Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy

After getting the diagnosis there are some decisions to be made. What can I do to fix this situation in my life? that was a question that I immediately asked myself. I prayed and asked God to guide me in the right direction so that whatever decision I came to would be the best for my family. My husband and I talked about it and discussed my options. We had 2 choices:

1.  lumpectomy
2. Mastectomy 

With the lumpectomy you remove the tumor and some surrounding breast tissue so that the margins could be checked to make sure that all of the cancer cells were removed. Click the following link to get more information regarding a lumpectomy. http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Lumpectomy.html With the mastectomy you remove all of the breast tissue and if desired have reconstructive surgery. Click the following link to get more information regarding a mastectomy.http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Mastectomy.html With this information my husband asked me what I wanted and what I felt most comfortable with. I told him that I wanted a mastectomy, actually a bilateral (double) mastectomy because I wanted to lessen my chances of recurrence and it's not like I'm losing my womanhood. He completely agreed with my choice to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.
So at the moment I am waiting on my surgery date so that we can move forward with getting the tumor out of my body and on the road to recovery. I don't expect that recovery will be a piece of cake but I am prepared for this battle for I intend to win this War. Psalm 140:7

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.

In the meantime I am making preparations for my recovery time. I won't be able to cook for my family so I plan on making some freezer meals that my hubby, mom or mother-in-law can just heat it up and voila homemade goodness to keep us going. Also planning things for my darling daughter to do until I am physically able to interact and play again.
I know that making this type of decision can be a struggle for some and that it's a decision that you don't have months to make. Knowing that whatever your decision is it's the right one for you and your family makes it easier. I did find a few websites that were helpful for giving me a better understanding of what's going on. I'll list them here.

• http://www.breastcancer.org/
• http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003284-pdf.pdf This is a list of questions you should ask your doctor if you are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-diagnosis

I hope this information can help someone or if you know someone that this can help feel free to share. I'll be back when I have a surgery date and to talk about my treatment plan.

Peace, Love and Blessings
Caula

Finding out you have breast cancer

Well it's been a long, long time since I've written on here. Why am I writing now you may ask? I have a new development going on in my life and I want to document my journey.
As you may or may not know  I have a  daughter who is almost 5 years old  a loving husband and I was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. What this means is that I have cancer in the ducts of my breast that has invaded or moved into the surrounding breast tissue. First and foremost I want to thank God for giving me the strength to cope with this situation in my life and for having a supportive husband. I believe that my faith in the Lord has allowed me to know that this is only for a season and for his Glory!!!!!!

 

 

 

This all began with an incidental touch of my breast. I was on my way home and about to readjust my uniform shirt when I felt a lump on my breast. I quickly got in my car and resumed a self breast exam. What I noticed was that the lump was not easily found and that I had to be in a certain position to feel it. I called a doctor that I knew specialized in women's breast care immediately and scheduled to have a mammogram and ultrasound done to determine what the next step should be. Once the mammogram and ultrasound were performed I knew that a biopsy was required. While I waited for the appointed time to have my biopsy done I prayed and asked God for guidance and peace. The type of biopsy I had done is called a stereotactic needle biopsy. This is done with the assistance of a mammogram and a  computer with me the patient laying face down on the procedure table. All in all for me it didn't hurt I just felt pressure on the area being biopsied and it only took 45 minutes for the whole procedure. I was able to resume most of my normal activities for that day just no heavy lifting for 24 hours. I was able to take my daughter to the zoo with her friends we had a ball.

I do not intend to let this obstacle keep me down I intend to be strong, diligent, faithful, prayerful and joyful during it all.

Peace, Love and Blessings
Caula