Surgical Oncologist Appt - Dr Kelly Hunt

Well, that appointment lasted FOREVER! My appt was at 9. First the nurse came in, then the physician's assistant, then the other physician's assistant, and then finally the doctor. I didn't actually see the doctor till almost 11.
Basically all we did was discuss surgery options. I did like Dr Hunt very much. She is very nice and of course very informative.

We discussed BCS (breast conserving surgery), which is when they try to salvage as much of the breast as possible. They will remove the tumor plus outlying tissue. They have to make sure they get all of the cancerous cells. This might include some reconstruction depending on how much they have to take out, and it will include radiation treatments after surgery. As of this moment, she does not consider me a candidate of BCS because of the size of the tumor. If it shrinks more then I am a better candidate for this surgery.

We also discussed Mastectomy. This is taking the entire breast. Reconstruction will take place during surgery if they determine that I do not need radiation. If radiation is needed then I wait till that is completed before reconstruction.

During both of the surgery options they will perform a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. See link for information: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/sentinel-node-biopsy
This will help determine if radiation is needed also. Basically they take out 2-3 lymph nodes that have been dyed with a solution and see if there are any cancerous cells. If they find some they take out all of the lymph nodes.

The decision is pretty much up to me. There are still pieces to the puzzle we do not have such as; will the tumor continue to shrink?, are there cancerous cells in the lymph node system?
Dr Hunt is setting up appointments with a radiation oncologist and a plastic surgeon. They are pieces to the puzzle as well. They will help determine what will work best.

So far I am feeling fine. No side effects besides the thinning of my hair. Now I know why others choose to shave their heads. I find my hair all over. Today I also visited the breast cancer boutique at MD Anderson. I purchased a hat, scarf, and beanie cap. I consider this my starting point. I'm slowly getting used to the idea of having no hair.

I do have a prayer request: my friend's mother, Vicky Buff. She just had heart surgery and is having complications. Please keep Vicky and her family in your prayers as begins this long recovery process.

Thanks again for all the prayers, child care, meals, emails, and phone calls.

love,
Terrie