I have gotten a lot of questions lately as to what exactly this test does. Being new to this myself, I too wanted more information. I am attaching a link,that you will probably have to copy and paste,that takes you to a video explaining the procedure and outcome of the test. It is done in a lab in California.
http://www.genomichealth.com/Flash/video.html
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28, 2009
What is lymphedema?
Our bodies have a network of lymph (limf) nodes and lymph vessels that carry lymph fluid, much like blood vessels carry blood to all parts of the body. The lymph fluid contains white blood cells which help us fight infections. During surgery for breast cancer, the doctor usually removes at least 1 lymph node (sentinel node) from the underarm area to see if the cancer has spread. Some lymph vessels that carry fluid from the arm to the rest of the body are also removed because they are wrapped around the nodes.
Removing lymph nodes and vessels from the underarm changes the way the lymph fluid flows in that side of the upper body. This makes it harder for fluid in the arm to get to other parts of the body. If the remaining lymph vessels cannot drain enough of the fluid from the breast and underarm areas, the excess fluid builds up and causes swelling, or lymphedema. Radiation treatment to the lymph nodes in the underarm can affect the flow of lymph fluid in the arm and breast area in the same way, increasing the risk of lymphedema.
Lymphedema usually develops slowly over time. The swelling can range from mild to severe. It can start soon after surgery or radiation treatment. It can also begin months or even years later. Women who have many lymph nodes removed and women who have had radiation therapy to the underarm area may have a higher risk of getting lymphedema.
My visit today to the doctor
I visited the doctor today that specializes in lymphademia. She gave me an exam and said my shoulder was a little tight but as to be expected. I am in protection mode on that side. She taught me exercises that take 5 minutes a day and should be done for the rest of my life to avoid this swelling. Easy stuff. It was very informative and good to be proactive on prevention.
She also removed a couple of stitches today, put new dressing on my breast incision and said it is healing nicely.
My next appt. are with my rad and med oncologists on Monday and wed. We should have the results back from the Onco test and know more about my treatment plan. October is breast cancer awareness month. I have decided if I have to do chemo and I lose my hair I will get a baby pink wig and a biker bandana with pink breast cancer ribbons to wear on my head. Cute, huh? I LOVE pink. Grin!!
Have a great week.
Shawnae
Our bodies have a network of lymph (limf) nodes and lymph vessels that carry lymph fluid, much like blood vessels carry blood to all parts of the body. The lymph fluid contains white blood cells which help us fight infections. During surgery for breast cancer, the doctor usually removes at least 1 lymph node (sentinel node) from the underarm area to see if the cancer has spread. Some lymph vessels that carry fluid from the arm to the rest of the body are also removed because they are wrapped around the nodes.
Removing lymph nodes and vessels from the underarm changes the way the lymph fluid flows in that side of the upper body. This makes it harder for fluid in the arm to get to other parts of the body. If the remaining lymph vessels cannot drain enough of the fluid from the breast and underarm areas, the excess fluid builds up and causes swelling, or lymphedema. Radiation treatment to the lymph nodes in the underarm can affect the flow of lymph fluid in the arm and breast area in the same way, increasing the risk of lymphedema.
Lymphedema usually develops slowly over time. The swelling can range from mild to severe. It can start soon after surgery or radiation treatment. It can also begin months or even years later. Women who have many lymph nodes removed and women who have had radiation therapy to the underarm area may have a higher risk of getting lymphedema.
My visit today to the doctor
I visited the doctor today that specializes in lymphademia. She gave me an exam and said my shoulder was a little tight but as to be expected. I am in protection mode on that side. She taught me exercises that take 5 minutes a day and should be done for the rest of my life to avoid this swelling. Easy stuff. It was very informative and good to be proactive on prevention.
She also removed a couple of stitches today, put new dressing on my breast incision and said it is healing nicely.
My next appt. are with my rad and med oncologists on Monday and wed. We should have the results back from the Onco test and know more about my treatment plan. October is breast cancer awareness month. I have decided if I have to do chemo and I lose my hair I will get a baby pink wig and a biker bandana with pink breast cancer ribbons to wear on my head. Cute, huh? I LOVE pink. Grin!!
Have a great week.
Shawnae
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The test is being done.
I got a call today from the institute that does the onco test and they have told me that I am within the financial area that will allow me to have the test done and whatever my insurance doesn't cover they will write off for me. Amen! So the test got ordered today and it takes two weeks to get the results back. Here we go waiting again. So we had to juggle around some of the doctor's appointments that I had already made so they can have the results of this test.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Shoot...I may not get off so easy....
