Johns Hopkins
 

Jane is having her 3rd chemo treatment today...TCH-Perjeta. We have an appt at Johns Hopkins in a couple of weeks for a 2nd opinion on how to proceed after chemo. Right now the plan is for lumpectomy or masectomy, total dissection of the axillary nodes and then radiation. She hopes to be able to avoid the allixary dissection and maybe just do radiation. She would also prefer to have a reconstruction at the same time as her masectomy, which is the option she is leaning towards. The surgeon here advised against the the reconstruction at the same time as the masectomy. He prefers the patient to have radiation then the reconstruction. We'll see.

She has done well with her 2 chemo treatments so far minus the 4-5 days of feeling absolutely terrible.

Re: Johns Hopkins
 

Hi Stephen,

My doctor also advised radiation before reconstruction, which is what I did. I actually have not done any reconstruction.

There are two reasons to do radiation first - 1) they can better target the area they need without reconstruction to work around and 2) the radiation can change the skin and the reconstruction may not look the way you want it to after radiation. You might want to consult with a plastic surgeon now also to get his/her take.

My attitude in general was to be super aggressive up front, so I did EVERYTHING I could , and maybe I overtreated, but I am here.

Rebecca

Re: Johns Hopkins
 

I just went back to read your earlier posts - why is she so concerned about the lymph nodes being removed? I haven't missed them! ;) But seriously, she has cancer in three nodes, that's a good reason to get them all removed. Even if the chemo knocks them back - I'm in the better safe than sorry club.

Re: Johns Hopkins
 

Has she had the BRCA genetic tests done yet? Those tests can provide vital information that could help with your decisions.

Re: Johns Hopkins
 

Hello again and thanks for the responses. Her concern with all the lymph nodes coming out is the possibility of Lymphedema down the road.

She did have the BRCA test and everything came back negative

Re: Johns Hopkins
 

Stephen,
I to was concerned about the Lymphedema ( still am) . When I finished my chemo and bmx I had no positive nodes, however based on the aggressiveness of my cancer and the recurrence rate all recommended they get removed. I pray I never have to face the issues of Lymphedema but more then that I pray I stay NED. I get where your wife is coming from but unfortunately cancer doesn't . You two have many decisions a head of you and I'm wishing the best for all.
Tamara