It's Tuesday

 Surgical Consult - the good news

So my surgeon, Dr. Tittensor, met with us (Me and Red) today. She did a thorough breast exam, used a portable ultrasound, and talked us through our current options.

Stage 1, category 1. This is fantastic news. 

From the Breastcancer.org website: 

"Stage I describes invasive breast cancer (cancer cells are breaking through to or invading normal surrounding breast tissue) Stage I is divided into subcategories known as IA and IB.

In general, stage IA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

• the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters (cm) and

• the cancer has not spread outside the breast; no lymph nodes are involved

In general, stage IB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

• there is no tumor in the breast; instead, small groups of cancer cells — larger than 0.2 millimeter (mm) but not larger than 2 mm — are found in the lymph nodes or

• there is a tumor in the breast that is no larger than 2 cm, and there are small groups of cancer cells — larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm — in the lymph nodes

Still, if the cancer is estrogen-receptor-positive or progesterone-receptor-positive, it is likely to be classified as stage IA."

My cancer is estrogen-receptor-positive AND progesterone-receptor-positive. 

The first treatment option is a lumpectomy and radiation with extended hormone therapy for the next 5-10 years. Given the size and location of the current cancer cells, they are close together and can be taken out together. Most likely this will create a clean margin and that is all they will need to do for surgery. 

Radiation will be local and be 5x a week for 4 weeks. Primary side effects are likely to be fatigue and local skin impact (redness, peeling, possible blisters). 

I am grateful chemo is currently NOT on the schedule.

So lumpectomy is scheduled for Friday, March 19th. It's a same day surgery. One of Dr. T's former patients said she is so good her surgery is "plastic surgery good". She cares about preserving the breast. Most likely a 2-4 week recovery time.

Tomorrow I still have an MRI scheduled. This will give better imaging of both breasts (Dr. T is thorough!!) and give us another look at the lymph nodes. If lymph nodes are involved this could possibly change my staging, and change the plan.  But so far, nothing indicates they are involved. 

During surgery they will remove some of the lymph nodes and test for cancer. The post surgical pathology report will be important and help us know if we got everything. I am taking my cue from Dr. T. and I am VERY optimistic. 

My work is fantastic. My team is supportive. My supervisor is supportive and understanding. I am so grateful. And now I have a plan.