So I went back to my rad. oncologist today with my boobs just aching, throbbing. He wanted to see if I was getting an infection. He says they look like they are healing nicely and the one has FINALLY stopped bleeding through the incision. He's guessing that the pain is due to the water skiing and exercising my pectoral muscles instead of taking it easy. Grin!! (I know Mark, you told me so). He gave me a prescription for another medication that I hope works. Of course it is not a narcotic, allergic to them, so it is always a game to see if it works.
Okay, so the Onco Type Dx test. After I called the rad. oncologist we talked about that test and I misunderstood and so did my friend who was taking notes (I think the med. oncologist said it wrong). The test is to determine whether or not the risks on paper are the same as the risks from the tested tumor for taking chemo NOT Tamoxifen. Whatever, he had said in no uncertain terms that I didn't need to take chemo. Aargh!! The test is $3900 and my insurance covers a max of $2400. I cannot afford that with everything else so the they are trying to determine now if the financial office can pick up the rest of the cost. Dang, I thought I was off the hook. I still don't want to take chemo. I am such a stubborn girl.
Of course I will take it if that is what NEEDS to be done. And same with the Tamoxifen if it is really necessary. I just keep battling in my mind that I DO NOT HAVE CANCER. I am not that girl. I don't need all of this crap. I will just go on living my normal life. Right?
There is also another specialist I have to see about Lymphodema. It is very serious in women who have had a sentinel node surgery or a lymph node dissection. It is the swelling of the arm to 3x the size as normal. And once that happens it is too late and it is irreparable. The are precautions you can take and warning signs to catch it early. Good information to know I think. I see her on Mon. the 28th. So there is another update I was not expecting.
On another subject, who can name this weed. I took apicture of it near Harlotown, MT. That is how I feel with a bad hair day. I thought it was way cool!!
Okay, so the Onco Type Dx test. After I called the rad. oncologist we talked about that test and I misunderstood and so did my friend who was taking notes (I think the med. oncologist said it wrong). The test is to determine whether or not the risks on paper are the same as the risks from the tested tumor for taking chemo NOT Tamoxifen. Whatever, he had said in no uncertain terms that I didn't need to take chemo. Aargh!! The test is $3900 and my insurance covers a max of $2400. I cannot afford that with everything else so the they are trying to determine now if the financial office can pick up the rest of the cost. Dang, I thought I was off the hook. I still don't want to take chemo. I am such a stubborn girl.
Of course I will take it if that is what NEEDS to be done. And same with the Tamoxifen if it is really necessary. I just keep battling in my mind that I DO NOT HAVE CANCER. I am not that girl. I don't need all of this crap. I will just go on living my normal life. Right?
There is also another specialist I have to see about Lymphodema. It is very serious in women who have had a sentinel node surgery or a lymph node dissection. It is the swelling of the arm to 3x the size as normal. And once that happens it is too late and it is irreparable. The are precautions you can take and warning signs to catch it early. Good information to know I think. I see her on Mon. the 28th. So there is another update I was not expecting.
On another subject, who can name this weed. I took apicture of it near Harlotown, MT. That is how I feel with a bad hair day. I thought it was way cool!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Oncologist's appt.
I am sorry to keep you all waiting for the results. I have been out and about and not home much.
But all in all I think that it is great news. They were very lengthy appointments. I started at 2:20 and finally got out at 5:10.
Radiation Onclogist-In about 2-4 weeks we will start the radiation process. They wait for my incision to be more healed. It will be 6 weeks, 5 days a week and the session only lasts like 20 minutes. There are rules with it that gross me out but I guess I will deal with those. No shaving that armpit for 6 weeks. I am going to be a sexy french woman. In that amount of time I should be able to braid it. Ha! No deoderant with aluminum chloride. Natural stuff like Tom's or Burt's Bees is okay. No more underwire bras. (that's all of my bras). I have to go out and buy sports bras. Things like that.
Medical Oncologist-He said that because of the size of the tumor, grade, no lymph nodes, things like that I will not have to do chemo therapy. Yeah!! But he does want me to take Tamoxifen.....for 5 years. Whatever!! That is insane. I am going to do some more research on this drug but right now I am leaning toward radiation and be done. It is taken to reduce the chances of the cancer reoccuring. It only reduces the chances by 40%. I have been told my chances right now are 17% and Tamoxifen only lowers that to 11%. To put a drug into my body for 5 years that throws me into mentopause just doesn't sound that healthyy either.
