Monday, June 24, 2013

Surgery Scheduled & Prayers Requested

Last week we met with my surgical oncologist and scheduled my surgery. 

I'll be having a double mastectomy on August 6.

(Hey, if it's good enough for Angelia Jolie, it's good enough for me! Kidding.)

During the mastectomy my surgeon will remove all of the breast tissue from both breasts as well as few lymph nodes from my left arm pit (where they know there were cancerous cells at one point). A pathologist will then analyze all of that tissue to find out how much cancer remains. My big big prayer is that zero live cancer cells will be found when they do the pathology report after the mastectomy. I'd appreciate any prayers you can give me for that as well.

I'm not that scared about the surgery itself. I know it's the best choice I can make to increase the odds that I'll be here for Jonathan and Elise for a long time. I know I'm tough and can handle the pain. But I am a little scared to get those pathology results. If there is no remaining cancer my prognosis is very good. If there is a lot of cancer left, my prognosis is pretty bad. So the results of this surgery really is the "moment of truth" after months of treatment. It will also determine what scans and treatment I should do next.

Also because they have to remove some of my lymph nodes, I'm at increased risk for lymphedema (permanent arm swelling). So, please pray that my surgeon will not have to remove many lymph nodes and that I will not get lymphedema.

As far as "looks" go... I'll be doing temporary breast reconstruction at the time of surgery and then a permanent reconstruction about 8 months later. I have a wonderful plastic surgeon who assures me I can have "great" results when all is said and done. But please don't call this a "free boob job" -- unlike a boob job, reconstruction after mastectomy requires two lengthy surgeries as well expanding the pectoral muscle over several procedures so the implant has someplace to go. Basically it's painful, lengthy, and not that fun. Oh yeah, and I had to have cancer to get it.


So there you go. Surgery is in six weeks. Thank you for your prayers.

18 comments:

  1. I will be praying for you- you are truly a courageous inspiration. Your baby girl is going to be blown away when she grows up and you tell her about your journey- she will be so proud of her tough mama! Keep up the amazing fight- your positive attitude is incredible.

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  2. Kristen - you will absolutely be in my prayers. Anonymous said it beautifully: you are an inspiration <3

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  3. Praying for you for sure! You'll do great!!! Anonymous is right too!

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  4. Praying for all of you, and sending specific prayers that there will be zero live cancer cells. You are a true inspiration.

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  5. I will be praying for you! I do hope all of this chemo you have done will show zero cancer cells! More than anything you have a positive attitude and that is the best medicine!

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  6. Praying for you during this journey!

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  7. You got it...prayers that is! I know from my friend I taught with last year that the "boob job" after a double mastectomy is no joke. She was out of school for 2+ weeks recovering. I will certainly be praying for good results, little pain, and for people to not make rude or inconsiderate comments about the reconstructive surgery.

    You are such a inspiration. I hope you know that! (And PS....more pics of Elise on instagram please :))

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  8. Will be praying for NO CANCER CELLS on the path report.

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  9. You're doing so well! Lots of prayers coming your way.

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  10. Positive thoughts and prayers for you.

    http://sweethappening.blogspot.ca/

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  11. Prayers for sure!!

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  12. I fear that you're still getting negative comments based on part of your post here. That makes me so frustrated for you!

    Prayers continue for future health, for a quick recovery and a FANTASTIC pathology report.

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  13. i will be praying for you!

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  14. Praying! May the Lord guide your entire medical team and line up every cell in your body with His perfect health.

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  15. Praying for you girl. Believing God for complete healing! <3

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  16. My mom went through your exact surgery 10 years ago! It's a long journey but you can do it. My mom is also a Physical Therapist who specializes in wrapping patients who have lymphodema. I hope that is not an issue for you but if it is I know someone who could help. Prayers and blessings to you and your family in this time!

    Audrey Mayo

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