Carpe Diem Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Hello Hive friends, After a whirlwind of driving and doctor appointments we are home. My PET scan spots in my spine are still inconclusive. The radiologists either didn't agree or couldn't tell. They suggested a mri followed by a bone biopsy if the mri didn't offer input. The oncologist said something to the effect of "Forget it, if you can't tell what this is I'm not putting her through two more tests. We will just call her stage III and treat her with curative intent." So, that is in Ann Arbor. In MN we met with the doctor who is offering the study that would best help me. I told her what the MI oncologist said to me. The doctor in MN said that would probably be the case here but her radiologist would still have to look at it and come to their own conclusion. She explained the study to us and both my husband and I felt confident that we should do the study as it would give me an edge. The only downfall is that we have to wait approx. 10 days before I would be able to get the chemo. In that time, the cancer could spread. However, the doctor said my breast looked better than she expected and she thought I had the benefit of time to wait but of course she does not know for certain. We went back to see her again and tried to pin her down and she said, "If you were my sister, I would advise you to wait and get into the study." If I accept the standard chemo which I could do in my hometown the current numbers are that 40-50% will have no evidence of cancer at time of mastectomy. Of those people, 80-90% will survive to 5 years. At 5 years the rates for recurrence really drop for triple negative which is the one good factor about it. The other scary thing that I thought of is that the MN radiologist might insist on a bone biopsy. Also, my local oncologist might do the same. If it comes back with cancer then I would be a stage IV and would not be treated with curative intent. Although, if Ann Arbor did not find this information out I could still go back there for regular treatment or even be in the study. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Please pray that I can get into the study and receive the correct arm of the study which is the PARP Inhibitor. Even the other arms may offer an edge and if I get into the standard of care arm we feel it would be better than local treatment because I would be highly monitored with additional mris to the breast and if the tumor doesn't respond the doctor could add radiation at the same time. I'm sorry this is so long. Thank you so much for all your love and support. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Praying for you, Christine. I'm so glad you have some options. Thank you for the update. BIG :grouphug:! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BakersDozen Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thank you for the update so we can know specifically how to pray. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritaserum Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug: Praying for you and your family. i am so sorry you are going through all this. Breast cancer has been the bane of my family's existence with 4 aunts, 4 cousins and my sil. All survived except 2 of my aunts who were older and stubborn about treatment. God bless you and guide you onto the path that is best for you. You are in my thoughts, heart and prayers. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 You remain in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooblink Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thank you for keeping us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie-txmama2six Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 I am praying for you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWOB Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug:Thanks for the update. You have been, and will remain, in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug:Still praying for you, Christine.:grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug: Praying for you and your family. God bless you and guide you onto the path that is best for you. You are in my thoughts, heart and prayers. :iagree: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 We went back to see her again and tried to pin her down and she said, "If you were my sister, I would advise you to wait and get into the study." I listen to those kind of words. It is clear you are grabbing this bull by the horns and using your brains. This is so important. I'm glad you are living up to your board name :thumbup:. p.s. a bone biopsy isn't as awful as it sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mykdsmomy Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug: Praying for your strength, Dr's wisdom and complete healing (and of course that you'll get into the study) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 It's quite the journey you are called to be on right now. Just the driving alone is exhausting. (I am from MN and quite familiar with the road from Michigan to MN.) (Do you go thru Chicago?? Get an IPass, it will take 30 minutes at least off your trip.) Praying for you. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Christine, :grouphug:. Thank you for the update. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make these difficult decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RamonaQ Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 May God's healing be graciously bestowed upon you, may God be with those who treat you, and may you be kept in God's grace. I will pray specifically for the treatment plan that will cure you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Continuing to pray, Christine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiberia Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thanks for updating us. You sound strong and ready to face what's in front of you. I pray for grace for you and your family; may your bonds of love be strengthened and enjoyed by you all. Take care. I'm praying for the best possible outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Hi Christine, For someone whose mind is whirling, your update post rings with clarity. (ETA, well, not on the part of the radiologist, but in your explanation of your circumstances and options) Thanks for sharing your news with us. Try to fill your ten days with *really* *good* *stuff* to keep your mind from lingering on things that won't help you feel better. Now this may sound weird to you, but I'm going to get my dry erase marker to write your name on my bathroom mirror. Keeping you and yours lifted up in prayer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberly in IN Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thank you for the update. We will keep you wrapped in prayer. