My oncologist called with my pathology results, and I’m sorry to report that the unicorn magic didn’t quite kick in yet.
The tumor was bigger than expected (I don’t photograph well, even in a mammogram, ha) and my lymph nodes were compromised. The tumor also extended to the margins of what could be removed, which isn’t ideal. So there will be chemotherapy and radiation therapy and hormone therapy. I will be doing all the things.
On a very positive note, all the cancer is estrogen receptive, which is a good thing, makes treatment success very likely. It’s just more complicated now.
In the meantime, a whole bunch of doctor appointments are coming, where I’ll learn more about what I need to do. I probably won’t have answers to your questions yet. First up is getting my stupid drains out on Friday, which will be huge, because they are beyond annoying.
Next week I’ll have a PET scan, to make sure that the cancer hasn’t spread past the lymph nodes. This would be what I saved the unicorn magic for, a clear scan. Then it’s onward to planning the chemo, which should start in about 2-3 weeks. Oh, and I was referred to the Knight Cancer Institute which, for the 5% of readers who aren’t from Nike, is named for a Nike co-founder and located by the Nike campus. So that’s neat.
It’s not great news, obviously, but I’m still going to beat it. Just keep sending unicorn magic. And food.
Yes, you WILL beat this! Sending lots of unicorn magic your way!