Well my first day back to work started off HORRIBLY! I received 2 tickets on the way to work! I should have turned around and gone home! I can't remember the last time I got a ticket!
Anyway... work was o.k. Our computers system has been acting up so it was a bit frustrating to have it go up and down. It was good to get back and try to get caught up.
The best part of Monday was the oncology visit. The PET scan showed clear! That means that it does not show any cancer throughout my body. That is awesome news! I have been pretty anxious over the last week waiting to hear. We are now waiting for the surgeon to give us the go ahead that I am fully healed and can start chemo.
I saw the surgeon today and he had to aspirate some more fluid from the surgical sites. He also started me on some antibiotics just as a precaution. Normally it should take 4 - 6 weeks for total recovery. I must admit that I am not in a rush to start chemo.
Now...you all may be wondering...if the cancer was in my breast...and now it's gone...why chemo?
Good question! I will try to answer the best I can....which means- what I can remember!
The normal course of treatment when cancer is found in the lymph nodes is chemo and Tamoxifen for 5 years.
Basically....I could stop right now and not proceed with any further treatment. BUT....the rate of reoccurance is fairly high.
The doctor explained that by completing chemo alone the reoccurance rate is reduced significantly. By doing the chemo and the tamoxifen it is reduced further still.
Although there is nothing that will totally eliminate the chance of reoccurance...I believe that I need to do whatever there is to increase my chances for healthy living and survival!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Back to work
So tomorrow I am back to work. I am looking forward to it because it will be some semblance of "back to normal". Whatever that means now!
The oncologist appointment tomorrow has been a source of a bit of anxiety over the last week. Either way it's better the devil you know.
I have been missing my son as he has been with his grandma this last week. He has been sick and it's better if I don't get sick and since I always get sick when he does....we miss him. I know that he is having a good time. They went to Disney today and he couldn't talk fast enough about how much fun he had. We are lucky that Alexander has his grandparents to take care of him during this time. We are all very lucky!
The oncologist appointment tomorrow has been a source of a bit of anxiety over the last week. Either way it's better the devil you know.
I have been missing my son as he has been with his grandma this last week. He has been sick and it's better if I don't get sick and since I always get sick when he does....we miss him. I know that he is having a good time. They went to Disney today and he couldn't talk fast enough about how much fun he had. We are lucky that Alexander has his grandparents to take care of him during this time. We are all very lucky!
Friday, April 24, 2009
What a relaxing day!
So...I was told that I hadn't posted an update and so here it is. I have been doing well. I have found a group called the Young Survival Coalition. I have been contacted by a few of the members that have already been through breast cancer and everything I am going through. It is quite amazing that there are so many people out there that have been affected by this. I feel very lucky that all of these women are willing to share their time with me and give advice, answer questions and offer support. I feel blessed to have these people who have come into my life. I will get to meet them next month at the monthly meeting and I am looking forward to it.
This week my mom and I went to a wig place in Orlando. I wanted to get a feel for what was out there for me and how I will look if/when I loose my hair. I found a wig that looks pretty good!
Hopefully, my insurance will cover a "cranial prosthetic"!!!
Afterward we went to the American Cancer Society. They have a "Gift Room" where they have donated items that they give to cancer patients. They have wigs, mastectomy bras and the prosthetics to go inside. I was able to get a bra with the inserts so that I can wear it when I am completely healed.
I went to see the surgeon on Wednesday. He said that things were looking good. He had to aspirate some fluid build up from my right breast. The amazing thing was when he brought out the BIG needle, I asked if he was going to numb me at all. He told me that I wouldn't feel it....of course I didn't believe him...but he was RIGHT!!! I didn't feel him as he plunged and sucked out about 5 vials of fluid. Being the jokester that I am...I asked if what he was doing was like liposuction...his answer..."Yes, but he gets paid much more for liposuction!" He's lucky I like him!
So...this week has been an anxious week as I await the results of the PET scan on Monday....
I had the opportunity to go to the spa today and use a gift certificate for a pedicure that I received a year ago for Mother's Day!! Patti and I went to the Marriott and spent the afternoon feeling pampered and relaxed. I have pink toes...spa toes! We sat by the pool, enjoyed the sun and really just relaxed. Now I am ready to go to work on Monday!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
What a great night!
Just a quick note. I LOVE MY SURGEON!! Dr. Keller gave me more pain pills and something to help me sleep. Last night was the first night in a week that I was able to SLEEP the whole night....I didn't get up at all during the night and I slept until 9:30 am!!! Woo HOO!!!
I now am going to take the long awaited SHOWER!! What a great day!
