Initial consult with surgeon by phone today was informative and encouraging!
The surgeon we requested, Dr. Lee Wilke, who moved here from Duke 5 years ago to set up and run the UW Breast Center, called us today to give us a bunch of information and get me scheduled for a bunch more tests and consultations, since our initial visit with her isn't until next Tuesday. She was awesome, as everyone who recommended her said she would be, and we got a lot more information. It was encouraging in that it sounds like I will likely still have the (difficult) choice to make between 2 lumpectomies w/radiation, or 1 or 2 mastectomies; a lot of the treatment plan will depend on the test results still to come, including whether I'm given 4-5 months of drug/hormone therapy first before surgery. They are working on scheduling a lot of appointments; we will be meeting back to back with Dr. Wilke and Dr. Ruth O'Regan, "an international leader in breast-cancer care and science" who was just recruited from Emory, on Tuesday afternoon; we will have an appointment with a genetic counselor on Monday and hopefully also an MRI exam before the Tuesday meetings; and an appointment with a plastic surgeon a couple of days after that, in case I end up opting for mastectomy so I understand the reconstruction options.
I feel very lucky to have good medical insurance and such awesome (and female!!) physicians in charge of my care.
Speaking of awesome (female) physicians: 1) the radiologist, Dr. Pamela Propeck, who gave us the bad news on Thursday and conducted the stereotactic biopsy and oversaw the ultrasound biopsies on Friday was really amazing, in both her medical accuracy and her emotional intelligence; and 2) my sister-in-law, Margot Kushel, who is an MD and professor at UCSF, who talked us through a bunch of stuff informally on Sunday that really helped our learning curve not be so steep and also made us feel hopeful. It gives me great hope for our medical system and for the world that we have figured out how to give this degree of power and knowledge to women.
Comments (19)
That's a lot to have fired at you. Remember yo breath and come into the present. It'll help. Love coming your way!
Rebecca, The right information and professionals to guide you is power! I am glad that you have found such wonderful Doctors who seem to be communicating in a caring, responsible and efficient way. Sounds like you are in VERY good hands! Love, Diane
Sounds like you are receiving wonderful care! Sending you healing thoughts.
As you move forward with your decisions I'm sure the question of what is female will play in your mind and heart. I just want to say what you already know in case you ever forget for a moment. Being a woman doesn't lie in your breasts. There are, after all plenty of flat chested women and men with big boobs out there! Just thinking of Rae as I write this, feeling that she'd want you to know she's here with you too. She'll help you out. Just call on her. She'll be there.
Scientist Nina is very encouraged by what I'm reading. I think you have great doctors at hand, who are committed to helping you move with power through this process. Friend Nina would love to be with you physically through this and is so relieved you live where there is such wonderful support. Sending you big waves of love and encouragement and tenderness.
So glad you like your docs. Call anytime if you want to talk. You are, in what was for us, the most difficult time. You know you have cancer but not the other information that impacts the treatment. So hang in there.
Becca ... and ... Don ... it's good to have the ancillary benefit of your 'play-by-play' in the context of this accomplished contingent of women! And I know your appreciation of and for them will contribute to your physical, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. KEEP THE FAITH ... bert & linda
Wonderful that you have such resources including your own strength and tenacity.
Great news!
Just learning of this all, looking for - and finding - my breath, and sending all my love your way. Just a reminder to you of this great circle of care and love that surrounds you both, dear ones...with extra juju being added as I type! : ) Keep researching, and consulting/sharing with your trusted Lovies - and remember God is awake. Mucho love! Maureen
Hello Becca. I so appreciate you keeping me in the loop. I have your back as you continue on this journey of healing. Openheartedly, Sandy Sagraves
I just had a conversation with my 9 year old grandson about the glass being half full or half empty. It is wonderful that even at this stage you are open to see the fullness and hopefulness of life. With much love and caring, Bilha
Dear Becca , It is so good to know that you are in such capable and caring hands during this critical juncture. Big hugs to you and to Don, Mary
Amazing news about the caring and competence of your team. Your news is helpful to all of us who may have to face similar questions some day. Just learning about the strong women looking out for your well being makes all of us, I'm sure, breathe more easily as there is more hope within the medical profession. Sending lots of love.
Becca - we are glad you are getting good advice. Much love from all of us here.
Great to hear that you're making the best choices with great doctors. Love and support to you!
Becca, Sounds like your medical team is compassionately and competently on this journey with you. I am glad you have such support. I am thinking of you and sending you hugs and love.
Great news! You and Don have been in my thoughts. Much love, Randi
Dearest Becca..... sending love and healing to you. So glad you have such an incredible medical team and such support. Thinking of you tons. And tons.