The Early Bird Catches the Worm Cancer
I saw my surgeon today to get the results of the lymph node biopsy, and it’s all (mostly) good news. The lymph nodes were completely clear of cancer. In addition, the thyroid biopsy also came back clear. I have to follow up with the thyroid issue later to make sure everything is really okay, but it is not cancer.
In my elation at the receipt of such great news, I asked my surgeon hopefully if the combination of all the testing results changed his opinion that there was a 90% chance that I will have to have chemotherapy. He said his opinion had changed, but that now he thinks there is a 100% chance that any oncologist will recommend chemo for me based on my age and the type of cancer. The only question, he said, is which chemo treatment will be right for me. And there might be more surgery in my future if I end up needing a port for a particular chemotherapy medicine.
I have an appointment with one oncologist next Thursday and I have a call into a prominent oncologist at Rush-Presbyterian in Chicago to make an appointment for a second opinion. Once I meet with them I should have a Plan For Treatment, and then I will feel like I can really be on my way past all of this.
I am lucky, you know. I caught this early and I did something about it immediately and that is why the news is so good today. If I had waited to see what happened or if the tumor had been deeper within my breast, I might not have found it. I had not had a mammogram in three years. I was planning to get one this year, but it wasn’t on the calendar and you know how that goes. Maybe I would have postponed it longer because I was busy with school or work or the kids’ activities. It was a fluke and pure accident that I found the lump when I did and the way I did. Please don’t let the same thing happen to you. Do your self-exams* ** and schedule your mammograms. (And get used to hearing me say that, because it’s my new mantra!)
* Click here for a link to an online video from the Susan G. Komen foundation about how and when to do a self-exam.
** Click here for an article from breastcancer.org about how to do breast self-exams.
Comments
Your choice of title was ominous at first until we learn from the article that you "caught" the cancer early rather than at all. Thankfully, you acted quickly and seem to have limited your risk and, hopefully, the extent of your treatment plan.
All in all, great news!
Posted by: Sonofasailor | May 31, 2007 04:18 PM
That's great news, Kim! My Mom had her nephrectomy preformed at Rush, and they did a great job, they took the right part, they have comfy beds, good food and a great gift shop. Her oncologist was Dr. Christopher Coogan.
Love ya!
Posted by: Victoria | May 31, 2007 04:23 PM
Wooooo-Hooooo! That is exactly the news I wanted to hear today! I think congrats are in order and even though I know that you still need to complete treatment, I also know that you will come through it better than you have ever been! I am also so thankful that you did catch it early- we'll send up big prayers that your treatment plan falls into place and that it doesn't get in the way too much of your school and other activities. I will also pray that chemo will become chewable and taste like chocolate! (Not likely, but I know that God considers all prayers, right?!) Love, Cynthia :)
Posted by: Cynthia | May 31, 2007 04:28 PM
In my newsreader, the strikethrough didn't render, and the title read "The Early Bird Catches the Worm Cancer" which does not sound good. Thank god you don't have worm cancer. :)
Good luck with the oncologists!
Posted by: Dave! | May 31, 2007 04:39 PM
Great news. What a relief! I am going to ask my doctor to schedule a mamogram even though I don't need one until next year.
M
Posted by: Mieke | May 31, 2007 06:45 PM
I'm so happy for the news. God is so good! I'm with Cynthia on the chocolate tablets. We're here for you.
Carol
Posted by: Carol | May 31, 2007 07:25 PM
Quelle bonne nouvelle !
Tu sais, en France la prevention du cancer du sein est organisée. Toutes les femmes de 50 a 65 ans ont droit a une mammographie tous les deux ans gratuitement et c'est tres utile.
(As you said you were glad I write in French, I am going on !!!)
Bon courage, je t'aime.
Joelle.
Posted by: Joelle | June 1, 2007 03:53 AM
Kim,
What great news, finally!! I am so glad to hear that the nodes are good and you are ready for treatment. I think the chocolate would be good or at least a really good margarita effect!
Keep the faith!
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | June 1, 2007 07:31 AM
We admire your strength and know that you will beat this! We have seen it done. Jenny is always on "call" if you need her; she has loved and admired you for more years that we want to publish here.
If Randy every needs to talk to someone, we recommend Russ; he was so strong and lovely with Jenny, but he also knows the low times can be overcome. You have always been the Super Mom and now please allow your family to take care of you. Karly will lead the way with new ways to show you how strong she is. Also your mom and dad will do whatever is needed. Blake and Matthew will learn even greater ways that family and friends truly love you and them.
Bless you and keep the faith!
Posted by: Aunt Mary Jane | June 2, 2007 05:39 AM
Great news, Kim!! I really hope that your news continues to be positive. :)
Posted by: PT-LawMom | June 3, 2007 03:59 PM
Crap about the chemo, but great about the other news--you're in my thoughts. As MJ says, keep the faith.
Posted by: hd | June 5, 2007 11:55 AM
Crap about the chemo, but great about the other news--you're in my thoughts. As MJ says, keep the faith.
Posted by: hd | June 5, 2007 11:55 AM