Pathology Results.....

Well, I only got one of my three drains removed.  I get the other two out tomorrow if the amount of drainage has decreased.  My pathology report was better than my doctor and I had expected, Praise God.  Okay here are the results, more than you would ever care to know I'm sure. 

I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (which is what about 80% if all breast cancers are). 

The tumor size was 3.4 cm and the largest lymph node was 4 cm. 

I have stage IIb breast cancer (assuming that my scans do not indicate that the cancer has spread to other organs)  Staging is based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes are involved, and whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast.  Breast cancer is staged from 0-IV, with IV being the worst.

My cancer is Grade 3.  The grade tells how aggressive (fast growing) the cancer is.  Cancer grades are from  1-3,   3 being very aggressive and fast growing.

I had 3 out 13 lymph nodes that were positive for cancer.  My doctor and I were very happy with this news, we thought it would be much worse.  If 4 nodes had been positive than I would have been considered stage III.  I need all the help I can get, lol.  I live for the good news.

My cancer is estrogen receptor negative and progesterone receptor negative.  Breast cancers whose hormone receptors are positive tend to respond better, especially to hormonal therapy but there are still treatments available.  Would have been better if mine were positive.
My HER-2 status is negative.  This is good news.


Well, now that you've had your anatomy and physiology lesson for the day you are up to speed.  I go the oncologist for the fist time on Wednesday, December 29th.  He will schedule my other scans (to make sure the cancer hasn't spread to other organs) and go over my treatment plan with me.  I will have chemotherapy, without question, but I'm not sure if I will still have to have radiation.

On a lighter note... Mom and I went to the American Cancer Society this afternoon.  They were the nicest, sweetest, most helpful girls.  They gave me 2 wigs, 2 prosthetic bras, a hat, an arm pillow and tons of information.  I was really impressed.  Mom took a couple of crazy pictures of me, we laughed and had a fun time.