Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Met with the surgeon to discuss the results of the MRI. Here goes...

The Good:
The cancer is contained in the one tumor of my left breast- none found in the other breast (thank goodness!)
It's slow growing- based on the size and growth rate has probably been there for 7 years (gulp!)
Based on the hormone reactors(?), the chance of recurrence is slim (whew!)

The Bad:
One of my lymph nodes is enlarged, normally not that big of a deal, but the location is of concern (behind my breast bone). I'll be getting a PET Scan later this week to determine if it's malignant.

The Ugly:
I definitely have to undergo chemo- depending on the status of the lymph node, I could have it before surgery (if lymph node is malignant) or after surgery (benign).
Because of the size of the tumor - 3.8 cm x 3.1 cm, the surgeon is recommending mastectomy.

I'll be starting treatment- whether it be surgery first or chemo first - in the next week or so.

Guess it's time for a wig/scarf/hat party! Perhaps for my birthday...

5 comments:

  1. Yesterday was a rainy day in NYC but behind those dark clouds was the sun! Behind the words of your upcoming surgery are words of healing, recovery and a heart that will open the size of the Colorado sky. Be what you need to be without any judgment on yourself as you go through this experience. This is your time to love yourself and if you don't think you can get your arms around yourself tight enough then that is where all of us come in. All the family and friends you have drawn to you. Use us, all of us to hug you and care for you and read you poetry or bring you chocolate. Be brave and trust that you are an amazingly strong woman. Hey, the sun is out today and the all the flowers are waving to you. I love you, Trisha

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  2. Susan and Tucker- How 'bout dropping off the boys this weekend for a few hours so you two can have a date? I know you don't "need" support like this now but when you "need" it you won't be feelin up to lunch/dinner and a martini :-) Let us know. Love & Hugs, T

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  3. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
    Deuteronomy 31:6
    I love you Susan!!

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  4. THERE IS A STAR OVER EVERY PATHWAY
    BE IT DARK OR BE IT LONLEY
    THE DARKNESS ONLY MAKES THE STAR SHINE BRIGHTER
    I LOVE YOU MY DAUGHTER

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  5. Have you been in contact with Nanna Christensen at Tebo? She's the "breast health navigator". She is the funniest, nicest lady, and Cyndi & I have both worked with her. The oncologist will hook you up with her. Tell Nanna you are Cyndi Lou's friend and her face will light up! I work on the same floor as Rebecca; she's a great resource.

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