Just an update on my meeting with the oncologist on Nov. 12:
Quint and I met with the oncologist on Friday. Got lots of information as far as my specific situation. Tissue samples were Fed Exed out to California on Friday for a test alled “Oncotype DX Assay.”
It’s a test that examines the cancerous tissue at the molecular level . It’s called a multigene expression test and will predict whether or not chemotherapy will be beneficial for me or not. It will also predict the likelihood of a recurrence of breast cancer.
It’s intended for use for women who ae early-age (either stage I or II), node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive.
So far the test has been used in 14 clinical trials involving 4,000 cancer patients worldwide.
Results have been published in The New England Journal of Medicine and a chemothrapy benefit study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
I had a full sheet of questions that I had been collecting for about ten days and Dr.Floyd went over the questions one by one. Fortunately for me, Quint was also in the room. So what I didn’t understand about the chemistry, he captured for me.
I also learned that I am a stage 1.
I guess God still has work for me to do down here. It’s His
clock we are all on anyway.
And for those who are interested in a great piece of music, check this out: http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2010/11/awesome-pop-up-hallelujah-chorus-at.html
I think this is what heaven will sound like. It brought a tear to my eye to think that a composer (Handel) could capture such joy in a musical expression. It’s a wonderful, 5-minute respite from all those thoughts about cancer. Surely, healing comes from such beautiful places in our hearts and minds when we join beauty with healing.
God’s richest blessings to all of you and thank you so much for your prayers. Please know that I have you in my prayers too.
— Jane
Jane:
Thank you for the inspirational piece of music. I wish they would play that in every mall in the country!
You can make it through this, Jane. I was Stage #3 but after a rough year I am looking forward to better health in 2011. God is merciful, that is for sure and you are on the road to your treatment and recovery. Keep asking questions of your doctor as you are doing and keeping an optimistic attitude are the key.
Keep negative thoughts and negative people at arm’s length - there are so many folks out there who WILL be supportive - some you haven’t met yet!
In addition, by starting this thread you are helping many, many women who are facing their fears and will post here for encouragement.
Bless you!
Bunches