Monday, March 2, 2009

More Tests

Hello there...
After a fun weekend exploring Hawaii with Sara's family, it is time to figure out what "the lump" consists of. Sara is having a biopsy tomorrow morning. The surgeon is going to use an ultrasound machine to find the densest portion of the mass and take a "plug of tissue" out. He is also going to take a needle biopsy of the lymph nodes in her left armpit. Then on Wednesday, we are meeting with a genetic counselor. They are going to "sample her DNA" to see if she inherited a gene mutation called BRCA 1 or BRCA 2. Basically, the BRCA mutation increases the likelihood that breast cancer cells will form at some point (in Dr. Brad terms).

At this point, we know that there will be surgery (the operating room is scheduled for Friday morning), but the extent of the surgery depends on the outcome of the biopsy results. Here are the options.

1) The entire mass is contained within the breast tissue...Sara gets a mastectomy (normally, they would do a lumpectomy, but based on the size of the mass relative to the breast, she has opted for a mastectomy).

2) The lymph nodes show some cancer cells...Sara gets a radical mastectomy (entire breast and lymph nodes) followed by chemo (more details later if this is the case). PRAY THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE!!!

3) If genetic testing shows that she has the BRCA mutation...Sara gets a double mastectomy. We have decided that we would rather them take both boobs now, rather than go through this again in the future. The docs will "reconstruct" during the same surgery.

So, this week, we should finally have most of our questions answered. We are ready to get past the UNKNOWN portion of this journey.

THANK YOU for all your love, support, and prayers. We are still feeling a complete peace about this entire ordeal.

We have not had internet access during the past few days, thus the delay in updating the blog. I'll update it once we hear back from the docs in the middle of the week. Take care and THANK YOU!

Love, The Sullivans

20 comments:

Jess said...

Love you guys and am praying praying praying!

Unknown said...

We admire your faith and courage in the face of what must be overwhelming at first glance. Please know that you are in our hearts and daily prayers always. We appreciate the blog that keeps everyone up to speed with this.

God Speed.
Aunt Sue and Bob

Denise said...

I'm a friend of Angie's and I just wanted to say I am so proud of you and your wife. Your faith is amazing and is shining through in such a trying time! God Bless both of you, we're praying!!

The Buckwalters said...

We love you and have been continually praying for your peace and healing. I praise the Lord for the peace He has given you thus far. Your faith in Him will see you through. Ps. 3:5-6. Love and Hugs, Hans and Analisa

Diane said...

You have been in my prayers.God Bless you both and stay strong.
Love,
Aunt Diane

ptmeg said...

Praying for you this week...love and miss you.
Paul and Megan

Equipo Diaspora de América en España said...

Julie and I are praying for you guys every day. Keep your eyes on Jesus. We love you.

Unknown said...

Dearest Sara and Brady,

Thank you so much for starting this blog so we all may be part of your journey. Know that we love you both and pray daily for you. You are both a testament to us all as you share your strength, courage and faith. Our love, Jimmy and Charleen

Jennifer said...

Praying for you guys!

Broughton Clan said...

We love you guys! We are praying for you and know GOd is all over this! Thanks for blogging and keeping us up with this process in your lives. I have lots of prayer warriors praying on your behalf. LOVE YOU
KRISTIN BROUGHTON

butler babes said...

Sara, Doug and I are praying for you during this season.

love, Laura Butler

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Sara and Brady, our prayers are with you. We will share with Pastor Chris so our church can pray for this tonight and in these coming days.

Doug & Laura Butler

Welcome said...

Larry and I are praying for you!

Unknown said...

Dear Sara and Brady,
I am praying for you and will keep updated on how to specifically be praying through your blog and Becky. Sending my love and prayers to you.
Natalie

Lisa said...

We love you guys and are praying for the Lord's peace that transcends all understanding to be your strength!

Love,
Lis & Bryce

Montgomery said...

We love you and are praying...

This Crazy Cross family said...

we love you guys and are praying for you tons and tons and tons!!!
Love,
Ryan, Sarah and Micah!

This Crazy Cross family said...

we love you and are praying for you tons and tons and tons!!
Love,
Ryan, Sarah and Micah!

Chris Spiker said...

Holy cow, I'm swamped for a few days and you two turn up pregnant! Hot diggedy, that is great news. Now we all have two things to look forward to -- a munchkin and getting this boob problem behind us. I would much rather have a munchkin than a boob. Take care you three.

Chris