We have been awaiting the second set of results from the biopsy. I thought these results were to determine if the cancer has spread outside the walls of the lump. I was wrong....they show if the cancer has moved outside of the cell wall. Conclusion - the cancer has spread outside the walls. It is called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 1. This is in addition to the Ductal Carcinoma-in-SITU, Low-grade, Cribriform Type. What this tells us is that the cancer may have moved to the lymph nodes. We won't know until he has pathology done during the surgery.
The MRI results were still not available. These results will tell us if there are other spots of cancer on either breast. Dr. Cole is hoping to have this answer in the next 24 hours.
We will probably opt for a lumpectomy followed by radiation, but the course of treatment won't be solidified until more is known. Mastectomy, chemotherapy and hormone treatment are also possibilities. Surgery will either be next week or the following week.
Terry and I spent about 30 minutes drilling Dr. Cole this morning. He was humorous, informative, compassionate and very dedicated to treating the whole patient. He spoke about this being a stage of life that we go through that makes us better people (that's the short version). Terry and I were both very comfortable with him and came away feeling good about being treated by him and his organization.
Thanks, Michelle, for sending me to the Susan G. Komen website. There is great information there.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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I'm not sure what all of this means, but it seems like there's more information to come. If only Allison were a doctor already, she could help me out here!
ReplyDeleteAlso, sounds like you have a great doctor - that will make a big difference.
When you find out about the surgery, let us know what we can do to help. - Christie
Marie,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and Terry!! I believe that Grade 1 means that they have caught this early. I hope that is the case and all will go well for you. All my best... Susan Reese (Terry's manager)
This all sounds like very promising news. Your doctor sounds very personable and it is important to pepper him with questions. It's rare to find a surgeon who will do that. I'm glad you are comfortable with him and his care. Please keep us informed with the news you will hopefully hear on Friday.
ReplyDeletelot of love, Stacey