January 21st to April 5th 2021 -- Not the update I wanted

Since the episode of pulmonary emboli in December and heart failure in January, I've recovered to an acceptable level. I'm still a little short of breath but feel and look good. I'm on some new medications that really seem to address my symptoms.

Following my pulmonary emboli, the radiologist who read my CT scan, recommended close monitoring and a PET scan three months out. On March 22nd, I had the PET Scan. Results were placed in MyChart within a couple of hours. Googling some of the terms, it looked to me as if it was a cancer recurrence. 

My oncologist didn't want to confirm it until he sees the results of the biopsy (performed tomorrow morning), but all three surgeons agree the findings suggest recurrence. My doctors suggest there may be ways to supplement the hormonal drug I am on to slow progression, and they will perform molecular testing on the tumor to see if I am eligible for targeted therapy.

I had to have a mammogram today -- ironically, it was clear. I no longer have breast cancer.The cancer is located in my chest wall, and it is a large mass. 

This view shows the mass measuring 8.8 cm vertically (9.2 cm on the CT scan). The mass is outlined in red.

This view looks from the top down. 

I am scheduled for a core biopsy early tomorrow morning. It will take a few days to get results and a few weeks for the sample to be sent away and analyzed. My doctor does not think I'm a candidate for repeat surgery (and neither do I). She said that perhaps they will be able to find a gene that can be targeted. The most I can hope for is that the progression will slow down.

Wednesday morning, my husband and I will leave for a road trip out to Utah and several of the National Parks in that region. My doctor wholeheartedly agrees with us taking this trip while I am still feeling reasonably good. 

I know I've had a lot of support among my family and friends. Know that I am OK. As my husband, Bill, always says, "We'll figure it out."

April 5, 2021