Jackie T's Journal
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Jackie T
Full Name: Jackie
I Am A: Patient
Birthdate: Jan 30
Location: Inglewood, California
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Wow...I did not expect my surgeon to tell me that I have what my mother battled eleven years ago! It couldn't be possible, I am a new mom of a beautiful little girl my husband and I struggled to have by invitro fertilization. I just had my 40th Birthday. I am suppose to feel incredible and ready to set new goals. Right now I don't feel terrific, I am in daze, angry, and worried. I'm sure these are normal feelings and I know as I learn more about my condition I will not feel so much like a victim.
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Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!I think its a great idea to go with Dr. Mabry as I have heard from Betsey Mullins that she is a great surgeon. She has also recommended We Spark Support Center at http://www.wespark.org/
I love you!
Jackie, I think its a great idea to go with Dr. Mabry as I have heard from Betsey Mullins that she is a great surgeon. She has also recommended We Spark Support Center at http://www.wespark.org/ I love you!
I had another appt. with my first surgeon and he doesn't agree of having the chemo first, if Dr. Link recommends it, because we will not know if any lymph nodes would be affected. Also, he knows Dr. Link recommends the lymph nodes to be removed anyway, but that could give us false negatives because of the chemo treatment beforehand. He advised ultimately the decision would be mine to make and he would do what I wanted. Also, he didn't have any problems with me having a 2nd opinion at The John Wayne Cancer Institute. He also advised it was also not a problem if I preferred the other surgeon.
On Feb 29, I met with my 2nd opinion surgeon and she agreed with my 1st surgeon to have the lumpectomy with the nipple removal, and Sentinel Node mapping. Also, we discussed the gene tests and options if it was positive or negative. I felt very comfortable speaking with her and she suggested that I did not need to make a rapid decision in having a bi-lateral mastectomy and removal of the ovaries. She advised that after the 1st surgery, and chemo to give myself some time to heal physically and prepare myself mentally for the next surgery if I choose to have it. I felt much better after this meeting and confident in the information I was given and it was the same recommendation as my first surgeon.
On March 10, I am scheduled for my MRI and March 17, I meet with my oncologist. My surgery should be scheduled after my appt. I am still deciding on the surgeon, I like both, but my 2nd opinion is a woman surgeon, I know gender shouldn't matter but I felt very comfortable with her and she really took the time to talk to me and give me her perspective and some direction to go in my situation. After meeting with her I felt good and my spirits had lifted. She just had a different approach then my other surgeon, I know he wants the best outcome for me as well. She felt confident about getting good results from the Sentinel Node mapping despite my breast reduction. If I can, I prefer to go with her. I will need to confirm with my insurance if I can have the procedure done at the hospital where she has privileges.Last week was a busy week for my husband and I. On Feb 27, we meet with the genetic surgeon and counselor. It went very well and I learned a lot about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test and findings. My blood test should be back in 10-15 days. She also works with my oncologist closely and advised me he may recommend chemotherapy prior to surgery because the tumor was located in the dermis where the vascular system is located. After that meeting I was feeling down. Fortunately two girlfriends from work took me to dinner and a movie ("27 Dresses"). Thank goodness because I felt much better after talking to them and seeing the movie, we all had a great time. I had another appt. with my first surgeon and he doesn't agree of having the chemo first, if Dr. Link recommends it, because we will not know if any lymph nodes would be affected. Also, he knows Dr. Link recommends the lymph nodes to be removed anyway, but that could give us false negatives because of the chemo treatment beforehand. He advised ultimately the decision would be mine to make and he would do what I wanted. Also, he didn't have any problems with me having a 2nd opinion at The John Wayne Cancer Institute. He also advised it was also not a problem if I preferred the other surgeon. On Feb 29, I met with my 2nd opinion surgeon and she agreed with my 1st surgeon to have the lumpectomy with the nipple removal, and Sentinel Node mapping. Also, we discussed the gene tests and options if it was positive or negative. I felt very comfortable speaking with her and she suggested that I did not need to make a rapid decision in having a bi-lateral mastectomy and removal of the ovaries. She advised that after the 1st surgery, and chemo to give myself some time to heal physically and prepare myself mentally for the next surgery if I choose to have it. I felt much better after this meeting and confident in the information I was given and it was the same recommendation as my first surgeon. On March 10, I am scheduled for my MRI and March 17, I meet with my oncologist. My surgery should be scheduled after my appt. I am still deciding on the surgeon, I like both, but my 2nd opinion is a woman surgeon, I know gender shouldn't matter but I felt very comfortable with her and she really took the time to talk to me and give me her perspective and some direction to go in my situation. After meeting with her I felt good and my spirits had lifted. She just had a different approach then my other surgeon, I know he wants the best outcome for me as well. She felt confident about getting good results from the Sentinel Node mapping despite my breast reduction. If I can, I prefer to go with her. I will need to confirm with my insurance if I can have the procedure done at the hospital where she has privileges.
