Check-in with Doctor Moore

Since my last entry I had lots of time to do more research both online and in talking with family, friends and friends of friends.  As of yesterday (last evening in fact) I felt very strongly about not going lumpectomy and radiation route.  Although that small print 'it depends' is ever-present and never is left out when weighing all the options I had some questions queued up for Dr. Moore.

Given the close proximity of the cancer to my nipple, the likelihood of my losing it during a lumpectomy is high.  Not liking the radiation route eliminated the lumpectomy out of the gate. So the other option was a mastectomy (small print: provided there are clean edges and no cancer is found elsewhere no radiation, but there was still a possibility of radiation and worst case chemo - but unlikely).  A mastectomy would be disfiguring and it was my understanding that a reconstruction portion would be part of the treatment. So I was most interested in the reconstructive options.

Here's what I learned from today's conversation.

Reconstructive surgery can sometimes be undertaken during the mastectomy surgery.  However, the course of action can't be finalized until the surgeon sees the end product (mastectomy).  There are other sets of options to consider when reconstructing.  Depending on how much tissue is removed and how much is left, a skin flap can be 'made' into a nub/nipple.  There could be other options available, but it would mean a second and possibly third surgery. Apparently the discussion turned to plastic surgery to which Dr. Moore suggested that I consult a specialist in male breast reconstruction.

Information is a good thing.  So I agreed to seek yet another consultation.  Dr. Moore said he knew a few really good ones (Dr. Chatson being his first choice) but he would have to see who was available for consult  - sooner than later. We ended our call so he could make a few calls.

About a half hour later, I received a call from Dr. Moore's office asking if I could go to Dr. Chatson's office today at 2PM.  It was almost noon, but reviewing my calendar I was able to juggle some appointment and committed to the appointment.