Friday, April 10, 2009

Pathology Results


Sara's pathology report on the tumor and lymph nodes was completed this morning. We have some good news and some not-so-good news.

Good news... Only 3 of the 10 lymph nodes removed came back positive for cancer. This means that Sara's cancer stays Stage IIB.

Not-so-good news... The margin of healthy tissue removed around the tumor showed some "microscopic calcifications" (cancer cells). This means that there is going to be another procedure next week to remove more breast tissue. We knew that this was a possibility with the lumpectomy, and we were willing to accept that risk in order to do the breast conservation surgery. It will be a minor surgery (Sara will be awake and under local anesthesia), and we will be home the same day. With the local anesthesia, there is no risk to Baby Sulli. They are going to go back in through the same incision and take a few more millimeters of tissue on both ends of where the tumor was.

We were curious as to what the cancer looked like and what the doctors did with the tumor once the testing on it was completed. This IS NOT a photo of Sara's tumor.


Breast Cancer Tumor

The yellow tissue is healthy breast tissue and the white in the center is the cancer. The doctor said that the tumor is similar (in appearance and texture) to scar tissue. The surgeon told us that they save most of the cancerous tumors (for research later) and that there is a room in the hospital that is FULL of tumors. Sorry if that grossed you out.

We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend, then Sara will have the drainage tube (in her armpit) removed on Monday and will go in for the additional surgery on Wednesday. We will be in Hawaii through April 21 for sure.

The tests on Baby Sullivan also came back today. There is NO INCREASED RISK for chromosomal abnormalities. More good news.

Sara is feeling better everyday and is recovering nicely. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

8 comments:

Welcome said...

We're thinking of you Sara and Vapor. While you're in S.A. please let me know if you need anything. My Mom is there and told me she can and will do anything she can to help.
Larry, Teresa and Abigail

Mom to 5 bugs said...

Thanks for NOT picturing Sara's tumor on the blog! That would be more medical info that we could stand! (:
We'll continue to pray for the upcoming procedure and we're glad to hear that the drain tube will be out soon!
Melissa for all

The Buckwalters said...

Praise Jesus for the good news! You guys are continuously in our thoughts and prayers! Love you both!

Unknown said...

Aloha,

It was really great meeting you both at church yesterday! I wanted to pass along some info- a couple of awesome resources while you are on island.

http://www.healingroomshawaii.com/

(i have a friend who works at the healing room)

AND

LMI Weekly Healing Ministries
Wednesday Healing Service
(including Holidays) Living Streams Christian Fellowship
1419 10th Avenue
Honolulu, HI
11:00 a.m.
Ph: 808-734-2655 or 808-486-4777

Monday Healing Service
(including Holidays) Moanalua Gardens Missionary Church
1401 Mahiole Street
Honolulu, HI
6:00 p.m.
Ph: 808-839-4002 or 808-486-4777

I have been to the monday night service- its AMAZING! located right by Tripler!

Praying for you guys!

Megan
perryinhawaii@hawaiiantel.net

Anonymous said...

Checking in on your latest and so glad to hear the surgery went well, Sara's recovery is speedily underway, and that only 3 of the lymph nodes are affected. We'll pray for the upcoming procedure and your continued healing and treatments as well as for Baby Sullivan's protection of his/her health. You guys continue to be a beautiful example of a strong faith in our Lord Jesus and God's will for His children. Thank you for continuing to update us all and be sure to soak up all of that Hawaiian sun for the rest of us!

Porta/Jesse and Stephanie

The Buckwalters said...

As this next surgery takes place I just wanted to remind you that you all (including Baby Sulli) are loved and prayed for!

amym said...

I do not know the 2 of you, but was friends with Angie in high school. I have been visiting your blog recently and just want to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your stength, faith, and positive attitude are amazing and an inspiration.

Tammi said...

Hi Sara & Brady!
I have been praying for you both; believing for your complete healing & for the baby to be kept safe! Please let me know if there is anything I can do!! I would love to see you all before you leave for the Mainland!
In Christ,
Tammi