Monday, March 26, 2007

4 down...2 to go

Well, with four down, I'm getting anxious to finish this crap up! I got sick during treatment again, so maybe that's just the norm for me, get it over with. I just felt yucky all weekend, but I'm definetely ready to be done with this chemo. We just hung out and enjoyed the nice weather this weekend.

Again, my oncologist is very impressed with the results. In fact we were discussing weather or not I will be needing radiation, and he feels pretty confident that we'll have a 100% response from the chemo and won't need radiation, so that's very encouraging.

We have also been researching reconstruction options. I have tested positive for the BRAC2 gene mutation, so I have decided to have a bi-lateral mastectomy when this is all done. The gene mutation increases my risk of a recurrence, so no breast tissue, no breast cancer. Knowledge is power I guess, and as long as I can do something about it the better.

Through some amazing young breast cancer survivors, I've learned of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans. They perform some procedures that aren't done here in Indianapolis, and are quite the procedure with some amazing results. The procedure involves re-building my breasts with tissue from my stomach. So I'd have a fab new set of boobs and a flat stomach, there has to be some perks to all of this cancer!

I don't need to be in a hurry for the reconstruction, but emotionally I'm not sure how I'll do without boobs, so for now the research continues, and we've got some big decisions to make as to weather or not we want to proceed with reconstruction right away, or wait until we can save up the giant deductible. Decisions...decisions...

5 comments:

  1. Hi love,

    HEY CANCER!!MY DAUGHTER IS KICKING YOUR ASS!!!!
    Jeni, boobs are just flesh and fat, losing them is not going to make you less of a woman, but most important it won't make you less of a mommy to logan!!
    I'll let you join the itty bitty titty club with me.
    i love you,
    merm

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  2. Hi lovey, Sure glad I don't have to make the decisions that you do, but with a supportive husband and two good heads I know you will make the proper decision for the good of all. Keep your sense of humor up as you have so far and don't ever forgetWE LOVE YOU SOO MUCH.
    Love
    Grampy & grsmmy

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  3. Hi Jeni

    Sounds like you are going in the right direction. With all the support and knowledge you have now I know you will make the right decision. All of us in Illinois are behind you - so go girl - we all love you
    Aunt Joanne

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  4. I've lived with little ones for so long, I'm not sure I'd realize they were gone! So glad to hear of the successes you are having, and not surprised, either. You have a great attitude and so many people praying for you and loving you all to pieces!
    Love, Auntie Chris

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  5. I'm so impressed by your strength and so glad that things are going so well with the treatments! I keep you in my prayers always! Keep kicking it hard Jeni!
    Love, Mindy

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