Our day yesterday centered around Chris’ appointment with the breast cancer surgeon. We didn’t do much of anything in the morning. Well, we did walk. And Chris watered her flowers. That’s an ordeal in itself.
The
appointment was for 3 p.m., and it lasted no less than two and a half hours.
Fortunately for us, April was able to go with us. That provided an extra set of
medically trained ears to hear the plethora of information they dumped on
us. In a nutshell, the doc affirmed the
radiology report that there is a lump and it is very small (maybe 5
millimeters) and slow growing.
Because
of Chris’ family history of cancer, the first step will be to redo some genetic
testing she did back when her Mom was diagnosed. The testing has come a long way since then,
and research has discovered several other genes that are cancer markers.
And
then comes surgery. The doc assured us
that we should go on to Hawaii and have a great time. At this point she will do a lumpectomy at the
end of April unless the genetic test reveals something that would make a
mastectomy the better choice. They will also take some tissue from the nearest
lymph node to make sure nothing is growing there. Because of Chris’ cardiac issues, they will
be extremely cautious with post-op, essentially extending it to six weeks. That
does mean we won’t be able to go on the Alaska mission trip, but we really
liked the doctor and trusted her caution.
Further
follow-up questions will remain up in the air until after the genetic testing
and then the surgery. Radiation at this point appears unlikely because of Chris’
age (Yep. They really did pull the “at a
certain age” card) and cardiac problems. At this point chemo is a remote
possibility, but more likely there will be some form of hormone treatment.
Galatians 5:24 says, “Those
who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and
desires.”
Father,
thank you for a doctor who we trusted right off. And thank you for April’s
presence and encouragement. Amen.
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