Finally, after a month of bad news, we get some good! I spoke to Dr. Radford last night and she had the pathology results. The cancer was 1.7 cm (about the size of a marble). Of 12 lymph nodes she removed, only one was cancerous. And all of my margins are clear!
I'm still looking at radiation and chemo and will find out more after I meet with the oncologist on Tuesday. She said I would also be getting my drains out on Tuesday and I am so ready for that!
I can't tell you the relief we all feel. It's like winning the lottery!
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Sue Sassmann's fight against breast cancer.
About Me
- Sue Sassmann
- A day after my 38th birthday, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. As a wife and mother of three beautiful daughters, I never imaged my life would take this path.
Behind the Scenes
Background for what's going on now...I was diagnosed on Friday, March 28, 2008 with breast cancer—infiltrating ductal carcinoma (also called invasive ductal carcinoma). Atypical cells–cells that, for an unknown reason, mutated as they grew–have collected in the ducts in the breast. At some point, these atypical cells broke through the duct wall, and started moving into the surrounding tissue. This is when the cancer crossed the line from DCIS–ductal carcinoma in situ–to invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma–IDC. It’s the most common type of breast cancer.
I am ER (estrogen receptor) and PR (progesterone receptor) positive and HER2 negative. All that basically means is that my prognosis is good and I’ll respond well to treatment. Blood work and chest x-ray are clear!
After the MRI, it was determined that the right side is clear, but they found another spot on the left closer to the breast bone. Because I’m opting for the mastectomy on the left, they don’t have to test it, they’ll just remove it.
Surgery was April 28 and the results of the surgery weren't as good as we had hoped. The surgery and the mastectomy went alright, however they found cancer cells in the lymph gland nearest the cancer. Dr. Radford took out the remaining lymph glands on the left side. We are looking at aggressive chemo in hopes of killing any remaining cancer cells and reconstruction looks like it'll be in three months or so.
I am ER (estrogen receptor) and PR (progesterone receptor) positive and HER2 negative. All that basically means is that my prognosis is good and I’ll respond well to treatment. Blood work and chest x-ray are clear!
After the MRI, it was determined that the right side is clear, but they found another spot on the left closer to the breast bone. Because I’m opting for the mastectomy on the left, they don’t have to test it, they’ll just remove it.
Surgery was April 28 and the results of the surgery weren't as good as we had hoped. The surgery and the mastectomy went alright, however they found cancer cells in the lymph gland nearest the cancer. Dr. Radford took out the remaining lymph glands on the left side. We are looking at aggressive chemo in hopes of killing any remaining cancer cells and reconstruction looks like it'll be in three months or so.
4 comments:
Sue, this is SUCH great news. I'm so glad to learn that the margins are clear. :-) Big hug,
Michelle
I am so glad to hear that you finally got such great news. The clear margins and only one lymph node affected is great news. I have been thinking about you all week!
You are well on th road to recovery!
XOXO,
Beth
Dear Sue,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your attitude is outstanding. God bless.
Mike & Kay Bizelli
Hi Sue,
I just wanted you to know that Aunt Kathy shared your website with me. You are truly an inspiration and I know with all the love, support, prayers and family and friends you will get through this. My family wanted me to let you know that you are in their thoughts and prayers. Just remember PMA. ( Positive Mental Attitude) I know it is easy to say but if anyone can do it it's YOU!
Love, Mary
Post a Comment