Second Opinion

[MamaLambNC]

Bryan and I will be going to a Multidisciplinary Clinic on Aug. 4^th. We'll go before a panel of Dr's that have read my records, looked at all the x-rays, mammograms, sonograms and etc. They will then give me their opinion as to what I should have done next. I'm going to try to get an appt. with a Breast Cancer Counselor for the 5^th to talk this all out and maybe get some help understanding what's going on inside my head. Then on the 6^th, we go back to the surgeon to let her know what we've decided to do. Whether I will have another lumpectomy and hope they can get enough margins to warrant radiation or whether I'll just take the bull by the horn and get a Mastectomy and not have to worry about it anymore. (As if that's gonna happen....I'll be worrying about this for the rest of my life. How ever long or short that may be.)

I'll write more after the 5^th....

 

Yesterday (Aug. 4^th.) was a long and tiring day. It was very informative but long and tiring, never the less. They put Bryan and me in a room with a bed, a desk, 2 chairs, and a Dr's stool. Several different people came in and talked with us. First the clinic nurse got us situated and asked if we had any questions. The nutritionist went over things to avoid such as soy (soymilk, tofu, etc.), meats with high fat, junk food, etc. It was pretty much the stuff I already knew. Then the social worker came in to talk about support groups and any counseling needs I might have. I made an appt. with her for the 5^th. A volunteer Breast Cancer Survivor came in and gave us her story and asked me to share a bit about mine. She is a survivor of 11 years! Wow! Now that gave me hope. A couple of more people popped their heads in to say hello and see if we needed anything. They were so friendly and helpful. They showed us to a room where there were snacks and drinks to enjoy.

Finally, at 2:00 I changed into a hospital gown and got up on the table to await the Drs.

First, the Radiation Oncologist comes in, examines me and talks about my choices (Another Lumpectomy or a Mastectomy). She tells me basically what my surgeon had told me. That there was no guarantee that they would be able to get the margins the second time around and that I would end up having to have a Mastectomy if they failed. She said after reviewing all my paperwork, she would advise a Mastectomy to be sure that all the Cancer cells were gone.

Next, the surgeon comes in and examines me and tells me that with there being two places that there could be stray microscopic cells that they couldn't see and he would advise a Mastectomy.

By this time, I've pretty much decided what I'm going to do but I'm letting it play out ...also, I want to hear what Bryan's thoughts are.

Finally, the Medical Oncologist comes in to tell me what his recommendations are. He says that if I choose a Mastectomy (which he advises), then I would also have chemo plus anti-hormonal therapy. He went into it quite a bit as to the dosages and etc. Most of which I forgot but will probably remember later.

I got dressed and the clinic nurse brings in my Clinic Recommendation which is the following:

 Dear Mrs. Lamb,

Thank you for participating in the Multidisciplinary Oncology Clinic today. We hope you have found your visit to be helpful. A report of this consultation and the full recommendations of the team will be communicated to the physician who referred you to clinic.

For your reference, here is a brief highlight of our recommendations:

1. Surgery: LEFT Mastectomy and port placement.
2. Radiation therapy: Will not be needed.
3. Adjuvant systemic therapy: Chemotherapy with Taxotere and Carbo and Herceptin x 6 cycles and a full year of Herceptin. Antihormonal therapy is recommended.

If you are not contacted regarding each of these recommendations within 3 business days, please contact the clinic nurse at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.

Well, now I have my answer. After talking it over with Bryan, we decided that we'll go with the recommendations and tell the surgeon of our decision on the 6^th. We also decided to move my care from CMC to Presbyterian Hospital.