Cody Updates by Mom

MRI Results

Hi everyone

We got the MRI results today.  I am going to quote the doctor in places just because it seems easier to use her words.  As in reference to my left side…”There is a lot of activity going on there.”  Apparently the MRI images can show a tumor as being larger than what is actual however what they are seeing on the MRI is 7cm.  That is significantly larger than the 2.8cm that they saw on the ultra sound.  The doctor said that the ultra sound is typically a bit smaller than actual.  So somewhere between 2.8 and 7 is where the size will land.  Either way, it is more than they expected.  Regarding the right side:  “There is a small area of concern”.  In other words there is something on the right side that could also be cancer.

Options:

1. Have double mastectomy (with reconstruction) and have them take lymph nodes to test.  I will get the test back on the lymph nodes the day of surgery and the tests of the tumor a few days later. 4-6 week recovery time, no radiation at this time.  Chemo is dependent on the tumor and lymph nodes.

2. Have them just take out the tumors.  Required biopsy on both sides again to test the larger area on the left and the small area on the right.  Then have surgery to remove just the tumors (both sides).  Recovery time for surgery is a few days.  Surgery is then followed by a required 6 weeks of radiation.  Still have the same tests on the lymph nodes and tumor to determine if chemo is needed.  Possible secondary surgery to remove any additional tissue if they some of the cancer cells are close to the border of the tissue they have removed.

The choice: It feels kind of like a cryptic version of Let’s make a deal.  “Behind door number one we have a new set of..!”  Well you get the idea. 🙂  We pretty much have landed on option number 1.  Longer recovery but no radiation, no new tests or waiting for results and a much lower chance of recurrence.  Based on the new information this choice feels like the right decision.

Next steps:  Tomorrow I will be setting up an appointment with the plastic surgeon to discuss my reconstruction procedure and options.  They will then schedule surgery when both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon can be available to complete it all at one time.  Then more waiting.  I am finding I am not as patient as I used to be.

Thank you to everyone that has sent your notes of encouragement, prayers and support.  It truly does make a difference in our emotional and mental wellbeing to know you are all behind us and cheering for us.  We are blessed to have you all in our lives!

Caring Bridge Comments:

Maria-Renee|Mar 27, 2014 10:55am
If I were in your position, I would have opted for choice #1 as well. Although option #2 might “save” what is left of the girls in a sense, when we have people who love us, care for us, and depend upon us, option #1 appears to be the best for everyone, and eliminates that dreadful waiting time. We are thinking of you every day! Melanie, you are amazingly strong and positive, and love and support surrounds you. KICK ASS!!
Melanie King|Mar 26, 2014 6:13pm
Thank you for the laughs today! I am excited to see what options I have. Yes, Jim will have input but not final say. Don’t need to make a huge “statement” with them. He wanted to make sure that he was at the appointment with the plastic surgeon for sure. 🙂
Teri Engnell Quigg Quigg|Mar 26, 2014 2:22pm
Roger, you are sooo funny.
Roger Engnell|Mar 26, 2014 1:03pm
Hey Sis! Will keep praying and sending lots of love your way. I was wondering though, are you letting Jim pick out your new accessories or are you going to do it? Love you!
Teri Engnell Quigg Quigg|Mar 26, 2014 8:51am
Lil sis, We are praying for you and I’m assembling a big cheering section for thou here. I love you and am sending good thoughts your way. At least your new girls won’t sag 😉
Love and prayers..from mom|Mar 26, 2014 8:08am
Are we twins yet??????? Yes we will definately be cheering you on. I am glad they can do this all in one shot so to speak as i had to wait for a year before they put the transplant in. This will make your recovery easier I think. Waiting is hard!! I don’t think you are less patient, i just think you have a lot more to wait about. While you are recovering let me know and I will come out and do your cleaning for you. I love you and you are in my prayers every day.
Phyllis said to say hello and she will ask for prayers from her bible study group today. She does not have internet so I just read your posts to her. For her, you are simply one of her kids.
Lea Engnell|Mar 25, 2014 9:28pm
Hopefully everything falls into place quickly, waiting is tough…in the meantime have fun picking out the perfect pair! 😉 love and hugs

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