Recommendations - Monday, June 22, 2009

In the days following the operation, the tests performed on the tumor revealed that the cancer was, indeed, invasive ductile carcinoma - stage two because there was a micro-metastasis to one lymph node. It was classified as a triple negative tumor, which means estrogen, progesterone, and herceptin receptor negative. It also meant that the tumor was more aggressive than a “positive” one. In short, this meant chemotherapy as a protocol.

I think that this was the worst blow of all, even beyond the original diagnosis, because it meant having to allow highly toxic chemicals to be put in my body. In the follow-up visit with my surgeon, he explained in detail what they had found and what the different protocols might be. He must have read the look on my face accurately. Afterwards, he put his arm around my shoulder and told me not to worry. Even though this was a surprise, they would get me through it. He also said he would try to find me an oncologist who understood nutrition. To tell you the truth, I do not think there is one but the level of respect he showed for my belief system, even though it is not one he espouses, blessed me. So he gave me the name of a group of oncologists near the hospital that he liked.