Here we go again...

Had to take some time and step away from the blog for a second, but I'm back with news.

Birmingham called today to confirm that mom's tumor is still very much cancerous. The did a biopsy, a very painful biopsy, last week and just got the results back today. Moms has a type of cancer called triple negative. The best way I know how to explain it is aggressive. Here's what the breast cancer foundation has to say about it...

In other words, a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis means that the offending tumor is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative, thus giving rise to the name "triple negative breast cancer." On a positive note, this type of breast cancer is typically responsive to chemotherapy. Because of its triple negative status, however, triple negative tumors generally do not respond to receptor targeted treatments. Depending on the stage of its diagnosis, triple negative breast cancer can be particularly aggressive, and more likely to recur than other subtypes of breast cancer.

So, now the next step is for her to undergo a very high dose of chemo. She's had all the radiation her body can handle, because Dr. Keene gave her the highest dose possible. Dr. Bland still can't operate because the tumor is still very large and pressing on lots of nerves. Hopefully, chemo will shrink this monster enough so he can go in and remove it for good.

We go back to Birmingham Thursday to meet with her doctors again and possibly start treatment. We would appreciate your prayers very much. I remember the awful, awful effects chemo had on her body 5 years ago, and I'm NOT looking forward to a heavier dose this go around.




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