Good News

We met with my oncologist and the good news is that my oncotype score (recurrence risk) is quite low at 5 which means there is likely to be no benefit of chemotherapy especially given the whole picture of the cancer and its biology.  I know to some it may seem weird to not treat a young person but my cancer is barely dividing and will likely do more harm than good.  I will need to take tamoxifen which a pill (hormone blocker) for 5-10 years +/- another medicine.    I will be getting a second opinion on this to be safe but overall great news.   I hope this finds you all well.  XXOXXO

Inspiration

I apologize that it has been a little long since our last post.  I have been doing well and have been talking to some amazing people in the cancer community....one of which is a friend of my father-in-law who didn't know me but sent me a book called, Life Over Cancer by Dr. Block.  He is an integrative physician in Chicago who uses both conventional and alternative treatments since the 80's to focus on the full body and individual treatment of cancer. This book has and will continue to be life changing for me..... it also offers great stories of hope.  Ryan and I made the decision to go to The Block Center in May to seek treatment and start on their program.  I am so excited and truly and answer to prayer.   Essentially the the theory is to change your biological terrain by working on diet changes, exercise, and mind body interactions.  I highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with cancer.
On Monday we have an appointment scheduled with my oncologist to go over a final test that quantifies my risk of recurrence. This will help with the decision of chemo.
We had a great Easter with Ryan parents and very thankful for each and every day.  Lastly we will be doing a walk for the brain tumor society in memory of Carrie.  It will take place in early June with family and excited to be part of the team.

The bone scan was negative.....praise God!
I will need to take a hormone blocker called Tamoxifen, but need to do one more test to decide if chemotherapy is needed.  This test will take about 3 weeks if they have enough tumor to do the test.  Radiation is unlikely but may need to meet with a radiation oncologist to confirm this thought.  Thanks for your concern and support.  We are doing good.  Lastly, just to explain the cowbell thing......Ryan and I loved the Will Farrell skit on SNL. Anyway,  before our wedding I bought a cowbell on eBay.  My brother's DJ friend played "Don't fear the reaper" 2 x at our wedding reception because it was so much fun dancing and passing the cowbell around.

I am 18 days out of surgery and doing pretty well.  All the drains are out and my surgeon is happy with how things are going.  I will be getting weekly fills in the expanders which are painful but manageable.  I will hopefully start physical therapy next week.  The official pathology found the tumor cells in one out of ~15 lymph nodes.  I had my bone scan Thursday but won't get the official result until Monday when we see the oncologist.  We should know by then about chemo and or radiation.   My sciatica is getting better with rest and acupuncture.  I have had daily help since surgery plus meals and cleaning which we have been absolutely wonderful.   Thank to our parents who have been here, my sister, Kat, & Elena who came to help.   Everyone who has contributed near and far we are forever grateful as we truly couldn't do it without the "village."  Ryan and the kids are doing well.