Look Ma, No Boob!

Surgery went well and I was released from the hospital this afternoon. I have a drain installed that will be removed next week. They installed a Bard port, also known as a mediport, which is surgically connected to a large vein or artery and implanted under the skin, for direct access to the blood stream. It is used for long-term IV medication therapy (chemo, etc.). They did tell me that I have tested positive for HER2. HER2 stands for Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2. HER2+ tumors tend to grow and spread more quickly than tumors that are not HER2+. In addition, the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer is different than the treatment of breast cancer that is not HER2+. Studies show that approximately 25% of breast cancer patients have tumors that are HER2+. It means more aggressive treatment. It also means that the right breast might eventually have to come off, too. Thankfully, it is not hereditary.

I'm feeling good about my recovery. I'm in good hands and plan to assault this cancer on all fronts. No stone will be left unturned. Just having the tumor gone feels good. And believe it or not, having only one boob isn't so bad!