[Women] medical update from Cindy Taylor

[Cindy Taylor]

Wow what a wonderful supportive group you are... you've brought tears to my
eyes with all the love and support you've sent my way during this
challenging time.  My apologies for not replying to each and everyone of
you in person, with words of appreciation and thanks. Please know that I
feel surrounded by love and so fortunate to have such caring friends. It
was so challenging for me to share this news with you all, as I've tended
to be such a private person, but I challenged myself to be brave and share
and I'm so glad I did, and feel sooo much better knowing all the support I
have.   I also appreciate all the feedback and guidance.
With time to digest all this and do more research, before scheduling my
surgery with our local general surgeon, I've decided to get an
assessment from Dr, Hannah Hazard-Jenkins specialist for breast surgery and
oncology at WVU Cancer Institute (Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center) in
Morgantown. https://wvumedicine.org/find-a-doctor/doctor-details/?id=968
My oncologist, Dr. Shah was happy to make the referral, and even Dr.
Roberts' staff was supportive of my choice to see her.  My appointment is
Jan 4th.. and I assume any surgery that I'll schedule  is something she
might be able to do... and nothing like having the expert, if that is
possible. I also want her guidance for follow-up and prevention strategies.
Because of the early stage of all this, I believe there is plenty of
time...
My dear Quaker friend, Jean Ambrose, has offered to drive me there for the
appointment, which is so endearing and we both stay very isolated so we're
Ok with being together for the drive.    So stay tuned for the New Years
follow-up..    and  have a very happy holiday..
Love to you all!
Cindy

On Sun, Dec 20, 2020 at 9:42 AM Cindy Taylor <cwtaylor50 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi dear FUUSM  Friends,
> I've really enjoyed the snowpeople and appreciated the meditation group
> on Wednesdays.. THANKS so much!!  I have been very appreciative of my
> Quaker group, too   (which I've been joining by Zoom on many Sundays at the
> same time as the FUUSM service.)
> I'd rather share this news to you all here and not try to talk over Zoom..
>  some of you realize that my most recent mammogram showed a concerning mass
> in my right breast. Here is the best update or rather breast update.
> Quite an exhausting experience so far with all the different doctors,
> tests, medical people, etc.    Friday was the longest- 3 plus hours at at
> the oncology center here in Parkersburg and getting opinion from
> oncologist, Dr. Nik Shah.   Best news under all the circumstances...
> Latest recommendation is that I need to only have lumpectomy - the mass
> (lobular carcinoma in situ) on another form he called it " malignant
> neoplasm of overlapping sites of rt. female breast".. This is NOT like more
> serious cancers.. it appears to be non-invasive and is "confined" and
> carries a high risk of developing breast cancer..    It's all a bit
> confusing and diagnostic tests show more info  and analysis of risk factors
> and possible treatments. He recommends that I have just the lump removed
> (with extra tissue).. and there is NO need for radiation treatment (which
> My surgeon had suggested might be a possibility) and there is not
> possibility at this stage for involvement of any lymph nodes.   A
> mastectomy is NOT recommended (or likely approved  following current
> guidelines for my particular "cancer").  I will need regular followup and
> there was suggestion for drug treatment that would further reduce my
> risks.. Some are not good choices because of my particular medical history
> and the other concern is my osteoporosis.   I had blood taken for genetic
> tests which will cover a variety of cancer related genes. Info may be
> helpful in guiding best treatment even though I'm unlikely to have the
> BRCA genes, because my sister did not (but both of her girls did and have
> had cancer surgeries). It will be interesting to learn more there.   All
> has been a bit confusing..   So glad to have my son Will's wife, Dr. Jane
> to review, research and explain more to me!!! Including what doctors do
> what..       so my next step will be to get back to my surgeon (Dr.
> Roberts) and ask his office to schedule me for that surgery..  It is an
> easy outpatient surgery.. and there is no immediate rush.. so I'm expecting
> that some time in January.  More analysis for that specimen collected at
> that surgery, may be helpful too..
>      So dear Friends.. I'm very fortunate and counting my blessings,   not
> sure when I'll join you on zoom but if I don't or leave early, you'll
> understand... lots of calls coming in from family,etc.    Hope you are able
> to read this.
> Holding you all in the light, too during this challenging time.
> Cindy Taylor
> PS not to scare you more.. but my daughter-in-Law, Dr. Jane (pediatric
> pulmonologist at UPMC in Pittsburgh)  told me yesterday that the medical
> facilities have been hacked too- by that same Russian attack hitting
> government.    they haven't been able to communicate with each other... so
> it's really causing chaos there..     Get on the phone if you have to
> communicate and can't rely on communications getting between institutions
> now!!  SCARY..   may explain some of the difficulties
>
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