Good news, I received the approval from the ins. co on my second opinion to see Dr. Helen Mabry from the "John Wayne Cancer Institute", my appt. with her is Feb 29. Also, thanks to another good friend, I have also received a great reference for a plastic surgeon I found in my provider network.
The next three weeks are going to be very busy for my husband and I with doctor appts and tests. Getting closer to having my surgery and to find out what stage of BC I have. I am very anxious because I want to know what I'm up against, its the now knowing that drives me crazy. If all the tests results come in and my care team recommendations are completed, the time line of my surgery should be sometime in April. My husband and I are getting away for the weekend (Laughlan NV), and I plan on trying to relax and have some fun since my diagnosis.
Some helpful web sites:
www.cancer101.org (Getting Organized info)
www.healthAtoZ.com (Nutrition info)
www.plwc.org (People Living with Cancer, info on types of cancer)
www.cancer.org (American Cancer Society)
www.cancerwellness.org (The Wellness Center)
My case manager from the ins. co. contacted me and she was very helpful. She commended me on how proactive and organized I was in getting information. I have to thank my friend for giving me the "Cancer 101" kit that helps women who are newly diagnosed with BC get organized, I felt very empowered because it gives you all the essentials, a planner with questions to ask your doctors and file organizer, to take with you on your appointments. You can order it from www.cancer101.org. Good news, I received the approval from the ins. co on my second opinion to see Dr. Helen Mabry from the "John Wayne Cancer Institute", my appt. with her is Feb 29. Also, thanks to another good friend, I have also received a great reference for a plastic surgeon I found in my provider network. The next three weeks are going to be very busy for my husband and I with doctor appts and tests. Getting closer to having my surgery and to find out what stage of BC I have. I am very anxious because I want to know what I'm up against, its the now knowing that drives me crazy. If all the tests results come in and my care team recommendations are completed, the time line of my surgery should be sometime in April. My husband and I are getting away for the weekend (Laughlan NV), and I plan on trying to relax and have some fun since my diagnosis. Some helpful web sites: www.cancer101.org (Getting Organized info) www.healthAtoZ.com (Nutrition info) www.plwc.org (People Living with Cancer, info on types of cancer) www.cancer.org (American Cancer Society) www.cancerwellness.org (The Wellness Center)
In the meanwhile I have to get my family history, and complete the paperwork that has comes in the mail prior to my appointments. In between all this I am still trying to be the best Mom to my precious little girl and have my head on straight at work.
As my NBCF friend Irene says "Remember to "Breath, Inhale, and Exhale"
I find it tough at the end of my work day, especially when you have to contact the pathology dept for your films and playing phone tag with your case manager. Everyday it sinks in more and more that I have BC. I know I am taking the steps in getting through this 1st step process of getting everyting order for my appointments that have been scheduled with my Genetic counselor and doctor (Feb 27), and my oncologist (Mar 17). Also, I am in contact with a cancer surgeon, my friend referred to me for a second opinion. She is with "The John Wayne Cancer Institute". She was so nice she called me back the same day and left me a message to call her back on her cell phone. We talked and discussed my case and she felt my doctors had a good plan for me and was glad to hear I was scheduled to have the genetic testing. Also, she does know Dr. Link, my oncologist and states I am in very good hands. However, she would review my case. The next step is to get this approved by my insurance. I was quite impressed with her concern and wanting to know my story of my condition not the status. After talking with her my evening was much better. In the meanwhile I have to get my family history, and complete the paperwork that has comes in the mail prior to my appointments. In between all this I am still trying to be the best Mom to my precious little girl and have my head on straight at work. As my NBCF friend Irene says "Remember to "Breath, Inhale, and Exhale"
Harold H. Benjamin, Ph.d
Founder, The Wellness Community"If you participate in your fight for recovery, you will improve the quality of your life and just may enhance the possibility of your recovery." Harold H. Benjamin, Ph.d Founder, The Wellness Community
Lots of Love,
TinaHi Jackie, I am sooo sorry to hear about the news! I know that you can beat this! You are such a strong, motivated woman! You are always in my prayers and if you need anything at all, I am here for you! Please keep us posted. You are in my thoughts =) Lots of Love, Tina
Maya Angelou“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Congratulations on your baby GIRL! I'm sorry you are having to battle BC. I was diagnosed in October, had surgery in November and Mammosite radiaton in December. I'm still overwhelmed with it all. I am glad to hear you have found your perfect doctors. I was also very lucky with finding my doctors. I know I had/have alot of prayers on my side, because I have been blessed through this stressful time.
