11.4.11 Radiology Appointment and Staging

So, I am actually entering this a few days later then the actual day of the appointment. (It takes me a few days to get up courage to actually type this out and FACE it, but that's part of the reason I write.)

I met with my radiologist today Dr. S here in Fairbanks (because radiation is usually everyday for x amount of weeks, I will do radiation here in Fairbanks rather than stay in Anchorage, this I am thankful for!). The best thing about this appointment was that Dr. S was able to stage me, which hasn't been done yet, because we were waiting on my surgery. Because my cancer progressed so rapidly in such a short amount of time, and the ultra sound and mammogram couldn't "see" the tumor as a whole (it was hidden deep in my breast), we were unable to accurately determine the size and therefore the stage. I have a few friends and family that are nurses so forgive me if I am too technical and also forgive me if I'm too.. explaining too much for those who don't have medical education. Up until April, I knew VERY LITTLE about breast cancer. So, my tumor was 7.5-10 cm staging it at a T3 (tumor 3). It was NOT with direct extension to the chest wall and /or to the skin (did not touch the chest wall or skin, had it been either of these it WOULD'VE been T4, tumor 4). It was found to have metastases to movable ipsilateral level I lymph node (it had moved on my lymph node under my arm). And lastly, the tumor had NOT traveled to ANY other part of my body. This was all before chemo, PRAISE GOD, chemo did it's job! Upon surgery and removal of what was left of the tumor, the doctors found that the tumor had actually broke up and small bits and pieces were found. So, I was found to need radiation to kill any bits and pieces not already killed by the chemo, the pieces were too small to test all of them, HOWEVER, of what was found it appeared INITIALLY to be dead (my earlier report from doctors after surgery). I am so very thankful! I was not looking forward to radiation, and am not currently looking forward to it, but I am thankful that the cancer did not spread and that I can take care of this now. God is good and holding me in the palm of his hand! Radiation starts at the end of the month after Thanksgiving, keep praying and I will do the same for you! Love you, love me, love you, love me!