Friday, April 4, 2008

A beautiful brain

The full body scan came back clear. There is no evidence of cancer anywhere else in Em's body, just the newest little lump. It measures approximately 1 cm, which is about the size of a marble. Her first tumor was just over 2 cm so this new one is a fast growing and resistant little sucker. She had an MRI yesterday along with the full body scan and the surgeon told her she had a beautiful brain. What a compliment!

She is scheduled for surgery on April 17th, though the full extent of her surgery and subsequent treatment are still up in the air. Her doctors are presenting her case to a panel of experts next Thursday to determine the best course of action. In the meantime, she has scheduled consultations with various surgeons, oncologists and plastic surgeons. Her cancer is considered "triple negative" meaning it isn't estrogen fed, progesterone fed or HER-2 positive. This is a rare combination and very aggressive.

As if she needed a little more stress and upheaval, she has decided to move out of her apartment and up to Vancouver to live with our parents throughout the rest of the treatment period. All of these months without working and surprisingly huge medical bills made this decision a no-brainer. Ideally we will have her moved out before the surgery and she can recuperate in comfort at the purple palace.

We will post information as it presents itself. Thanks for continuing to keep her in your prayers!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Em,
The sad news of the malignant second tumor and upcoming mastectomy is devastating to hear. The fear it raises is numbing and hard to embrace, and you are constantly on our minds and in our prayers. We are here for you and we will all support each you through this next phase of the journey. Thank goodness for the news today that your whole body is clear except for the breast. That can be dealt with though it breaks everyone's heart that this has happened to you. I just hope and pray you can feel the love, compassion,and support for you from us all. Soooooooooo much love to you, dear one.....xoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxox Patty and Mike

Wendy said...

Hey, Em --
Wow!!! A clear full body scan and a beautiful mind! We all knew you were beautiful inside as well as outside. That's medical proof and two very positive notes to go forward on. Keep the faith, Baby!
Ever onward you go....
Lots of love,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Dear Em,
Our love surrounds you everyday as you move through this journey. You are beautiful in every way. Be strong!

Sue

Kelly said...

Emily,

You're constantly in my thoughts and I wish there was more I could do than offer my love and support. Good news about the scan and we are all behind you as round 2 begins.

Big hugs,
Kelly

Unknown said...

Hi Emily,

I am not sure what to say but that my prayers are with you every day. I told Jim about the unexpected news and he reminded me of a organization his former supervisor started call Breast Friends. It looks like that they have some great information (which I know you have) but also some support groups. Here is the website, http://www.breastfriends.com/. As always, if your family needs anything, please call me.

Laurie