I now am going to take the long awaited SHOWER!! What a great day!
Friday, April 17, 2009
End of a LONG week!
So...Wednesday I went to see the surgeon...he didn't take out the pesky drains that make me feel like an alien. They have prevented me from sleeping...they are not my friends! I went to see the oncologist later in the day and met a new doctor since mine was out sick. I liked him as well and may stick with him. I had blood drawn for the BRCA test.
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 are two genes that are linked with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. About 200,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year and about 23,000 with ovarian cancer (according to the American Cancer Society). Of these cancers, about 5% to 10% will be due to a mutation in one of the BRCA genes. Men can also inherit an increased risk of developing breast cancer, primarily from an alteration in the BRCA-2 gene.
Individuals with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have significantly elevated risks for breast cancer (up to 80% lifetime risk), ovarian cancer (up to 40% lifetime risk), bilateral breast cancer and other types of cancers. BRCA mutations are inherited and passed from generation to generation. One half of the time, they are passed from the father’s side of the family.
The DNA in white blood cells is used to detect mutations in the BRCA genes. While the gene products (proteins) of the BRCA genes act only in breast and ovarian tissue, the genes are present in every cell of the body and blood is the most easily accessible source of that DNA.
This test will be used to plan for the next steps in my treatment. This will also be a test that if positive, will be important for Alexander's future.
Today, I had a PET scan. Here is the description:
What is Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Scanning?
Sample image obtained using a combination of PET and CT imaging technology.
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body.
Nuclear medicine or radionuclide imaging procedures are noninvasive and usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose medical conditions. These imaging scans use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers.
Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas and eventually accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined, where it gives off energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is detected by a device called a gamma camera, a (positron emission tomography) PET scanner and/or probe. These devices work together with a computer to measure the amount of radiotracer absorbed by your body and to produce special pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues.
In some centers, nuclear medicine images can be superimposed with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce special views, a practice known as image fusion or co-registration. These views allow the information from two different studies to be correlated and interpreted on one image, leading to more precise information and accurate diagnoses. In addition, manufacturers are now making PET/CT units that are able to perform both imaging studies at the same time.
A PET scan measures important body functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning.
CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment, and in some cases a contrast material, to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These images can then be interpreted by a radiologist on a computer monitor as printed images. CT imaging provides excellent anatomic information.
Today, most PET scans are performed on instruments that are combined PET and CT scanners. The combined PET/CT scans provide images that pinpoint the location of abnormal metabolic activity within the body. The combined scans have been shown to provide more accurate diagnoses than the two scans performed separately.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
PET and PET/CT scans are performed to:
-detect cancer
-determine whether a cancer has spread in the body
-assess the effectiveness of a treatment plan, such as cancer therapy
-determine if a cancer has returned after treatment
-determine blood flow to the heart muscle
-determine the effects of a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, on areas of the heart
-identify areas of the heart muscle that would benefit from a procedure such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery (in combination with a myocardial perfusion scan).
-evaluate brain abnormalities, such as tumors, memory disorders and seizures and other central nervous system disorders
-to map normal human brain and heart function
These 2 tests will be used to map a plan for my further treatment. There were 8 lymph nodes removed from the cancerous left breast. Of the 8, 3 of them showed cancerous activity. Thankfully there was no cancer found in the right breast. Sooooo right now we wait for the blood test results which will take about 2 weeks since they are sent to a special lab. The PET scan results should be back within a few days. After seeing the surgeon today, he removed my drains!!! Yeah!! It was one of the freakiest feelings I have ever felt. I was able to feel the tubing coming through my body as he pulled it out of me. I can't believe it was so far imbedded in my body.....
The great news is that after a week I am able to finally take a full shower! I have never been so happy to take a shower before. I received a giant basket full of bath stuff that I can break into!
I am hoping to be released from the surgeon to go back to work when I see him next Wednesday. My fingers are crossed.
I have to apologize to all of my dear friends and family that I have not been able to personally talk to. This past week has been very tiring and I am making lists of people that I want to talk to. I appreciate all of the calls, emails, Facebook posts.
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 are two genes that are linked with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. About 200,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year and about 23,000 with ovarian cancer (according to the American Cancer Society). Of these cancers, about 5% to 10% will be due to a mutation in one of the BRCA genes. Men can also inherit an increased risk of developing breast cancer, primarily from an alteration in the BRCA-2 gene.
Individuals with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have significantly elevated risks for breast cancer (up to 80% lifetime risk), ovarian cancer (up to 40% lifetime risk), bilateral breast cancer and other types of cancers. BRCA mutations are inherited and passed from generation to generation. One half of the time, they are passed from the father’s side of the family.
