Marlin and I traveled to St. Louis on Monday afternoon. I saw Dr. Julie Margenthaler at the Center for Advanced Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital Tuesday, April 1 (no foolin'). I was her first appointment, 8 am. She is a breast surgeon and I was impressed by her confidence and interest in me. She recommended that I have a modified radical mastectomy with lymph node dissection on the left (affected side) as soon as possible. I discussed with her the suspicious lesion on the other breast. I was hoping that the biopsy could be done at the same time as the other surgery. She recommended that I get another MRI that day so she could compare the results to the one I had in Joplin. We won't make a decision about the "other" breast until the MRI results are back - hopefully tomorrow (Friday). I did ask about doing mastectomies on both, but she is not recommending that, because of the longer healing time. We briefly discussed reconstruction surgery - not to be considered until all the treatment is done. I also had blood drawn for the breast cancer gene test. Some insurance companies are covering this test - I am unsure if mine will, but the lab tech told me that the lab and the insurance company will "duke it out" about the payment. So I'll leave that for someone else to worry about.
Dr. M. has surgery scheduled for me on Thursday, April 10th. Yesterday, I was able to complete the MRI and all pre-operative preparations. Everything that needed to be done went smoothly and completed in one day. Thanksgiving! We were able to leave St. Louis by 5 pm and got home about 9:30 pm. (okay, Marlin has a radar detector)
I am in Topeka this afternoon, Thursday and Friday, trying to prepare for my absence. I am so priviledged to work with a supportive group of women at Washburn nursing - and they have offered to cover classes for me - and I will accept their offer. I am learning how to accept the generosity of others.
My daily devotions continue to "speak to me". I am touched by the cards, prayers, and kind thoughts.
Ellen
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About Me
- Ellen Carson
- I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend. I am one in eight women that will have breast cancer in their lifetime.
2 comments:
Ellen,
We have missed connections so I was glad to read your update. I wish it had been better news but I believe you are with the surgeon that God has selected for your care so I will be praying for her to have exceptional skill and awareness on the 10th.
More than anything I am praising God that you know Him and are trusting Him for your outcome. He wont let you down.
I did get good news in KC on Monday. I will see Dr Mathews on Friday and I am sure we will discuss when to start radiation but NO MORE CHEMO!
I can remember being where you are and not being able to see past the coming months... but I made it and you will too!
Talk to you soon, Kathy G
Thanks to all @ Washburn. Your the greatest. It has been a great help and very comforting to have all of you on our side. I owe you all a hug!!!!!!!
Marlin
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