Warm wishes and prayers sent your way.
Irene from Orange County, CaliforniaHello Jackie - Congratulations on your baby GIRL! I'm sorry you are having to battle BC. I was diagnosed in October, had surgery in November and Mammosite radiaton in December. I'm still overwhelmed with it all. I am glad to hear you have found your perfect doctors. I was also very lucky with finding my doctors. I know I had/have alot of prayers on my side, because I have been blessed through this stressful time. Warm wishes and prayers sent your way. Irene from Orange County, California
However, its hard not to think of my Mom during this time and what she went through. I am trying to get the knowledge and information I need to make the best choices for my condition. I am fortunate to have a wonderful cancer surgeon and I have also been referred to a leading Breast Cancer Oncologist, Dr. John S. Link who is a specialist in women battling breast cancer. The informational web link is below:
http://www.breastlink.com/
So far, the tumor was 5/8 of an inch which most of it was removed during my surgical biopsy, my cancer surgeon has recommended a left breast lumpectomy with removal of the nipple and a centinel test of the lymph nodes, if the lymph nodes are positive then he will remove them. I would also get breast reconstruction. After this procedure I will know what stage of breast cancer I have. Before this happens, I have an appointment scheduled for an MRI because my breast reduction may interfere with the centinel test. Also, I am meeting with my oncologist to discuss treatment and a BRCA1 test to verify if I have the genetic breast cancer mutation. If that test is positive then I would also elect for a bi-lateral mastectomy and removal of my ovaries, this would also include reconstruction of my breast. If a woman has a positive test and the recommendation is to have the procedure it will decrease their risk of getting a second breast cancer.
I am learning that treating Breast Cancer is a process and you need all your ducks in row to make the best surgical and cancer treatment decisions for someone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Things have changed a lot since my Mom's battle eleven years ago, treatment has improved and women are taking more charge in their treatment decisions.
Thank you for your support and positive energy, I am focused on being positive and proactive in my condition. However, its hard not to think of my Mom during this time and what she went through. I am trying to get the knowledge and information I need to make the best choices for my condition. I am fortunate to have a wonderful cancer surgeon and I have also been referred to a leading Breast Cancer Oncologist, Dr. John S. Link who is a specialist in women battling breast cancer. The informational web link is below: http://www.breastlink.com/ So far, the tumor was 5/8 of an inch which most of it was removed during my surgical biopsy, my cancer surgeon has recommended a left breast lumpectomy with removal of the nipple and a centinel test of the lymph nodes, if the lymph nodes are positive then he will remove them. I would also get breast reconstruction. After this procedure I will know what stage of breast cancer I have. Before this happens, I have an appointment scheduled for an MRI because my breast reduction may interfere with the centinel test. Also, I am meeting with my oncologist to discuss treatment and a BRCA1 test to verify if I have the genetic breast cancer mutation. If that test is positive then I would also elect for a bi-lateral mastectomy and removal of my ovaries, this would also include reconstruction of my breast. If a woman has a positive test and the recommendation is to have the procedure it will decrease their risk of getting a second breast cancer. I am learning that treating Breast Cancer is a process and you need all your ducks in row to make the best surgical and cancer treatment decisions for someone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Things have changed a lot since my Mom's battle eleven years ago, treatment has improved and women are taking more charge in their treatment decisions.
Tanya What you are feeling is completely normal. I found out I had breast cancer at my baseline mammogram when I was 40 in Dec 07. The roller coaster of emotions is normal. I felt like I walked around in a daze from Dec 3rd when I found out until my surgery on Jan. 11th. This site and women on it have helped me through alot! You found a good site to come too for resources and comfort. Tanya
site very helpful in understanding breast cancer and the different stages. This Thursday I have an appointment with my surgeon to discuss the biopsy and my condition. He has also referrred me to an oncologist...just waiting for the insurance referral. I'll post an update when I have all the details. I found the video on this web site very helpful in understanding breast cancer and the different stages.
Thank you for the support and advice. I have already contacted the ACS and they are sending me some breast cancer material. I am feeling stronger already!Dear Catsvette: Thank you for the support and advice. I have already contacted the ACS and they are sending me some breast cancer material. I am feeling stronger already!