Still not much new. We met with Dr Theriault today. ALL of my scans, tests, etc came out clean. As far as we know there is NO cancer anywhere else. There is still a slight chance it could have spread to the lymph nodes. They will do a sentinel lymph node biopsy when I have surgery. As far as treatment, doctor is still suggesting chemo first and then surgery. Still up to me, and I'm scared to make that decision. My chemo would be in 2 phases. Phase one would be once a week with the drug paclitaxel(given by IV) for a total of 12 weeks. This is suppose to be rather easy. I should be able to drive and do everything normally. I will have another mammogram/ultrasound at the 6-8 week mark to see if we have any shrinking. Phase two will be the bad one. It is 3 drugs (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil & leucovorin) given by IV once every 21 days. I will be checked every 3 weeks for blood count. Also the mammogram/ultrasound for shrinkage. If none of the drugs work then we scrap chemo and go to surgery. That's the plus side of doing chemo first. We can see if it's working and stop if it doesn't. If we wait till after then I'm stuck with chemo and have no idea if it's doing anything. Doctor said I can start as soon as I'm ready.
Since the HER/2 came back equivocal(sp??) - he is going to have another sample tested. He seems to think he will have that result back by Wednesday. He is also checking if chemo can be done anywhere closer. I should be getting the genetic testing back by the end of next week. If that comes back positive - I have a very HUGE decision to make, because that changes everything.
I cannot thank everyone enough for all the wonderful thoughts and prayers, the cards, the messages, and all the help with the kids and food! I hope to make my decision by the end of the week.
love,
Terrie
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3 comments:
If it hasn't spread, that's good news. So, what does the genetic testing tell you? I guess I don't understand how that changes decisions. Thanks for posting the blog! We are glad to know what's going on....as I'm sure lots of other people are, too! Take care!
Thanks for keeping us updated. Stay strong and don't forget to listen for God's voice as He is with you always and will help you make the right decision. You are not alone! We are praying for and with you!
Dedie
Jole sent me the link today and I hope you don't mind. I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers! Dr. Theriault is an excellent doctor. I am very good friends with his daughter - we went to high school together. She is also a doctor. He is a wonderful man who has dedicated his life to fighting cancer. You are in GREAT hands! Stay strong!
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