Today is Sunday, September 26, 2004 and I just finished doing my aerobic exercise. It is hard to believe that 88 days ago I had a double mastectomy.
I found the lump during a monthly self -exam in March of this year. The mammogram did not show anything and my gynecologist recommended a breast specialist who performed an ultrasound. The breast surgeon, Dr. Sara Fredrickson did the biopsy, which was malignant.
I was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ on June 3, 2004. The stage of the cancer was the earliest, 0 and the cancer was confined to one place. Dr. Fredrickson, gave me two options; a lumpectomy with 5 weeks of radiation 5 days a week with a 30% chance of the cancer recurring or a mastectomy with no radiation. It did not take my husband or me long to decide on the mastectomy and it was his suggestion to do the unaffected breast so I would not have to endure this again. Dr. Fredrickson explained the procedure and what the options were regarding breast reconstructive surgery. She gave me the name of Dr. Bahram Ghaderi, a plastic surgeon whose reputation is exceptional.
My husband and I met with Dr. Ghaderi on Monday, June 7, 2004. His bed -side manner was comforting and his explanation of the procedures to come was covered in great detail. Doctors Ghaderi and Fredrickson coordinated their schedules and my breast removal and the beginning stages of the reconstruction were scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2004.
The surgery took over 5 hours and everything went according to plan. I was off work for 5 weeks. During this time I experienced not only the physical healing but the emotional healing as well. I visited Dr. Ghaderi weekly and began the process of saline injections. This lasted approximately 4 visits and I was able to return to work. On Wednesday September 8, 2004 the tissue expanders were replaced with saline implants.
The process from when I found the lump to today has been a long one but I would not change the decisions that I made. When I speak with other women I often find myself preaching of the importance of doing a self -breast exam. I also find myself expressing anger when I hear that women choose not to take control of their health.
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. More than 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer, Stages I to IV, will be diagnosed. To date there are over 2 million women in the United States who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. I urge all of you to take charge and perform a monthly self-breast exam. If you are not sure how to do this or know what to feel for, talk to your physician. He or she will walk you through the process. It saves lives. It saved mine.
C.S.
Have you ever filled out one of those magazine surveys for breast cancer? I have and always scored in the not at risk category. Guess what, I developed breast cancer. It only goes to prove we are all at risk of developing breast cancer.
From the moment I was requested to return for a second mammogram I had decided that if my test results came back positive, I wanted to have a mastectomy. I wanted the cancer gone. I physically placed my hand in the Lords and asked him to help me deal with this and he has.
I was very fortunate to know of a surgeon that I trust with my life. We were able to talk about pros and cons and what I could expect. She knew my desire to have the mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. My surgeon said that because I had already made my decision mentally, I would do well and I have. My only other request of my surgeon was that she take more rather than not enough of the tissue or glands in order to track the progress of my cancer.
My surgeon scheduled my plastic surgeon for me. I have a lot of confidence in him and I am very comfortable talking with him. He has taken the time to guide me through all of the stages of my reconstruction and has reassured me that I am a healthy person and that I can get through this. If you are uncomfortable with you surgeons fine someone else.
It is very important to me to look normal. Now that I have my permanent implant and nipple tattoo that is how I feel. I can wear or do anything without feeling like “I had breast surgery”.
I know it is important for me to do follow up examinations, as I know the cancer could reoccur. I was fortunate that my breast cancer was caught early and I have much to live for. I guess that is the most important message “early detection.”
M.S.