Pathology Results and Updates

I had an appointment this morning with the surgeon who performed my mastectomies to check my incisions, range of motion and go over my pathology results.

I'm happy to report that she was happy with all of it.
If Dr. Bretzke is happy, I'm happy.

She commented that my "breasts are stretching amazingly well in a short amount of time."
That's certainly not something I would have wanted to hear last year, but now, it's a good thing.

I have mixed feelings on the breast tissue expanders.
While they're currently weird shaped and feel like turtle shells...with a shirt on, I like them.
I look to be currently about an average C. They're crazy full and I don't have to wear a bra. They are definitely more than a handful. We will have to over expand them past what size I want to be so that I have enough skin after radiation to make the exchange.

Radiation will probably shrink the skin on the left side and make it tough like leather. It can also cause burns. We will do all of the stretching before starting rads because in some cases, the skin doesnt't stretch well afterwards.
This is the route they think will render me the best results.
I meet with my Radiation Oncologist on Monday to figure out the game plan.

My chest is still numb. I can't feel anything on my skin or my left armpit area.
I usually don't even know if I've bumped into something until my turtle shells are stabbing me in the ribs. It's an odd feeling. It hurts to hug. I still need pain meds at night and I continue to sleep in the recliner in my pillow nest. It hurts my muscles to lie flat.

During the day, I feel pretty well. I still can't do a ton with my left arm, but I have started exercises to help my range improve.
I start physical therapy on Friday to keep my Lymphedema risk down.

I go for a Herceptin infusion tomorrow and a check up with my oncologist.
This seems to be the week of never ending appointments.
I am so thankful for a great husband and fabulous friends who are willing to watch my kiddos while I go from place to place.

My pathology reports were as good as they could possibly be.
Evaluation of the lymph nodes showed no evidence of metastatic disease within 23 nodes. This means it hasn't spread. Two of the nodes showed changes showing treatment effect. That means chemo zapped them.

My first tumor is gone. The report states, *NO RESIDUAL INVASIVE TUMOR PRESENT.*
Holy-baby-Jesus-in-a-manger, was it ever good to see that in black and white! :)

A secondary tumor was found in the same breast at the time of the mastectomy. It was 0.3 cm and it was called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. It was within the breast tissue that was taken out and it's long gone now.

I got a handshake from the doctor and the all clear to not come back for one whole year.
Today's a good day.