12/30/09 Surgery is complete

Myra underwent surgery this morning at 7:40am to remove the cancerous tumor and to have a mastectomy on her right breast. We met early (6am!) at the Greenwich hospital with a small group of friends and family to support her. Myra (adorned in that gray dress you all know how much I love!) was in great spirits. We laughed, we prayed, and of course took pictures with her entire medical team! The folks at the hospital are exceptional; knowledgeable, competent, friendly, and compassionate. They all commented on how great Myra was and how that would help her through the surgery.


I have just spoken to Dr. Ward, the breast surgeon (see attached photo) who has successfully removed the tumor. There was also a small amount of tumor removed (only visible by microscope) in the sentinel node which merely tells us that the cancer is capable of traveling and will require chemotherapy, which we already knew. The occurrence of the cancer in the sentinel node does not change the staging (still stage 2) nor the prognosis. Dr. Ward reiterated that it was very straight forward, that she is extremely optimistic about her long term prognosis and that Myra is rock stable and in excellent general health and should recover nicely.


Myra will be in surgery for another hour now with Dr. Atkiss who is putting in a tissue extender to prepare for the eventual implant and breast augmentation. We expect her to be out of surgery at about 11:30, in recovery for one hour and hope to see her by 1pm or so this afternoon. I will send another update once we get our hands on her. Thanks for everyone’s prayers, support and good wishes. Our girl is doing great!