The scan results are in... Thankfully it seems that cancer hasn't spread any further than the lymph nodes that we knew about - several in my underarm and neck on the right side. Cancer cells can apparently move around the body via lymph or blood, and mine (touch wood) don't seem to be moving around in the blood at the moment (that would be worse, as that is how it would get into organs or bones). Nobody can explain why the Chemo killed the cancer in the breast but allowed more to develop in the neck, bit of a mystery and seems to be of concern but we will just get on with treatment...
I had another biopsy on the lump in my neck yesterday, a core one this time (a really big needle that requires slicing skin with a scapel to get it in!) so that it can be tested for estrogen receptors. I have started on one hormone treatment already, a monthly injection to shut down my ovaries, on the assumption that it will be receptive, as the breast cancer was. I'll also be taking hormone tablets everyday, but not until after radiation.
Surgery is still on the backburner - essentially it seems as if that horse has already bolted - once it has spread they don't recommend cutting bits out/off. So I'll be keeping the girls natural, at least for while and possibly I won't ever have surgery... More Chemo is also not recommended again at this point, but maybe in the future if it ever spread again.
Radiation will be starting the week after next and it is now going to be more intensive and for longer than was initially expected. I had a planning session this week, where we went through the set up position that I will be in for each session (every workday for 2 months!) They have even given me four attractive tattoos - little black dots - that will be used to lined up laser beams each time. I even agreed that the medical student could do the tattoos - I think she did a good job, fingers crossed she got them in the right place :)
Hey Kirsty,
ReplyDeleteGreat news that it's not spread any further, now just hoping that the radiation works as well as the chemo and kills off the rest.
Still can't get my head round the fact it came back/moved after such good reaction on the breast, but suppose we have to just trust the doctors.
You could always get the tattoo dots made into something else after the treatment - Maybe little tiny dog prints over your body!
Lots of love xxx
Best of luck with the next plan of attack. We're both following your progress and cheering on each positive result. All fingers are crossed for you. Love & miss you both XXX
ReplyDeleteI think the next stage has probably started by now. I hope you are doing well !! Thinking of you xx
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