Rewind

Well, team, here it is.

In my last post, I wrote that I would be continuing the Herceptin treatment, but would'nt have to have another round of additional chemotherapy.  Now it looks like I will.

At the post-op with my oncologist, he let us know that the pathology report looked very good, however, he wanted to review the report/slides in more detail with the pathologists.

Last week he called me with the results of that review and the consensus of the group and my surgeon.

As I wrote before, the chemo did a great job in reducing the size of the breast tumor, however, the effect was not as dramatic on the cancer in the lymph nodes. (About 25 lymph nodes were taken out and about 10 tested postive.)  It appears the treatment didn't have the same effectiveness on the lymph nodes as it did in the breast.

To be prudent, and continue aggressive treatment, he is recommending another round of chemo (in addition to the Herceptin) after radiation treatment.  I'll also take another low-grade chemo drug during radiation treatment.

Whether I do the additional round of chemo in Seattle or Walla Walla is still to be decided. 

I just met yesterday with the radiation oncologist, and this treatment will be about six weeks.  

I'm feeling pretty good these days.  My hair is growing back incredibly fast.  The only tiredness I feel is from family cabin fever.  The kids were on Spring Break last week and it was cold most of the time.  

From what I understand, the radiation will make me tired, so I'm preparing to enter Fatigue Land again. 

Thanks again for your continuing prayers and best wishes. 

Post-Op

Just a quick note to let you know about the post-op appointments with my surgeon and oncologist on Monday.

The upshot is that I don't need a second round of chemo.  The pathology report on the tissue taken during surgery showed the treatments were very effective in reducing the tumors and affected lymph nodes.  This was great news as I had resigned myself to more chemo.  

I will continue with Herceptin treatments for six more months (as I knew from the beginning) and will begin radiation treatments.  It's back to Seattle on Friday for the radiation consult. 

I will post more about the Monday's appointments later this week.  Even some pictures!

Post-Surgery

Just wanted to let you know that my surgery on Thursday went well. I had a modified radical mastectomy on my left side.

Dr. Javid (my surgeon) said it looked like the chemotherapy was doing its job in reducing the tumor both in the breast and in the lymph nodes.

I stayed two nights in the hospital. The first night I had a roommate; a 38-year old breast cancer patient. We shared our stories through the curtain drawn in the middle of the room. Her best hospital-stay tip. Earplugs!

Right after I was discharged we drove to Seattle Cancer Care for my Herceptin treatment. Vince and I arrived home last night. I'm doing okay, just tired.

We have a follow-up surgeon and oncologist visit either this Friday or next Monday. I will probably resume chemo treatments in about a month a very likely I will also have radiation treatments.