My MRI came back good - my 4cm tumor in my breast has shrunk to 1cm and my 3cm tumor in my lymph node has shrunk to almost non-existent. The mammogram was not helpful (tissue is too dense) and they did not do an ultrasound (the MRI is more precise). The surgeon will remove the remaining tumor, the dead tumor cells, plus some margin. They will use something called guide wires plugged into the center of the tumors which they hook in during a mammogram. Does not sound fun. This will help the surgeon pinpoint the location and give her the best chance of success removing all the cancerous cells. Once I'm wired I will undergo the surgery.
I'm having mixed feelings about the surgery. While I'm happy I will finally have all the bad cells removed, the risk of a follow on surgery to get the margins and the 40% chance I will have to live with lymphadema are hard to swallow. I've never been one to take meds, even pain killers. I stopped pain meds 1 day after my appendectomy. Need everyone's prayers that this surgery will allow full arm movement, no residual lymphadema, and no damage to my nerves or long term numbness in my arm. I keep remembering what another survivor told me - one day at a time. For now I am just trying to trust in my doctors, enjoy this beautiful summer weather with my wonderful husband and kids, and crossing a few Boston items off my bucket list. Mom flew back today too to help out while I'm recovering. It's go time again!
Quick business trip to Pratt &Whitney sporting my new wig
Dinner at Gibbet Hill Grill with our visiting Texas friends
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