I finally received the pathology report this afternoon. The total size of the tumor was 8.5 cm. They removed 11 lymph nodes and 2 were positive. This means that the cancer is a stage 3. Not the best news but at least only 2 nodes were positive. I had a follow up visit with the plastic surgeon today and I am healing nicely. I still have the drains in and they will probably be there for a while. He does not want to remove them until the output is less than 30 cc per day per drain. Today the output has been over 100 cc in one and 50 in the other and they both need to be emptied again....yuck!
The tissue expanders are in place and they hurt! I thought this would not be that painful but as the nurse explained today they separated the chest wall muscle by cutting it and my chest muscles were very tight. They have not begun filling the expanders but should start that next week.
The next step will be to meet with the oncologist and map out my chemotherapy treatments.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and wonderful food. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own busy life we forget that the smallest gesture can make a world of difference. Thank you for reminding me of what is truly important!
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4 comments:
Oh Dawn!! I feel so helpless. I wish I was there taking care of you and your family. I'm glad to hear your friends and family are helping out. Hang in there and remember this is but a moment. You have a long life ahead of you with your children and yes grandchildren are just around the corner!! Trust me, they grow so fast! I'm wishing you a fast recovery and my prayers are with you always. Love you!
Dawn -
James just sent your blog contact to Mike. I wanted to let you know of our prayers. I will let the Sisters in Leavenworth know and add you to their prayers.
Joyce Rauth Fears
Dawn -
James just sent Mike your blog information. I wanted to let you know of our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Rauth Fears
Dawn -
You have quite a road before you but know of the support you have from many who know you.
Mike and I will continue to hold you and your family in our prayers.
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