Recovery and Pathology updates

Now that the big surgery is behind me, I’ve been focusing on both recovery and my go-forward treatment plan.

Recovery update:

All 4 drains came out on Tuesday, 8 days post surgery. The experience of pulling out the drains was not fun, but I can’t complain. It was fast and I felt a million times better without having 4 drains hanging out of me! Still numb, sore and uncomfortable, but Tylenol and Advil continue to be my best friends. Next week they will start to inflate the expanders.

Pathology:

Pathology report came back and it looks like the posterior margin was not clear and the anterior margin was very close. Also, the 1 sentinel node they removed was positive for micrometastatic carcinoma (tiny amount – 0.15 cm in greatest dimension). They will be reviewing my case this week, but it sounded like radiation is likely +\- chemo and then for sure hormone therapy given I am ER/PR+. Could have been better but also could have been worse, so we’ll take it!

I am scheduled to meet with Dr Lisa Flaum (medical oncologist) on 3/11 and Dr Jonathan Strauss (radiology oncologist) on 3/18. Both are in the same practice as Dr Hansen and come highly recommended.  Optimally, I would love to get at least 1-2 other opinions outside of NM re: treatment. I am also very interested in finding an oncologist who has extensive experience in treating lobular breast cancer as I know it is less common and less researched than ductal. If you have any recommendations, please send to me directly: Kraft.stacey@gmail.com

Other random updates:

• I started watching Finding Neverland and it is so disturbing, I’m not sure I can – or want to finish it. If you plan to watch it just be prepared! I’m going to stick with the Great British Baking Show.
• Given my recent diagnosis, I’ve been thinking a lot about the environmental factors, including the air we breathe from our home that was a rehab we purchased 5 years ago. Please share any info or recommendations for any local (Chicagoland) companies that do air quality/mold/asbestos/VOC testing. Happy to share info with those who are interested.
• I have one ask… please try not to over emphasize how “sorry” you are for me/us. It’s a perfectly acceptable thing to say, just remember that we are hearing it x20 and it gets quite exhausting telling (and in some cases convincing) people that I/we are OK. If you know us well, you can be sure we are tackling this adventure like anything else – with positivity, humility, humor – and a very practical and intentional mindset.

Thank you for the steady stream of flowers, food, gifts, books/magazines, texts, etc. Every time the doorbell rings or my phone dings, I am reminded by the outpouring of love streaming into our lives right now. Please keep it coming – we love you guys!

XO