So I’ve Decided to Have Surgery. Now What?

First, thank you to everyone who commented on my last blog.  It was very emotional to write but I certainly did not expect the response I received.  I’m grateful for all the words of support and encouragement.

So I’ve decided on surgery.  Other than what I wrote in my last blog, there is one other big reason why I’ve decided that now is the right time to do this.  I admit the temptation is there to say, “Well, I’ve made it this far, maybe I won’t get breast cancer,” but my risk of developing breast cancer over the rest of my life is still over 40%.  I know of plenty of women who made it to my age, only to develop cancer when they are 62, 65, 69…or older.  I know I’m not out of the woods. 

Right now, I’m generally healthy—I don’t have any major medical problems.  Since I still have this huge risk, where I would need to undergo surgery in addition to cancer treatment, I’d rather have the surgery now, when I’m healthy, have more options, and am in better shape to recover, than after I get sick, and face chemo, radiation, or whatever else may be needed in addition to major surgery.

Back in August, I had a consult with a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering, just to get a sense of what would be involved in the surgery and what procedures I was a candidate for.  My July blog post addressed the options I was considering.  The surgeons told me was I was good candidate for my first-choice procedure, the DIEP flap procedure.  (Yay for extra belly fat!)  We also briefly discussed options for nipple-sparing vs nipple reconstruction; I’ll explain this in a future post.  After those meetings, I put the decision on the back burner until after the High Holidays.

In early December, I had my 6-month breast MRI (it was clean).  I also met with my NP, Jessica, and told her I wanted to take the next step.  She set me up for a follow up appointment with the breast surgeon for 3 days later.  I must say I’m so impressed with MSK.  Everyone is wonderful there.

I met with Dr. Anita Mamtani later that week.  She spent a lot of time with me reviewing the procedure and answering my questions.  She once again reiterated her support for my decision and said she would consult with the plastic surgeon I’m working with, Dr. Joseph Dayan, to confirm that he is on board with the reconstruction option I’ve selected.  That was on a Friday.

Three days later, on Monday, I heard from Dr. Mamtani’s office.  I am confirmed for surgery on Monday, March 27 for a double (bilateral) mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction, to take place at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan.  I can expect to spend up to four nights in the hospital.  I also received my schedule for all my pre-op imaging and tests earlier in March (there are a lot!), which will be in Montvale, NJ, about 20 minutes from my house.

So what do I do for the next 3 months?  I’ve told my co-workers, who have been amazing.  I’m looking at being out of the office for anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks so I wanted to give as much notice as possible. 

Evan and I also scheduled a little getaway to Florida in mid-March, before I do all the preop tests, to try to relax.  I am truly looking forward to spending time with some very close friends while I am down there and going to some spring training Mets games.

Other than that, I’ve been told to stay healthy and prepare myself mentally and physically for the surgery.  Specifically, I’ve been told not to lose weight; this is the wrong time to lose any fat, since it will all be needed for the fat transfer and reconstruction.  I’m also going to focus on abdominal and upper body strengthening, since I will need these muscles after surgery to help me move around.  So the next few months I will focus on not getting sick, working on core and upper body strength, and eating guilt-free. Mentally, I’ll continue to blog, continue to get more comfortable with my decision, and figure out what I need to do to get everything set for the time I am in the hospital and home recovering.