The DNA in white blood cells is used to detect mutations in the BRCA genes. While the gene products (proteins) of the BRCA genes act only in breast and ovarian tissue, the genes are present in every cell of the body and blood is the most easily accessible source of that DNA.
This test will be used to plan for the next steps in my treatment. This will also be a test that if positive, will be important for Alexander's future.
Today, I had a PET scan. Here is the description:
What is Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Scanning?
Sample image obtained using a combination of PET and CT imaging technology.
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body.
Nuclear medicine or radionuclide imaging procedures are noninvasive and usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose medical conditions. These imaging scans use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers.
Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas and eventually accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined, where it gives off energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is detected by a device called a gamma camera, a (positron emission tomography) PET scanner and/or probe. These devices work together with a computer to measure the amount of radiotracer absorbed by your body and to produce special pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues.
In some centers, nuclear medicine images can be superimposed with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce special views, a practice known as image fusion or co-registration. These views allow the information from two different studies to be correlated and interpreted on one image, leading to more precise information and accurate diagnoses. In addition, manufacturers are now making PET/CT units that are able to perform both imaging studies at the same time.
A PET scan measures important body functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning.
CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment, and in some cases a contrast material, to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These images can then be interpreted by a radiologist on a computer monitor as printed images. CT imaging provides excellent anatomic information.
Today, most PET scans are performed on instruments that are combined PET and CT scanners. The combined PET/CT scans provide images that pinpoint the location of abnormal metabolic activity within the body. The combined scans have been shown to provide more accurate diagnoses than the two scans performed separately.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
PET and PET/CT scans are performed to:
-detect cancer
-determine whether a cancer has spread in the body
-assess the effectiveness of a treatment plan, such as cancer therapy
-determine if a cancer has returned after treatment
-determine blood flow to the heart muscle
-determine the effects of a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, on areas of the heart
-identify areas of the heart muscle that would benefit from a procedure such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery (in combination with a myocardial perfusion scan).
-evaluate brain abnormalities, such as tumors, memory disorders and seizures and other central nervous system disorders
-to map normal human brain and heart function
These 2 tests will be used to map a plan for my further treatment. There were 8 lymph nodes removed from the cancerous left breast. Of the 8, 3 of them showed cancerous activity. Thankfully there was no cancer found in the right breast. Sooooo right now we wait for the blood test results which will take about 2 weeks since they are sent to a special lab. The PET scan results should be back within a few days. After seeing the surgeon today, he removed my drains!!! Yeah!! It was one of the freakiest feelings I have ever felt. I was able to feel the tubing coming through my body as he pulled it out of me. I can't believe it was so far imbedded in my body.....
The great news is that after a week I am able to finally take a full shower! I have never been so happy to take a shower before. I received a giant basket full of bath stuff that I can break into!
I am hoping to be released from the surgeon to go back to work when I see him next Wednesday. My fingers are crossed.
I have to apologize to all of my dear friends and family that I have not been able to personally talk to. This past week has been very tiring and I am making lists of people that I want to talk to. I appreciate all of the calls, emails, Facebook posts.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tues Update
I have to say thank you to all that are praying for me! I know that the prayers are working.
I must give giant KUDOS to my husband. He has been so strong during these last weeks and definately the best nurse there is! He slept (somewhat) in the chair next to me after the surgery and took care of my personal hygiene as well! Jason has taken care of my every need while I have been at home. He is emptying my drains, making sure I am comfortable, changing my dressings (better than the nurse!) and keeping me positive! I am a lucky girl!
Alexander has been staying at my mom's house so that he can continue with his normal schedule. He has been by everyday to see me. He keeps looking down my shirt to see the bandages! He said that he misses my boobies! At 5 yrs old...we are in big trouble!!!
Again, my family and friends have been amazing supporters during this challenging time. I am so happy to have such special people in my life. I know I couldn't do this without you!
Tomorrow I will go to the surgeon for a follow up. I am guessing that it's too early for the drains to come out but I am praying for it either way! I can't sleep with them since I am NOT a back sleeper. The nurse today removed the bandages and it was my first look at the incisions. I keep focusing on the fact that it was necessary for me to be healthy. This has been one of the hardest parts. It was easier to think positively BEFORE I actually saw how it looks afterward. This procedure isn't a physically painful one...it's the emotions after that are difficult.
In the afternoon I have an appointment with the oncologist as well and if I don't find out from the surgeon in the morning, I should find out what my next course of action is. I am praying that all of the cancer was removed and that it hasn't spread anywhere else.
