Today, I met with the oncologist and he sent me to see a breast cancer surgeon for a consultation. Even there my outlook was hopeful, since they had detected the cancer in the early stage.
So I made my appointment with the cancer surgeon. She discussed what she saw on the images from the mammogram and biopsy and my options of surgery, the procedure and what she recommended. I could either have a lumpectomy or mastectomy. She also mentioned doing genetic blood testing to see if there were any mutated genes in the family history, since my sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. I thought this would be good to know, especially if it was going to affect my children and grandchildren. I again was hoping and praying that the results would return negative.
After waiting for the results of the genetic testing. I got a call from my doctor. She told me the genes had mutated and that I had a 20 to 30 percent chance of the cancer reoccurring. She also mentioned that the risk of it reoccurring at my age was slim. If I was younger, the risk would be greater. Even with the positive result of the genetic testing, it isn't 100% accurate. Now the big question is do I continue with the lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Before I got the results of the genetic testing I was optimistic about my recovery and the final outcome. Afterwards, I couldn't believe this was happening. Why was this happening to me? I didn't understand. I finally felt I came to place of truly enjoying my life and retirement. I started volunteering at the food bank and working on my art. I began to feel I had purpose. I felt liberated from my past and felt free of my feelings of insecurity and low self-worth. Why did this have to happen now? My life was just beginning. Now I feel uncertain about everything in life. My perspective has changed tremendously. I believe God will also use this for his glory. I am grateful for the hope I have in Jesus. Either way this goes I will be okay. God has my back.
It's important to remember that genetic testing is just a valuable tool to provide potential risk of cancer reoccurring and to look at other factors such as lifestyle and environmental conditions.
I have really felt God working in this entire process. It was difficult to hear the results of the tests, but now I could let my family know of the potential risk of developing cancer and hopefully they could be a little more proactive in taking care of their own health. I can't lie it's a hard decision, but I'm trying to take things one step at a time. Do I have other options? Maybe??? After careful thought and prayer, my decision was to still continue with the lumpectomy.
Scarlett
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