Sentinel Node Clear

Wanted to pass on the wonderful news:  The sentinel node biopsy came back clear.

I haven't cried since before my surgery two weeks ago.  I've just been resting and mending. 

So, today, my post op exam went well.  The surgeon was very pleased with the results and they were able to remove the drain.  Now I feel like I can really heal.  The lab still hadn't posted the results from the pathology at that point, so the doc said they should know by Wednesday and I would get a call.  Then he reconsidered and asked his intern to visit the lab and see if he could strong-arm them into giving us the results.  I'm sorry, but I did like that idea.  We have all been expecting the results today.  Marty and I said we would like to wait and see what the intern could find out.

We went out to the waiting room and within 15 minutes the intern had returned with a smile on his face saying that the pathology came back clear.  Very unexpectedly, tears started forming in my eyes.  I'm not sure why it surprised me, but it did.  It was such a relief.  Dr. Soballe came by and "shooed" us off to the Plastics clinic to make an appointment for reconstruction.  As we were walking down the hallway, I was overcome with fatigue.  I suddenly wanted to take a nap!  I guess there had been the underlying stress of not knowing.  I know I will sleep well tonight.

We still have more decisions to make for how to handle the higher risk of cancer showing up in the other breast, and how to proceed with that and reconstruction or not.  So please continue to keep me in your prayers for those decisions.  I will be gathering information and reading up on all this, but now can rest and relax until my next appointment November 15.

I am so relieved that I do not have to head down the path of chemo and/or radiation.  I am so grateful to all of you for your support and prayers.  Those who sent me books and journals, please know that they have been extremely helpful and comforting.  I have been able to share in the thoughts and experiences of others who have gone before me, and feel much more confident that I am making well-informed decisions.

My mind is still on those sisters I know who are continuing to fight a more difficult battle than mine.  I love you and am praying for you, too.