I had an appointment yesterday with the oncologist, Dr. Francisco in Pocatello. The pathology report from surgery was not ready from the lab yet. The doctor did find out the tumor was 1.8 cm, which is larger than some early detections, but smaller than others. The biopsy of the three closest lymph nodes (Sentinal Node Biopsy) was clear of cancer cells. That is good news because it means there is nothing to radiate. I won't have radiation!! For sure!
I was hoping to find out about chemotherapy, but there is another test they can do on the tumor called OncoType DX. It is a test of the genetic material to find out whether I am a candidate for chemo or not. The results of the test is a number from 0-100. If I have a number that is 10 or less, I will not need chemo, meaning I would have an excellent chance of survival for 10 years without any chemo. If I have a number 26 or greater, I would be a good candidate for chemo. Chemotherapy will increase my chances of survival significantly. If, however, I have a number from 11-25, I would have to choose whether to have chemo or not. The results are mixed as to whether it helps or not.
I qualify for a clinical study to help them pinpoint who can benefit from chemo in that 11-25 range. The odds are slim of it being hurtful, and the odds are great that it could be a big help in increasing the pool of cancer research. I would like to be a part of that. So many women have gone through a lot worse than me in order that I had an easier time of this.
So bottom line-- I don't know if I will need chemo. I am prepared to go through that if I need to, but there is a small possibility that I would not be a good candidate for it. I will find out the middle of June sometime. (They say 14 working days--and I add a few on from there.)
I have time to recuperate from surgery and get a few things done before then. I actually will have some time without doctor's appointments!! That will be so nice!
Thank you for your kindness, thoughts, prayers, and phone calls. Please don't worry. I have everything going for me--good health, early detection, and great doctors. I am in good spirits and have a very optimistic attitude.
