4. Medical Nitty-Gritty

The next week was a whirlwind.  After meeting with my oncologist, I knew that God was orchestrating my steps.  She has been fantastic from the start.  The overwhelming support from my residency family and friends has been an additional blessing.  I'm also extraordinarily thankful for the thoughts and encouragement from other loved ones (that means you :) who are praying for me during this difficult time.

Week of May 21st my schedule was quickly replaced with appointments and imaging- from the reproductive specialist to interventional radiology for a lymph node biopsy.  I've seen them all!  Here's an outline of all the info you've probably been waiting to hear.

Receptor status of the cancer cells: Estrogen and Progesterone receptor positive, Her2Neu negative- great prognosis!

Combined Mammogram/Ultrasound/MRI breast: Evidence of several masses in the right breast consistent with biopsy-proven known malignancy.  Three abnormal lymph nodes in the right axilla, largest one is 1.3 cm.

Preliminary read on PET scan: No evidence of spread outside of the right axillary lymph nodes (Thank you, Father!)

Chemo start date: Tuesday May 29th

Treatment: 

Chemo: Adriamycin & Cytoxan once every 3 weeks for four treatments followed by Taxol once every 3 weeks for four treatments (24 weeks total)

Mastectomy: following chemo

Radiation: following surgery

Pending results:
- Echocardiogram, genetic testing

Additional appointments remaining:
 - Geneticist, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
 - Hairdresser (the big chop)

I started a collection of wrist bands, then gave up.  Too bad they won't pass as admission bands into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.








Comments

  1. Oooohhh my friend!!! I hate the results of that Fall and the diseases that result! I’m praying that Father has allowed this in your life because He can see the glory your story will bring! I’m imploring Him to give you strength, courage, peace, and comfort beyond understanding!

    I recently watched an interesting documentary on Netflix about fasting before chemo to maximize its results and protect your healthy cells...in case that interests you.

    “The Science of Fasting”

    Prayers! Love you!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ginger for the sweet prayers and powerful message! I'll have to check out the documentary. Hope you and the hubs & babies are well.

      Delete
  2. Hello Nathalie,

    You are a very strong women who is filled with the love of Christ (just like your mother and father). God has a plan for you. He will protect you and see you through this. We are praying for you here in Charlotte. Maurice said a heart felt prayer for you and Wendy last week. We love you and continue to pray for you.

    Andre Tolbert

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, guys! Please tell Maurice that I surely appreciate it. Finally have Ms. Wendy's number. My heart goes out to you during this difficulty time. Stay strong

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

18. I'll have a chemoport now, please

29. Chemo cycle #5

1. And so it begins...