<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Jackie T's Journal RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/jackie-t/journals/rss</link><description>Jackie T's Journal RSS Feed</description><item><title><![CDATA[Finally a plan for treatment and surgery]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/jackie-t/journals/7976</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/jackie-t/journals/7976</guid><description><![CDATA[This has been a long haul for me and I am thankful for the wonderful support I have received from my family, friends, and coworkers. 

I am also very fortunate to have a great Care Team who have come up with a treatment and surgical procedure for a cure rate of 97%% for me.

Since I have tested positive for the BRCA2 cancer mutation gene, and based on an  independent review of my pathology slides, and MRI results my Care Team has recommended six chemo treatments in 3 week intervals starting Monday, March 24. After my chemo treatments (approx. 4 months) a  bi-lateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction will be scheduled. Down the road I will also have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. 

I have met with my plastic surgeon (http://www.charlottalavia.com/index.cfm), she specializes in breast cancer reconstruction and is an experienced surgeon in microvascular surgery. She has recommended two procedures for me. The balloon expander with an implant or the flap reconstruction using the abdomen tissue (T-Flap). The tissue remains attached to its original site, retaining its blood supply. I am going to research both procedures because they have different risks associated with them. I will post a discussion on this site so I can get more information from other woman who have had these procedures. 

I will meet with my plastic surgeon again to discuss the procedure I prefer and schedule the surgery.  



]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA["The News"]]></title><link>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/jackie-t/journals/7881</link><guid>http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/members/jackie-t/journals/7881</guid><description><![CDATA[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. ]]></description></item></channel></rss>