Second Surgical Opinion

Today, we headed to Emory for a second surgical opinion.  Not a whole lot of new information, but this doctor is VERY much an advocate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.  This type of chemotherapy is given BEFORE surgery ... for a number of reasons ...

1.  With triple-negative breast cancer I will, without a doubt, require chemotherapy.  So, by doing chemotherapy first, it allows the doctors to monitor my tumor's response to treatment and offers an opportunity to make adjustments.  If surgery were conducted first, the cancer would have already been removed and it would be difficult to know whether or not the combination of medications were the most suitable for my body and my cancer.

2.  Triple-negative breast cancer is typically a more aggressive cancer and can spread quickly.  Neoadjuvant chemotherapy allows systemic treatment to begin immediately, as to prevent the disease from spreading while waiting to recover should we opt for surgery first.

3.  Neoadjuvant chemotherapy also provides an opportunity to shrink my existing tumor prior to surgery.  This will potentially offer the surgeon more options for reconstruction and a better overall aesthetic outcome.

Although I have had the opportunity to meet with some excellent doctors thus far, I felt especially comfortable with this surgeon.  As I sat on the table, in Scott's arms, Dr. Carlson came into the room and immediately recognized the impact this has had on my life ... our lives.  He was patient, kind, and honest ... all qualities I very much admire, especially in a doctor.  And, as tears rolled down my face, he looked at me and said, "You are not going to die from this ... we just have some work to do!"

Thank you, Dr. Carlson ... now, let's get to work!