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GinaPagnato Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 I'm following your story, and it takes me back to my battle with breast cancer. The options you have are very, very good, and it's true that by participating in a study you will receive lots of oversight and care. I was ineligible to participate in a study at the cancer treatment center near me, but would have traveled to do so if it was urgent. In my case, I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction, as well as chemo. All of it was heavy, but God's grace truly is sufficient. It's amazing, isn't it, how He gives you clarity and focus, as well as courage in the face of this. I never would have thought I could make it through all I've been through, but I did, and I give all glory to God. I really do. People said I was strong all the time, and I just chuckled to myself. No way could I have mustered the strength on my own to face 6 surgeries and months of chemo! But God... I'll be praying that you experience the same sense of His carrying you through. Look to Him as the author and perfecter of your faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Christine, thanks for posting. It really helps to know specifically what to pray for. Hope you have a great weekend--and I liked the othr poster's idea about writing your name on the mirror. I'm off to do that! :) Val P.S. My SIL is an 8 year BC survivor...enjoying her new grandbaby to the fullest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imprimis Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Continuing to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Christine :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug: Thank you for the update. You are so amazingly brave! I pray for you daily and will continue to do so. May God bless you and keep you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 I will continue praying, Christine :grouphug:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Christine -- You are amazing to be able to provide us with so much info -- bless you. Praying for you.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
at the beach Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug: :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Laurie Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 CHristine, you are in all of our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Thank you so much for your update. I am grateful for all the information you provide!!! :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 I'm following your story, and it takes me back to my battle with breast cancer. The options you have are very, very good, and it's true that by participating in a study you will receive lots of oversight and care. I was ineligible to participate in a study at the cancer treatment center near me, but would have traveled to do so if it was urgent. In my case, I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction, as well as chemo. All of it was heavy, but God's grace truly is sufficient. It's amazing, isn't it, how He gives you clarity and focus, as well as courage in the face of this. I never would have thought I could make it through all I've been through, but I did, and I give all glory to God. I really do. People said I was strong all the time, and I just chuckled to myself. No way could I have mustered the strength on my own to face 6 surgeries and months of chemo! But God... I'll be praying that you experience the same sense of His carrying you through. Look to Him as the author and perfecter of your faith. :grouphug: Beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KayT Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Praying for all the best for you! (((HUGS))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in AL Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thinking of you Christine :grouphug::grouphug:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Praying for peace, faith, healing. May you be an example to your children and others in the body of Christ as you face this foe. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 :grouphug: I'm still praying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyFL Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 So glad you got home, Christine. Praying for you to get into the study! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBM Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Praying that you get into that study and that all goes very well. Take care of yourself in the meantime! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Hello Hive friends, After a whirlwind of driving and doctor appointments we are home. My PET scan spots in my spine are still inconclusive. The radiologists either didn't agree or couldn't tell. They suggested a mri followed by a bone biopsy if the mri didn't offer input. The oncologist said something to the effect of "Forget it, if you can't tell what this is I'm not putting her through two more tests. We will just call her stage III and treat her with curative intent." So, that is in Ann Arbor. In MN we met with the doctor who is offering the study that would best help me. I told her what the MI oncologist said to me. The doctor in MN said that would probably be the case here but her radiologist would still have to look at it and come to their own conclusion. She explained the study to us and both my husband and I felt confident that we should do the study as it would give me an edge. The only downfall is that we have to wait approx. 10 days before I would be able to get the chemo. In that time, the cancer could spread. However, the doctor said my breast looked better than she expected and she thought I had the benefit of time to wait but of course she does not know for certain. We went back to see her again and tried to pin her down and she said, "If you were my sister, I would advise you to wait and get into the study." If I accept the standard chemo which I could do in my hometown the current numbers are that 40-50% will have no evidence of cancer at time of mastectomy. Of those people, 80-90% will survive to 5 years. At 5 years the rates for recurrence really drop for triple negative which is the one good factor about it. The other scary thing that I thought of is that the MN radiologist might insist on a bone biopsy. Also, my local oncologist might do the same. If it comes back with cancer then I would be a stage IV and would not be treated with curative intent. Although, if Ann Arbor did not find this information out I could still go back there for regular treatment or even be in the study. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Please pray that I can get into the study and receive the correct arm of the study which is the PARP Inhibitor. Even the other arms may offer an edge and if I get into the standard of care arm we feel it would be better than local treatment because I would be highly monitored with additional mris to the breast and if the tumor doesn't respond the doctor could add radiation at the same time. I'm sorry this is so long. Thank you so much for all your love and support. :grouphug: All my love & prayers. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Continuing to pray. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thessa516 Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 You remain in my prayers. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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