And here we go... posted 10/21/2008 7:56:16 PM | 6 kudos what's this?     report abuse

Snappygoddess

It is possible to have positive news even with breast cancer!!

I went to the breast cancer surgeon today to discuss my test results and treatment options. The good news is that I am only at a late Stage 1 or early Stage 2 cancer(she believes but will know more after more tests results come in) My hormone receptors were negative, which means hormone therapy is NOT an option, therefore chemo it is.

First, on Monday the 27th, I will have a lumpectomy and they will also check my lymphnodes while doing the surgery and removing them if they are also cancerous. It is on an outpatient level and I will only need sedation as opposed to general anethesia. Later in the week, I will see a radiologist doctor about my radiation treatments. If I do NOT have cancer in the nodes, I will be able to have the "MammoSite5" which entails having a balloon catheter inserted in my breast at the lump site. It will be filled with saline to keep it inflated and 2x a day for 5 days I will go into the treatment center and they will use a computerized machine to insert a "seed" into the balloon for 30 minutes each time...and then the seed is removed after treatment each day. After 5 days it will come out and I will be done with radiation. This method gives a larger dose of radiation INTERNALY as opposed to 6 weeks of EXTERNAL radiation. This is a realitively new procedure but has had very good success reports

After the radiation is done.. I start chemo..dont know for how long or what sort just yet. The idea of the newer radation is that it leaves the patient with more energy to face the chemo.

The fact that I found the lump when I did has saved me from having to have a mastectomy. Had the tumor been 3 centimeters or more.. the mastectomy would have been the only option. So that in itself was wonderful news!!

We remain hopeful and positive and the support we have gotten has been wonderful. And in the process of all of this.. we have been house hunting. Our mortgage co is about to foreclose on us(hubby has been laid off for a year...been doing whatever he can for work... unemployment ran out) so we have decided it best to move to a smaller place that wont cost us so much. It's simply amazing what some people will advertise to rent out for a small fortunate

We did find an adorable house with very good upkeep and more affordable... now all we have to do is find the rent and deposit money but we feel like it will be provided someway, somehow.

Prayers, support, positive thoughts are all appreciated....please.....keep em up

There are not enough words to express how truly grateful Ray and I are for MD members support. Thanks so much for the handful that genuinely care

Will update off and on throughout my treatment....hang in there and keep sending those encouraging words that keep us going.

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Blogs by Snappygoddess: My 2009, according to my zodiac sign Onto another chapter in this journey... Is Bald Beautiful on a Woman? Does the fun ever stop? And here we go... The big "C" sucks BIG time!!!!!!!! On the positive side... My life has changed...and looking better My Life has changed update... My life has changed..... Adventures in Grandparenting YES!!!! Update on my sister!! Friendship: What's in it for you? Give it a rest already My Sister, My Hero My Father, My Forgiveness Behind the Scenes of MD Journey of Life Welfare.. a mothers side of the story School...a parapro/teachers side of the story Instincts will save your life The Story of Anson Romance in window blinds.. Accept yourself.. the rest will follow Early morning late in life