Jugglers, drug lords and oncology updates

Now that surgery is over, we finally met with a medical oncologist from Northwestern (NM) – Dr. Lisa Flaum. There were two medical oncologists who were referred by lots of people (current and former patients, fellow doctors or those in the industry) and Lisa was one of them. We first met with her resident who was super thorough and spent a lot of time with us. He opened up by telling us that he’s reviewed everything and wanted to play it back to be sure he got it right. And that he did – every last detail without looking at the computer or his notes. Pretty impressive. Dr. Flaum came in after and shared a cliff note style summary of her recommendations and next steps. Everything they shared seemed to align with our early expectations along with what I’ve been reading/hearing from others. Here’s the summary:

• Type: Invasive lobular, HR+ (hormone receptor positive), HER2 negative
• How fast it’s growing: grade 2 (medium) and Ki-67 proliferation marker was low (less than 5% cells dividing)
• Stage: combo of size (mine was 2.5 cm at greatest diameter) and status in lymph nodes (micromet detected in that one sentinel node) = 2A
• Treatment – local: this refers to the double mastectomy surgery that I just had as well as targeted radiation. No more surgery being contemplated, but definitely radiation. I have an appt scheduled with Dr Jonathan Strauss (radiology oncologist from NM) on 3/18 who will share his radiation recommendation.
• Treatment – systemic: this refers to both chemotherapy and anti-estrogen therapy. In my case, that pesky micromet in my sentinel node makes it tricky. They said 5+ years ago, any and all lymph node involvement meant chemo. But after studying recurrence rates in patients with certain types of cancers, they have found that it does not always benefit the patient and result in lower recurrence rates. So, they are running a more specific genetic test called the Oncotype DX. This will give more insight into whether I would benefit from chemotherapy. Results should be back in ~2 weeks. Regardless of chemo and because I’m pre-menopausal, I will need to take the anti-estrogen therapy drug Tamoxifen for at least 5 years.
• Overall components of my treatment: surgery (done), chemo if needed, radiation, then the anti-estrogen therapy drug (5 yrs)

I have already scheduled a second opinion with a medical oncologist (Dr. Gini Fleming) that was highly referred from the University of Chicago on 3/25. Ideally, my oncotype test results will be back before that appointment.

The good news is that for my situation, we’re on track from a timing perspective as they want me to heal prior to starting treatment and no earlier than 4-6 weeks post surgery. Given my scheduled appointments, I expect to be back to work on 3/25 which was what I initially planned, and then starting treatment sometime in April.

The other good news is that I seem to be recovering well from surgery. End of last week I was worried I had an infection on my left side since it became red/swollen after the drains came out. I even started to feel achy/chills. But, after drinking a crap-ton of water and sleeping 9 hours, I felt WAY better the next day and while still a little red, it seems to be getting a little better every day. This was a good reminder that I still need to REST and focus on recovery even though resting is reallllllyyyy hard for someone like me!

One random story that I’ll leave you with. Over the weekend I found the series Drug Lords on Netflix. Basically documentaries about all sorts of infamous drug kingpins. I like watching shows that are real, but so crazy that they could also be totally made up. I must have consumed a lot because last night I woke up in the middle of the night (thanks to Chris’ snoring), decided to get some water then proceeded to tell Chris I was having dreams about drug lords. He responded half-asleep, “ha, that’s funny… jugglers… from the circus.” Then we both cracked up laughing and I nearly choked on my water. Drug lords, jugglers – one in the same 😂

Anyway, your gifts, cards and meals continue to pour in daily. Thank you so much for the endless supply of generosity and love! ❤️

Fresh manju all the way from Sakuraya in Gardenia, CA – courtesy of Uncle Ken and Auntie Peg

Random gifts from random friends ❤️🐀

More beautiful flowers… these daffodils remind me that Spring should be just around the corner?!

My girlfriends sent these roses from Venus et Fleur that are supposed to last for a year without any watering or upkeep?!

A typical view from my recliner downstairs = Dillon on his phone, Mia in the kitchen making something, and Buddy chillaxing ❤️

When I really need to rest, I head to my room to relax in bed or in the crazy comfortable Lazyboy. Mia keeps me company while we watch the Great British Baking Show

My most favorite spot is on the couch with my Buddy ❤️