Robin's Breast Cancer Blog

This collection of messages was written as we've been dealing with Robin's breast cancer for several reasons: (1) To keep our friends ("extended family") up-to-date. (2) To educate folks about "the cancer trip". (3) To help us absorb what was happening, and purge any negativity that might affect Robin. Robin must maintain a positive, hopeful attitude, but with realistic understanding. We follow the mantra, "One day at a time", and trust that God will make good come from difficulty.

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Update on Robin Burns - 11/30/04

 
Robin and I just finished the first visit to her Oncologist, Dr. McClure, at Deke Slayton Cancer Center, so I thought I would give you an update.

Dr. McClure read the reports, asked a lot of questions, and examined Robin. She explained how breast cancer is graded and what has been found in Robin's situation. She said:

1. The cancer in both breasts seemed to be similar, in her opinion.

2. Both tumors (one in each breast) are about the same size (2.5cm).

3. There appears to be a lymph node affected on the left side.

4. Until more tests are run, we cannot tell if it has spread further.

Dr. McClure sketched out a plan for eliminating the cancer. She recommended Chemotherapy before surgery to determine what drugs affected the cancer while it was visible. (After the surgery, it would be hard to tell if the Chemo was helping or not).

1. Obtain a complete set of CATscans and Bonescans to determine if the cancer has spread, and how far.

2. Get an Echo-Cardio Gram (as a baseline, to watch for heart changes).

3. Perform a full set of blood tests.

4. Robin has an infection that must get better (prescribed antibiotics).

5. Robin is to see her physician about other health conditions.

6. Robin is to have a "Porto-Cath" inserted under her skin near her collar area, to make an easy site for the Chemo injections.

7. Start Chemotherapy Round 1 - (lose all hair temporarily) (four cycles of two drugs, three weeks each cycle - 12 weeks total).

8. Start Chemotherapy Round 2 - (four cycles of one drug, three weeks each cycle - 12 weeks total).

9. Surgery.

10. Possible radiation, depending on how close it was to the chest wall and how much it may have spread.

Steps 1-6 need to be completed before Chemo (step 7) can start.

Dr. McClure wants Chemo to start on December 14th, so she can be available in case there are complications (she is on vacation the week after that).

It was pretty clear that Dr. McClure felt that Mastectomy was the best option to reduce risk of future cancer recurrence. Surgery options are still months away, so no immediate decisions are required.

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posted by Larry Burns @ 9:41 PM