March 28: I met with the Plastic Surgeon today. He was very supportive and reassured me that a Lumpectomy with Radiation and Chemo provide the same long term results as a Mastecomy. This echoed what I heard from Dr. Garg, Dr. Liang, and Dr. Lange (the Hopkins Doctor). He does not believe that plastic surgery will be necessary because, in time, the tissues and fluids around the breast will fill in. However, if I'm not satisfied, I can always schedule a follow-up.
As I was getting in the car to my next appointment, I received a call from Dr. Garg. He received the results of the CT Scan. Two spots were discovered; 1 on my left lung and 1 on my liver - approximately 1 cm each. He ordered another test, a Pet Scan. It is possible these spots are related to Valley Fever. I am confident the spot on my lung is related to Valley Fever because I have x-rays from 2002 which show the scarring from the disease. The liver was a surprise! Tomorrow I will receive a low dose of radioactive glucose before the scan. I should have these results in time for my follow-up with Dr. Garg on Wednesday, 3/30.
I attended my first support group meeting tooday. I found it very helpful and was surprised at the amount of resources available. I plan on taking advantage of these amazing counselors during the year. I was also educated on Lymphodemia. This is swelling which sometimes occurs after an auxilary node disection. Measurements were taken on both of my arms and I was provided with warnings/symptoms.
Before I left the Breast Center, I was given my surgery date: April 14.
It will be another busy week of appointments.
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