Taken before the board....

  This past Monday, I had my second post-op appointment. They were able to take out one of the drains...ouch!  But the other one was just at the point where she felt it could go either way. So, she didn't take it out, and of course amount of "yuck" it has drained has been very low...so it would have been fine. (Hubby is gonna take me back on Friday, to have them pull it...boy will I be glad to be rid of that.)  And, she added 75 cc of saline to each expander, to further stretch the muscle.  Next Monday, they will add 100 cc each, and then because of the Holidays, It will be a couple of weeks before I can go back.

   At UCSF, each week the doctors get together in a meeting they call "tumor board", and go over all the patients, and discuss and share their ideas, regarding their progress, and care.  So, my case was taken before the board on Monday...I found out that during my surgery there were 6 lymph nodes taken out, and that one had a tiny amount of cancer.  The question was, if that amount would warrant me also having to do radiation as well? Or, would i need to have more nodes taken out.   The concensus was no.  Especially since I will have to take a drug called Tamoxifin for the next several years. (more on that as I learn about it).  Although they do want me to have one more meeting with the radiation oncologist, to verify with her.  I also found out the that part of my "margin" (the area around the tumor that they like to have clear of cancer cells), wasn't quite as large as she had hoped...so when they go to swap out the expanders for the implants, she will go in and take out a little more tissue.  So, I'm glad that can be done at the same time, and not have to be a whole other surgery.  All in all, I would say that this was all positive news!

Comments

[Lisa]

My prayers are with you on this journey. That is encouraging news about the lymph nodes and the radiation!
I'm sure you already know this but protect your arms at all costs! You don't want to have to worry about lymphedema.
I'm continuing to pray for you.
Hugs,
Lisa

[Cherie Wilson]

Yes, a positive update. Thanks so much for sharing Natalie. I can hear your voice as I read this and am thrilled for your good victories!! One by one! I agree with Lisa......we will take victory over any arm swelling too. Have an exceptionally wonderful lightfilled Christmas Natalie! XO Love!