I know it’s been awhile but you know how kids/teachers need a summer break from school? Well, I needed a summer break from cancer because good grief it takes over your life. Cancer was getting on my last nerve and I couldn’t give it any more attention. As a matter of fact, I’m not going to let it weasel it’s way back into my every waking thought BUT I definitely wanted to update everyone. After multiple tests and a cancer-free biopsy of my lung nodule, I was finally given the go ahead to have breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) with targeted axillary dissection. Basically, the tissue around the scout markers from my biopsies and several lymph nodes were removed and tested for residual disease. On Monday, my surgeon told me that it couldn’t have gone any better. Everything came back benign with clear margins. Thank you, Jesus!! 

I had an appointment with my oncologist today. She was very pleased with the results and has done an amazing job to get me this far. I will continue to heal from surgery for a couple weeks and then start Trastuzumab infusions every 21 days. This is a targeted inhibitor for the epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and the same infusion that I received while waiting for results on my lung nodule. I’ll meet with the radiation oncologist soon to discuss the details of that treatment. Thankfully I can receive radiation concurrently with the HER2 inhibitor. Tentatively, we’re looking at February 2024 to be done with all this mess. 

This was a big milestone & I’ve done a little bit of celebrating this week. A huge weight has been lifted but I still have a ways to go. Please continue to keep me, my family and my doctors in your prayers. Trust me, we all appreciate it!!

Love to you all,

Rachel