Hopefully The Last Medical Report

The pathology report came back showing the surgeon got all the cancer. I will begin radiation therapy (five days a week for seven weeks) beginning around Oct. 22nd. I opted to not go the chemo route as it only lessened the chances for reoccurance by 2%. My doctor concurred with my decision. I will begin hormone therapy in December, for ten years.

The PET scan showed benign tumors (hemangiomas) in my vertebrae which may never present a problem. My medical oncologist said since I will be seeing him for ten more years, if I develop problems, he would take care of it for me. 

Surgery was a week ago but I am still a bit sluggish. This is not like me--I usually bounce back quickly after surgery. But my sweet Walter reminded me, gently, that I am not as young as I used to be. I may get touchy once I begin the hormone treatments--he may need to watch himself...

We are hoping to get the motorhome out for about ten days beginning Oct. 10th, before I start the new job of radiation every day.  We will probably go north up to Birch Bay and La Connor.  I have been feeling ripped off because we had to scrap our trip to the Redwoods and Napa this month.  Birch Bay isn't quite the same but it will do.

Medical Update

I received wonderful news before going into surgery yesterday.  The surgeon told me he looked at the PET scan from the day before an there was no evidence of cancer anywhere in my body except the left breast.  He said the spots in my vertebrae are benign tumors and as long as they don’t get heavy enough to compress my discs they will leave them alone.

The surgery went well except there was one more tiny, cancerous looking lesion hiding behind the larger one.  The doc had to remove more tissue than expected, down to the muscle in one area. 

This morning I am only slightly uncomfortable—a nice surprise!  Today I will allow Walt to wait on me though.  Tomorrow he may need to tie me down…

Love you all!  The prayers and good vibes you all sent my way made a huge impact on my peace level—it was incredible how I could just “let go” of all anxiety and rest in the knowledge God was in control.   
THANK YOU!

Biopsy report

Well, the good news is they didn't find any cancer cells related to the breast cancer having spread to the bones. The bad news is they didn't find anything outstanding which may mean they didn't hit the right spot. I will be scheduled for a PET scan. The scan will hopefully be done before next Tuesday, when I have surgery, so I am thinking maybe Monday. The results won't be in until the 26th--so when I have it done is irrelevant. Next stop--surgery on the 18th. I appreciate your notes of encouragement and the prayers. I have been feeling so calm and at peace through this ordeal that people have commented how I am "unreal." I attribute that to all the prayers and good vibes being sent my way. Love you all!! Arlyene