For those interested in the more technical aspects of the pathology report on the biopsied lump, this is where things stand... The report was actually quite complicated and it's not completely resolved how to proceed. It appears there are signs of (1) fibrocystic changes; (2) beginning signs of fibroadenoma; and (3) Pseudo-angiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH). There is general controversy over how to handle PASH, which is supposed to be a rare finding. I spoke to both Dr. Chen (who performed the MRI-guided biopsy) and Dr. Pierce (radiation oncologist) earlier today. Dr. Chen initially recommended surgical removal, but Dr. Pierce felt it may not be necessary, and they talked it over for a while. Later in the afternoon, I got a call from Dr. Chen and she said that she would leave the decision regarding whether to remove it or not to me and Dr. Moynihan, and the fact that it appeared in the MRI as a 'probably benign' lump suggests that it is not a concern, and can be monitored instead. (I meet with Dr. Moynihan on Thursday.) I've been in touch with Dr. Robert via email and he said he'll look over the results tomorrow and give his opinion as well. Seems every answer leads to new questions, but I am pleased the results are generally pretty good, considering... On the cancer treatment front, we are now just waiting for the Oncotype DX test results that should come in next week.
I'm much more focused now on eating right, and even have a chart Kemi created for me posted on the fridge where I mark off when I eat the main items - tomato-based sauce, sardines, wild blueberries, soy milk, dark chocolate, tangerines, peppery curry, brocolli/cauliflower, cranberries, green tea. Some I will try to have daily (tea, blueberries, milk, tangerines, chocolate) and others a few times a week. The dilemma with the green tea is that the kind that is good for you, like japanese sencha, is sold caffeinated. I had a cup yesterday evening and spent hours up in the middle of the night. One suggestion I found on a site at about 4am was to seep the tea for about 30 secs, pour out the tea, and then re-seep for the cup that you actually drink. It's supposed to be a more natural way to get most of the caffeine out. We'll see if it worked - I tried it today.
On the emotional side, I've been getting lots of support from family and friends who visit and call, and it means so much to me. Miranda brought several books over the weekend, and I am also working through some that Beckie had picked out when she came last month. And there's the music player on my new phone... I have lots to keep me occupied! But really, I can't imagine how I'd manage without my faith. Knowing that God will give me the strength makes me able to face all the uncertainty much better than I imagined I could have. I just pray that those I share with also share the faith, so they don't allow themselves to get discouraged or worried as this drags on.
I thank God for another day!
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