Hello family and friends,
Your comments are not showing up on the blog..so feel free to just text me.
I literally was in the process of writing this and got a all from Dr. Guthrie...my liver looks totally normal. I am crying tears of joy. Thank you for your prayers...they mean the world to me.
Our appointment with Dr. Guthrie went very well this morning. She was very supportive and we discussed many treatment options. We are almost 100% sure that I will have a double mastectomy..to get rid of the DCIS in the right breast and to prevent any future problems. This is a fairly aggressive surgery to treat DCIS, but it requires NO radiation or estrogen blocking medication, if the lymph nodes are clear.(they appear to be on the MRI) There are many potential side effects from both radiation and estrogen blocking medication.
The tumor board that Dr. Guthrie reviewed our case with this morning were in agreement about my diagnosis and treatment options.
We are still weighing the options for reconstruction and will probably consult with a plastic surgeon on Tuesday. I am leaning towards not doing reconstruction, but will consider all the options. My biggest goal is to feel comfortable in my own skin, and I know it is a really personal decision for everyone who has had a mastectomy. I have talked to dear friends who have been through this journey and tried to feel out what feels best for me. A big thank you to my friend, Janis, her insight and inspiration have helped so much...knowing she went through breast cancer several years ago and is doing AMAZING.
I had the liver ultrasound this morning. It was very quick...maybe like 10 minutes. It was really unnerving because the tech said nothing the entire time besides..."Take a deep breath and hold it...OK..breathe." I just wanted her to smile or give me some encouraging words. I know this is not her job, but it would have been nice. But...like I said above...the liver is CLEAR!!
Bright and early tomorrow morning we will drive to Seattle. We are scheduled to check in at 12:30. One of my best friends from college, Margaret, is going to meet us at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I am so thankful for the distraction this will provide...and who doesn't want to spend the afternoon with our of their favorite people.(but I have to say that meeting at the beach would be a LOT better)
Again...I cannot thank you all enough for your sweet texts, cards, cookies, frozen lasagna, and even a special journal from my friend Stacy. It is so comforting to know that we are supported, prayed for, and loved by you all. I will try and update on Thursday about our appointment...as I don't think we will be back until later tomorrow evening.
Prayers:
-liver results would show nothing unusual(THEY ARE NORMAL...just got the call)
-appointment tomorrow in Seattle...we hope that they are in agreement with the Spokane team and have a clear direction for treatment.
-safe travel and energy for a long day ahead
-peace in the waiting
Praise:
-The liver is CLEAR and normal....just having breast cancer seems like a breeze. It is funny how God works in our lives
-encouraging appointment with Dr. Guthrie...we really love her
I cannot tell you the weight off my shoulders...a week ago we were crushed to have the news of breast cancer...today we are praising God that is was caught early and is staged at 0!!
Love, Rachelle
Rachelle, Your Mom entered my email address on your blog. Hope you don't mind. I wanted to wish you good luck with your pending surgery. I am very confident that everything will go well. You are in tip top shape and still very young. Sounds like you and Rebecca will have quality time together during your recovery. That will be wonderful for both of you. Good luck, I keep you in my prayers. Love you, Aunt Debi
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