Ok we officially got the name of what we have today. (We had it the whole time, but noone thought to write it down to remember until today) It is
INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA.
After an appointment with the surgeon today, Mawg learned that her surgery date is June 5th at 7:30 in the morning. Here is what we know about what they will be doing at that time. There are 5 to 25 lymph nodes located in the breast, all of those will have to come out, as well as the two masses in the breast. That will take about 70% of the breast tissue away, so Mawg has decided to go with the full mastectomy. This will do a couple of things, it will make recovery a little bit easier. It also makes the chance for remission very low, as low as a 1%. Next they remove at one lymph node from under the left arm. There is a little bit of risk of rotator cuff trouble, maybe some nerve damage, and a LOT of swelling in her arm. But there are always risks associated with surgery so overall we are pretty comfortable with it. Finally they will be inserting a port/catheter into her chest that will be used for medications, chemo, and whatever else they come up with. We are having that done while the rest is happening to get it out of the way instead of waiting till they start the chemo two weeks after her surgery.
There will be some rehab involved to help with the recovery process after the underarm surgery, and then the year of chemo and radiation. This will be a quick turn-around. In on the 5th, home by the 6th barring any complications.
Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support. We are eternally greatful for the family and friends that are holding us up on a daily basis through all of this. We love you all. God Bless!
Jerry and Marguerite,
ReplyDeleteLearn every possible intricate detail about this disease so you can make the right decisions for you. Become a PhD in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Scour the internet, go to the library and just absorb ANY and all the information you possibly can. Be proactive in your health, not reactive/passive with whatever the doctor says.
Stay positive and create a team of support around Mawg. You CAN beat this disease!
Brandon