Appointment With Breast Surgeon

It was such a relief today to go to the next step of my treatment by meeting with the Dr. Noveroske who will perform surgery on my breast.

A praise that I have is that I believe without a doubt that this Dr. is THE Dr. for me.  I really like him and so does Curt.  He took his time to talk to us and answer our questions and was very positive.   He knows that we want to be aggressive with treatment and his attitude is the same.

Now for some facts.  The kind of breast cancer I have is ductal carcinoma.  It makes it a bit more challenging but is treatable.  The reason it is not the best location is that where the problem is located (the milk duct) is compared to a tree trunk.  There are “branches” connected to the trunk where the cancer could spread to.  Could, not will or have.

He surprised us a bit by not immediately scheduling surgery for me.  He says the next step is to have an MRI which will give them a better indication of if and where the cancer has spread so he has that information going into surgery.  It made sense to Curt and I.  So, my MRI will be done this coming Friday (1-18-08) at 7:45am.  It sounds like the results will be back to him by maybe Tuesday of next week.  He will then  give us a call  to discuss the results and then talk about the next step which is surgery.

I found out today that a lumpectomy = partial mastectomy, which I did not know.   The MRI results will determine exactly how much more breast tissue he removes.   He briefly mentioned breast reconstruction today which I don’t even want to think about.  Who knows, that may not even happen!

Something else he said was different than what we were originally told.   He has spoken to Dr. Kletzing my thyroid surgeon and they discussed that it may be a better idea to get both surgeries out of the way before receiving treatment from the oncologist.  We thought it was also neat that he offered to help Dr. Kletzing with the thyroid surgery.  He said that two pair of eyes might be a better choice.  So, we will see.

I want to mention that last night we met with the elders of our church and our pastor.  They anointed me with oil and prayed for my healing.  Pastor Clapper prayed that I might live to a “ripe old age” and I am believing that.  It was a very sweet and meaningful time for us and helped lift some of the heaviness that Curt and I felt yesterday.

It is just a reminder for us to stay under the shadow of His wing and snuggle up to Jesus and learn what he wants to teach us at this time.  I can personally say that He is revealing things that I need to learn and change.

Additional prayer requests…

~That the MRI will locate any additional problems, IF there are any.

~Pray for Curt.  Sometimes the spouse is forgotten.   He is struggling more than I.  He has a heavy load to bear.  We are walking through this together but we also have our separate paths.

Psalm 16:7-9, 11

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also shall rest in hope.  Thou wilt show me the path of life.  In thy presence is fullness of joy, at they right hand there are pleasures evermore.

We are experiencing God’s goodness.

Love,

Carmel