the decision is made and I feel fine

[marni]

yesterday we ( the sag guy and I) had a long discussion with the doctor and the breast surgeon regarding the questionable needle biopsy. The final decision is that I will be having a masectomy on June 16, after I return from doing the little rid riding hood ride with my sisters on june 4. I am fortunate in that they will be doing only breast tissue and not going after the lymph glands. To quote my doctor " we just take out a smiley face of tissue and then scoop out the melon. and then sew everything up with a bow." I will be in the hospital overnight just to make sure nothing is leaking, bleeding or clotting and the home and in active recovery. I gather the biggest issue is dealing with the drains for two to three weeks. That and not being able to drive for a week to ten days. but the surgeon also pointed out to me that there would be nothing wrong with my legs or my right arm.

I will not be doing chemo or radiation therapy, but will continue doing the hormonal therapy ( tamoxifen) but other than that I should be able to go back to a twice a year mammogram and self breast exams.

While it's kind of a bummer i feel almost giddy with relief that the decision has been made and I can plan accordingly and not have this all hanging around over my head.

I have checked out the breast cancer support groups in the area and they are all full and not taking new patients. In the meantime I have one of the breast advisors at the MD Anderson sending me info and programs and social workers should I need someone to talk to so.......

Anyway, come mid June the spinning of wheels to send some positive thoughts would be appreciated.

[shootingstar]

I wish you personal strength and above all, lightness of life, in the years ahead.

May the purpose of life uplift you even more.

Have you thought of cycling in a totally different environment with a companion? A trip that you've been wanting to do for awhile. with sag support or credit card etc. even for a few days. You deserve it, marni.

[lph]

Wonderful, Marni. Congratulations on a decision well made. Wishing you peace of spirit and a new fresh start!

[hebe]

Wishing you all the best with this Marni. Good luck with the Little Red Riding Hood ride too.

That's so sad that all the support groups are full.

[Crankin]

You must feel great now that the decision is made. Give yourself a treat.

[OakLeaf]

Keeping my wheels spinning for you, and wishing you strength through all of this.

[Pax]

Glad to hear you've made your decision, and that you're at peace with it.

Regarding drains, when I had my reduction (from E cup to B cup) I had drains too, a couple of helpful hints from my experience:

- Make sure you have help for dressing changes, working around the drains takes more than two hands.

- Put things you'll need during your recovery at lower places in your home, you can't lift your arms up high so if your favorite coffee mug lives in an upper cabinet, be sure to put it on the counter or you'll be sad.

- Get some button front shirts handy, you can't raise your arms to pull on a t-shirt (this was a tough one for me... when you have E cups you don't own any button front shirts).

[szsz]

I will not be doing chemo or radiation therapy, but will continue doing the hormonal therapy ( tamoxifen)

This was my route, too: Single mastectomy followed by tamoxifen -- so you are in good company! Sending you so many positive thoughts. Please PM any time.

With the drains (ornaments!) -- I got a long shoelace to loop around my neck to pin them to once I was able to shower. That is my best hint.

You're going to do great, I know it! XXXOOOO

[Pax]

With the drains (ornaments!) -- I got a long shoelace to loop around my neck to pin them to once I was able to shower. That is my best hint.

That is a GREAT tip!!! Wish I'd thought of that.

[runningteach]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you a hug.