After the news from the surgery that Linda had at least one lymph node positive, the next best thing we were hoping for was minimal additional nodes affected and "clear margins" (no cancer on the edges of the removed tissue which would require additional surgery) around the breast tumor. The great news from today was that they only found cancer in 2 out of the 17 nodes removed! Of those, one was the cancer they noticed in the original Sentinel node biopsy during surgery. And the second node was very minimally involved with just a microscopic tumor amount. The remaining breast tumor was only 5mm so very small. This is all good news after the previous disappointment.
Linda had her drainage tube removed from the armpit surgical dissection site. She will be at higher risk for lymphedema in the future so she will be taking extra precautions to prevent that from happening. But, everything appears to be healing nicely and she will start working on her arm mobility over the next couple weeks.
Next week, we meet with the radiation oncologist to determine a radiation plan, and with the medical oncologist to review the overall treatment plan post-surgery and post-chemo.
Ava had two outings today. First was to the pediatrician where we were hoping to get her second monthly Synagis RSV shot (antibodies) to help her fight it should she get this nasty illness. Unfortunately (especially given the snow and icy 25 degree weather) there was a mixup in approvals/etc so we'll have to go back another time. But, she did get a checkup from the pediatrician so it wasn't a wasted trip. The Dr was happy with Ava's progress and she weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces! Most people that see her still comment how little she looks but she looks very big to us! Our second outing was to the surgical oncologist where Ava offered mommy moral support while she had her drainage tube removed.
Ava ready for her big outings today:
Rob.
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5 comments:
So glad to hear your news about the cancer. I can't believe how big Ava is getting. She is really growing well - I'm so happy for that, too. When/if you are ready for some not so light reading, one of the PTs I work with wrote a book about Lymphedema prevention and treatment. She is one of the most well respected therapists in the Portland area. I'll find out the book information if you're interested. Congratulations on the minimal involvement and the clear margins. That's the best news!
Thanks Christi! We would love to know about the book when you find out the information. Thank you!
Hey great news all around -- Yippee Skippee!! Take it niiice and slow to let that owie get better, Linda dear.
Ava looks so darn cute in that pic, very alert & eager for the trip!
Love 'n' Hugs,
Wennie
Hurray, hurray for good news! I'm banking on 2009 to be the Blair's best year yet.
Cheers,
Audrey
HOORAY!!!!!! Prayer works!!! This is PROOF!!
The pictures are amazing - Linda, you're just as gorgeous as ever and little Ava is simply fabulous!! Keep up the great work........you're doing wonderful and obviously surrounded by love!!
Carol W.
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