I finally got the second opinion on my pathology back today. They did find a micro invasion however the two spots that show invasion are less than a tenth of a millimeter so it won't change Dr Bott's no chemo plan! I met with the radiation oncologist Dr Blair on Friday and he suggested that I do radiation but he couldn't back up his suggestion with any reasoning other than the thin margin and that he would rather err on the aggressive side (I get that). The side effects he listed were heart issues, decreased lung capacity, ruined skin, and the kicker for me was that radiation can cause a whole new cancer that shows up 20 or so years later. He said that since I'm so young the likely hood of this is increased and that he has seen this happen 20 or 30 times. I asked him for any statistics on decreased recurrence rates or on increased life expectancy with radiation but he couldn't give me either. So right now I'm choosing the watch and wait option. I guess they are presenting my case at their tumor board on Wednesday and my doctor said she'd call if there was anything new to report. So for now the treatment plan is no treatments! I'm really really blessed that I don't have to do chemo or radiation.
I've been to physical therapy twice now and I can tell that it's making a difference. I'm going three times this week and then we will re evaluate. I have some banding in my right arm and shoulder where the lymph node removal left scar tissue. In physical therapy they do ultrasound massage and massage and then lots of stretching and exercise filter by more massage and ice. I'm there for about an hour and a half but most of it feels pretty good and my arm feels much better afterward.
I am skipping a week with my plastic surgeon Dr Jensen so that my skin can really stretch before he does another fill. It's nice to have a break but I am anxious to get this over with.
I feel pretty good for the most part. Sometimes I get some pretty painful muscle spasms but they don't last long. We've been enjoying some beautiful weather with walks and lots of going outside to see trucks. Camden loves being outside and would wander all day if we'd let him. He's talking a lot more and says spoon, broom, outside, shoes, water, and tons more. He's learning some animal sounds too. He will usually roar for all the ones he doesn't know. We built a fort today and he was loving it! It's so fun to see his reaction to new things.
7 comments:
Thanks for the update. But how did Camden learn "broom"? Have you started making him do chores around the house? :)
We love you!
Glad that things are working out for you.
Such good news! I hope the wait and see option means nothing else for a long, long time. I'm so happy your road to recovery is going well! Prayers answered.
Nicole, I didn't read your blog until this evening, so didn't know you had received the 2nd results. I'm so happy you don't have to have chemo or radiation. Thanks for letting me tend Camden today. He is a joy and a blessing. And, I always enjoy spending time with you, too. I love you.
Yay! Such great news! I am so happy for you guys. I hope that this means no more worries for a very long time for you guys.
So glad to hear the good news! Love you!
Dad - If I could make him do chores I would! He loves his broom and "sweeps" everything. Unfortunately when he helps me he just walks through my piles!
Everyone - Thank you so much for your continued support! I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life!
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