Labs Back!

Got a call from Dr. Bellavance today.  Labs are back and all of her preliminary "naked eye" predictions were confirmed.  Lymph nodes are clear.  Margins are clear - meaning all tissue surrounding the cancer are free of cells.  This means no radiation!!   Prayers, candles, well wishes and positive vibes really do work!

My case will be reviewed at  "tumor review" next Tuesday.  Sounds fun... I envision bagels, danish, coffee, and tumor talk; a cancer klatch if you will.  The cons of my case still remain that my tumor was over 1 cm, I am at a relatively young age for diagnosis, and I have a family history of breast cancer. The results of the Oncotype DX are still a big piece of the puzzle  - that might just be the determining factor to tip the scales one way or the other.  These results are, of course, still not back.  She hopes to have them by Tuesday.  So, radiation out... chemo still a maybe.  Half yay?

I got two drains out on Tuesday and will likely get the others out next Tuesday when the nurse practitioner is available here in Hagerstown without having to go to Baltimore to see the plastic surgeon; another positive. Now THAT was a weird feeling!  She snipped the suture that held the tube in place and gave a huge yank --like you would to start a lawn mower and voila - tubing out!  It kind of wrapped over and around in a circle shape- I swear there must have been 18 inches in there! Rustin retched a little.

Hopefully Dr. Bellavance will call after tumor review, but I am scheduled to meet again with her in person next Fri. 2/21 for my surgical follow-up and recommendations.

Still living the life, but hanging in the slow lane. Had two snow days this week which work in my favor as far as accruing the number of days required for student teaching, but leave me little time to enjoy a peaceful recovery. Studying for my Praxis test which I will take tomorrow.  (state requirement for teaching certification)  I scheduled it months ago and changing the date would have put me too far out time wise. Taking that bull by the horns and plan to nail it. I can live off of the pain meds and am able to focus for the most part so I am going in with confidence. That seems to be decent strategy for me!  I still can't drive so Rustin will have to occupy his time and wait some more for me.  He has been extreeeemely patient!

Well, Happy Valentine's Day! I hope many of you have heard one or more "Happy ValenTIMES Day" wishes - one of my personal favorites.  I will enjoy some chocolate and a well deserved glass of wine.

I can't say it enough -  thank you to so many for your generosity, and thoughtfulness. We have received so many fantastic meals, lovely gifts, and gestures of kindness.
Sending love from me and the Riss family back out to all of you who take time to read :)  I'll post again when I get some more news.