Decisions. Decisions.

...or a lack thereof.

By TEAM ANISSA

September 1^st, 2014

Week 7

September 1, 2014

The kids went back to school for two half days last week. Even after seven years of doing this, We still question why they can’t begin fresh on the day after Labor day. Not that we were going anywhere this weekend or this would interrupt any plans. Any plans these days are made no more than two days in advance, unless it’s a doctor’s appointment.

Late last week Anissa was given another name of a reconstructive surgeon. We googled this doctor and came to learn he’s been featured on a few TV shows including the Dr. Oz Show. I was skeptical but curious. Yes, he’s good – and some of the things he did were considered “ground breaking” when he was featured on these TV shows. I can’t help but think and remember that when it’s all said and done, he’s still in business for himself and ultimately needs to market his service. Even if it means doing so with celebrity endorsements. He was affiliated with Cedars-Sinai which is where the surgical oncologist we had an appointment with this week was also based. The latter of the two treated our dear friend and neighbor who beat breast cancer 20+ years ago. Having her in our life has been a blessing – not just now but long before Anissa’s diagnosis. Now however, we’ve been able to use her story of beating this as an example for our kids that this can have a positive outcome.

Wednesday of this week, while the kids were settling into their second full day of school, Anissa and I headed over to Cedars with all the recent test results in hand to meet with both of these doctors. The first appointment was with the surgical oncologist. Like with all the other appointments before, the PA came in and recorded Anissa’s medical history… then is was just a matter of time before the doctor came in. We were told that that this particular doctor isn’t a fan of removing healthy tissue and would choose a lumpectomy over a mastectomy whenever possible.

For six weeks Anissa has been slowing coming to terms with the idea of a mastectomy and all that is involved with that. Whether it’s a single or double – I watched this struggle and it wasn’t easy. We just assumed this doctor would say the same thing. After reviewing the records he told Anissa, “I think you could have a lumpectomy and be ok”.

[Insert record scratch sound effect here].

Imagine driving down a bumpy road for six weeks. Just when you are getting used to the uncomfortable feeling – suddenly you’re told to stop and make a u-turn. Not slow down, or take the next exit… but go in the complete opposite direction.

Of course she could go this route, but why is he the only doctor who thinks this? What at the chances of it coming back? Is that something you’d want to deal with again? What about the radiation that comes along with this path? The questions were endless. For a moment there was a small glimmer of life without a mastectomy and simultaneously the thought of having to deal with this possibly returning. Weighing options sucks when you don’t know the outcome.

The second appointment that day was with that TV doctor. Nine floors up and this room had a view. While we waited I had some fun with the parking structure below while Anissa was (you guessed it) on her blackberry. He scored points early when he didn’t introduce himself to me first. Instead, his attention was where it should be – on Anissa. It was the same conversation for the most part. Outlined the options for procedures as though it was the first time we ever heard of them. He took the time to really listen and give unfiltered feedback. This guy was good.

Anissa and I talked about the timing and that after today it was probably going to be “decision time” with regard to her team. After seven weeks of tests and appointments and conversations with both doctors, family and those friends that shared their personal stories of beating breast cancer, the due diligence seemed to be done.