Each Day Already is a Challenge

Good news about my breast cancer!!!

I saw the surgeon oncologist today. Or rather, we spoke. I was having trouble getting to the appointment because of my many other physical problems, so we scheduled a video conference. Neither my phone nor laptop could complete the necessary form that would allow me to enter the video call, so we spoke just on the phone.

My appointment was with a surgeon because based upon the size of the tumor - about 2 inches in diameter - the medical professionals, including my primary care doctor, thought for sure that the first course would be surgery.

The surgeon and her team were concerned with my age, the fact that I take quite a few medications, that I had a heart attack, that I'm on oxygen and that I don't heal quickly. So they spent time looking at my past mammograms as well as some chest xrays and other tests done over the past few years.

They determined that my tumor was a very slow growing tumor. And just as we began talking, they got the one piece of information that they had been waiting for. I am HER-2 negative.

The surgeon and her team concluded that surgery should not be the first treatment. They concluded that the kind of cancer that I have was caused by my own body and the levels of hormones I do and don't have. Therefore, she is suggesting that I see another cancer doc closer to my house who can prescribe the hormones (and anti-hormones - not the scientific term, but you get the picture) that I need. They predict that the tumor will shrink with this treatment. Meanwhile, they will watch its size plus monitor whether or not there is activity in my lymph nodes. Right now they are fine.

So all of that was great news. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been praying for me. And I would ask that you continue.