We wrapped up our last post with a scripture reference from the book of James. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously" (v.5a). Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. Although scripture doesn't address the details of breast reconstruction, God certainly can answer those prayers by supplying resources for information and education. If we choose to use those resources, and move forward with courage, we are able to make the difficult decisions, to answer those "multiple choice" questions that don't seem to have an acceptable answer.
Test results are in, and indicate that a mastectomy is not just prudent, but necessary. We mentally prepared ourselves for this two weeks ago when the diagnosis was made. The question remained, though, what about the other breast? It seems to be unaffected by disease. Do we remove just one, or both? A question with no easy answer. But answer you must, before you can go on to the next question(s). Dr. F would proceed with whichever choice was made, with no pressure to remove the healthy breast (prophylactic mastectomy). We have decided on bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts).
On to the next set of questions. These involve breast reconstruction. Latissimus muscle flap procedure? Transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap procedure? Implants? Expanders? Delayed reconstruction? No reconstruction? Because again, there is really no easy answer we moved forward prayerfully and carefully.
Graciously, God placed in our path five women who have already walked this road. Their willingness to talk openly and honestly about their choices contributed to our ability to see life past the surgery, and how living with their decisions looks today- months or years after their procedures were completed. Their testimonies, along with lots of written information, information from doctors, and, of course, prayer, enabled us to take the next step. We have decided on immediate reconstruction, with a direct to implant (one-step) breast reconstruction. (More information? read here: HERE)
Whew.
Are these choices "right" in every situation? Most certainly not. Would other choices be acceptable? Yes, most definitely. But these are the decisions that have been made, and we will move forward and not look back.
Surgery will most likely take place late in October, or possibly November. We continue to be humbled by your unselfish willingness to join us in this fight. Your prayers for continued peace and wisdom, as well as timing for the surgical procedures are very much appreciated.
Now, if I can get Judy (my sister) to write a post about our visit to the plastic surgeon, we can all laugh together for awhile...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5-6
Just want you to know you have been in my thoughts & prayers continuously for clarity, peace, wisdom, and guidance as there are so many options & questions along this journey! Love you, Kay
ReplyDeleteThanks, sisters, for thinking of this tool to help us stay connected during this new chapter. There is so much to say. When I find that to be the case, I prefer to just be quiet and look for extra wisdom, then to speak. We're praying for you every day, Janet, and I find myself thinking more about my prayers and how I pray than I have in awhile. I have a great future friend in heaven who has left behind so many beautiful things that encourage me. Here's a nugget, hope (all of you) enjoy:
ReplyDelete'It is beautiful to see how often the inspired writers of Holy Scripture were busy with what I may call indoor work,—the work that has to be done within one's own heart. "Bless the Lord, O my soul," says David, in the 103rd Psalm; "and all that is within me, bless his holy name." This indoor work, brethren and sisters in Christ, will always pay us best; and our Lord Jesus, in his exhortations, often bids us attend to it. Did he not say to his disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled"? A little later, he said to them, "In the world ye shall have tribulation;" and he says the same to his disciples in every age. It is no use for you to try to avoid that, for you will have tribulation; yet, "Let not your heart be troubled." All the water in the sea will not hurt your vessel so long as you keep it outside; the danger begins when it gets inside the ship. So, it matters little what is outside you, if all is right within. Have that little bird in your bosom that sings sweetly of the love of God; wear the flower called heart's-ease in your button-hole; and you may go merrily through a perfect wilderness of trouble and a desert of care. A hurricane of afflictions may beat about you, yet you shall be a blessed man, for all the elements of blessedness are within your own heart. God has given them to you, and the devil himself cannot take them away.' -CHS