More Medical Meetings yesterday & today: with the surgeon, Dr. Buchanan and with Dr. Rinn, the oncologist. I was a bit hasty in my last post...
My tumor tested positive for HER-2neu, an oncogene that encourages cells to grow. In 30% of breast cancers, there are too many of these oncogenes, which is why the cells over-produce. My initial test for HER-2neu was inconclusive, but the more expensive (FISH)test shows I am positive for it.
Treatment protocols are not clear for for tumors of my size (under 1 cm) that are both hormone receptive and HER-2neu postitive. On the one hand, it's a pretty small tumor. On the other hand, HER-2neu indicates a greater likelihood of re-occurrence. Dr Rinn, a sprightly woman, who is as ready to offer a smile as a statistic, is inclined toward a chemotherapy regimen combining hercepterin and taxol, while admitting that choices are not clear.
Ugh. I really wanted to avoid radiation & chemo. I was looking forward to the recovery period, instead of more treatment.
This news puts me back into the realm of gathering information: we'll try to run more diagnostics on the tissue. I'll meet with a cancer naturopath to look at a variety of options. I'll look at some more studies online. And pray. And sleep.
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Damn!
ReplyDeleteWell, one step at a time.
I keep sending the universe good thoughts your way.
See you tomorrow with soup and organic garden greens (mangold = Hungarian spinach) and lemon sorbetto and sunflower coconut oatmeal cookies in hand.
love ya!
Karin
I know you'll make another wise, informed, intelligent decision. Sending positive vibes and restful thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Dear Beth,
ReplyDeleteThis is hard news. I'll be praying for wisdom and discernment for you and everyone on your medical team as you make your next set of decisions.
Love,
Pam
Sigh.
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you might like some tea and sympathy.
Terry
Dearest Beth,
ReplyDeleteI was honored you invited me over for a visit yesterday. The chai was delicious and your company was even more so. Your eyes never looked lovelier.
The commute back home would have been a major drag (I'm so spoiled in never having to face rush hour traffic) but for the entertaining Sedaris tapes! The first chapter brought me back to my own grade school speech therapy classes.
I just got something from mosaicvoices.org I'd like to share with you. Michael J. Meade writes: "...the soul can view troubled times...as opportunities for inner growth....In hard times, "soul work" and the workings of the soul become more essential; for it is soul that knows where the hidden connections and forgotten meanings of life can be found again...Knowledge can be gained in the brightness of daylight and in the flush of a growth period, but genuine wisdom grows where darkness and difficulty are fully encountered. Increasing wisdom involves finding the hidden resources of the soul - the older, wiser part of us that can more deeply connect us to the world. The soul would lead us to renewal, but only after some descent to the core of life that secretly nourishes the roots of both culture and nature....Soul would take us deeper in order to make us wiser. in this darker revelation of life things seem both impossible and more possible at the same time. Amidst feelings of loss and desperation, surprising ideas and new designs apear. When all seems lost the things that are most essentially ours can be found again, deep changes occur and things can turn around. When guided by the soul's deep caring both nature and culture are served and the connections between the daily world and the realm of imagination and beauty can be woven anew."
Oh, and here's how to get in touch with eZa, my beloved yoga teacher: ezazkind@yahoo.com
Hard news, indeed, Beth. Even if only of the 'damn - one more thing to deal with that I thought I could avoid' veriety. But I'm so proud of how you've handled all of this; and so happy to have heard all the support and good vibes coming your way. Oh, and the food, too. I have to eat after almost every time I read the blog. Can't say that about every medical story you read, right?
ReplyDeleteThinking about you,
Chris
My dear Beth - lanya, as they say in Saipan (which is to say, merde); NOT what we want for you. But thank you for telling us, so I can send my prayers your way, in all their confusion of Judaism/animism/wicca.....I think about you all the time. I wish I was there.
ReplyDeletelove and hugs
Gail
Hi Beth! Did you wake up to a sweeter smelling world today after last night's gentle rain?
ReplyDeleteI made your recipe for kale chips...favoloso! That was my entire dinner! Thanks for sharing!
love,
Karin
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