September-11-2007

A bite of the Big Apple

HI :)

Ever since my first trip to New York City, I get excited going back. Even though this visit was under different circumstances, I couldn't help but look forward to the sights, the smells, and the people! As I said in my first email, I was blessed to get an appointment at Memorial Sloan Kettering (#1 breast center in the country!) only 5 days after being diagnosed. Therefore, my parents, Ben, and I hopped in the car Monday night and drove to Manhattan.

Sloan Kettering was AMAZING! We met with Dr. Leslie Montgomery, one of the leading breast oncology surgeons in the country. She was fantastic and sweet, and also shed new light on my situation and offered a completely different approach than my Kaiser doctors. Thank God for second opinions!

The plan as of now is to have an MRI, CT scan, and bone scan within the next week in order to completely rule out any spread (even though she is not suspicious and my first MRI was clear, thankfully!!!). Then, within a few weeks, she recommends a mastectomy with same day reconstruction, then chemo. The mastectomy is advised over a lumpectomy with radiation for 3 reasons: 1-There is no research regarding whether a lumpectomy with radiation is good enough (in reference to recurrence) for my age bracket, 2-radiation can increase recurrence, and at my age it should be avoided, and 3-i will have better cosmetic outcomes. I am SOOO thankful that we met Dr. Montgomery because her plan makes so much sense and is backed with research, making the other plan completely insensible. Thank God for open doors!

I will update everyone when I get a surgery date, but for now, THANK YOU so much for all of the warming and encouraging emails I have received. I apologize for not responding right away, but I will get back to all of you! I have been surrounded by amazing people! My parents have been by my side the entire time. Ben has been my rock and I couldn't do it without him. A handful of friends have been working long hours on setting up a website, setting up a bank account (so that donations can be tax deductible), connecting me with organizations for young survivors, etc etc etc. Thank God for them!

I need all of you to please pray about one insurance problem I am facing. The difference between Dr. Montgomery's plan and Kaiser's plan is black and white. Since Kaiser doesn't cover Sloan Kettering, my next challenge is to convince Kaiser to refer my treatment to an academic center (Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, etc), where I can receive the best treatment for this rare situation. Since Kaiser offers "treatment" for breast cancer, it might become a battle and I will need prayer! Dr. Montgomery is writing a report with detailed reasons why my case should not be handled by an HMO, like Kaiser. We all pray and hope for the best outcome! One battle at a time, I have my boxing gloves on, watch out!!!

More to come! Smile for me!

Jami