Friday, April 13, 2007

Staging Coming together April 13

I will try to explain what I know the best that I can. I found out at lunch time that my CT Scan came back good. Meaning no other organs are involved. The CT Scan also showed a nodule on my thyroid gland so she is sending me to a specialist for that. I only have 1/2 of my thyroid now. The other 1/2 was removed about 15-20 years ago because it had a nodule on it, probably due to radiation also.

I had a MRI as well. This test did prove my doctor correct,in that the entire breast is involved.There are some lymph nodes enlarged on the outer parts of the breast. She will talk more about that at my appointment on Wednesday of next week. The MRI also showed some suspicious area on my right breast. My doctor is thinking about what to do with that. The plan is to have a double mastectomy so in my mind.....why do a biopsy but I'll do what my doctor advises.
With these test results back my cancer is at a Stage lllb. This is determined by the tumor size, and shape. The tumor cells are graded or classified 1-4. The lower the grade the better. Mine is, poorly differentiated cells-Grade 3. And then Prognostic Tests are done to look at specific characteristics of the tumor cells. I have HER-2/neu, which is an indicator that is over-expressed or amplified in about 25-30 percent of breast cancers. Elevation of HER2 indicates a more aggressive cancer. However identification of elevation indicates that a drug called Herceptin will target the HER2/neu receptor. The cells are aggressive in other words.

The doctor is in the process of scheduling either a pet scan or a bone scan still.

All of the running around and worrying has left me completely exhausted but unable to sleep.
I did get 5 straight hours last night and was even able to get back to sleep after being awake for 1/2 an hour. I think the brain is coming to grips with everything. And knowing the results of these two tests should help. We have a long journey ahead of us. Yes, I say we because I could not fight this with out all of you. The prayers are numerous and I'm sure echoing in heaven for all to hear.

The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well Sis,

Looks like the players are starting to take the field. What they don't know though, is the tough offensive hitters we have on our team. We are going to hit this out of the ball park. Remember, coach always said PMA!



Many hands make light work. . . . So with that let us all put our hands together and start that knee mail.

Love Ya,

Kim