A lot has changed in the last few days. Yesterday, we went to the general surgeon to find out the diagnosis had changed from the biopsy to the surgery. What this means - I don't have garden variety breast cancer, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, I have Lobular Carcinoma in Situ. The primary difference there is a greater chance it will reoccur in the right side. Needless to say, Sharon and I were upset as we may have made different surgical decisions.
Today, we saw the oncologist. She is great. We were more relieved after meeting with her. She said the treatment recommendations would have been the same with either diagnosis. She is going to talk to pathology to find out how this happened. There are also answers she wants as the pathology contradicts itself in a few places. We are confident she will do what needs to be done and help us with the answers we need.
Next steps: I agreed to clinical trials for chemotherapy if I am a candidate. I will undergo 4-6 treatments (12-18 weeks) depending if I am on the clinical trial or not. Additional tests will need to be done if I am eligible. God bless the women before me for taking part in the clinical trials. I want to do my part if I can. After chemo, I will take Amoxifen for 5 years and then another pill for 5 years after that. We are treating the risk factors at this point.
A lot of information, but it has been a busy, emotional few days. Thanks for being a part of our journey.
Rhonda and Sharon
Mark, you knew I would keep it interesting!!
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Okay, stop keeping it so freaking interesting! Seriously, though my cousing Jennifer participated in one of those clinical trials after her surgery and she is currently cancer free. I don't remember the exact details of the trial, but I will call her and get back to you. You two are very similar women. You are both very strong and determined to win this battle. You are also surrounded by people who love you. I am sure you must not feel that way now, but Jen told me sometimes it helped her to read cards and notes from friends and then go cry in the shower. You can also call old friends. I love you and I will be calling you soon. Toni
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