MEDICAL UPDATE: 2
Today was my surgeon consult, done via video. Originally, we had planned to be at our house in Montana for the call, but a winter storm delayed travel. We took the call at the Billings Public Library in a study room, while Gracie played with a few new friends at a home doggie daycare provided by Rover. Unfortunately, the surgeon was 40 minutes late, but I think we got most of our questions answered.
A scheduler will be contacting me to set everything up so I do not have dates as of yet. Surgery will take place no sooner than 3 weeks from today due to availability. Doctor was okay with scheduling surgery for early March.
Post-visit summary:
TUMOR
Malignant tumor is approximately 2cm. MRI confirmed position.
Grade 2 does not impact recommendation for lumpectomy.
Tissue removal will minimally impact size and shape of breast. It takes 6 mths-1 year for the body to adjust to a new normal appearance.
Mastectomy is not recommended or necessary.
Radiation will follow surgery, beginning about 4 weeks post-surgery. I will work with a specialized radiation oncologist to determine what radiation treatment will look like for me. I will not receive a radiation oncologist until after surgery.
LUMPECTOMY
Prior to surgery, a radioactive seed marker is placed in the tumor. This assists the surgeon with finding the location during surgery. The seed marker is placed using ultrasound and a needle, and is about the size of a sesame seed. It will be removed with the tumor.
Tumor plus a margin surrounding the tumor will be removed. Pathology will be present at removal and will check for clear margin (no cancer cells). Observation is done by eyesight; tumor will then go to pathology to confirm clear margin.
20-25% of the time the margin is not clear and surgery must be repeated in 2-3 weeks.
Tumor removal should not impact the nipple or areola and does not impact any nerves. Doctor does not believe lumpectomy will significantly change the size of the breast.
Sentinel lymph nodes will also be removed during surgery. A blue dye is inserted to determine the path from the breast to the lymph nodes. The first lymph nodes on the “path” will be removed (1-5 nodes). These will be analyzed for evidence of cancer cells.
Two incisions will be made: 1) lumpectomy and 2) sentinel nodes. Each incision is 2”.
Surgery is done under general anesthesia, same day, outpatient.
I will have stitches. Underarm will be most sore. No intense workouts for 2-3 weeks (no pickle ball).
I can fly the day after surgery; however, it is recommended to stay in town for a few days to manage any complications from surgery.
Prayer requests:
For discernment on when to schedule surgery, which impacts radiation schedule, which impacts when we can be in Montana
For peace at every transition or new challenge, for me and for my family
