Oncology consultation with Surgeon, Dr. Lee

Yes, I had my consultation with my surgeon today... BUT, before I go into the appointment details, I wanted to THANK each and everyone of you for your support!  In the last day or so I have received over 240 text messages, AND over 1300 clicks onto my blog today alone.  I have had the fortune to hear, read, and feel support from people I've known my whole life, to people I have never met... I am speechless!

Today, My Mom picked me up at around 8am this morning.  The plan was to leave right away for Starbucks and then drive downtown to the Oncology center.  However, today my Mom decided to surprise me with a gold heart necklace from Tiffany's - representing strength, hope, and love. She has worn it for a long time now and it has always been my favorite of hers.  I loved it when we were in my appointment today that I was able to reach up on my neck and hold the heart and know that everything would be ok.  Isn't it beautiful?

We got to the appointment right on time thanks to free valet up front!  The valet attendant looked at us funny when we told him I was the one with the appointment.  We made it to the office and filled out the paperwork quickly.  A woman from the back room came up to the front, paused and stared at me, then told me that I looked familiar... She said, "Do you work for State Farm?  Because I think you stayed late for me one night so that I could sign the paperwork on my totaled car so that I could go buy a car over the weekend?"  Yes!  That was me!  I told her that I have my own office now and asked if she was still with the company because I know she is getting great service!  What a small world... because I knew her, I instantly felt as though I was in good hands.

I was walked into the our small meeting room where I met another nurse, her name is Whitney and she's getting married this weekend!  I had already smiled more times before 10 am than I ever thought was possible.  

Before I knew it Dr. Lee was in the room with us.  My mom took out our list of questions and we got straight to business!  Dr. Lee showed us my MRI Images and explained that this type of tumor is not a 'fatty' tumor, he showed the color of the tumor and compared the density to the same color as muscle in the images.  He scrolled through many images and showed me that there is a very thin layer of fat encapsulating the tumor.  The tumor lays against my bone with a thin layer of fat separating it from my bone.  He showed how it is intertwined with my muscle.  He showed how the tumor is next to my arteries and nerves.  

He told me that there are a few cancerous types of tumors this could be and one benign tumor that it could be.  In ALL instances, I will need surgery AND radiation.  He told me that he really hopes it is not the benign tumor that it could be, because this type of tumor is really aggressive, would still need radiation, and has a high probability of coming back again and again.  Dr. Lee seemed really concerned not only with removing the tumor now but, with how treatment would effect my mobility in my leg long term! He told me that back 15-20 years ago, when you were diagnosed with Sarcoma - that meant you would lose your leg!!!!  However, with research they have found that with surgery and radiation, I should be able to keep my leg. He told me that they would perform a 'limb-saving' procedure and do what they can to remove all the cancer and preserve as much function as they can.  

You can find out more about Radiation HERE.

Dr. Lee recommended that the next step is a biopsy to determine the type.  He told me that it would be a guided biopsy with a hollow 'punch' needle to gather tissue, all the while the needle would be guided with ultrasound images.  In all, I felt really comfortable with Dr. Lee and his office staff.

Due to the seriousness of this tumor, Nate and I have decided it would be best to get a second opinion.  I will keep you informed as to what Doctor I plan to see next. Time is of the essence so I know it will be soon!

Thank you for all of your love and support.  It means more than I am able to communicate at this moment.  I feel very blessed to live in this medical day and age and I trust and believe that everything will turn out just fine for me.

Love you ALL!