My next apptointments with both of these guys is in 2 weeks. I will keep you posted.
But all in all I think that it is great news. They were very lengthy appointments. I started at 2:20 and finally got out at 5:10.
Radiation Onclogist-In about 2-4 weeks we will start the radiation process. They wait for my incision to be more healed. It will be 6 weeks, 5 days a week and the session only lasts like 20 minutes. There are rules with it that gross me out but I guess I will deal with those. No shaving that armpit for 6 weeks. I am going to be a sexy french woman. In that amount of time I should be able to braid it. Ha! No deoderant with aluminum chloride. Natural stuff like Tom's or Burt's Bees is okay. No more underwire bras. (that's all of my bras). I have to go out and buy sports bras. Things like that.
Medical Oncologist-He said that because of the size of the tumor, grade, no lymph nodes, things like that I will not have to do chemo therapy. Yeah!! But he does want me to take Tamoxifen.....for 5 years. Whatever!! That is insane. I am going to do some more research on this drug but right now I am leaning toward radiation and be done. It is taken to reduce the chances of the cancer reoccuring. It only reduces the chances by 40%. I have been told my chances right now are 17% and Tamoxifen only lowers that to 11%. To put a drug into my body for 5 years that throws me into mentopause just doesn't sound that healthyy either.
My next apptointments with both of these guys is in 2 weeks. I will keep you posted.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14, 2009
Okay...first of all ....no lecturing!! I am 43 years old now and if anyone knows me it is all of you. You know how stubborn I can be and when I want to do something, you know that nothing will stop me and I will do it.
So we went out on Hebgen Lake this weekend and my roomate came with us. I had asked my doctor if I was allowed to swin in the lake. He said it would be fine. "Really? Cool. So how about waterskiing, Doc?" He didn't think that would be such a hot idea just in case I fell onto my boob. "What if I am a really good skiier and I didn't fall?" He said that would be okay but he doesn't advise it.
Well, I did ski. It felt great being in the water and having that rush. I have to tell you. My life has been sort of thrown upside down and out of my control for the last 2 months. I wanted something that I could be in control. I was going to ski and "fuck cancer". (parden the french)
Mark skiied as well and did the best that I have seen him do. He was excited when my roommate, Bridget, said that he looked "athletic". He looked awful handsome to me. Grin.
So, that night I slept on my stomach, which I haven't done since the surgery and woke up with blood on my shirt the size of a grapefruit. Later that night we couldn't get it to stop bleeding. We called the service and the on call surgeon called us right back. It is common to have this happen after a second surgery. A blood vessel broke and we need to put direct pressure on it for 20 minutes until our finger goes numb. I did this and it did stop. Though now all of the fluid has now built back up again and my boob is inflated and swollen. Painful to say the least. Hmmmmm.
I will let you know what I hear on Thursday.
Shawnae
So we went out on Hebgen Lake this weekend and my roomate came with us. I had asked my doctor if I was allowed to swin in the lake. He said it would be fine. "Really? Cool. So how about waterskiing, Doc?" He didn't think that would be such a hot idea just in case I fell onto my boob. "What if I am a really good skiier and I didn't fall?" He said that would be okay but he doesn't advise it.
Well, I did ski. It felt great being in the water and having that rush. I have to tell you. My life has been sort of thrown upside down and out of my control for the last 2 months. I wanted something that I could be in control. I was going to ski and "fuck cancer". (parden the french)
Mark skiied as well and did the best that I have seen him do. He was excited when my roommate, Bridget, said that he looked "athletic". He looked awful handsome to me. Grin.
So, that night I slept on my stomach, which I haven't done since the surgery and woke up with blood on my shirt the size of a grapefruit. Later that night we couldn't get it to stop bleeding. We called the service and the on call surgeon called us right back. It is common to have this happen after a second surgery. A blood vessel broke and we need to put direct pressure on it for 20 minutes until our finger goes numb. I did this and it did stop. Though now all of the fluid has now built back up again and my boob is inflated and swollen. Painful to say the least. Hmmmmm.
I will let you know what I hear on Thursday.
