Wednesday, April 6, 2011

One boob or two??

So.... I had made my decision to have a lumpectomy to save as much of my boobie as I could. But our wonderful, caring surgeon, and I truly mean that, he is great and I would suggest anyone in the area to see him. He's amazing! Anyways, he was thinking of things and he decided that the best thing to do would be to have the mastectomy. I made a special little diagram for you to make it easier for me to explain. It's primitive so don't be laughing at my graphic designing skills! ;)Ok so the "tumor" is about 3x3x3ish cm's all around. The biopsy that I had done on Monday came back positive for the cancer being in it thus making the lymph nodes down stream, closer to the tumor, positive as well. So Dr. Chong was thinking that to have the best outcome he would obviously have to take out the main area and still have good margins around that area, plus take out the lymph nodes down from the tumor. That would make the entire area that needed to be removed about 6ish cm's. The out come of that would be ONE ugly boob, so having no boob is the best option for health purposes. Also, because the lymph node tested positive I will have a full lymph node dissection. There are three levels of lymph nodes, obviously I, II and III. So they remove the first and second levels of the nodes leaving the third. The third runs behind the muscle so they leave them behind. They never know how many lymph nodes they take out until after the pathology report comes back. That has to be determined by the Pathologist. So anyway, this is where the road turned left on me and I thought I was going to the right. But I still know where I need to end up, so although there is a detour, I will get back on track eventually. So at this point in time I am not to worried about it. I feel at peace with the decision made, it was out of my hands but I know that my Savior knows where I am going and even though I don't right now, I feel that I am not alone and I am having done what is best for me. I have to phone tomorrow morning and find out what time surgery is. I will have to do an overnighter in the hospital (YUCK!!!). I only like staying there when I have babies! So this should be fun... So overall, I think today was a good day. OH, on a side note, when I sat down for supper I said to the kids, "Well Mommy has to have her boob cut off." Wyatt was a little sad and said, "But Mom I don't want them to do that to you." Carson was wielding his red and blue Gerber knife around and said, "Mommy I cut it off for you!" And Kate said rather excitedly, "MOM! Now you get to cut your bathing suit in half!!" They made us all laugh. I just love them to pieces no matter what, and I am thankful for their simple thoughts that also help us to get through.

4 comments:

  1. You always make me cry one minute and laugh the next. Geneva, I know everyone says it, but it's only because it's so true - you are an incredibly, amazing woman. I love your attitude, I love your faith, and I love you!

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  2. Oh G.... You have such a great attitude. Your kids will keep you laughing and be a great strength to you!!!

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  3. Are you getting a single or double?

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  4. Every night when I read your blog, I laugh at your kids' words and shenanigans and then tear up at your strength and courage. You are remarkable!! With your positive attitude, you'll breeze through this!! Sending lots of loving thoughts and prayers your way!!
    Love, Linda xoxoxo <3

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