At this time Ivan is cancer free. He saw an ear nose and throat specialist. The doctor assured him his throat was fine, there is no cancer there. (often breast cancer and throat cancer are linked)
Since the oncologist does not want to use radiation as a follow up treatment another test will take place this week. Ivan can't easily raise his arms. Also the radiation would be on his left breast, close to his heart. Her choice would have been tamoxifen but Ivan has often show up with the " lupus anti-coagulant" in his blood. Tamoxifen can cause blood clots so he is seeing the hematologist this week and they will make a decision.
In the meantime he feels well, has returned to swimming 3 X a week and is delighted with the current good news.
We booked our flights to Mexico for Dec. 3 and will return to Jocotepec, and Roca Azul where we have established friendships and a sense of community over our five years of snow birding. (maybe we can call it rain birding, as it rarely snows here)
Life is full of twists and turns and delightful surprises!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Appointment at the Cancer Clinic - Sept. 16 / 2013
Today we came to Vancouver for an appointment at the Cancer clinic expecting some kind of follow up treatment program plan. After we filled out many forms, then Ivan was examined by an intern (prior to seeing the specialist) we learned a few things (that I already assumed). Ivan had invasive ductal carcinoma/ estrogen receptor positive. (the most common kind of breast cancer)
The intern assumed the treatment would be 16 sessions of radiation during 3 consecutive weeks. The specialist was not enthused about this plan. She felt it wasn't required and was also worried as Ivan can't place his arms over his head. The radiation could be damaging and only has a 15- 20 % chance (or less ) of preventing the cancer from returning. Since it is his left breast that would receive the radiation she did have some concerns about his heart.
She felt Tamoxofin (a hormone that blocks estrogen) would be more beneficial. However since Ivan may still have the lupus anti-coagulant she worried it could cause blood clots. It is a hormone medication taken for 5 years after breast cancer surgery.
So after many hours and discussions, she decided she woul look into his medical records before making a decision. He may need to see a hematologist again to ensure he no longer carries the lupus anti-coagulant (we're not sure).
Dr. Weir was satisfied with his physical condition and plans to follow up as soon as possible.
So we are still in limbo with more medical appointments planned.
But Ivan is generally feeling well and is already swimming. The scar is healed and he has no pain from the surgery.
The intern assumed the treatment would be 16 sessions of radiation during 3 consecutive weeks. The specialist was not enthused about this plan. She felt it wasn't required and was also worried as Ivan can't place his arms over his head. The radiation could be damaging and only has a 15- 20 % chance (or less ) of preventing the cancer from returning. Since it is his left breast that would receive the radiation she did have some concerns about his heart.
She felt Tamoxofin (a hormone that blocks estrogen) would be more beneficial. However since Ivan may still have the lupus anti-coagulant she worried it could cause blood clots. It is a hormone medication taken for 5 years after breast cancer surgery.
So after many hours and discussions, she decided she woul look into his medical records before making a decision. He may need to see a hematologist again to ensure he no longer carries the lupus anti-coagulant (we're not sure).
Dr. Weir was satisfied with his physical condition and plans to follow up as soon as possible.
So we are still in limbo with more medical appointments planned.
But Ivan is generally feeling well and is already swimming. The scar is healed and he has no pain from the surgery.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
So Far Pretty Good News! Sept. 8/2013
Hello Everyone,
Ivan got the lab results from his doctor this week. He was told the area around what they removed was totally clear of cancerous cells but the one lymph node removed had a 4/10" area of cancer (which was removed).
Ivan has an appointment with the oncologist on Sept. 16. We expect for more advice, treatment options and more information.
At this time it is a great relief that the surgery went well, Ivan is comfortable and the results don't seem as daunting as they could have been.
I will keep folks up to date following our visit to the oncologist.
Warmest Greetings,
Evi and Ivan
Ivan got the lab results from his doctor this week. He was told the area around what they removed was totally clear of cancerous cells but the one lymph node removed had a 4/10" area of cancer (which was removed).
Ivan has an appointment with the oncologist on Sept. 16. We expect for more advice, treatment options and more information.
At this time it is a great relief that the surgery went well, Ivan is comfortable and the results don't seem as daunting as they could have been.
I will keep folks up to date following our visit to the oncologist.
Warmest Greetings,
Evi and Ivan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)