Page 80 of Riding the Edge
You and me.
“If I may,” Dr. Peterson interrupts, looking between me and Al. “I’d like to start by telling you that your case is very treatable. The survival rate for stage two breast cancer is ninety-three percent. The fact that it isn’t in your lymph nodes is a major plus,” he assures. “There are several ways we can treat this but the most effective would be a mastectomy.”
“You want to remove my breast?” I ask.
The dam breaks and the tears fall.
You’re not alone.
I’ve got you.
It’s you and me, Lady.
You and me.
“My first choice of treatment would be to remove the breast. Recovery would be around four weeks and then I propose radiation for five to six weeks afterward.”
Radiation.
You’re not alone.
I’ve got you.
It’s you and me, Lady.
You and me.
“She wouldn’t need chemo?” Al asks.
“As of now, no. From what we see there are only two tumors. Once we take the breast, they’ll be removed. She should be cancer free after that but, I’d rather be safe than sorry and that’s why I’m suggesting the radiation.”
“So, it’s more of a precautionary thing.”
“As of now, yes,” he confirms. Pausing for a beat, he turns to me. “Do you have any questions, Maria?”
“What about the other breast?”
“Well, like I said it’s not in the left breast. Does that mean the cancer won’t return? No, should that occur, we would have to go in again and more than likely remove it.”
“And if I take them both now?”
“The odds of it returning are less.”
“Take them both.”
You’re not alone.
I’ve got you.
It’s you and me, Lady.
You and me.
“Are you sure?”
The only thing I’m sure of is that I don’t want to die.
“If living means taking both breasts, then take both now,” I murmur, biting back a sob. Drawing in a deep breath, I find the courage to turn my attention to Al.
