diagnosis

Day 10b: Diagnosis Part II

Day 10b: Diagnosis Part II – Today was a long day filled with more information and more testing. Where to start? Met with the surgeon, we talked about many things.

Grade: I have an “estimated” Histologic Grade of 1 and an “estimated” Nottingham Grade of 5-9. Right now we are considering this to be a low to moderately aggressive cancer. This is estimated because we do not know yet whether or not the lymph nodes are involved and they are the keepers to much data it would seem.

Hormone Recepters: One of the tumors is 100% ER and PR the other was 100% ER and 98% PR, don’t get much more strong hormone receptors than these… this means that a hormone receptor blocker will be in my future and it also means no estrogen or progesterone for me… like ever. Was also told to expect the oncologist (yet to meet) to prescribe something like Tamoxifen for a minimum of 5 years.

Ok, Stage. This is the tough one – we just don’t know and won’t know until we get more information on the lymph nodes.

So next steps:

  • Blood work-ups which include liver, CA15-3, Vitamin D, and other such stuffs. Did that today
  • Chest x-ray, did that today
  • MRI, the doctor is getting approval from insurance, so that should be next week.
  • Meet with the plastic surgeon (next Tuesday) and discuss simultaneous or delayed reconstruction – I prefer simultaneous, apparently this guy prefers delayed, so I am looking for a referral for someone so I can get a second opinion there.
  • Meet with surgeon again next week

If anything in the blood, chest x-ray or MRI look abnormal I may be sent for a PET Scan to get a head to toe.

Surgery: Lymph Nodes
They will do a sentinel node biopsy during surgery

Surgery: Breast
I lose the left nipple regardless of which option I choose. Options are: mastectomy or a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy). Because the nature of ILC is such that it is difficult to detect, slow moving and branches out not necessarily creating palpable tumors or lumps, I am opting for bilateral mastectomy. It is also possible that oncology treatments will be easier with a bilateral mastectomy, again, depending on lymph nodes.

For the left nipple replacement I am looking for some great artwork of the Yai-tzu dragon, the protector and guardian against any physical harm. So feel free to post any cool Yai-tzu art you find to my wall or send me a message.

Timeline: Waiting on insurance for MRI.

Treatment is simple…
1) Hormone blockers
2) Surgery
3) Potential radiation Therapy
4) Chemo

Seems like a simple 4 part plan to me. 

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ ‪#‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬

Day 7: Today is diagnosis day.

Day 7: Today is diagnosis day. Probably not until after 3 pm. I am excited that I will have actual data – you know…. Because then I will have something to really worry about. This also means that a war plan is not far behind because with questions comes answers. (Also the 5 stages of grief – but we will get to that later)

The crab feed was fun last night. Also gave me a chance to practice my linebacker skills. Crowded rooms, lots of hugs and truly amazing people. 80‘s women’s suit shoulder pads coulda come in handy last night! Assigned a friend blocking duty for the left side. A few folks have seen my Facebook posts and were amazing in their love and support. I have a feeling people will continue to amaze me in wonderful ways on this journey. Is it strange that both excites and comforts me?

The U.S. greeting of “How are you?” has become slightly awkward in my mind. LOL. My usual “Great!” now feels a little false and that does bother me though it shouldn’t – but you know… for the most part that’s not a real question – thankfully. So perhaps this lil white lie will be forgiven. 😇

I didn’t have the crab – too many dangerous elbows flying at crowded tables in small spaces – and when something smarts you really feel like everyone is out to get it! . And I have no idea if biopsy sites are supposed to hurt like this – but it was a typical “Tammey” day yesterday, worked a full day and then at about 7pm my ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ was a major cranky pants. Made it home around 9:30 to my lovely ice pack with whom I have a somewhat complicated relationship.

So my good friend Dean must have seen the pain on it on my face last night. He saved me from the elbows and he whisked me away to Mercato’s. I couldn’t decide between the smoked duck gnocchi or the butternut squash ravioli, I ordered one – the waiter brought the other – realized his mistake and I ended up with both! Now that’s a fabulous mistake! . I really can’t say which was better! Best was all the space around me! No worries about a bump in boob there!

Since I have never been sick, geez… Never even broken a bone, this whole thing is a learning experience and I just don’t know what to expect – or how long it takes to heal – or what’s “normal” if there is such a thing.

On a prayer note – I appreciate all the prayer and positive energy being sent my way. I am so thankful for all my blessings, my friends and my family. Y’all just rock!

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ #‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