Thursday March 4th, Today I saw the surgeon.

Armed with a video camera and an extensive list of questions, prepared to cover every possible angle, and concerned that he wouldn't have enough time to give me for all of that, I came out of there with an unexpected calm. He spent over an hour with us, covering almost every question I had brought with me before I even had a chance to ask any. He himself is also an Ashkenazi Jew, and both his mother and mother-in-law had breast cancer. The majority of his surgeries are for breast cancer. He also had no problem whatsoever with my desire for a 2nd opinion.

With almost every fact he presented, he reiterated that he did not want to force me into any decision, or to rush into anything; and that it was totally 100% up to me.

My tumor is "high grade" and over 2 cm. in size. Because of my young age, family history, and other factors, (including the high risk papilloma on the left side), he recommended a double mastectomy.

I see a plastic surgeon either tomorrow (3/5) or Monday (3/8) for a consultation, and am leaning toward reconstruction with tissue flap. The recovery time is longer (4-6 weeks) with this choice. I definitely want reconstruction, one way or another.

Paul and I felt very much at ease with this surgeon. He reassured us that he uses only the newest and most advanced techniques, including skin-saving. At the end of our meeting with Dr. Schiff today, he told us that he would choose this route for HIS own mother. Golden.

I'm still somewhat in shock, but writing this helps. I keep hearing from people, "don't rush into anything". But if I'm certain of my decision, then why not. I know I still have a lot of processing to do on this.

Even though there's no big rush, when I asked what was the soonest, he said the surgery could possibly be done next Fri., 3/12. NOT that I'm choosing that. But I tell you, it sure is tempting to think about having it over with. No time for a 2nd opinion, though. But after seeing Dr. Schiff today, I feel the only reason I'd want a 2nd opinion is just to be that much more informed and get another perspective. I feel very good about having him as my surgeon.

More updates soon. Love you all.
Rhonda