Biopsy due...Wed 26th Oct
Well today I met with the cardiothoracic surgeon to discuss the biopsy. He had examined my scans and assured me that a biopsy could be done! I was so relieved because I had been told that a biopsy would probably not be possible! It will give me peace of mind knowing that a correct diagnosis will be made based on the biopsy, and then appropriate treatment to follow. He explained that some of the lymph nodes in between the middle of my lungs are slightly enlarged. He told me that the biopsy on Wednesday will be to test these lymph nodes and it is a relatively simple procedure that requires one night in hospital. The sample lymph node tissue will be tested for BC, HER2 status and hormone receptor status. My understanding is that if there is a positive result for BC in the lymph nodes(which he says is highly likely... 90%), I will begin treatment for BC as soon as possible. If on the other hand there is a negative result, I will need to have an actual lung biopsy. This is a more major operation and will involve a tiny part of the lung being removed and the tiny spots tested. It will require 3-4 nights in hospital. He told me that its very important that we get a 100% correct diagnosis, and he had a sense of urgency about getting to the bottom of this as soon as possible. I was so pleased that he is going to look into this thoroughly and quickly. I left feeling that I was in good hands.
I am expecting a BC diagnosis...but am wondering if in fact a different BC cancer can come back....could it be HER2 negative this time? A lower grade? Hormone receptor negative? Or does this mean exactly the same BC cancer as I had previously? Hmmm....the mind boggles. Well wish me luck ladies xxxx
