We started our day with an exam and consultation with a gynecologic oncologist given the
genetics test results we received last week. Since a mutation was found in the
BRCA2 gene, which justifies why I have breast cancer, I have a higher risk for ovarian
cancer. Given the fact that “knowledge is power” (thank you, Eric :), and
following my exam and consultation, I am taking a preventive measure and having
a hysterectomy. My surgeon had asked me
last week if I’d be open to the idea of having it performed during the
bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on Monday. I told him I’d be
open to it, but after my consult this morning, we agreed I’m going through
enough on Monday. We’ll probably schedule it in several weeks when I have
surgery for my permanent implants as I will be under anesthesia for that
procedure. Unless something shows up on the pap or ultrasound, time is not of
the essence but we don’t want to wait too long. In the morning, I will be
having an ultrasound to primarily determine the size of my uterus. Depending on
the size of my uterus will determine if she performs the surgery robotically or
with an incision. Much like the rest of our team of doctors, she impressed us
very much, and ironically? She too is a breast cancer survivor!
We also met with our surgeon and had our pre-op
consultation. Scott and I both have the most confidence in him. He is a very
wise man yet very passionate. We had several questions, and he spent almost 90
minutes with us when our appointment was only scheduled for 30 minutes. He also
told me the burning and pain I continue to have in both arms from the surgical
biopsy he performed a few weeks ago will eventually subside. He also said my
discomfort could possibly go away with the surgery on Monday. He and his nurse
hugged us (she is awesome too!) and told us they’d see us early Monday morning.
Scott told him to get a good night’s rest Sunday night and eat a good breakfast
Monday morning :)
Since we were here last, a friend of mine shared her
reconstructive surgery experience where her buttock’s tissue was used for one
of her implants. Since we did not explore that option with our plastic surgeon
to a great extent, we tried to circle back around with him to discuss this in
more depth. As a reminder, he told me the last time we were here, after
examining me, using tissue from my abdomen was not an option. Unfortunately, he
was not in the office this afternoon so we did not get to see him. However,
while Scott and I were having dinner at the center this evening, he called me –
that impressed us! He is very familiar with that procedure called SGAP
(Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator). He told me it is not as common a
procedure for ladies having a bilateral given the number of times you’d have to
be turned during the surgery plus the increased amount of surgery time. Also,
in most cases, it is usually a two-time surgery when both breasts are being
reconstructed. Even though the thought of using my own tissue has not been an
appealing option for me, we wanted to have this discussion with him before
making a final decision.
We concluded our day with another very informative session
with our geneticist. Scott has always told me I’m one in a million, but
actually I’m only one in ten thousand :) yep, that’s right! The mutation that I
have is found in only one in every ten thousand with the BRCA2 gene . . . Only
to Susan, right? The results from this
test have been incredibly helpful and enlightening, i.e. solidifying my breast
cancer (my paternal grandmother died at the age of 49 with breast cancer) and
making us aware of the increased probability of ovarian cancer, which we can
now prevent – “knowledge is power” (thanks again, Eric :)
Tomorrow is another busy day but trust it will be another good day. We are so thankful God has guided us here in pursuit of our pathway to recovery. I remain excited to see what God has planned for us as we continue to put all of our trust and faith in Him.
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