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Breast Cancer
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Posted 12/13/2004 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
OK, we just got back from the doctor.... he was very nice (Dr. Minami in Bellevue, WA). He answered all our questions and really seemed to listen to our concerns and he offered up a lot of suggestions and alternatives.

So here's what we have:

- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Invasive (correction)
- 1.3 cm, close to surface
- Histologic Pattern: Solid
- Bloom-Richardson Grade 2/3 (Intermediate Grade)
- Tubule formation score: 3/3 (poorly differentiated)
- Nuclear Pleomorphism score: 2/3
- Mitotic Rate: 7 per 10 HPF (400X) (score 1/3)
- No lymphatic or blood vascular invasion
- No microcalcification (but the Dr. thinks there might actually be some)
- No malignant cells seen in Axiallary node.

Plan is to have a MRI this week, since her breasts are "dense" and he wants to make sure he has all the information. Then we will have the surgery on tuesday. It will be a lumpectomy, unless he gets in there and things are very different from what he expects.

They will try and do something with a balloon to make the radiation easier, but he wasn't 100% on whether or not that would work and he won't know until he gets in there. He said that chemo will also be recommended, but when and what course it will be is yet to be determined.

The desk people were great, and gave me copies of all the charts and papers... I even have the films to take with us to the MRI place. Being a photographer, you can bet they will be on a light table this afternoon getting copied!

Anyways. that's all the news from here.

Your comments and generous support is always welcome.

Frank

Post Edited (FrankB) : 12/13/2004 3:33:37 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/13/2004 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Well, Frank, I am not as learned as some of these girls are, but I see many points that I feel are good news. Close to the surface is good. No axillary involvement is great. 1.3 cm is good, less than half an inch in size. Now all the rest we will leave to those who know their stuff, but since I am here first, I will say I think you got some good news. Will be keeping you both in my prayers that I am right and all is good news. Hugs MK
Posted 12/14/2004 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Frank, some good news. That is always a relief. The doctor sounds very good. That is always a relief too, being able to trust what he is saying. Like MK I am not as learned about your wife's diagnosis but what I am fimiliar with sounds good. My normal breast is dense with microcalcification. So the docs keep watch on that. Some of the ladies here will completely understand and be able to share what treatment they had or continue to have. I will have you both in my prayers. Hugs, Candy
Posted 12/14/2004 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I also agree that from what I know, this sounds like good news and he will be able to get the lump out.  I don't have that much information about my own situation.  LOL  Your doctor sounds very thorough, which is great! 

 

So, you're a photographer?  My husband and I are amateurs ourselves.  I am starting to get into digital.

 

My thoughts will be with you and your wife. 

 

Love and hugs,

Posted 12/14/2004 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!

(my portfolio is at www.frankblauphotography.com)
Posted 12/14/2004 11:55 PM (GMT 0)

Frank,  My read on the specifics of your wife's path. report is this.  There are a ton of positives in it.  Small tumor, neg. nodes, no vascular/lymphatic invasion.  Re: microcalcifications - there are 2 types, one is okay and the other needs to watched carefully.  Mine were called "spiculated" which in plain English means pointy or jagged.

You sound like things are under control OR as much under control as they're allowed to be in situations like these.  I'll be thinking of Linda and of you.  Hopefully, all will go as the surgeon has planned and Linda will be on the road to recovery.

Keep us posted.  Luci

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