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Well, guess what - another case of hurry up and wait.
I have to wait another 10-14 days to know anything more than I know now.

Based on my pathology report, I am eligible (medically) for a test called ONCOTYPE DX ASSAY, which results will take another 10-14 days to come back from California, ASSUMING my insurance will pay for the test.

It is a test to determine the likelihood of my cancer recurring or if any little bastards, er I mean, cancer cells, are left floating around in my body, on a scale of 1-100:

0-18 (low risk) would mean I'm good to go with no chemo

18-30something - (medium risk) would most likely mean chemo - once every 3 weeks for 4 treatments (no port! YAY)

30+ - we did not discuss (I don't think...Vickie will have to jog my memory)

So, bottom line - I KNOW NOTHING MORE THAN I KNEW 2 MONTHS AGO, except I did ask what they weighed!!! I guessed 3 pounds total, and my surgeon thought I was high (on my guess, not high on drugs...)

Right (cancer side) = 2 pounds
Left (non-cancer side) = 2.02 pounds

Very disappointed that I must continue waiting. Jeesh.

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The waiting sucks. Good or bad we (patients) want to know NOW! Keep on getting stronger.

BUT, I think it's good news because the Doc said that he recommended the test because she is on the borderline. The test results are on the good side, but the cancer that was removed was a medium size & had spread to 2 of 5 lymph nodes. Meaning, in the old days (and some oldschool docs today) would automatically say she had to have chemo. Now the ONCOTYPE DX ASSAY will look for the 21 gene signature and decide whether she is good to go or will need the chemo. If no chemo is needed, which is what we're hoping for, then he will prescribe anti-estrogen pills and see her in 4 months.

OMG Vickie. That is so encouraging. I am drinking a toast to our girl and to you for all the support you are providing. Keep being a pest. She is almost back to normal.

JoanE wrote: She is almost back to normal.

Mitch was never normal, but we'll just get her back to being herself.

I was laughing about Mitch ever being normal. But Vickie hit the nail on the head there.

I like this oncologist - so glad he's not old school. And from the options he gave, he doesn't think it's something that needs long term treatment - even with the 2nd option. That means, you do know more ... you can come to Baja! Yay!

So sorry you still have to wait ... I know it sux.

Vickie, are you staying until these results?

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I will go goofy without the Pest bugging the hell out of me on a daily basis, but she has to be missing her own real bed and her own comfortable house. And Homer must be going stir crazy.

I won't let her stay. She has done far, far too much for me already.

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Sadly, I think we will be leaving some time this week. I feel pretty good that I've done my best to TRY and keep her pace slow, those of you that have met Mitch know she is like the Energizer Bunny! I've tried (unsuccessfully) to kill her with my cooking, we've mowed, we've fixed faucets in the bathroom, ate, laughed, drank, cried...feels like we've been friends forever and I'd do it all over again, because I know she'd do it for me.

VickieP wrote:Sadly, I think we will be leaving some time this week. I feel pretty good that I've done my best to TRY and keep her pace slow, those of you that have met Mitch know she is like the Energizer Bunny! I've tried (unsuccessfully) to kill her with my cooking, we've mowed, we've fixed faucets in the bathroom, ate, laughed, drank, cried...feels like we've been friends forever and I'd do it all over again, because I know she'd do it for me.

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I'm very weepy tonight (even on half a xanax)...and now The Pest just made me sob again.
Thanks a lot.
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Mitch - sorry you have to wait again, but if you're sending Vickie home, you better bring a tape recorder so you can remember what the cute doc says afterwards.
Still hoping for the best for you.

Yep, waiting sucks, but things are sounding pretty good!!

Vickie, what a good friend you are!

Sounds like your Dr. is really up to date on treatments, which is a very good thing. Waiting...not so much.

When Vickie and Ronnie leave, you are still going to have to behave yourself ya know!

Hope everything turns out to be the most simple and least invasive treatment!

To Mitch and her dear friend, Vickie:

To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.

I would think your insurance would pay for test - probably cheaper than the chemo would be for them.

I'm not good at waiting either. I want it NOW. Hang in there girl.

Just dancing the good dance for joy......so far so well......tick, tick, tick......time will pass, you will get there.

(Thanks Vickie for being there and thanks Ronnie, backing Vickie up and making the trip possible. You two are the best.)