Me. It’s all good. Breathe.
The appointment today was scheduled for 1:45pm but we didn’t get in to see the doctor until 4:20pm…an anxious wait. So where do I begin. The doctor described the tumor as "tiny" - 1cm x 8mm x 7mm – the size of a raisin. It was sitting on the muscle at the top of the breast tissue. When she removed the tumor, she wanted to get a margin of normal tissue surrounding the tumor to make sure it was removed entirely. Because it was sitting on the muscle, she removed a portion of it to be tested as well. The tumor had no vascular system (blood vessels etc.) associated with it which is good news. The muscle specimen was clear – no cancer. From the lymph node dissection, she took 12 nodes, 2 of the 12 nodes were cancerous. The doctor said that 1 – 3 nodes are considered good.
The pathologist also looks at immunohistochemistry which basically test the specimens to see how receptive they are to hormone therapy and chemotherapy. The specimens tested positively which is also good (for those medical people out there – progesterone receptor protein and HER2/neu).
From here I still need to have a bone scan and a stomach ultrasound done, mainly for routine purposes. The surgeon also wants me to have genetic testing done before the radiation. The results of this testing may recommend that a mastectomy should be done in lieu of the radiation. By the end of next week I should have an appointment booked with an oncologist at the London Regional Cancer Center so at the moment I don’t have any details of the chemo regimen.
Steve says he’s going to relax with a martini tonight; I'm just happy that I can use deodorant on my right armpit again.
That’s it in a nutshell. May we all sleep well tonight.
me
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16 comments:
Kim,
Once again it sounds as if you have heard the best news possible, which is such a relief.
Keep that good news a comin'!
Colleen
Great news Kim. I am relieved for you, and Steve. You were in my thoughts all day, so I am thrilled to hear your own relief in your note. Please take care of you.
Sending a big hug and lots of smiles your way!
Jenn
Kim,
So happy to hear the great news!!! You're such a wonderful person with an amazing spirit. Love reading your blogs...keep the good news coming. Miss you lots in the office.
:)
Vicki - UWO
Kim,
I've become hooked on your blogs.
Great news today! Keep up with the great spirit. We're thinking of you guys lots and hope to hear lots more of the great updates!
LIVESTRONG !
Brad A
Dear Kim
So relieved to hear your good news. Been thinking of you all day (and night as your blog reaches us late at night/early hours of the morning here!) Got up early to read it - I'm becoming a blog addict too!
When this is all over and done with we've got rooms ready and waiting for you all at our house for a visit. There's a great pub/restaurant near here where we'll take you for a slap up meal.
Love to you, Steve and your beautiful boys.
Val & Alan xx
Kim,
Great news, you have been in my thoughts everyday and its great to be able to know how you are doing through this site. Never would have put Steve as a Martini drinker! Just goes to show how we learn something about each other everyday!
Louise Uk x
HI Kim and Steve:
Sorry we just about jumped on you when you got home yesterday, but we were just so anxious to hear what the doctor had to say. All I can say is "Thank you God".
We slept better last night as well as a few other people I'm sure.
About the deoderant subject, I watched the Barbara Walters special the other night and she had Matthew McConahey on, you know that real hunkey movie star, and one of the things that she brought up, was that he hasn't used deoderant for 20 years. He said it was true.
The only thing is, he didn't say what he did use, if anything. Oh well, I guess if you are that good looking, people won't care what you smell like. So just like him you don't have to worry.
Love you both,
Mom and Dad
Kim,
What great news! We are so happy to hear this - you must be a bit more relieved, and Steve deserves more than a martini!
Like Colleen said, keep that good news comin -
Lorraine
Great news Kim/Steve. What a relief this must be for both of you. We appreciate that there is still work that needs to be done but the prognosis certainly sounds promising. Your attitude and approach to this situation has been great. We will continue to pray for great future results. Love Sue and Bill.
Hi Kim:
So happy to hear the promising news. I am sure all the positive energy you have created with your blog had something to do with it. Keep it up, its a great way to keep us all informed on what is going on and I really enjoy your sense of humour!
Andrea
Kim,
Like everyone has already said, your blogs are so great. I am hooked as well! Your sense of humour keeps me smiling as does the good news, of course!
That is really great news!
Heather
Hi Kim:
I just found out yesterday about your illness (and blog). I read all your entries and the chain of events. You are in the wrong line of work, girl. You should be a writer!
It's all been said, but, CONGRATULATIONS on the good news. It's nice to see that you have your own cheering section.
You certainly have a positive attitude about the situation which will go along way towards your recovery.
Give your kids a big hug for me!
Sandra Doyle
dear Kim, so pleased have been thinking of you all day think I will join Steve with that drink! love and kisses to you all xxxxxxxx
All I can say is YIPEEEE!
Hugs to you all,
Tawn xox
Kim,
Fantastic news, we are all keeping each other up to date with your news over here.
Take care.
Paul, Karen, Robyn, dogs & rabbit!
Kim,
This is great news. Know that I am thinking about you, Steve and the boys and am just up the hill if you ever need anything.
Sheila D
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