It's All About Christie

Ok, now to collect all my thoughts and my notes.  (I'm a horrible note-taker)

Christie is going to be fine

She has a tough road ahead, but she is also a tough cookie, just like her sister.

They are waiting for the HER2/neu test results (hopefully before the week is out). This will identify which type of treatments will be needed. HER2/neu protein is found on some types of cancer cells. This test shows whether the tissue either has too much HER2/neu protein or too many copies of its gene. If the breast tumor has too much HER2/neu, then targeted therapy may be a treatment option. This can include chemotherapy with drugs thru a vein or by tablet form. (My Herceptin is targeted therapy.)  We know the hormone receptor test is positive.

We will know the full name once all the tests have come in and which cocktails she will be taking.
Clues about the nature of a tumor come from how abnormal its cells look and what percentage of them is dividing. These and other factors are summed up as a grade of 1, 2 or 3. The higher the grade, the more aggressive the tumor. Cancers are also classified by stage -- a measure of how extensive the disease is. The system often used is called TNM, for Tumor (size), Nodes (cancer present or not) and Metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs). A number is assigned to each category. Once the TNM categories are determined, this info is combined with the grade to create an overall stage, from 0 for noninvasive to IV for the most invasive.

T2N1M0=IIB

T = (tumor size) = 2

N = Nodes (cancer present or not) = 1

M = Metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs) = 0

Stage 2 B

 

 

Part of the waiting we had to endure was getting clarification on lesions that were found on her spine and on her liver.  Doc said the spine was clear! The liver was inconclusive and she feels that it will prove clear as well.  First, another scan to be sure. Double-check the stomach area as well.

 

Red blood count was good

Cyst on the spleen

 

Next

Chemo Class

MRI - stomach and liver

Implant port

Echo

 

Plan - chemo first, see how much the tumor shrinks to be able to determine if surgery will be lumpectomy or mastectomy. From this, the type of surgery will determine if radiation will be part of the treatment.

 

Today, they gave her a flu shot and pneumonia shot.  She met the social worker, Denise, who helps coordinate insurance, billing, and find resources such as nutritionists, etc. She received her scripts for the nauseous meds, handicap sign, wig, and work orders (above).

 

When things "settle down" a bit, both of us have to get Oncotype DX test.

 

Doc's recommended homework: Living will

 

Doc's recommended reading:

 

 

 

Yes, siree, she is a FIGHTER!

 

I saw this smile today!

 

 

 







Post Surgery Follow-up

My Rose Bush

Doc Partin said I'm healing just fine.  She hasn't released me to work just yet until she consults with the chemo doc.  My appointment is tomorrow morning with Doc Esther.

The HER2 status did come in as positive, which means chemo treatment.  How much and what kind is something Doc Esther will plan out with us. 

That's all to report for now on the canSURVIVE.

Meeting my Radiation Oncologist

To make a long story short, we still don't know the exact treatment plan just yet. 

They are waiting for the HER2/neu test results.  This will identify which type of treatments will be needed.  HER2/neu protein is found on some types of cancer cells. This test shows whether the tissue either has too much HER2/neu protein or too many copies of its gene. If the breast tumor has too much HER2/neu, then targeted therapy may be a treatment option. This can include chemotherapy with drugs thru a vein or by tablet form.

The treatment that's right for me depends mainly on the state of the cancer (Stage I), the results of the hormone receptor tests (positive), the result of the HER2/neu test (still waiting), and my general health (generally good).

For now, we do know that I will have radiation therapy.  If I don't need chemo, then radiation will begin approximately Jan 20.  It will last 6-7 weeks and will be done 5 days a week.

Hopefully, the results of the test will be in by the time I meet with the medical (chemo) oncologist on January 4.  Her name is Esther (which is a good Biblical name) AND she is the department head.  I kinda like that idea. If I do need chemo, that is first .... then radiation.

My radiation onc. gave me a copy of my surgery report and the pathology report.  Clues about the nature of a tumor come from how abnormal its cells look and what percentage of them is dividing. These and other factors are summed up as a grade of 1, 2 or 3. The higher the grade, the more aggressive the tumor.  Cancers are also classified by stage -- a measure of how extensive the disease is. The system often used is called TNM, for Tumor (size), Nodes (cancer present or not) and Metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs). A number is assigned to each category.  Once the TNM categories are determined, this info is combined with the grade to create an overall stage, from 0 for noninvasive to IV for the most invasive.

• My diagnosis is T1cN0M0 stage I

More to tell you, but it will have to wait until tomorrow ~ wiped out.

By the way, tomorrow is our wedding anniversary :)