My surgeon, Dr. Wapnir, saw me Monday immediately after my chemo. Since I haven't had my follow-up tests yet, she didn't have a recommendation for me. But she did want me to consult with a reconstructive plastic surgeon. I have an appointment with him tomorrow.
Next week I have an MRI, mammo and ultrasound scheduled. I see my oncologist at the end of the week, then I see Dr. Wapnir again the following Monday.
I told Dr. Wapnir I didn't want surgery if at all possible. The idea of being cut up scares me. She thinks I'm being unreasonable.
MD Anderson is conducting a study to see if women who achieved pCR (pathologic complete response) after chemo can avoid surgery. They will receive radiation without surgery instead. The goal is to see if patients are being overtreated.
The Stanford study I'm participating in where my drugs were reduced from four to three and the duration from six to four treatments (although the number of treatments changed when I switched to Taxol) -- it has the same goal to see if women are being overtreated.
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