MRI Results

 MRI results and surgeon appointment

So today I spent the morning at the Look Good Feel Better program for cancer patients, learning how to draw on my eyebrows as they start to thin out.  It is a program that helps cancer patients feel better by demonstrating head wear, including wigs and learning how to apply makeup properly. The best part is bringing home a sample bag of the products we used.

Thanks Heidi for accompanying me to this program. We saw some Wayne's World, Joan Jetts and Friar Tuck hairpieces that you wear under hats without it being too hot. Everyone decided Friar Tuck was too risky.  There was discussion about hair they supply for EVERY part of the body!!!!!! When hair removal goes too far, they can provide a 'prosthesis' if you get my drift....why would you??!!!! Anyway it provided some good laughs.

Then, this afternoon, I had my appointment with the surgeon, which is difficult to absorb. 

Overall, the MRI results are good and she clapped her hands which was the main point of the appointment. Out of the 6 tumours, 2 are no longer visible when compared with the previous MRI. The other 4 have shrunk to half their size and there is no further spread in the lymph nodes, just in the 2 that we knew about. So a good result.

Halfway MRI Results - Fat F&*K and  his friends shrinking

It's when we started asking about grade of cancer, likelihood of recurrence, likelihood of spread to the other breast that it got a little scary and contradictory. Basically, my doctor started contradicting some of her statements but it is all dependent on what angles you are coming from.  Cancer is so complex. While I have tiny to average size tumours, the spread (invasiveness) of the cancer and the fact it is in my lymph nodes makes it high risk category at stage 3 and High Grade (low, intermediary, high Grade). But there are 3 levels of stage 3 (A-C) before getting to stage 4 - the worst and highest stage. I suspect it is stage 3A (maybe 2B) from what I've read. (My doc only told me stage 3).

They come up with this status after looking at the 3 different oestrogen and progesteron receptors of the cancer (how fast it grows, whether its fed by hormones etc).  Then they look at the size of the tumours, the spread and if its Node positive (in the lymph nodes).  And lastly, Stage 4 if it has spread to other distant organs.

My recurrence risk has not yet been determined and they use my original diagnosis data, not where it is now to determine it. By plugging that data into a database of previous cases they determine your survival rate. Obviously this hasn't been done earlier as I think she wants us to remain positive.

It is important to come away with only the positives of what we know and not look into the possibilities.  She said that they are still working for a cure, and that the results are going in the right direction - that is the main things to focus on.

The next appointment is with the plastic surgeon. Surgery will be in January depending on waiting lists etc. But I have a private referral for a plastic surgeon from my GP, who has just passed the 5 year mark after her breast cancer treatment.  There will be a lot more to consider with that part of the journey, which to this point I have avoided looking at or reading anything about it.

Next chemotherapy is scheduled for Friday, I wonder what Taxel brings me in side effects? 

Thanks again for all your support and encouragement :)