This was the week after Nancy's surgery on March 7th. She felt remarkably well the days following the surgery but things were catching up to her this week as she began to experience a lot of discomfort as the week went on.
On Thursday 3/14 the surgeon called Nancy to discuss what she found and the results of the pathology report. There was no surprise that a lot of disease was on her left side however there was a surprise cancer was found in her right side lymph nodes. Obviously she was very disappointed to hear this news and the uncertainty of what this means.
On Friday 3/15 we met with the oncologist who reassured us things were going according to plan. The chemo was to to shrink the tumor to allow a successful surgery and both were accomplished. The fact cancer was found on the right side was a surprise. His comment was "Yes I wish the cancer wasn't on the right side, then again I wish you didn't have breast cancer at all". The difference is now they will radiate both sides versus just the left side. He is very optimistic of a full recovery and that was comforting for us to hear.
The oncologist also started Nancy on a hormone treatment called Arimidex. Both he and the surgeon said breast cancer responds well to this treatment. The oncologist went on to say we are attacking the cancer three ways: chemotherapy, radiation and hormone treatments. The chemo attacks the cancer DNA, the radiation focuses on specific areas and the hormone treatment is an estrogen blocker keeping the cancer from multiplying.
She looks forward to next week when they will remove the drainage tubes and she can get back to wearing comfortable clothes. And.....her hair is starting to grow back! (Peach fuzz.....yea!)
It is a lot to take in but her spirits are good; down in the dumps Thursday but back on track Friday evening.
We have people from all over the world praying for her including all of the Dominican Friars and the prayers are being heard!
Thanks to everyone who has come to our aid; the food, cards, notes and especially all of the prayers.
Thank you,
Bob
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