Decisions, decisions

Thank you for taking the time to keep us posted.  I'm glad you have the resources to explore all your options and make a truly informed decision.  Love and Prayers, Sue P.

It's wonderful you're getting your treatment at Beth Israel - it's a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which means it's one of the top-20 cancer facilities in the country. What you describe sounds very typical - including pitching a tent at the hospital! Don't worry, once you get through this initial maelstrom, it all calms down, you get into a routine, and life normalizes - somewhat.

I had a TRAM flap, and am very happy with it. It looks good, and "hangs" right. If the DIEP (a newer procedure) is even better, then if you have to have reconstruction, I think you'll be very pleased with it indeed.

Best wishes as you start down the treatment path - PJH

It sounds like you have a lot to think about. Just know we'll be thinking of you throughout this whole process. Good luck with everything.

Lesley

I know two people who had DIEP reconstruction.  Although the surgery is very long, the recovery time is shorter than from TRAM flap reconstruction.  I have found that with medical decisions, it works best for me to list the pros and cons of each choice and get the best possible advice from the doctors.  Then I go with my gut about which is best for me and try not to look back and second guess myself.  My best wishes to you as you sort through your choices.  It sounds like you have a great medical team to help you.

Sounds like you have lots of information and will be fully prepared after your next appointments. Some like to stick their heads in the sand. You are more like a charging bull. We will be with you through all of this...

Thank you for keeping up with your blog. It really helps all of us better understand your experience. You have people lined up waiting to help in any way they can. All you need to say is GO.

Love you!

Arlene

Thank you so much for sharing all of this information. It is so helpful to people who care about you and your family. Hopefully, writing it and then reading the comments is helpful to you too. I am so impressed by your proactive approach to making decisions regarding treatment. You are an inspiration, you crazy therapist!!  What I really like about the blog is that I can check it six times a day and nobody can tell me to stop because I am bothering you or, as my kids say, stalking. Please feel free to speak up when you want Sisterhood to jump in! Love, Jodi

I am pleased to heard that somethings have progressed. You are in our thoughts and prayers . We are sending from the other side of the world (DU)a big hug and all our love to you and your family. It is good to get know how things are at present , thankyou for doing this.

Love , P

REad up on mushrooms and the role they play in cancers. The Reishi, Agarigus blazei and maitake are excellent and elagic acid (first studies for cancer apoptosis were with red raspberries). Look too, for colostrum. Look for pure sources when you take them and not something deluted in a filler in a capule.  Ask the cancer society for their brochure "A Closer Look At Phytochemicals". Follow this knowledge and you probably won't even have to have surgery if you give it a little time. 

Well crazy therapis you sound like a women who has done her homework good for you. Check lymphnodes before you proceed if they can do it with quality accurate results.