Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2005. Mattie loved to jump on our bed and make himself comfortable. As you can clearly see here! I will never forget Mattie on the weekends. If he got up before us, he would run into our room, and make a b-line for my side of the bed. I can still see that little face staring up at me.
Quote of the day: If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody. ~ Chinese Proverb
This morning Peter and I went to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital to meet the head of the Breast Care Center. I suppose the majority of times one gets a referral from their doctor to see a specialist. In my case regarding this issue, I hand picked this doctor based on her credentials and what I read about her. Then when I talked to her staff prior to the appointment, they all assured me I would like the doctor. That she is very patient centered! All I know is I need to see it for myself, but getting the staff's reaction to the doctor to me is key.
When I entered the breast center, I was less than impressed with the office staff behind the desk. However, as soon as I headed into the back of the office, I then met the actual medical staff. All I can say is wow! These were all competent, patient, and compassionate women. They were like a well orchestrated machine, and they capitalize on teamwork. When Peter and I met the doctor, she was extremely personable but confused by the pathology report from Virginia Hospital Center. Confused enough to contact Georgetown's pathology department to seek clarification. I am happy she did this because now that I have the accurate and correct terminology for the diagnosis, I am able to find many more articles and information about it!
Regardless of the name, this is still a precancerous mass that has to come out. I am aware of the fact that some woman opt to leave such a mass inside of them and then follow it with scanning. But because the cells are atypical and 30% of woman with such a mass have been known to contract breast cancer years down the road, I don't want this inside of me. The doctor and I were on the same page and she also agrees with me that my other side needs to be given an ultrasound since this typically can show up in both breasts simultaneously. So I am going back to Virginia Hospital Center on Monday for the next scan.
All I know is it would be better if this wasn't a precancerous mass, but overall, I am happy I have a plan, a competent surgeon, and then psychosocial support professionals at Georgetown to sit with Peter and come behind the scenes with me on the day of the surgery. Peter and I have the support of Linda (Mattie's child life specialist) and Debbi (Mattie sedation nurse) on November 18th, and I am absolutely thrilled. These women both work in pediatrics, but as I have always said.... if I get sick in any way, I want them by my side. I have already shared with Debbi my fears about sedation and she is very familiar with how Mattie reacted to sedation. So if I can't advocate for myself, I know she will!
When they sent me this photo today, it said: "St. Mary's and the George Mason Elementary School LOVE Mattie Miracle!" I admire Kate's energy and commitment to our candy drive and I am thrilled she is spreading the message about Mattie Miracle to her friends and school community! She is an outstanding Mattie Miracle worker!
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