Mid last week, Dr. S called me with the pathology report from all the different pieces of me that she removed during surgery: there was the one area internal to the TRAM, the original axillary tumor and then 3 lymph nodes from that general tumor site. This report held the answer to how well the chemo had shrunk and contained the tumors and what we should do post-surgery. As you can imagine, this was a big deal phone call, and one that I was both anticipating and dreading.
As I’ve mentioned, Dr. S now makes all calls to me, regardless of “good” or “bad” news. This has worked out well since I don’t feel like vomiting every time I hear her voice.
“Eileen, it’s Betsy. Is now a good time?”
“Sure.”
“I’ve got the pathology results and I wanted to go over them with you.”
*I do feel nauseated at this point*, “Okay”
Here’s where I go from remembering everything clearly, to having an overall sense of the conversation:
- the TRAM tumor is gone, and the margins are clear;
- the 3 lymph nodes are all clean, meaning that the pathologist does not see any cancer cells invading these lymph nodes.
- the original axillary tumor has shrunk from an overall size of 33mm to 11mm with about a 6mm core of active cancer.
So, all in all, this is very good news. Clearly the chemo protocol worked against my cancer, and we are in much better shape than we were in September.
Now, you’re probably wondering about that last annoying little bugger…the 6mm area within the axillary tumor, and what that means in the grand scheme of things.
For that, I don’t have an answer.
See, in my extreme efficiency of scheduling my surgery, I scheduled it during a week when my oncologist was on vacation. I have not spoken with Dr. A. I do not know her take on things. I am sure that she’ll be very happy with all the clear areas (I’m smart like that), but I don’t know what she’s going to think of 6mm of active invasive ductal carcinoma left inside the tumor.
I am preparing myself for the possibility that I will be doing 2 more rounds of chemo. Dr. A has not said this, made no suggestion of this, nor even hinted that this was an option. This is purely my own mishigas. So, left to my own devices, I have decided that another 2 rounds will be necessary (please don’t ask me where I went to med school). Fortunately, I have my next Herceptin and Zometa appointment on Monday, and I will see Dr. A then.
As a quick update on my post-surgery recovery, I am doing quite well. I had my JP drain removed on Monday and the incision sites are less sore each day. I do have some issues with tape, even paper tape, so my skin is a little blistered and red. Next Tuesday I’ll be headed to Turning Point for physical therapy, which helped tremendously after my last surgeries.
I’m out, about and ain’t doin’ too bad.
Patty said,
March 10, 2010 at 6:16 pm
You know we will be sending all of our love your way. I know Monday when you see Dr. A and have the “plan” it will be good to have that “road map.” I am so happy that the chemo did so much good for you and now you have only one area to get out! I imagine you probably do qualify for some type of medical certificiation! Great news and continue to enjoy your boys and spring, even if we have some rain!
Kerri said,
March 10, 2010 at 7:16 pm
YAY for feeling better and being out and about! So happy the chemo did so much to get that nasty stuff out of your body!!
Annette Saldaña said,
March 10, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Loving that news ~
erica campagna said,
March 10, 2010 at 7:28 pm
eileen~
all those years we sat behind/ infront of each other due to Abbey and Augello I never told you nor noticed…..you are a brave girl.
my hats off to you, big time… Funny the poeple that are “put” in our lives even if it is alphabetical
i am thinking of you and sending good thoughts
~E
sarahfeather said,
March 10, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Two things:
1) HOORAY!!! So happy to hear your good news.
2) that website, with the yiddish? is priceless.
Hat’s off to you!
S
Sue Rothstein said,
March 11, 2010 at 8:45 am
That axillary tumor is now OUT – correct? (I’m looking at one of the comments above) You know you now have everyone waiting with baited breath for next Monday’s visit with Dr. A. The positive energy you’ve managed to create while we all pray for good news can’t even be imagined! Wishing you great news, and that the roller coaster of life gives you some less steep ups and downs while not taking away a great ride. We’re all cheering for you!
mynameisnotcancergirl said,
March 13, 2010 at 11:03 am
Thanks for your support and cheers everyone.
Erica, I wasn’t who I am now back in high school, but thank you for the kind words.
Sarah, I love that website too…it makes translation for my non-Jewish husband so much easier.
Sue, the tumor is out and in some petrie dish somewhere (or maybe in the biohazard trash by now), which makes me very happy.
erica campagna said,
March 13, 2010 at 11:40 am
Eileen~
YES you were!!! You just didnt know it!
~E
jill said,
March 13, 2010 at 9:24 pm
you went to med school the same place I did. At the school of
” been there, done that. Know my body better than you”
Buzzy said,
March 14, 2010 at 9:00 am
Loving it! Excellent. I am glad you are feeling better. Your spunk scares the hell out of that cancer.
Hadley said,
March 16, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Loving this good news, Beens!