Pink Gloves On - Back in the ring for Round 3!!

Hello sweet sisters. I haven't been posting a lot lately but that doesns't mean that I have not been on here checking on all of you.

Well, as my subject line says, I am AGAIN going to go head to head with the beast. This is the third time in 3 years. This time, I am going to Mayo Clinic to get a second opinion. Who am I kidding, I'm thinking very strongly of switching my care to them. I have an appointment with them next Tuesday. I have been busy getting all my records, scans, path reports, etc. sent to them. They have a large breast cancer research center here in Jacksonville.

I received the results from the needle core biopsy last Friday. I have to admit I was surprised but not shocked. I found a lump on the scar line several months ago. I am pissed off at my plastic surgeon because I brought this to his attention and inquired if it was perhaps scar tissue (you know how we like to think of anything other than the big "C"). He kind of brushed it off and agreed with me. He was never my favorite of doctors because I always felt his bedside manner skills were lacking. He is more interested in the plastic part of his job and not so much into the actual person. I am pissed at myself too because I have found my last two lumps and should have been more proactive. But, after all, he is the medical doctor, not me! I am certain the outcome would have been the same, I would again be diagnosed with IDC but perhaps the treatment may not have been so invasive. I met with my previous surgeon on Monday of this week and if she were going to treat me, it would involve removing the implant, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. She said the radiation would destroy the latissimus muscle that was moved forward after my bilateral mastectomy and so IF I was going to consider reconstruction again, my choice would be either the LAT Flap or Diep Flap. Both surgeries are very extensive and approximately 10 hours long. I won't know until I go to Mayo what they recommend but I am definately not going through that type of surgery again.

So, I will keep you updated as I learn my new path down this road again. I know that I can and will get through this again and what makes that a little easier is ALL of YOU!!

Love you and sending hugs,

Debbie

P.S. Thought of changing my name to MyTurnAGAIN!!