As soon as I met my surgeon, Dr. David Ollila, I connected well with him. We're the same age and he spoke to me like a peer. He explained that the MRI showed a spot on the right side that they needed to investigate further, so I would have an ultrasound on that side, and if they couldn't see it well enough to perform and ultrasound biopsy, I would have to have an MRI biopsy.
He scheduled an outpatient surgery for November 5 for removal of several sentinel lymph nodes. The results of the MRI biopsy would determine whether this would be done only on the left or also on the right.
He told me that the cancerous cells on the left were in two main sections connected by a small thread, and overall they form in a web, rather than a lump. This is why it's hard to detect on imaging. He explained that it would not be possible to do a lumpectomy. I told him that I had already figured that out based on the diffuse areas that were biopsied, and that I had already decided I was probably going to have the same surgery Angelina Jolie had. He seemed extremely relieved that I was the one bringing this up and said, "We're going to get you through the next 34 years of your projected lifespan." He explained that I would first have "neo-adjuvant" (before surgery) chemotherapy, and the regimen would be based on the results of my sentinel node biopsy. He told me that I would meet with a plastic surgeon prior to the surgery to discuss reconstruction options. He said that it's not determined yet whether it will be necessary for me to have radiation. This may depend on how much the chemotherapy is able to shrink the margins of the tumor. It can also affect reconstruction options, so I'm hopeful it won't be necessary.
My surgeon is the head of the Breast Center at the top cancer research hospital in the Southeast, so I am quite confident I am getting the best care possible, and that is a great feeling.
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