Chapter 5: The Pathology Report

Wednesday 5/22/19

10:45am-we returned to Oakland for my first Post-op appointment.

-Lymph Nodes tested negative for cancer

-Nipple tissue tested negative for cancer

-Margin surrounding the breast tissue tested positive for cancer.

-So the cancer has spread.  It is no longer DCIS, but a new diagnosis.  Mucinous breast cancer.

-New game plan in place, I now have an oncology team, in Dublin.

-I will need radiation on a daily basis at some point during the summer.

-I will need 6 months post radiation to heal and recover

-We are looking at a final reconstructive surgery in early 2020.  

-The plastic surgeon will continue to expand the temporary implant that is in my body in conjunction with the radiation treatments.  

-This is expected to be a low daily dose, and I am not expected to be radioactive or need to be quarantined after each treatment.  

-I will meet my new oncology team on Wednesday 5/29/19 for the first time.  

The Reactions

-This sucks

-I cried after receiving the update and have been pretty depressed for the last few days.

-I am not cleared to drive, and it’s been a hardship on Chris to be on the only driver in a household of 5.  

The Lesson Learned

-Have no expectations.

-We went into the Post-Op expecting a best case scenario and it was devastating to hear otherwise.

-Be prepared to be emotionally, spiritually and physically drained out.  And be ok with it.

At this time, I really want to thank all of you for staying so positive and kind as Chris, the children, and I are riding this emotional roller coaster.  Mother Nature is seriously telling me that my lifestyle of choice (overly busy and over scheduled), needed to come to a hard stop. And I need to be a better listener.    

In Strength,

Laura Gan