Moving Forward

Unfortunately, the best case scenario was not presented to me today. It turns out that the mastectomy surgeon (let's call her Dr. Mac), has to take a LARGE portion of my breast skin. Subsequently, I need to meet with the reconstructive surgeon (let's call him Dr. H.) again to figure out how he is going to do the reconstruction having to replace such a large area of skin. We raced from St. B to the Hlth Sciences to meet with him today while I'm still marked up, (the area to be removed was traced on my breast), but he was called into emerg surgery so I was unable to meet with him. Now I have to keep myself marked up with a marker until I see him next Wednesday afternoon. I'm sure that this is going to complicate things a lot, and that I will need to reduce the size of my other breast so that I'm not lopsided! The tentative date for my surgery has now been scheduled for Monday, July 26th. I had all the pre-surgery work done today as well, blood, Xray, and EKG. This is going to happen fast!

I'm mostly upset right now since this will cut our summer vacation short, and we will not be able to enjoy the cottage for the full 2 weeks. Not only are we going to be robbed of our last day there next week having to meet with the reconstructive surgeon, but the following week is a writeoff. I feel horrible that the kids and Glen won't be able to enjoy the cottage, (and me too!). I am grateful however that the surgery is scheduled as soon as it is. At least this means that I'll be able to dance at the wedding & the BEP's concert! Yay!

Oh yeah, it occurred to me that many of you ladies out there may be asking if there is a family history of breast cancer. The answer is no. I am now a huge advocate of self-examination since this allowed me to catch it myself.

Thanks all for caring, becoming followers and keeping in touch!

Love, Jill