Pre Op Physical

Mary Jo and I met with Dr Cross, Mary Jo’s primary care doctor today this morning. Dr Cross gave Mary Jo the required pre op physical examination prior to the scheduled operation by Dr Maurer to remove the nodule in Mary Jo’s right axillia. Mary Jo appears to be well enough for surgery. She feels good today and keeps get better day by day. Dr Cross ordered blood work to be done as the main concern pre op is her hemoglobin count. She can’t be anemic going into surgery.

We are still not confident with the surgery decision because we get conflicting opinions’ regarding whether to proceed with this elective surgery to remove the nodule and the decision proceed becomes more murky after each health professional we consult with. We are anxious to hear what the lymphedema specialist has to say and that person’s professional opinion will likely carry a lot of weight in Mary Jo’s ultimate surgery decision.

This is the score so far…surgeon Dr Maurer suggests removing the nodule for peace of mind only (and complete pathologic confirmation by examination) but believes the nodule is a fat necrosis and surgery is not medically necessary, oncologist Dr Gall suggests a watch it and leave it alone approach as not to provoke an onset of lymphedema, radiation oncologist Dr McCollow suggests surgical removing the nodule prior to radiation therapy and Mary Jo's general practitioner Dr Cross suggests “get it out, so what if you get lymphedema, peace of mind is critical”.

Click on this link to view photos of lymphedema and you may understand more why this decision is such a struggle for us.

http://www.goldbamboo.com/pictures-t1514.html

               Lymphedema in the arm of a breast cancer patient