Don't Worry, Be Happy

Happy, Happy Day!!!!!!!

Yesterday I had a talk with Patti to tell her that the tumor was bigger than expected.  While talking to her she said that the reason it could be swelling from the biopsy.  But that would make more sense if went from 1.8 to say a 3 or so, but 6.1?????????

So I called my surgeon Dr. Fisher and he called me back right away.  The first thing he said was that the results had already come back from the right side and it was BENIGN just fibrous tissue.  Good news, no GREAT NEWS!

I told him I was concerned that the tumor was bigger in the MRI report than the ultrasound report and asked if the tumor could be bigger because of the swelling.  Could be but 6.1 is a lot bigger than 1.8.

I asked about doing a double mastectomy instead of a single one because of the feature of the carcinoma (funny I always associated that word with cigarettes since I was little, don't know why) being lobular, (I have a mix of both ductal and lobular) does mean that I have a higher risk to develop this on the right side, not by spreading, but it just happens.



TERMINOLOGY

Milk ducts. Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. This type of cancer forms in the lining of a milk duct within your breast. The ducts carry breast milk from the lobules, where it's made, to the nipple.

Milk-producing lobules. Lobular carcinoma starts in the lobules of the breast, where breast milk is produced. The lobules are connected to the ducts, which carry breast milk to the nipple.

One thing if I do keep one breast, because of what I have just explained, I have been told that I will have to have a mammogram and/or MRI every six month on the right side, which makes me think I should do a double mastectomy?  There are a few decisions to make and we are thinking and praying about them.

He said that the ultrasound gave us 2-D pictures where the MRI gave us 3-D pictures.  He also said that he wanted to talk to a medical oncologist to see if I should see him before the surgery to do chemotherapy to shrink the tumor down so when he does surgery he won't have to cut the chest.  The MRI showed that it was invasive (that it hadn't spread - contained) but they won't know until they get in there and check the lymph nodes.

The outcome of all this is that I have an appointment with Dr. Fisher to examine the tumor again, to determine if I need to meet with Dr. Morgan the medical oncologist.

Who knew when this arises in a person, that there is so much legwork to make sure all areas have been thoroughly examined and know the best decision has been made.

I had someone ask me today, which do you want to happen the chemotherapy before the surgery or just the surgery this week?  My reply whatever is the best for me?  That can only be decided by professionals, who I am praying for that their minds are clear and focused on the task at hand for me and all of those who are wondering about their next move in their medical journey.