On Friday we received some less than encouraging news when the oncologist told us that the sentinel lymph node that was surgically removed on Wednesday contained cancer cells: micro-masticualar carcinoma. Of course we were hoping for no cancer in the lymph nodes. Shermance was caught off guard. Tearfully she said, “I didn’t need any more bad news.”
Although the news instantly shifted Shermance’s positive demeanor from heroic bravery to tearful sadness, the oncologist offered some levity when he said, “You’re still going to get on the [expletive] horse and ride”. In fact, it doesn’t change the plan. While we thought that automatically put us in stage 3 we don’t know for sure. It may be 2b or 3a (or possibly 3b or c), we won’t know for sure. The treatment plan follows: 6 months of chemo, a double mastectomy with reconstruction, and 5 years of hormone therapy. It’s a long road ahead of us, but we are focused on the light at the end…5 consecutive years of confirmed CANCER FREE. We will get there.
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