Good news first: Julie's MUGA (heart) tests all came back as 'normal'. So, Julie's heart is in great shape, but of course we already knew she had a great heart!
We don't know the results of the lymph node biopsy because the specimen was inadequate. This means that she will probably undergo either a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or an Axillary Node Dissection -- either one would happen during surgery. We'll explain the differences between these two procedures once we decide which direction we're moving.
We met Dr. Bell (surgeon) at UT's Cancer Center today to get a second opinion. Dr. Bell is a professor at UT's medical school. He is extremely bright, knowledgeable, and an excellent communicator. He did a wonderful job explaining his opinion of Julie's diagnosis and prognosis. Listening to him allowed us to better understand our situation and our options. We are extremely pleased with our experience, and we are thankful that we got to meet with Dr. Bell. Getting his view of our case has really helped us get a firmer grasp on the proposed course of treatment and it will certainly assist us in making our decision on a course of treatment. We will meet with Dr. Panella (oncologist) at UT this Thursday. We hope he will also enhance and clarify our knowledge about our options from an oncological perspective.
We sincerely appreciate all of you who read this blog. We also appreciate all who post to it. We read the posts continually. Julie and I are very weary, but all the posts, emails, calls and visits fuel us and motivate us, despite our weariness. Thank you all for specifically praying daily for rest, clarity, direction and peace for us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am so glad to hear you were pleased with the meeting with Dr. Bell. I am taking it the electricity in the building did return. :) Talk with you all soon.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord give you the strength to meet this day and give you little joys along the way as well. Sara and Gil Baker
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear some good news. Also, glad that the visit with Dr. Bell went well. Will continue to pray for all other upcoming events. Thank you so much for keeping us posted on what to pray for.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to inform everyone through your blog. You're doing a great job. We are continuing to pray!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Portia
Hoping, believing & praying for right direction, and the rest you need to take/make the right direction.
ReplyDeleteBelieve,
Joanne M in NJ
I decided not to have my lymph nodes removed.
ReplyDeletePeggy Sue Davis