The Decision - Pt 1

Back to the summer of 2010 when I got the diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma in the right breast.  It turns out this is a rare type of breast cancer, most women with breast cancer get it in the ducts, mine was in the lobules.  It was very fast growing, and each procedure/examination I had showed a different size.  My surgeon was trying to gently suggest that I consider mastectomy instead of lumpectomy.  I could tell by my own examinations that it was large, and it was growing.  So I knew a mastectomy was in order -- the question for me was should I have a bilateral mastectomy? The thought of having one breast removed was overwhelming, but BOTH of them?!?!?!

During this time I also consulted with a medical oncologist.  He could not be sure that chemo before the surgery would reduce the lump enough for a lumpectomy, but he was certain that chemo was necessary afterwards.

I had decided I didn't want to BECOME the disease, so I was on a 'need to know' basis.  But there was a lot I needed to know as I researched so I could make an informed decision.  Even my insurance company (Blue Cross) provided me with a lot of information, including the fact that the National Cancer Institute states that taking the other breast now would reduce the chance of cancer in that breast by 90%.
 
During this time I was also getting information from friends, and friends of friends, about all types of cancer preventions and cures.  It was too late for any of the preventative techniques.  And of course there were the financial limitations (i.e. a procedure performed by a physician in Europe, etc). 

And sometimes I just put everything aside to pray and meditate.  I wanted to be able to wade through all this information and make the best decision....