Revelations from the Oncologist

Just returned home from the appointment. Here's what we know.

Cancer is stage 3A, aggressive. 6 of 12 lymph nodes had cancer, and a few had cancer growing beyond the confines of the node itself.

What this means.

1. PET/CT scan next week. This will show any tumors throughout my body that are around 1/2" or larger. Places they will look closely : Lymph nodes closer to the chest wall and up to the collar bone, possible spots around the lungs, liver, and bones. If nothing found, or if details are inconclusive, then another will be taken in 2 months time.
2. Recommended class 3 chemotherapy in two stages to run a total of 22 weeks. The 22 weeks time is only if I have it on the classic schedule. Slower options are possible, dependent on how my body would take it, or if I pick and choose).
3. If PET/CT scan is clear, then radiation is recommended.
4. Hormone therapy is recommended post chemo and radiation therapy, and will continue for at least 5 years.

No decisions will be made on future care until I have the results from the PET/CT scan. The scan will happen on the 9/8/16. Results will be presented, hopefully, on 9/12/16.

Now we hunker down and wait. We will be going to the LIFE is Good Conference starting tomorrow...so will likely be enjoying ourselves this weekend.

For now, I will schedule appointments with practitioners who will help me with direct scar tissue therapy, post surgical therapy, and craniosacral therapy. A month post op is for healing. By that time we will have to have the decisions made.