Winning the Mascetomy Lottery!!

I have yet to write about this process, because somewhere, deep in my psyche I have been hoping that I would get a magical phone call from the doctors that says, "Elizabeth, we can't believe it! The cancer is gone from your breast and lymphs and there is no reason for you having surgery!"

I did get a magical phone call, but it was not what I expected, but far beyond what I could have created...

In order for me to shut, lock, seal and nail the breast cancer door shut, I have known in my heart that I will need to offer up both of my breasts in the form of a double masectomy. If you were to research the 'numbers', I have more chance of having breast cancer in other parts of my body then I do in having it re-occur in the right breast. But, if I was to believe in the 'numbers', I would not be writing this blog to begin with!

That is why I love Dr. F. She gets me. She also believes that even though we do not have the data, there is something about my breast DNA that creates cancer. Therefor, since I am young, both of us believe that for me to live a cancer free life the best course of action is to get rid of my number one and only risk factor: my breasts!

In the search for a plastic surgeon to help with my breast re-construction, Dr. F was very aware that having any more out of pocket expenses, like a great Beverly Hills plastic surgeon would not be supportive of my healing process. So, she suggested a staff surgeon at Cedars that my insurance would pay for.

Dr. S had just moved to Cedars as a staff Plastic Surgeon from USC this July. He has a reputation for being really good at his job, but Dr. K did warned me to not expect a lot of his time or a warm bedside manner.

Brenda, my breast friend specialist, is world renown for her natural breasts as one of the Wonderbra models. So, I thought it fitting that she should be in charge of my new breast! Brenda has happily been researching all my surgical options on line and joyfully coming with me to every meeting.

When we both met Dr. S we were shocked as his disrespect for us (as he continued to refer to us as "gals") and his confusion is explaining my options. So at the end of our meeting, admist my confusions I asked him, "So Dr. S, Dr. F said that because I will be having radiation to the breast after the surgery, a lateral flap surgery would be my best option so the skin does not shirk wrap around the implants." This is when the dragon reared his ugly head. In a dismissive tone he replied, "Elizabeth, I would not tell you how to delivery a baby, therefore Dr. F should not tell me what surgery to perform and I will not tell her how to remove the cancer!"

Brenda and I were at a loss for words. It is one thing to disagree and choose ones words, it is quite another thing to be rude and dismissive of a Doctor I trust a hell of a lot more than this arrogant ass.

We both left scratching our heads and Brenda chippered, "Well, his arrogance might work in our favor so he can show off his work with your breasts. Anyways you don't need him for good beside manners, you've got me and Dr. F for that!" And in the next sentence, "Lets get a second, third and forth opinion."

I was dumbfounded and sad that my decision was going to be made on my economic situation and not artestry and kindness. How would I ever let this insecure, arrogant, confusing, rude and distrustful man not just touch my breasts but leave his work on my body forever?

So, we went to get a second opinion from a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills who was highly recommended.

Dr. Lisa Cassileth was BEYOND fantastic. Granted, the Beverly Hills office is a far cry from the 1960's decor of Cedars. But still, we were greeted with smiles and offers of libations. We were given a DVD to watch to lay the foundation for our choices. And then when Dr. C arrived I explained how my financial situation may not make her an option, she happily agreeded to answer all of my questions so I could be comfortable with choosing a staff physician if that is what I wanted.

2 hours later we emerged happy and clear. I knew that the new microsurgery (called a DIEP surgery) that Dr. C and her partner offer was exactly what I wanted. It meant that the muscles of my body would not have to be re-arranged to create new breast, and the blood supply that was needed would be delicately brought up from my abdomin. She also showed her excitement in using my own fat to create natural curves, drops and lifts in my breast ever after the radiation. And by using my own fat I would also be bringing up stem cells to heal that area!

Her passion for me to not only look good but also feel good brought me to tears. I left knowing I would have to manifest double digits in the thousands because that was who I wanted on my team.

A week later, after round 5 of chemo I called her assistant back to be greeted by the following news:

"Elizabeth, Dr. C has been wanting to start a non-profit for years now to give back to the community. This non-profit has not started yet, in fact there is no name for it. But the idea is to offer Dr. C's services to a few women every year who are in finacial need due to the cancer who would otherwise not be able to afford her services. Dr. C would like to extend to you her out of pocket services that your insurance does not cover from this non-profit."

Even in this moment I well up with tears when I think about this generous offer from Dr. C. I let them know admist my tears that not only was I overwhelmed by this unexpected offer, but that I would be happy to be their non-profit post child!!

This is beyond anything that I could have ever made happen.

Once again I am shown that I continue to by guided by unseen forces, as the red carpet continues to be rolled out for my healing journey through cancer.