Thank you Sarah for your input on this. Yes, I've heard that the pain from reconstruction is not pretty. (just a nice way of say damn, it hurts) but as you said, yes, much has changed since 1999. I included the link to the DIEP surgery I am considering and actually much has changed. One of the major changes is that they use to take muscle from your abdomin and now they do not use the muscle only the fat. Which, as the article states, does cut down on the pain and recovery from this type of procedure. The surgery is done by microsurgeons and it just so happens that Dr. Hijjawi and his partner are 2 of fewer than 40 surgeons who specilize in this type of surgery right at the hospital I have had all my cancer care at. I've been praying for a sense of leading from God as to what I should do in this matter - is it right for me - am I in good hands etc. I'm trusting Him to lead me to the right answers. So far, I'm feeling that things are looking good - falling into place as it were - just as things have for the past 2 1/2 years.
Of course, time will tell what will be, and for now I will research my options - consult with the doctors and take it from their.
Again, thanks for your input all of you - margerie, madubois and sarah
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC
ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++
RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor
Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node
No Vasucular Invasion
4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin
1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks
28 rads
prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17
Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28