Waiting for the phone call

I am right there with you.... Getting results back today hopefully. Hang in there! Prayers and best wishes to you:

Hugs to you, Wrinklequeen. I think everything in this journey can be summed up with "waiting". My results came in dribbles. First from the radiologist, then from the lab. Interestingly, I picked up the latest copy from the radiologist and they had added more detail in the report on my numbing and how I weathered the procedures, much more than I initially received. After a review by a panel at the Breast Clinic, I am deemed a stage 1. That will be at least until the full lumpectomy and a few corresponding nodes are fully examined. I had to ask the surgeon what stage I was to find out. It wasn't in any report that I received. Your information might come in small bits of information.

The good news is found early and not fast spreading. I spent most of yesterday waiting for various consults at the Breast Clinic. Though even a coordinated group, my information has arrived in pieces of information.  I have met with the oncology surgeon and oncology radiologist and have a plan in place. Scheduling today for about 2 weeks out, the first available opening since it requires coordination between the 2 doctors.  It does get better once you know and feel like you are more in control.

I still find my emotions swinging.  I was ecstatic when told mine was "very treatable", very different from my immobilization when I first saw the word "invasive". While sitting in the surgical oncology waiting room and seeing all the brave women in various stages of recovery, the reality hit me. It was hard holding back the tears.

I still have some second thoughts on treatment of choice, but each time I reevaluate I come up with the same answer. I'm scheduling a lumpectomy to be followed with a one time intraoperative radiation therapy. I may be done for the moment at that point, or my have to go through a reduced radiation therapy to supplement the intraoperative one if they find evidence in my nodes or margins. They believe I am a good candidate for this lesser radiation treatment, but it doesn't have the established track record as a full radiation treatment. My risks of reoccurrence will be slightly higher, but side effects less. Longevity rates the same.

Whatever the outcome, my life and perspective have changed forever. I am more grateful than ever for medical advances, caring people and life in general.

Benign!! I had three biopsies and all are benign, one turned out to be a papilloma. Dr. likened it to a polyp on your colon, benign, but better to take out anyway, so I have an appointment with the surgeon next week. So glad your results are benign, Wrinklequeen!!