Onward to the Next Challenge!!!

Well...we found out at my post-surgery checkup that there was a tiny bit of cancer (0.5mm) in one of the lymph nodes removed during surgery (so tiny they probably wouldn't have found it with a biopsy). So Dr Wagner presented my case to the "tuma" board to determine whether to take me back to surgery to get more lymph nodes or just treat it with radiation. They determined radiation is the best track. I have to have radiation anyway because the pathology showed the original size of the one mass was 6.4 x 2.9 x 1.2 cm (way bigger than originally thought). However....my response to the chemo was exceptional, especially considering it is hormone responsive cancer (which oftentimes doesn't react as well). The residual cancer (what was left) was only 5% of the original big mass and 0% of the smaller one. She said that is excellent. The margins were also really good, so they got everything in the breast.

The plastic surgeon said everything looked great. I go back next Friday to get the dressings off and start the rapid expansion prior to radiation (they expand it and then deflate it prior to radiation - I can't remember why and probably wouldn't be able to explain it if I did!). I only know that radiation destroys reconstruction, so it can't happen until after. I think they like to wait 6-8 weeks after surgery before they begin radiation, so they will expand as much as they can in that time. We have the consultation with the radiologist on July 18^th, so will find out more then.

Not exactly the news we wanted to hear, but there was some really good news and it could be way worse. We will get through this as well and know God still has me firmly in His hands!

On a happy little side note, I got my first haircut this week! 😊 I went to see my dear friend, Jeri, to pick up some shampoo and get some advice on how to manage my hair as it grows out. While I was there she trimmed the back and around my ears! Whoop-whoop! She is such a sweetheart!

My mom, sister, and fun great-nephew, Jace, came to visit on Thursday. They helped me get my fourth of July decorations out and Jody and her green thumb pruned my flower pots and helped me re-pot some others (Mom helped too, of course). I love my family and love you all too!

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!