Shawnae
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
Appointment with the surgeon
Today I had my follow up appt. with the surgeon. He was just checking to see how well I was recovering and how the incisions were healing. Everything looks good. He told me that when they removed the tumor they removed with it 2mm of margins as well. When the had to go back in, because the margins weren't clear, they removed 1cm more around where the tumor was. The fluid build up that was sloshing has now absorbed back into my body. Good thing too because it was grossing Mark out. Ha!! He has a weak stomache for that sort of thing. So of course every now and then I had to jiggle it for effect. Grin!
My appointment that will mean something now will be on thursday the 17th. I will find out my treatment regimine from both the medical and radiology oncologist (2 separate doctors).
I will keep you updated on the choices that they give me.
Mark is on his way here now with the smaller boat in tow. I left Kalispell yesterday. We definitely get our driving in and mileage on the vehicles. We are going camping /boating somewhere around here. Haven't decided where yet. But, wherever it is it will be beautiful and fun and we will be together. I know, mushy huh?
Chat more later.
Shawnae
Today I had my follow up appt. with the surgeon. He was just checking to see how well I was recovering and how the incisions were healing. Everything looks good. He told me that when they removed the tumor they removed with it 2mm of margins as well. When the had to go back in, because the margins weren't clear, they removed 1cm more around where the tumor was. The fluid build up that was sloshing has now absorbed back into my body. Good thing too because it was grossing Mark out. Ha!! He has a weak stomache for that sort of thing. So of course every now and then I had to jiggle it for effect. Grin!
My appointment that will mean something now will be on thursday the 17th. I will find out my treatment regimine from both the medical and radiology oncologist (2 separate doctors).
I will keep you updated on the choices that they give me.
Mark is on his way here now with the smaller boat in tow. I left Kalispell yesterday. We definitely get our driving in and mileage on the vehicles. We are going camping /boating somewhere around here. Haven't decided where yet. But, wherever it is it will be beautiful and fun and we will be together. I know, mushy huh?
Chat more later.
Shawnae
Monday, September 7, 2009
recovering nicely
I am enjoying a wonderful weekend here with Mark and the kids. Molly and I picked 2 buckets of apples from the apple trees and we made Zucchini apple bread. I have never had it before but it was delicious and was gone in a heartbeat. Mark and the kids helped him put the rocks up on the roof so he could finish the outside of the chimney. It is looking really nice. We all went target shooting with the rifles later on in the night and then watch a movie.
My bruising around my armpit/sentinal node is healing nicely and the bruising is finally gone. I am taking less and less pain pills and using the ibuprofen now for the swelling. It will be nice when all visual effects of this surgery will be gone.
Have a great Labor Day!
Shawnae
My bruising around my armpit/sentinal node is healing nicely and the bruising is finally gone. I am taking less and less pain pills and using the ibuprofen now for the swelling. It will be nice when all visual effects of this surgery will be gone.
Have a great Labor Day!
Shawnae
Saturday, September 5, 2009
the results are in....
The surgeon called yesterday to let me know that all of the margins that were removed from the last surgery came back clear. All cancer has been removed from the breast. This is such fantastic news. So the next steps now are appointments with the medical and radiology Oncologists. They will discuss my plans and options for treatment. But for sure I am looking at radiation.
I did have a question for the nurse though today. I have fluid build-up in my left breast and I can now hear it sloshing around when I walk. It is like having a water balloon (this is not over exaggerated either.) She told me what it was so I went and looked it up and here is what I found.
Following lumpectomy, a space remains in the breast that was previously occupied by breast tissue. It is natural for spaces such as this to fill with fluid as the body responds normally to this missing tissue. The term "seroma" is the name for clear fluid buildup; the word "hematoma" is used to describe a blood collection. Finding fluid in the lumpectomy space is in no way abnormal. In most instances the body will reabsorb the fluid within a year after surgery, and longer periods of time are not rare. On occasion, the fluid formation may be uncomfortable and may even protrude from the breast. In these instances, your surgeon may elect to aspirate some of the fluid. Remember, there is no cause for concern. It is best, however, if you allow your doctor to recheck this area to make sure that you are healing properly.
Mark and Molly invited me up to their house this weekend and I accepted. We all decided I could recover here just as well as I can at my house. So, I drove up yesterday and was here by 3pm. Just in time for dinner. Mark made German stroganoff, salad and fresh corn on the cob. His friend, Dan, also joined us for dinner.
