This morning I had a bilateral breast MRI to determine if there is any other questionable tissue area that might need to be biopsied before we move forward with surgery. I will share results from that when I have them but I was told that they were able to obtain great images. If there's anything else to see aside from the original cluster of microcalcifications, they should have no problem seeing it. The MRI was very loud. They had me positioned on my stomach with my arms at my side and they communicated with me throughout. I could not communicate with them, however, aside from a panic button placed in my hand for emergency use. That's right, I had to go 20 minutes without speaking. I think we all know that was the hardest part for me.
After the MRI, we met with a geneticist to have blood drawn for genetic testing to see if I am positive for either BRCA1 or BRCA2, among other gene mutations. We were told there is a < 5% chance that I am positive for those mutations. If I am positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 it will be important to consider elective removal of ovaries, etc... Results from the genetic testing will be available in about 14 days.
The fun didn't stop there.
We met with a plastic surgeon this afternoon to discuss reconstruction after bilateral mastectomy. There are a few ways to go about reconstruction so we learned about our options and the timing of them with regard to chemo and radiation (if radiation is indicated).
While I was in the MRI holding my tongue for a PR of 20 min, I was thinking how nice it is that so many inspiring, hope filled stories come pouring out of the woodwork with a cancer diagnosis. In the last few days I have been connected with some strong, sincere, candid young women that have traveled this road before me and their help has already been a real boost. People get through this all the time and many without a fraction of the support I will have. I am so thankful for the kind people in our life, family and friends alike. We have an impressive village!
I will check back in with MRI results, BRCA results and surgery dates as they become available.
Thank you all for your support, I'm a lucky woman!
You humble me with your strength. Hugs
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing and so strong! Thank you for posting this journey and sharing it with us all.
ReplyDeleteWe love you. Dad and Mom
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Mallory
You are so strong! Speaking of theses hard times with such poise and peace! Thank you for keeping us updated. We've been thinking of you tons!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update! Your strength is an inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing an update. Love to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. I heard you got to pick the music for the MRI soundtrack. Weren't you worried you would sing along by accident?
ReplyDeleteIn retrospect, I should have chosen something along the lines of Laurie Berkner because I said "country" and ran the risk of Tim McGraw hoping I got the chance to live like I was dying. Thank goodness something about time going faster than I think came on. :)
DeleteI am so proud of your courage! I am with you in spirit.
ReplyDeleteLove, Aunt Lois
Sarah, it is so you to say such wonderful things about others, about our "impressive village." It is you who is impressive! And we are the lucky ones!
ReplyDelete