thanks for the posts everyone. they definitely help.
what i need to find out is this something that was here in january and my doctor missed it? i just had surgery in january. i am concerned.

i have not heard from my surgeon yet at johns hopkins (he has been out of town for the holiday). I hope to hear from him today. actually the second opinion is the suggestion of my other doctor, Dr. Sciubba. I don't fear the procedure, i guess i am more afraid of what i don't know. how long will i be off work? How painful and uncomfortable will i be? i don't know anything right now and i am driving myself crazy.

i definitely consider myself a fighter.
thanks
gina