Well, here’s the latest news! I am going for surgery on this Monday the 5th at 1:00 I will be having a double mastectomy. Complete, wipe them out, totally gone!

I will probably have reconstructive surgery done in the future, but since I will have to have at least 4 chemo treatments (more if they find lymph node activity) the implants tend to cause problems sometimes, so I agreed not to have it right now.

They gave me two choices (well actually 3, but I didn’t count a single mastectomy as an option at all). I could have a lumpectomy, which would still leave me with all the fibrous tissues in my breasts, as well as all the risks of having cancer again. Or, I could have a mastectomy, single or double. While it doesn’t 100% eliminate the possiblilty, since they cannot be 100% certain that they’ve gotten every single cell of breast tissue, it significantly reduces any risks that I currently have. So, since I don’t have very large, gorgeous breasts anyway (kinda tiny, and droopy at my age and always kinda painful due to the fibrous tissue, I had no real problem electing for the double mastectomy.

I really kind of had my mind made up before I went in to the consultation that if it was an option, I would probably take it, and had discussed it with Marcus to see how he felt. So, it wasn’t really a difficult decision when we got to that point. When we weigh in the fact that the lumpectomies in ‘99 showed my cells run a high risk of having cancer, then add my mother & sister having it, and then actually getting it myself, I’m in a pretty high risk category, and would have to constantly worry about having it again. This way, I avoid radiation, only have to have chemo (not fun, but only half the problems when you eliminate radiation), and I avoid the major risks of the future. So, I’m very comfortable with this decision.

My oldest son, Todd, will fly in on Wednesday after surgery to help take care of me, and stay for a week, so I will be in good hands between him and the two that are here, plus Marcus. I’m sure I’ll get properly spoiled

Phsycologically, I’m really doing well with this. I’ve managed to stay upbeat, and faithful that God is taking care of all of it, and will provide all the care and medical attention that I need, so there is nothing for me to be concerned with. I can honestly say, I’m not afraid, and that I have managed for the first time in my life to totally put my concerns and worries in God’s hands and let him take care of me! It truly is a wonderful feeling to not worry about what is going to happen. I don’t feel like there’s a big dramatic thing about to happen in my life, I’m just going for a little surgery.

Now, afterwards, that might be a different story! hahahaha I won’t tell you I’m not afraid of recovery! That scares me terribly! I’m a big baby anyway, and don’t tolerate pain well. And since I’m also genetically predisposed to have lymphodema problems with this (both mom & sister had real problems with it) That will be a problem for me to deal with. It is painful, and very inconvenient to say the least. But, I reckon, if I can survive it, by golly I’ll be set for life! I’ll be able to handle anything with God’s help!

He has taken good care of us, providing things just when they are needed and making sure that even tho we have bumpy paths to walk, we always have a good hand rail when the bumps get a little too rough! I believe with the love and prayers, warm wishes and good thoughts, from all of our friends, I will manage just fine!

I promis that myself, or one of my family will post Monday evening or Tuesday to let you know how surgery went and how I’m doing. And I’ll be back as soon as I’m able God Bless each of you as you hold me in your thoughts and prayers, especially Monday and Tuesday as I undergo the surgery and begin my recovery.

Please pray for strength for myself and my family, courage and ease of pain for me. Guidance for the DRs and nurses. And good meds Gotta throw that in

Blessings to you all. Sherry