Between the time of my diagnosis and my surgery felt like an eternity.  In all reality it was only a month…I say only now knowing some people wait for monthS before their surgery as they complete testing and see various doctors.  For “only” a month I am grateful; I was at my wits end by the time I had my surgery (many sleepless nights).

I did try to keep my sense of humor through this process…it was a cry or laugh option.  I chose laugh, so I made many inappropriate jokes.  My poor teaching partners and family heard a lot of these jokes.  My first was that I could join the army as my boob could camouflage itself from all the bruising caused by the biopsy.  It was still slightly bruised when I had my surgery. My surgeon got a kick out of this joke.  I loved my surgeon; she presented me with my options and supported me in my choice.  It was recommended to me to have a lumpectomy and radiation treatments.  I talked to and read about many women who went that route and had re occurrences that lead in the end to mastectomies.  I chose to have a double mastectomy ( an extreme) not only for myself, but also my family.  I didn’t want to put myself or my daughter through radiation treatments and a possible re occurrence. My surgeon supported my decision and sent me to a plastic surgeon and oncologist.  I chose to not have reconstructive surgery because I just can’t imagine after having cancer putting some weird chemical back in my body.  I would always be worried.  After seeing all my doctors it was time to schedule my surgery and get the cancer OUT of me!