Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
On July 6th, I brought up a recurring concern to my Doctor: I had felt a marble-like cyst or lump and brought it up to the mammogram nurse last December: who could not feel it and it did not show on my mammogram, yet I could still feel it. Jessica VanGessel, NP (Dr. Thomas Macholan, MD) ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. I had that done July 20th when we returned to SC at Patewood - Greenville Health System. On Monday, July 30th I had a biopsy. On Tuesday, July 31st, they called to tell me it is cancer. The nurse did say it was non-aggressive and same that she herself had 25 years ago. I went in for a MRI Friday, August 3rd, and met with the Surgeon Dr. Steven Allgood (who worked at Butterworth in the 80s & 90s), the Radiology Dr. Michael Zurenko, and the Chemotherapy Dr. Carla Jorgensen on Monday August 6th for a plan of action. Appointment with the Geneticist was Tuesday, August 7th for family cancer history mapping, bloodwork and BRCA genetic testing. (7-12 days for results). So far, IDC invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 1A (invasive tumor 2 cm or smaller), no positive lymph nodes on MRI, grade 2 (moderate growth & spread), 1.9 cm is tumor size (stage 1A), Her2 negative (non-aggressive), focal intermediate grade DCIS is present, 93% estrogen receptive, 86% progesterone receptive (will be responsive to hormone therapy). Surgery needed for removal. Lumpectomy means radiation and chemo. Mastectomy means no radiation, maybe no chemo. After surgery, will have Oncotype DX done to measure further risk of recurrence. Next Dr appt is 8/27 for 15 minute discussion with surgeon regarding genetic results. Praying for clear direction and peace in the surgical decision.
Pray that our ears and organized thought process excels at capturing the information we need to know in appointments, and that the best approach that God wills for me is easily, clearly, and loudly discerned without hesitation or trepidation. We are about to embark on a brand new adventure - not one we would have chosen for ourselves, but one we are in nevertheless. There is not fear, but we are reaching for God's hand to steer us for the next step He would have us take. We would love your continued prayers if God places it on your heart to do so. Thank you so very much
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