Good News!

Melissa heard good news from her geneticist! He called to tell her that the Brca gene test is negative!! That means no taking out the ovary. This news does not shorten the surgery however, it will be 6 hours. She was told that putting in the port a cath will take an hour in itself! One good thing is that if they like the looks of one lymph node they will only take that one and the two on each side of it. At that time they will be testing the lymph nodes to determine the treatments with chemo and radiation. They will know if they need to remove all of them at that time but the rest of the pathology will not be known for about 5 days. The removal of lymph nodes causes a significant life change. She will have to be careful with her arm for the rest of her life. She will not be able to have blood pressure taken on that arm, carry heavy bags or get IV there. It also means that cuts or burns on that arm or hand will require antibiotics. There are a lot of things that are not good news when it comes to how much the treatment of this cancer will change her life, but she remains positive. Melissa continues to look at the blessings she has received since her diagnosis and before, which have prepared her. 
                                                                                                                             ~Nicole

P.S. I am not a medical person as many of you are sure to tell as you read all of this. If you have questions please let me know and I will be prompt at getting them answered. This is breast cancer according to Nicole, after she listens to Melissa explain it. I'm certain that I have something wrong somewhere!