Good thoughts for my daughter

 Bonita, I completely agree.  This is something that you don't want to do alone.  I'll try to send your daughters (as Anne said) "a few gentle slaps" to  give them a bit of insight into changing habits and improving their future well being. 

My youngest daughter (33) is in the process of making arrangements to get tested and mammogram.  My oldest (38) has been getting mammograms for the past 3 years and has opted to just make her doctor aware and monitor herself diligently.  I think that she is afraid of insurance predudice if she tests positive. 

My daughter's surgery lis scheduled for Monday.  She is happy that there is justification to have a double mastectomy.  On the light side, she would rather have a "matching set" anyway. she maintains a sense of humor on the subject when she can.  She was a bit worried about the nipple reconstruction and how much it would cost, etc.  She doesn't want "Barbie Boobs - two smooth mounds" for the rest of her life. .  She's reading a book called "Lopsided" about another young woman's fight with breast cancer.   

I'm just really hoping and praying that they won't find it in her lymph modes but if they do, we just keep fighting.   She is very healthy, fit and vegetarian, so she is prepared to get through this the best she can. 

 Here is a beautiful photo of her after the birth of Nelson:

Here is a photo of her and Otto, her 2 yr. old tiger"

I will keep you informed on her surgery results.

Thank you, again, everyone.

Diane

Your daughter is beautiful. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers that the surgery and reconstruction goes smoothly.

I delayed getting tested for several years because of the same fear of insurance issues if I tested positive. I was told that I wouldn't have to worry as long as I stayed with a group insurance plan but if I ever switched to private insurance, it could be a problem. It was only because of some false positives on the CA125 test and my Dr's wanting to rush me in for a hysterectomy that I finally decided I wanted to know for certain.

Your daughter and GrandTiger are Beautiful !!  And she is in my thoughts and prayers , thanks for the offers of gentle slaps I think it may come to you hold em and I will smack em!

Hugs and please keep us posted!

Bonita of Bwana

Paula left for the hospital this a.m. for her surgery. Our big mantra today has been "clear lymph nodes". I believe that they will be clear. I also pray that a large volume of energy will carry her through the journey that she is about to take.

Her husband gave her a beautiful photo of their favorite beach in HI and told her to focus on the trip that they will take there in the future.

Thank you again for all your prayers. I truly believe that it will make a difference.

 I have been thinking of your daughter today.  I have been thinking strong, healthy vibes for her.  I will be checking back for updates...

diane303

Her husband gave her a beautiful photo of their favorite beach in HI and told her to focus on the trip that they will take there in the future.

  that's just so great!

I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead. I hope the surgery goes smoothly and they find that the cancer hasn't spread.

I was just checking in for an update--I'm praying for her. 

And, I'm also praying for you, I know it's frightening waiting for the surgery to be over and then to hear if they think they got it all--and then waiting for the pathology to come back.  I know, I went thru it with my dad.  

Lori

Sorry for not getting back to y'all sooner.  Whew, I've been busy!  My daughter's surgery went very well with no complications and...(drumroll... CLEAR LYMPH NODES.

We have lots of friends and family members that will be here to help her with the babies et.al.  ONWARD AND UPWARD.
 

diane303

My daughter's surgery went very well with no complications and...(drumroll... CLEAR LYMPH NODES.

Oh man, that is wonderful news!! I can only imagine the relief you must've felt. I hope her recovery goes as smoothly as the surgery and she can get back to enjoying being a mom. Does this mean she won't have to go thru chemo and/or radiation?

This news has just about made my day!  I'm so thrilled for you and your family!  Please pass on my best wishes

What great news!  You must be so relieved. Thanks for letting us know.  Will keep praying for her continued recovery. 

cakana

Oh man, that is wonderful news!! I can only imagine the relief you must've felt. I hope her recovery goes as smoothly as the surgery and she can get back to enjoying being a mom. Does this mean she won't have to go thru chemo and/or radiation?

She will still have to have chemo for sure.  Hopefully it will be adjavent - meant to "clean up" any stray cells that might have invaded the blood stream instead of more agggressive chemo that would target specific cell that have invaded the body through the lymph nodes.  Because se are BRCA2 positive, radiation will probably be in order too.  That's a cake walk after chemo and surgery.   

 Diane, getting back to this thread a bit late, but so glad to hear the news that the lymph nodes were clear.  I hope she has a lifetime of happiness to look forward to.

I'm just now getting to this thread...and its so good to get in on the end when the news is good and you don't have to wait for it.

Thank Goodness Diane!  I'm so happy that things are looking up for you all.  

My best friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer a few days ago...she is a wreck. She opted for a double mas. even though there is no cancer in the other side........ she wants to make sure.  She is just  trying to find which doctor she will go to...the main man at the Cleveland Clinic.....or she found out her insurance will pay for her to go anywhere for the surgery...to any doctor. She is looking into Andrews Cancer Center in Houston.    She will have to make a decision soon.

dyan

My best friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer a few days ago...she is a wreck. She opted for a double mas. even though there is no cancer in the other side........ she wants to make sure.  She is just  trying to find which doctor she will go to...the main man at the Cleveland Clinic.....or she found out her insurance will pay for her to go anywhere for the surgery...to any doctor. She is looking into Andrews Cancer Center in Houston.    She will have to make a decision soon.

Good luck to your friend.  Yes, it's best to take the time to get the best doctor that you can.

After my daughter's final pathology report, her surgeon said that he thought that she may not need radiation. We're keeping our fingers crossed.   She has an appointment with her chemical oncologist this afternoon.  I'm hoping that the chemotherapy will be relatively easy to endure, too.  She's doing great so far.  She's also talking to a psychologist to help her get through all of this.

 As Anne said in her last post,

I hope she has a lifetime of happiness to look forward to.