Pathology report + need for advice

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HeatherBLocklear
HeatherBLocklear Member Posts: 1,370
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Dear all,

I saw my BS this morning. The result of the pathology report is  .......................... complete clinical response! Unbelievable, but true. The pathologist said he found a minute area in the breast were cancer had most probably been, but there's no evidence of disease at this time. Gary took 19 nodes; many were matted and scarred, but there was no viable cancer in any of them.  I am dumbfounded, but so very, very grateful. What a great start to the new academic year, not to mention to the rest of my life!

Now I need some advice. The BS told me that in light of my response, radiation and continued Avastin are pretty much a matter of personal choice. I think I want to pursue both. I want neither a recurrence, nor a new primary -- if I can possibly prevent those scenarios from happening by taking the treatments, it seems worth it to me.

On the other hand, both carry risks. Radiation can harm the heart and lung and makes skin less apt for reconstruction. Avastin means issues with wound healing -- a genuine problem if one needs emergency surgery, or if one is involved in an accident.

So, dear sisters, I am counting on you for counsel and wisdom.

Love to all,

Annie Camel Cochlea

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  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited August 2008

    OMG, hurray, hurray, hurray!!!!!!!!!   I am so thrilled and ecstatic!!!!!!!!!!!  This is fantastic!!!!!!!

    I have to say, I have no advice at the moment.  I'm sure others will be along with that.  I just want to send champagne and chocolates!  And if you don't want the champagne, I'll drink it, and bring a red for you!  And I'm sure the skin cream will be good for spa rubdowns and massages if you decline rads Wink!  (I told you, I needed to send a talisman!)

     YIPPEE!!!!

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited August 2008

    Oh this is wonderful news!  That calls for a pint of Ben & Jerry's!

    Oh, this issue of radiation is one that is hard to nail down.  I would ask your onc for statistics, may help you decide.

    Same with the Tamoxifen.  Decisions, decisions, I got so sick of deciding things THEY should have been a lot better equiped than me to answer.

    Hugs, Shirlann 

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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited August 2008

    Oh! The BEST possible news! YAAAAY! Yipppppeeee!

    Lordy, I don't know what my decision would be. You mentioned you were planning on bilateral mx., right? I might forgo the radiation. And if the nodes were really crystal clear of any tumor cells - I'd say why borrow trouble with further lymphedema risk with radiation. Not to mention the heart/lung long-term possible issues. But as I say, I'd still give it some thought. The Avastin, I think I'd say, "Farewell, good and faithful servant".

    For now, I'd whooop it up, big-time!!!!!

    So happy for you, Annie CamelSmiles!

    Lisa 

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  • bluedahlia
    bluedahlia Member Posts: 6,944
    edited August 2008

    Congratulations.  I am so happy for you.  I have no advice to give you either but Edge on nosurrender's forum is very well read in these areas.  You might want to ask him for an unbiased opinion.  God bless!!!!!!!!!!

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited August 2008

    Oh, Annie Queen of Camels, I am so incredibly happy for you. It's like you almost dare not breathe, for it might be a dream! So, dancing with NED, now, huh? I hope it lasts a lifetime, regardless of the treatment you choose!

    Big hugs,

    Anne

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  • HeatherBLocklear
    HeatherBLocklear Member Posts: 1,370
    edited August 2008

    THANK YOU! You give me so much support that I actually feel like Michelle Obama this morning! Cool 

    It's a great idea to ask Edge. I've already delved into this treatises on triple negative bc and the treatment options, so he's obviously the expert to query. Does he answer email, I wonder?

    Dahlia, is that Mike Brandt, by any chance? If it is, wow! I thought I was the only person on earth who remembers that man.

    AnneW, you are now an Honorary Camel Sister!

    AnnNYC, I think that no matter what I decide about the Avastin, I will definitely do the radiation. So the wonderful cream WILL be used for the right purpose! And every time I put it on, it will be with an affectionate thought for you, my dear friend.

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited August 2008

    I love being an honorary camel sister! It's only fitting, for I have been on the stinky back of one of those thingsback in the day...I was stationed in Turkey for a while, you know! So, I am familiar, and I can help name parts when you think you've run out.

    But your camel has a new first name, and that is NED. And he has gorgeous long lashes, and hits the spittoon every time he lets it fly!

    I'm still in awe of how all this works. Tons of poison before slicing and dicing, and darned if them cancer critters ain't hi-tailed outta there! Better than a roach mobile, doncha think?

    Keep rocking,

    Anne of the nomadic sisterhood

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  • jdash
    jdash Member Posts: 754
    edited August 2008

    Annie  yeahhhhhhh thats unbelievable news-  i remember we pmd each other when you first started on this journey and I told you I had had a complete clinical response

    SENDING YOU A GIANT HUG AND FILLED WITH HAPPINESS FOR YOU!

    JULIA

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited August 2008

    Annie, after all the worry during the chemo, this is truly wonderful news! My only advice is don't second guess yourself. Make a decision and stick with it. You've been making the right ones up to now, so why think you're going to stop any time soon?

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