The Quest Continues

Sunday, April 26

Friday at Stanford was grueling. Anne Ream, Rigdon, and I spent the day together as I was examined and interviewed by the best oncologists close to us geographically and also in the most amazing setting. Jill Freidenrich and her husband, John, had given $25 million to build the center. It is large, airy, run very efficiently and gave me confidence in the process we were going through, the Stanford Tumor board.

I just listened to the tape of the final meeting with the chief oncologist, Dr. Stockdale. He spent a long time with us telling us what to do next. He and the tumor board all agreed that the right breast had to come off without any skin saving technique because the tumor is so large and they are concerned even the skin is involved. He suggested mote tests, bone scan and CAT scan to rule out cancer in a few murky spots on my spine they noted on the CAT/PT scan I had last Thursday. 

I also need a bone scan to make sure the cancer hasn't invaded my bones. They also feel lymph nodes are involved and want to see the breast MRI I had done two weeks ago when the tumor in the second breast was detected and confirmed by sonogram and biopsy. Stanford wants to see the blocks (tissue in parafin) to assay the type of cancer in a more comprehensive manner than was done in Marin.

They also want a chest x-ray and another blood draw. My platelets are low (hence all the bruising) and it gives them information that would be needed during surgery. During my back surgery last June, I received blood and platelet transfusions.

I am seeing the Marin surgeon, Dr. Cheryl Ewing, on Thursday and I will try to get the tests done as soon as possible. He said I will probably need chemotherapy and radiation after the surgery.  Dr. Stockdale feels chemo now is unwise (unless the lymph nodes look invovled on the MRI).

I was interviewed by a genetic counselor and had blood drawn to determine if I have BRACA1 or BRACA2 on my genes. My family history and the age I am developing these cancers leads them to believe I am a likely candidate. If I am carrying either or both of those genes, my daughter and two sisters should also be tested and eventually Mary, my grand daughter.

I am leaning towards a double mastectomy so I will not have to have a yearly MRI, and there is such a big possibility of the cancer returning after the left  side lumpectomy. I would also be very off balance with only one breast and any reconstruction is difficult with large dense breasts. These are difficult decisions to make.

Here I am on my porch awaiting my massage at 3 p.m. with my favorite, Anne Cheri. I am still quite stunned by the seriousness of my situation. Anne Ream has been my rock, having been President of the Board of Breast Cancer Connections, she knows her way around Stanford and the issue of cancer and treatments. She and Chris, her spouse, drove up yesterday to return my laptop I had left at their house on Friday. We had a great meal at Stellina restaurant in Point Reyes last night and a wonderful walk with Bubba at the Giacomini wetlands this morning.

Thank you for all the great cards, positive thoughts and prayers, I need them!