I must give giant KUDOS to my husband. He has been so strong during these last weeks and definately the best nurse there is! He slept (somewhat) in the chair next to me after the surgery and took care of my personal hygiene as well! Jason has taken care of my every need while I have been at home. He is emptying my drains, making sure I am comfortable, changing my dressings (better than the nurse!) and keeping me positive! I am a lucky girl!
Alexander has been staying at my mom's house so that he can continue with his normal schedule. He has been by everyday to see me. He keeps looking down my shirt to see the bandages! He said that he misses my boobies! At 5 yrs old...we are in big trouble!!!
Again, my family and friends have been amazing supporters during this challenging time. I am so happy to have such special people in my life. I know I couldn't do this without you!
Tomorrow I will go to the surgeon for a follow up. I am guessing that it's too early for the drains to come out but I am praying for it either way! I can't sleep with them since I am NOT a back sleeper. The nurse today removed the bandages and it was my first look at the incisions. I keep focusing on the fact that it was necessary for me to be healthy. This has been one of the hardest parts. It was easier to think positively BEFORE I actually saw how it looks afterward. This procedure isn't a physically painful one...it's the emotions after that are difficult.
In the afternoon I have an appointment with the oncologist as well and if I don't find out from the surgeon in the morning, I should find out what my next course of action is. I am praying that all of the cancer was removed and that it hasn't spread anywhere else.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Mr. Toe
Mr. Toe was created because I had to wear those very sexy white hose that had a whole in the bottom. My big toe decided to peek out and Patti kept seeing a smiley face. I said it was o.k. Alexander thought it was funny! It's all about the laughter!!
Home at last...
I am home now. I was able to leave the hospital late this afternoon. Yesterday went by in a haze. There were many hours where I was in surgery, recovery and in a daze! The surgeon said that all went well. I won't know anything regarding the pathology until next week. So...please don't stop the prayers! There are a lot of challenging times still to have. I will be having a support group come to talk to me about lots of things some time next week as well. There will be many decisions to make over the coming weeks. As I am reading this back I am thinking that I probably shouldn't try and type on pain meds! Will try again later and hopefully be more coherent!
Friday, April 10, 2009
On my way....
Last night I finally figured out what I would like from all the great people that are asking if there is anything that I need....
I would love for everyone to keep praying!! Pray for me, my family and the doctors and nurses working on me today and throughout this journey.
Please go to ANY cancer website and support, donate, educate and share! I don't have time to list any at this moment but I will...
And if you still feel the need to do something....send me inspirational things!! Music, sayings, pictures...any thing that you think will be positive toward my good health!
Thanks again for caring! Off to the hospital! XOXOXOXOXOXO
I would love for everyone to keep praying!! Pray for me, my family and the doctors and nurses working on me today and throughout this journey.
Please go to ANY cancer website and support, donate, educate and share! I don't have time to list any at this moment but I will...
And if you still feel the need to do something....send me inspirational things!! Music, sayings, pictures...any thing that you think will be positive toward my good health!
Thanks again for caring! Off to the hospital! XOXOXOXOXOXO
The Final Countdown.....
In 10 hours will be heading into surgery. But it seems like this week has gone soooo slow. We told Alexander last night and he seemed to take it o.k. He told me that then I won't have to wear a bra...just a shirt. Interesting that he realized that. He was upset and cried...he doesn't want them to take my boobies....I did explain that it was necessary to keep mommy healthy. I explained that I will have boobies again soon...and of course....he wanted to know what day!!! I told him that it may take a while because I might need to have some medicine first. At this point I changed directions and told him how much fun he will have on Saturday going to 2 Easter egg hunts! Candy...the great distractor!! This evening he asked me, "They are going to take your boobies next Friday, right mommy?" I explained that it was tomorrow and of course he said...yeah, next Friday! Step-by-step....that's how we will take it!
Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support! Keep up the prayers!!! Pray for the doctors, nurses etc as well!
Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support! Keep up the prayers!!! Pray for the doctors, nurses etc as well!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Alexander
We have the hardest task ahead...telling Alexander what is happening. We have picked up some books from the therapist at the cancer center that should give us an idea the correct way to do this. If anyone has any suggestions, please send them our way.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Longest week
I am not sure if this is the worst week yet....waiting for the biopsy results was rough, but waiting for surgery is hard too. I just want it to be over. By this time next week I hope to be home recouperating. The uncertaintly of what they will find is keeping me awake at night. If anyone has any suggestions on how to prepare my body for after, radiation and/or chemo, I would love to hear it.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Update
My surgery is set for Friday April 10th at 11:30 am. I should only be in the hospital overnight and then at home.
