Busy Week

It has been a busy week.  I have had numerous tests and appointments.  On Thursday we met with the oncologist, Dr. Adler.  We got some good news!  Based on the test results it appears, at this time, that the cancer has not spread and is localized to the breast!  There are still two tests out, but he felt confident based on the information he had.  We are still waiting on the results of the MRI for the brain and the breast.  But as of now, we are going with a diagnosis of STAGE 2.

However, the CT scan showed a very large lymph node in my abdomen located next to my aorta.  There is no way to tell why it is enlarged unless there is a biopsy done.  Dr. Adler said that it would be very rare for the cancer to skip my bones or the axillary lymph nodes and settle in this specific lymph node.  He said it could be some type of infection.  He said there is not a 100% chance that is it not cancer, but that a biopsy is dangerous and could derail the treatment for the breast cancer.  We were given the options for a PET scan, a biopsy, or to check it again when I finish this first round of chemo, anywhere from 12-18 weeks.  

On another note, my blood work came back.  You may or may not be familiar with the BRCA gene, aka "the breast cancer gene."  We all have them and when they are working right their job is to repair damaged DNA.  When they have a mutation they can allow for cancer cells to grow and replicate.  I'll be honest, I was hoping to hear that I had either the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 clear mutation, because for me this would be some sort of answer.  Not the whole answer, but at least something.  And a clear mutation has a clear course of action.

I was told that I do have a mutation on BRCA 1, however it is not a clear mutation.  It is what is called a "variant of uncertain significance." Which means that there is a mutation, but it's not the predominate one that is most commonly seen.  So, there is not a specific recommendation to prevent reoccurrence, and Dr. Adler is not able to give me an idea on the chance of reoccurrence.  This is not what I wanted to hear.  Anyone who knows me, knows I want specific answers and a specific plan.  I am still trying to digest this news.

On Friday I experienced my first ever surgery.  And wow, what an experience it was.  Special showers with special soaps, no lotion for THREE days!  I live in the desert southwest, it's dry here!  Then the day of, more crazy stuff.  Special tooth paste and mouth wash, iodine q-tips in my nose, special wipes for my whole body.  Crazy!  I mean don't get me wrong, I appreciate the effort in trying to prevent infection.  I was just not prepared for all of that.  No one tells you all this stuff.  

And then there's the operating room and the anesthesia.  WOW!  There was so much stuff in there, and so many people, and so cold!  All I remember was someone saying they were going to put some warm air in my gown, someone putting oxygen on my face, and then someone saying, "Okay, Kendra you are going to get sleepy."  The next thing I knew was I was crying telling the nurses how nice they were!  And then to be informed that I moved myself from the operating table back to the bed.  Who knows what in the hell I said then!!  That is some crazy medicine they give you!  I felt like I had a horrible hangover!  I thought I was going to go home and workout!  And get up and walk the dog and push Tristan in the stroller this morning!  

Anyway, I am now the proud host of a Port-A-Cath!  Yay, I guess.  

And I was informed that I can't lift anything more than 10lbs for FOUR weeks!  I have a toddler who weighs 22lbs!  And he doesn't really understand why I can't pick him up, so that sucks!  For everyone!

I start chemo on Monday.  So, I will post an update sometime next week.  Thanks for all the kind words, texts, phone calls and emails.