Opinion #1
We met with the first surgeon this afternoon and I think everyone was in agreement that we really liked him. He took time to explain everything to us and answer all of our questions. Based on what he knows so far, he thinks I am a candidate for a lumpectomy, which would just remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. This would mean I automatically get radiation, five days a week for six weeks, uninterrupted. He said he also thinks I'll probably have chemo, but we'll know that for sure once the tumor has been removed.
Along with the lumpectomy, they will also do what's called a sentinel node biopsy. This means instead of removing all of my lymph nodes, they will take out the "sentinel" nodes and test to see if they contain cancer cells. To do this, they will inject a dye at the location of the tumor and the first lymph node it gets to is considered the sentinel node. The theory is that if this node is cancer free, then those past it will be also. Whether or not it has spread to lymph nodes will determine staging and also chemo.
I now need to have an MRI, a chest X-Ray, and some blood work. The MRI is scheduled for next Wednesday, the same day I meet with the other surgeon. The chest x-ray and bloodwork I think I can do anytime. I also need to set up an appointment with an oncologist and a radiation oncologist. This doctor is working to get me onto his surgical calendar, so as soon as we have a date, I'll let you know.
I was given reams of paper to read, so I guess I better get to it!
Along with the lumpectomy, they will also do what's called a sentinel node biopsy. This means instead of removing all of my lymph nodes, they will take out the "sentinel" nodes and test to see if they contain cancer cells. To do this, they will inject a dye at the location of the tumor and the first lymph node it gets to is considered the sentinel node. The theory is that if this node is cancer free, then those past it will be also. Whether or not it has spread to lymph nodes will determine staging and also chemo.
I now need to have an MRI, a chest X-Ray, and some blood work. The MRI is scheduled for next Wednesday, the same day I meet with the other surgeon. The chest x-ray and bloodwork I think I can do anytime. I also need to set up an appointment with an oncologist and a radiation oncologist. This doctor is working to get me onto his surgical calendar, so as soon as we have a date, I'll let you know.
I was given reams of paper to read, so I guess I better get to it!
Comments