ONCOPLASTY 101 & KEEPING ABREAST

My right breast looks nearly the same today as it did the morning of September 24, it's amazing! And it's all due to the expertise of Surgeon Extraordinare, Dr. Susan Cash. Here she is. During our post-op appointment, Dr. Cash explained that because of the large amount of tissue that needed to be removed for good margins, she performed oncoplastic surgery, which is cancer-removal surgery and plastic surgery done simultaneously.

In a July 2008 issue, The Wall Street Journal article explains the procedure. Here are some excerpts:

In a typical lumpectomy, also called a partial mastectomy, the surgeon makes an incision, scoops out the cancerous tissue and then closes the opening. That can often leave the breast with a disfiguring dent. In oncoplastic surgery, by contrast, a wedge is removed and tissue under the skin is then pulled together to close the defect. That can leave the breast looking smaller, but otherwise normal.

"The number of surgeons using oncoplastic techniques is small but growing," says Diana Rowden, a breast-cancer survivor and vice president of health sciences at Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a Dallas-based advocacy group. There is no professional certification for oncoplastic surgeons, so patients should inquire about a practitioner's training and experience.

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To top it off, how many surgeons wear 4-inch-high-heeled leather boots with a gorgeous dress - black and white floral patterned above a solid black skirt? Talk about trendy, she is stunning; not only in the operating room, but in person too. And how many surgeons give you a direct phone line to use if there is any problem?

The breast is still tender, but healing well. Still swollen on the side beneath my armpit, but that will fade. The only bandage left is one thin Steristrip across the incision site. I have a follow-up appointment with her in three months. In the meantime, I see Dr. Borenstein to talk about radiation treatment, on Oct. 8, and then Dr. Katz on Oct. 21 to talk about overall treatment. Dr. Katz is apparently ordering a "Oncotype Dx." She is sending a large sample of the tissue to a "fancy lab" where they will study the cells to determine which, if any, chemotherapies are needed. Dr. Katz will also determine if I am a good candidate for genetic testing, which Dr. Cash thinks I am, given my family history with cancer. If I need chemo, I would have that before radiation, so I wouldn't start either until after Oct. 21.

BIG THANKS ALL AROUND

Look at these gorgeous "boobed shaped" sweets sent by my dear friend, Jenny. She is the gal who led the torso cast gathering. These treats are direct from Chatham Candy Manor, where they make all of their chocolate from scratch. Mmmmm. Thanks to all of the luscious food cooked and delivered by friends. You all are such a blessing in my life. And again, thanks to my sisters Connie and Ellen for coming out here to help me before and after the surgery. You are beautiful. Thanks to the visits, the laughs, the prayers, the thoughts, the encouragement from everyone. I continue to feel supremely blessed and so very fortunate.

DONATING 10% TO RAYS OF HOPE
I've decided to donate 10% of all KEEPING ABREAST proceeds to Rays of Hope (ROH), which is an incredible non-profit organization that offers free services, support groups, and more to women surviving breast cancer.














SPEAKER ADDITION In addition to Pam Roberts, Program Director of Forest Moon, I've asked Christine Carpenter, Wellness Coordinator at ROH to speak, and she has graciously accepted. The remaining piece for speakers and performers is a special musical guest TBD, other than that, the talent/speakers are all set.

FREE LITERATURE TABLE Over the last several days I've amassed a large collection of breast and breast cancer related literature, all of which will be offered for free. Help Yourself.



















SILENT AUCTION PREVIEWS
In addition to gift certificates for Reiki, computer help, web site design, life coaching, biofeedback, and more, here are the latest additions to the silent auction.

My lovely editor Jen, from William Morrow & Co., just sent autographed, first editions of Neal Stephenson's Anathem , which is currently #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and Joanne Harris's The Girl with No Shadow. According to Kirkus Reviews, The Girl with No Shadow is, "A contemporary, razor-edged fairy tale--very dark chocolate but likely to be gobbled up." The skinny on Stephenson's book is, "Anathem, . . . is a magnificent creation: a work of great scope, intelligence, and imagination that ushers readers into a recognizable—yet strangely inverted—world."

Judith Fine, owner of Gazebo, a lingerie boutique in Northampton, donated two 2009 Show Us Your Bras calendars. She is the Board President of The Breast Form Fund, which offers financial assistance for breast prostheses and post-mastectomy bras to women who have either no insurance, or are underinsured. Another stunning woman.

Stay tuned for more previews! See you all on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 5 to 7ish at The Rendezvous.

Namaste,
Sue