BRCA: Topless Model

I took Lou and Parker to their Pediatrician today for their 4 and 2 year old check-ups. After getting my breast MRI on Monday and seeing the Plastic Surgeon on Tuesday, I felt it only fitting to show the Pediatrician my boobies today, too. But, I restrained myself. After all, it's not his specialty.


MRI: If you've never had one, they're LOUD. I mean L-O-U-D! I was given a set of earplugs and then headphones on top of those to drown out the machine. Unfortunately, the music was terrible (and loud) so I took the time to tune it all out (like I do my kids - what?!) and I prayed. It was peaceful. I just laid there on my stomach for 30 minutes with my goods hanging in an opening in the bed. Good times!

The worst part about the MRI was the IV in my hand that was used to put a contrast in my veins for the second part of the images. The contrast is used to detect any cancer or abnormalities. Of course, the tech was using a new piece to the IV and I was the first person for her to use it on. Needless to say, she blew my vein. Lesson learned? When it has to do with needles, don't be the guinea pig!


Plastic Surgeon: We met with him yesterday. While driving to the appointment, I got a text from a friend with one of my battle verses. I reread that verse again in the waiting room just before the doctor came in. The verse is Psalm 29:11, which says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blessed his people with peace."

Also that morning, I got a text from another friend that included a picture with these words, "I declare that I am calm and peaceful. I will not let people or circumstances upset me. I will rise above every difficulty, knowing that God has given me the power to remain calm. I choose to live my life happy, bloom where I'm planted, and let God fight my battles. This is my declaration." -- AMEN!

In my last blog about this journey (you can read it here), I would have called this a Bomb appointment. However, it wasn't a bomb at all. I prepared for this appointment with the help of my friends and family (that's you). We knew that God's hand was upon the appointment because my husband and I walked out clear headed. We didn't feel confused like we did after our last "big decision" appointment. Sure, we were given a ton of info to process, but it wasn't overwhelming. There was a peace about the situation.


So, this is where we stand after this week's appointments:

• I should get my MRI results in 5-7 business days. I'm curious to hear these since the Breast Specialist did feel some small lumps at my appointment a few weeks ago; although, she doesn't think they're anything more than cysts.
• I have a pretty accurate sketch of my chest with all kinds of measurements. In case you're wondering, it's the white paper in the picture above that's sitting on top of the purple binder. I covered it to give myself some kind of privacy since I feel like I've flashed my boobies enough this week.
• The purple binder is filled with the questions that we take to each appointment; however, the most important words in that binder are my three battle verses and the declaration (listed above) that are written on the inside of the front cover.
• The second book down is something that I need to read to gain more knowledge about my possible surgeries. It's only 91 pages. Ugh. The best part is that inside the front cover, is a place to hold the two serial numbers for my potential new boobs. That one made me laugh because I never would have thought of that. So much to learn!
• The top brochure is a flier that I picked up in the waiting room ... you know, so I could cram for the test before we met with the doctor.
• The mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries will be done at the same time, and they'll take approx 3 hours. The surgeries will more than likely be outpatient, but that won't be determined until I'm in recovery.
• The healing time is 4-6 weeks of NO lifting. Meaning no picking up the kids, no boot camp, no soccer, no housework, no grocery lifting, no cleaning, no laundry, etc. Let's be honest, only the first three will be difficult!
• The full recovery should be complete in 3-6 months once my expansions are done and then replaced with implants (a second surgery).
• The doctor did say that my recovery should be easier since I'm in shape and overall healthy. Whoop! Focus on the positive! Focus on the positive!
• By the way, the results of my Ovary Ultrasound, that I mentioned in my last blog, came back clear. Praise the Lord!

Next week, we see my OB to discuss the full hysterectomy. Another bomb calm appointment!


Matthew 7:24-25 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."