Kicking Oncologist Booty....Almost

The 3-month checkups for my friend and myself didn't go quite as expected. Kathryn's mammogram hit a glitch that required another biopsy. The same biopsy that I had last August and that resulted in my bi-lateral mastectomy decision.

When the mammogram didn't go very well, Kathryn was naturally devastated. This was only her second mammogram. The first one showed cancer, and now the second one showed cellular changes that warranted a biopsy. I wasn't surprised at her reaction. She had every reason to be upset.

What did surprise me was my reaction. We had originally scheduled for me to go with her to the appointment, but because of some sick-child issues, I stayed at her place while she went alone. After she called to tell me the news and then came home, I went back to work, and completely lost it. I'm not sure if it was the utter unfairness of it all, or my being too raw about the whole breast cancer issue, but I was so sad and so angry and frustrated for my friend; and suddenly scared to death of my own oncology visit the next week.

I learned that I am very lucky. I have amazing friends who talked me down from my own fear and helped me to get past my own issues to be there for my friend. Thankfully, after a long oncology visit and a very uncomfortable biopsy, my friend got a clean bill of health today and doesn't have to go through the mammogram ordeal again for another 6 months.

In the midst of Kathryn's scare, I kept my oncology appointment.

I like my oncologist because he is very straightforward. I dislike my oncologist because he is very straightforward.

When it comes to my bloodwork and treatment options and prognosis, I need to talk with someone who gathers a ton of facts and then tells me in a very clear, concise manner, what my options are. However, when it comes to dealing with the deformity that is now my chest wall, I'm not yet ready to deal with all of the options.

In short, my appointment went fine. In the words of my oldest friend, I "kicked oncology booty" and I don't have to deal with it again for 3 months.

As for the rest, my oncologist thinks I should talk to some plastic surgeons. I'm not so sure.

I did manage to go into the prosthetics shop. The woman was very nice and helped fit me into a bra and prosthetics. Through this I learned that going back to a "C" cup won't happen. Prosthetics are heavy! I wasn't ready for anyone to see my chest yet, so I only got fitted over my tank top. I did get the sizes and styles written down so I can start from there next time I work up the jujus to go into the shop again.

I mentioned the visit to my sister and told her that, even if I get prosthetics, I can't imagine wearing them all the time. Maybe they'll be for special occasions. Her response was to suggest I just get "DD" prosthetics and call them my party boobs!

Party Boobs....hmmmm there might be something to that!