I am awed by the outpouring of caring from long time friends, family and recent friends as well. Thank you all for your prayers and support, it means so much!
I am awed by the outpouring of caring from long time friends, family and recent friends as well. Thank you all for your prayers and support, it means so much!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Journey to Cancer
Journey to Cancer
In December I noticed a lump in my left breast. I scheduled an appointment with a new gynecologist and went to see Judy in January. After a thorough breast exam, (the most thorough I have ever had!) she said that she didn’t really feel any cause for concern but sent me for a sonogram and another mammogram. The results came back and an MRI was requested. The results from the MRI suggested a biopsy. On March 19th, I had the biopsy done. At my follow up exam, the results were not good. Dr. Keller told me that I have 3 types of breast cancer.
DCIS – Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
IDC – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
ILC – Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Yesterday, I had my first appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Miller. He confirmed what the surgeon had told me. I will be having both of my breasts removed. The reason for this is because the type of cancer is highly likely to spread to the other breast. The first one below will be for the right breast…and the second one below will be for the left breast.
"Simple" or "total" mastectomy
Simple Mastectomy
Larger Version
Simple or total mastectomy concentrates on the breast tissue itself:
The surgeon removes the entire breast.
The surgeon does not perform axillary lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the underarm area). Sometimes, however, lymph nodes are occasionally removed because they happen to be located within the breast tissue taken during surgery.
No muscles are removed from beneath the breast.
Who usually gets simple or total mastectomy?
A simple or total mastectomy is appropriate for women with multiple or large areas of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and for women seeking prophylactic mastectomies — that is, breast removal in order to prevent any possibility of breast cancer occurring.
Modified radical mastectomy
Modified radical mastectomy
Larger Version
Modified radical mastectomy involves the removal of both breast tissue and lymph nodes:
The surgeon removes the entire breast.
Axillary lymph node dissection is performed, during which levels I and II of underarm lymph nodes are removed (B and C in illustration).
No muscles are removed from beneath the breast.
Who usually gets a modified radical mastectomy?
Most people with invasive breast cancer who decide to have mastectomies will receive modified radical mastectomies so that the lymph nodes can be examined. Examining the lymph nodes helps to identify whether cancer cells may have spread beyond the breast. (from www.breastcancer.org)
I will be going to the surgeon tomorrow morning. The surgery will most likely be sometime next week.
I will not be able to have reconstruction done right away since we need to find out if the cancer is anywhere else and if I will need radiation and/or chemo.
In December I noticed a lump in my left breast. I scheduled an appointment with a new gynecologist and went to see Judy in January. After a thorough breast exam, (the most thorough I have ever had!) she said that she didn’t really feel any cause for concern but sent me for a sonogram and another mammogram. The results came back and an MRI was requested. The results from the MRI suggested a biopsy. On March 19th, I had the biopsy done. At my follow up exam, the results were not good. Dr. Keller told me that I have 3 types of breast cancer.
DCIS – Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
IDC – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
ILC – Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Yesterday, I had my first appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Miller. He confirmed what the surgeon had told me. I will be having both of my breasts removed. The reason for this is because the type of cancer is highly likely to spread to the other breast. The first one below will be for the right breast…and the second one below will be for the left breast.
"Simple" or "total" mastectomy
Simple Mastectomy
Larger Version
Simple or total mastectomy concentrates on the breast tissue itself:
The surgeon removes the entire breast.
The surgeon does not perform axillary lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the underarm area). Sometimes, however, lymph nodes are occasionally removed because they happen to be located within the breast tissue taken during surgery.
No muscles are removed from beneath the breast.
Who usually gets simple or total mastectomy?
A simple or total mastectomy is appropriate for women with multiple or large areas of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and for women seeking prophylactic mastectomies — that is, breast removal in order to prevent any possibility of breast cancer occurring.
Modified radical mastectomy
Modified radical mastectomy
Larger Version
Modified radical mastectomy involves the removal of both breast tissue and lymph nodes:
The surgeon removes the entire breast.
Axillary lymph node dissection is performed, during which levels I and II of underarm lymph nodes are removed (B and C in illustration).
No muscles are removed from beneath the breast.
Who usually gets a modified radical mastectomy?
Most people with invasive breast cancer who decide to have mastectomies will receive modified radical mastectomies so that the lymph nodes can be examined. Examining the lymph nodes helps to identify whether cancer cells may have spread beyond the breast. (from www.breastcancer.org)
I will be going to the surgeon tomorrow morning. The surgery will most likely be sometime next week.
I will not be able to have reconstruction done right away since we need to find out if the cancer is anywhere else and if I will need radiation and/or chemo.
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