Just a quick update on my journey.
On 3/13 I received a call from my doctor confirming my lymph nodes were clear! Which of course I already knew because we have so many people praying, there was no way I would receive bad news.
My surgical pathology showed I had a 1.6 cm tumor removed. I was originally diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), which are cells that grow outside the duct. When the biopsy returned, there was also some Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), which is cancer that is contained inside the duct. Dr. Liu believes my cancer started as DCIS and one of the cells escaped and grew. However, all of the tumor was excised and I am free from Cruella!
I still have to have an Oncotype test done, which estimates the likelihood of disease recurrence. We are praying for a LOW score so I will not have to endure chemotherapy. We hope to have the results back by the end of next week. Once this test is back I will meet with my medical oncologist and will be starting Tamoxifen. Ugh!
Today I met with my radiation oncologist, Dr. Chen. She is awesome! I had a CT scan to determine whether there is enough space to insert the SAVI device to begin focal radiation. She believes there is enough space, and I am now waiting for Dr. Liu’s office to schedule the implantation of the SAVI in my breast, hopefully within the next week. I will then receive radiation twice daily for five days.
I just want this next step with radiation to be done so I can move on with life. Overall I am feeling okay. I never had a lot of pain in the incisions from surgery. I do have some nerve pain down my arm (right dominant side of course), which is a little annoying. But my most annoying issue is fatigue. After I am up and going for about 4-5 hours in the morning, I feel like I need to go lay down. Very frustrating for me since my energy level is usually very high! And I really miss my normal exercise routine. I am able to walk slowly on the treadmill, but I miss lifting weights, tennis (especially!), and running (never thought I would actually miss running!) I guess I just miss my “normal” life. Today I was in a little bit of a pity party. So I opened the bible app on my phone and this was the verse of the day:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Ok, Hello God. I hear you. I will overcome this trial and know you will be beside me all the way.
Thank you all for your continued support, especially Dennis and the kids and my family and ALL of my amazing friends and coworkers! The meals have all been amazing and the prayers are very much appreciated!
