bit longer in a way that i might not be able to without reconstruction.

Anyone with experience with radiation fatigue & breast reconstruction (of any flavor - I seem to be eligible for all kinds since I am no longer obese . . . I'm 2 lbs from a normal BMI).

Emotionally, I'm fine as long as the new nurse navigator they assigned to me can keep the rest of the office in line so there are no new communication snafus.

[PennyK]

1. Your prognosis sounds very good!

Our types are very different, but it sounds like you're going to avoid chemo, so good for you!
And I'm with you on reconstruction. I'm 65 and I'd like to look relatively normal for a while longer, too.

[Ms. Toad]

2. Prognosis is definitely good.

Near 100% (aside from my likely quirky genes).

Fingers crossed that my insurance company doesn't reject this genetic test. I'd like to have that information before I decide about surgery.

[Solly Mack]

3. You sound good! Keep us posted, please.

I don't have any experience with breast reconstruction but I can tell you that I was tired for a few months even after radiation ended. It actually seemed to get worse after treatment. I kept to a routine as much as possible but some days it was all I could do to stay upright.

Sending you my best!

[Ms. Toad]

4. I am - subject to change at any moment . . .

Yesterday's administrative screw-up of the day didn't even phase me.

Your experience sounds like what I've been told about radiation. That's one of the reasons I'm leaning toward a mastectomy - unless something unexpected turns up - no radiation. I typically recover pretty well from surgery - so I might be back to normal much more quickly than after radiation.

Thanks!

[PennyK]

5. I can advise on one thing

Year and a half ago, I had breast reduction...I was big and saggy and experiencing bad shoulder pain (one torn ligament diagnosed). I even got it approved by my insurance! For that time until this little incident, I've had perfect perky girls, and it's been heavenly. I'm hopeful, that when this is all said and done, that I'll be back to that (and I already have the plastic surgeon to make me perky again)!
And since I've already had surgery there, that part doesn't scare me at all. It really was not bad.