MEDICAL UPDATE: 3
“For we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.”
CURRENT SCHEDULE:
March 14: Pre-op appointment, seed marker placement, mammogram
March 15: Initial consultation with radiation oncologist
March 17: Lumpectomy surgery
March 23: Post-op appointment
April 5: Initial consultation with medical oncologist
UPDATES:
Pre-surgery: The seed marker is not radioactive; it is titanium smart clip. It helps get better clear margins during surgery. Read more about it here: https://elucentmedical.com/
Surgery: sometimes lobular carcinoma can be wispy, and it is difficult to feel clear margins initially. The chances of having to repeat surgery due to not having clear margins is NOT 25%, but much lower.
Post-surgery: groggy first day, some pain following days, blue dye will move thru my system in 1-2 days.
Results: the surgical specimen will be taken to pathology to confirm clear margins.
In addition, a specimen will be analyzed for oncotype. Oncotype is genomic testing to see how active the cancer cells are, how likely they are to grow and spread. This test is done to determine 1) if my cancer might appear somewhere else in my body in the future and 2) if I need chemo prior to radiation. It is anticipated that I will have a low score (0-23) because my KI67 score was low (9). Results take two weeks to receive.
Prayer requests:
That we can find a 2-3 day window to drive home from Montana on dry roads so I can be relaxed and rested prior to surgery.
For clear margins, with no need for a second surgery.
For the oncotype testing to produce a low score so I don’t need chemo.
For continued protection from fear and anxiety, and an increased trust in God’s wise and good plan for me.
