The Latest News

Today was Cynthia's first formal visit with her medical oncologist. We had met with him previously as part of the Cancer Clinic we mentioned in an earlier post. There was a lot of good news that came out of the visit today. First, the pathology report from the mastectomy looks good. The margins around the original lumpectomy site were clear (no cancer in the tissue immediately around the area where the original lumpectomy was performed). They did find one other site in the tissue where there was a very small pre-cancerous growth (DCIS). Given time, it would have developed into invasive cancer. However, while in this state, they are confident that had not spread any further. The second bit of good news is that the side effects of the chemo treatments should be relatively minor. Yes, Cynthia will lose her hair. However, the nausea will likely be minor and she is unlikely to experience things like mouth sores, etc. The first treatment is scheduled for November 21. There will be a total of four treatments scheduled three weeks apart. While this timing does not bode well for the Thanksgiving holiday, it will be the least disruptive to the Christmas holidays. Cynthia has felt quite well this week and if she continues to progress at this pace, she is comfortable that she will be ready by the 21st.

We were hoping for some direction on the radiation therapy today. However, her case appears to fall into a gray area and so the decision on radiation will likely be deferred until the chemo treatments are concluded. The fact that the tumors were small and had only spread to one lymph node works in her favor (i.e. the cancer is not particularly aggressive). However, the fact that there were seven tumors and it had spread into her lymph system complicates her case and works against her. I know - I appear to be contradicting myself. We have come to appreciate that in spite of the tremendous amount of science that goes into her treatments - a significant part of it is still an art and subject to gut feelings and practical experience.

In spite of the lack of decision on the radiation therapy, we are very pleased with today's results.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers! Life is good!