The breast surgeon called and said a full report would come at our next meeting, but she just wanted to relay the highlights of the pathology on the breast tissue and lymph nodes that were removed a week ago today. So without further ado...
First, the tumor was truly decimated by the chemo. The largest tumor sample found in all the tissue was only 3 millimeters across. This from a tumor that was 6+ centimeters at its peak.
Second, of the 9 lymph nodes that were removed all were negative for cancer. Bear in mind here that we were guaranteed some amount of lymph node involvement at least at the beginning, since that was how the cancer spread to the sternum.
Lastly, there was a clear margin around all the tissue, which means she got all of the tumor. We're pretty sure this does not mean that what is left has no cancer cells at all (hence the upcoming radiation), but it does mean the tumor itself is no more and will not be causing any further problems.
So that's da news. Becca continues to recover well, today logging her most hours vertical in a day yet. She still can't drive of course, which puts a significant crimp in our logistics, but we shall prevail. And the food train is coming to our station once again. Much gratitude to Denise for the great chicken cutlets Monday and to Jen for the tacos and fish tonight. Yummy all around!
I'll leave you with a song Becca has made up and is singing frequently. The tune doesn't matter. Pick your favorite blues or country sob-story melody. It is graphic so cover the children's ears:
Oooooooh, I have a plastic tube stickin' outta my armpit!
It's connected to this squishy thing that's filled with nasty stuff.
IIIIIII can't wait until I don't have a plastic tube stickin' outta my armpit!
Then I can get back to looking normal enough.
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