The surgeon himself called today around 17:00 to let me know what the pathology report said and to follow up from the surgery. The report still doesn't have the results on the hormone receptability of the cancer, which won't arrive until late next week, but he was able to clarify/explain some things.
It seems that two of the sentinal nodes tested positive for cancer so he took all of the nodes out. I wasn't very clear with him on the phone unfortunately as Syd was with me - but he said, "I took that triangle that we discussed in my office." I pulled out the pear pictures and, wouldn't you know it, it appears that he removed all of the nodes - something I was desperately trying to avoid! I got in touch later with Heather who confirmed that with the nodes it's an all or nothing deal - if even one tests positive then they all have to go! I thought that they could remove just one string. [Enter expletive here.] It does explain however the level of pain and discomfort that I've been having. I couldn't figure out why the removal of one string meant that I couldn't go from laying down to sitting or sitting to standing without an incredible rush of pressure and breath taking pain! Now I know. Bending over to pick up anything from the floor is a definite throw back to pre-op days! I need one of those giant pincers on the end of a long stick.
On a lighter note, there were actually three separate tumours that Mirsky removed - the largest was an inch and the combined size of the three was half a centimeter larger than that. They were all stage II. Yay me! He is now sending everything over to the cancer institute but he told me to expect chemo at the very least. My ever-helpful sister has told me that "rad" is always given as well. At least I've had alot of advanced warning for that - unlike the nodes.
Do you suppose the Department of Justice will accomodate me on my return to work by hiring someone to follow me around and pick things up for me????? Frankly, sitting here tonight jonesing for some red licorice, I think that it's the least they could do:)
I will totally follow you around as your designated picker-up-er (Can I have a better title than that?) I will even bring a bedazzled pincer thing that will be totally blinged out.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you here in Islamabad. xo
You can definitely be my blingy "High Summoner". I can now laugh freely without pulling anything apart - so it's safe to visit with you again:) Safe home.
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