All or Nothing

You've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

Hoo Boy. Met with Dr. O'Holleran today. The tricky thing about having a rare cancer is that there's not a lot of research out there. What little research there is, points to the fact that every year with LCIS your chance of developing an invasive breast cancer increases.

Since I've had this cancer a bit longer than originally thought - probably a few years (it's slow moving, so how could more than half my breast have it, otherwise?) what are my odds? Do I have it in my right breast too? Maybe. Maybe not. Since it doesn't show up on mammograms the only way to know is to do a random lumpectomy or an MRI.

Next step is to talk to an oncologist. I have a referral and am waiting for a call back tomorrow to schedule a future appointment.

The options seem to be: 1) Do nothing. Hold my breath and hope that if I do get an invasive breast cancer that it is caught right away. 2) Bi-lateral mastectomy.

Other things I am considering: Get an MRI. Consult with a plastic surgeon re. breast reconstruction should I decide to go forward with a bi-lateral mastectomy.

Other things to ponder - if I do have a bi-lateral mastectomy followed by reconstruction, I can get tattoos for nipples. What amazing designs could I get? Alan has already nixed smiley faces and kittens. Harrumph.