Good News -- Margins ARE clear!

Chrys23

Hi!

Long story short -- Had Lumpectomy June 9th and re-excision on July 21st. I *thought* the Nurse Practitioner meant that I had .3mm cancer still LEFT in my breast, when I called for the path results last week,  but that's NOT the case! My margins are CLEAR. The 3mm was in the breast tissue that the surgeon took out with the re-excision.  This was confirmed with both the BS and Rad onc today!!  Yay! I start chemo next Wednesday!!!! 

Also -- Developed some weird throat issue/problem after the surgery, as well as mild face swelling/neck/jaw achiness.  Saw ENT last week and have  "Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disorder" from the surgery (reflux backed up and bathed my throat). I hadn't been able to swallow for the past week and it's been scary, but it's better today.

Saw the Onc who fit me in his schedule and he said he thinks the ENT is right, as well as some mild lymph inflammation and possible virus in the face/neck area that will resolve on its own.

I am SO THANKFUL for my team -- the Onc saw me without me being scheduled and I live in NJ and travel to Philly. He then wanted the surgery issue resolved TODAY and called a radiation Onc to see me right after (never met him before and he took over one hour with me!!), who then in turn called my Breast Surgeon and he ALSO saw me today, even though my appointment was to be tomorrow from my breast follow-up!! All  3 dr's are in the same area and took time out of their busy schedules while doing clinicals and seeing other patients to help ease my fears about the swallowing/facial issues I've been having and to answer all my questions.

I also learned my Oncotype Score was 16 -- which is low, I believe. I'm node-positive, and doing chemo anyway, but I wanted to see what the score would be.  I asked to tour the Chemo area and there are private rooms with nice flat screen tv's so that was good as well. I had a one-on-one consult on the phone last week with the chemo nurse and she sent all my scripts by mail (gott'em already!! as well as my script for a wig prothesis).

Sorry this is so long, but I've been so worried that I'd have to have another surgery while dealing with this throat issue and it was good news all around today!!!  I feel blessed.........

Thanks for reading!!!!

Chrys

Chrys23

Bump!

sushanna1

Chrys,

I checked the boards hoping for good news.  Glad that things are back on track.  Good luck.

Sue 

Chrys23

Thanks Sue! So good to see ya' -- hope all is well! 

c2will

Hi Chrys,

Glad to hear that you're able to start chemo with no more interruptions.  You've certainly had your share of bumps in the road!

Carol

SuziePA

Chrys- I thought about you all day. Sooo happy for you!



Suzanne

Chrys23

Sushanna1/ C2Will/ SuziePA: 

Thank you ladies!! Yes -- it's a relief to be able to move on the next step. It's been a rough road for sure. 

I hope you are all ok and doing well!

Best,

Crystal

suemed8749

Chrys - I posted on the other thread, and I'm SO happy to read your news! I know you had a rough time, and it's great that your margins are clear (yay!) and your throat is better. Onto chemo - wishing you well.

Sue

Chrys23

Thanks Suemed!! I feel like if I get too 'happy' -- something bad will happen. So, I've been pretty numb with the "good" news believe it or not. I was feeling so crappy and so scared...Now, on to chemo which is scary in itself with all the unknown.

katehudson25

Hi, I just want to let you know that I share in your good news. I had a lumpectomy 7/8 and my margins were not clear. I had a sentinel node biopsy and re-excision surgery Monday Aug1. I went to see my surgeon today and he told me there is no lymph node involvement and my margins are clear. We are blessed. i am happy you had good news too.