Yesterday, Doug and I met with the surgeon for the results of the breast MRI and to discuss the next steps in my treatment. We got news that was as good as we could get. The MRI was clear – there is no cancer in either breast. That is a huge praise. He said he got good 1 cm margins around each tumor, so that was good news as well.

The tumor tested positive for both estrogen and progesterone receptors, meaning that it was hormone sensitive. This means I will need to take tamoxifin for five years, but this should help to prevent a recurrence.

We are waiting for some other test results. Early next week I should have the HER-2 results. This is another indicator of recurrence. If this is positive, it would mean chemo, every other week for a year delivered via IV. He said that I wouldn’t lose my hair with this drug.

They will also run an oncotype, which tests 32 different genes. If the oncotype score is low, no chemo. If it is high (not likely with my type of tumor), chemo.

The last will be the lymph nodes. I would like to wait until we have the HER-2 and the oncotype back before I have this surgery. It will help to determine whether or not a mastectomy might be a good option. I would rather not have to have one.

Radiation is definite. It generally is given five days a week for five weeks. There is an ongoing study that shows promising results in which patients are given radiation twice a day for five days. Even if I would apply for the study and be accepted, it’s no guarantee that I would have the shorter version.

I was thankful to have Doug with me yesterday. I asked good questions that helped us to understand (I hope!) what the doctor was saying. I’m also thankful for a good doctor who is willing to take the time to explain things to his patients.

Early next week I will need to see both the medical and radiation oncologists. Hopefully I will have the information I need so I can have the sentinel lymph node biopsy either late this coming week or early the next.

I have a great sense of relief that the tests so far have been good. Please keep praying that we will keep getting good news. Pray for a continued sense of peace and trust. I did have some ups and downs last week as the news began to sink in. Pray also for low side effects from the drugs I will need to take. I’m kinda sensitive. In fact, I had to pull my steri-strips off from my surgery because I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Ugh.

Thank you all so much for the kind and encouraging words. We have a God who is bigger than cancer, bigger than my fear. He has shown his grace and his faithfulness to me. Sometimes as frail humans, we want to fix our problems ourselves. Even if the doctors are able to cure me, they only have that ability through God. Yes, I must research and make sure I’m getting the best medical care I can, but I’m relying on him to give me wisdom each step of the way.