I did have a question for the nurse though today. I have fluid build-up in my left breast and I can now hear it sloshing around when I walk. It is like having a water balloon (this is not over exaggerated either.) She told me what it was so I went and looked it up and here is what I found.
Following lumpectomy, a space remains in the breast that was previously occupied by breast tissue. It is natural for spaces such as this to fill with fluid as the body responds normally to this missing tissue. The term "seroma" is the name for clear fluid buildup; the word "hematoma" is used to describe a blood collection. Finding fluid in the lumpectomy space is in no way abnormal. In most instances the body will reabsorb the fluid within a year after surgery, and longer periods of time are not rare. On occasion, the fluid formation may be uncomfortable and may even protrude from the breast. In these instances, your surgeon may elect to aspirate some of the fluid. Remember, there is no cause for concern. It is best, however, if you allow your doctor to recheck this area to make sure that you are healing properly.
Mark and Molly invited me up to their house this weekend and I accepted. We all decided I could recover here just as well as I can at my house. So, I drove up yesterday and was here by 3pm. Just in time for dinner. Mark made German stroganoff, salad and fresh corn on the cob. His friend, Dan, also joined us for dinner.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Home from 2nd surgery
Today was quite a wild ride. Surgery was scheduled for 11:45. Lee and I were on our way and in the parking lot when a nurse called and said an emergency came in and they were running about 2 hours behind. So I went home, changed into my tennis shoes and went out for a walk. If I stayed home all my food in the house would have been calling my name.
After walking about 30 min. she called again and said they juggled some stuff and can get us in now. So Lee picked me up where I was and we went up, started the IV and my surgeon came in and talked to us. He also let us know that another emergency came in and I would have to wait again.
Our discussion was what we know. That the margins weren't good and that he needed to get them all. He will take out a little more of an area closer to the nipple and closer to the outside of the breast. He also said they found that I have both types of cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The IDC we knew but the other we didn't he believes that it is a small amount but if this comes back that there is more to get he would be worried there are little patches all over and we can't just keep going in taking little by little. A masectomy would be in order then. Ugh! I will pray for the best but I didn't like hearing that.
I got in for surgery around 4:30 and I came home at about 8. A lot less pain this time coming out of it because they knew what meds to use with me this time. Praise God!
He will have these results back now in a couple of days. So in the meantime recovery, pills, ice and waiting.
After walking about 30 min. she called again and said they juggled some stuff and can get us in now. So Lee picked me up where I was and we went up, started the IV and my surgeon came in and talked to us. He also let us know that another emergency came in and I would have to wait again.
Our discussion was what we know. That the margins weren't good and that he needed to get them all. He will take out a little more of an area closer to the nipple and closer to the outside of the breast. He also said they found that I have both types of cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The IDC we knew but the other we didn't he believes that it is a small amount but if this comes back that there is more to get he would be worried there are little patches all over and we can't just keep going in taking little by little. A masectomy would be in order then. Ugh! I will pray for the best but I didn't like hearing that.
I got in for surgery around 4:30 and I came home at about 8. A lot less pain this time coming out of it because they knew what meds to use with me this time. Praise God!
He will have these results back now in a couple of days. So in the meantime recovery, pills, ice and waiting.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Second surgery is scheduled
Doctor called today and my second surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:45. They sure got me in quickly. Wow! Not even time to think about it but I guess that is for the best. After discussion with the radiologist they will not be doing the ultrasound beforehand because of all of the inflamation that I have from the first surgery. It would mask any findings. He had put in the stitches marking where he had taken tissue out so he will go with that marker that he made. I will go in and have an IV started, have the anasteshia started and then off to surgery. It will be a lot less labor intensive since we don't have to do the process with the wires or the sentinal node.
I am confused though because on the phone his nurse discussed with me the possibility of chemotherapy. I was under the assumption that we weren't going to have to do that since the sentinal node came back negative and my tumor was receptive to hormones. So I am really wanting to discuss all of this now with the medical oncologist. Hmmmm. So, here goes the waiting game again.
I will let you know how everything comes out tomorrow. Until then.....
Love,
Shawnae
I am confused though because on the phone his nurse discussed with me the possibility of chemotherapy. I was under the assumption that we weren't going to have to do that since the sentinal node came back negative and my tumor was receptive to hormones. So I am really wanting to discuss all of this now with the medical oncologist. Hmmmm. So, here goes the waiting game again.
I will let you know how everything comes out tomorrow. Until then.....
Love,
Shawnae
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