Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

Well it's been a week since the unexpected phone call and here I stand...technically I'm sitting as I type but you know what I mean =)  And while I was certain to an extent of what I wanted a conversation with someone made me think a little differently.  An unexpected conversation with someone who is currently in remission for the identical type of cancer I have made me think that surgery may not be necessary.  Now, while I don't have my MRI results yet, no one has told me that maybe I can treat my cancer with Tamoxifen and keep it moving.  Tamoxifen is a drug that is given to women that have a type of cancer that is treatable with hormone therapy.  So because my cancer is estrogen and progesterone positive Tamoxifen is a drug that will work to stop the receptors from "feeding" my cancer.  Estrogen receptor-positive cancer, means that they have a protein to which estrogen will bind and the breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow.  Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.  Tamoxifen works against the effects of estrogen on these cells. It is often called an anti estrogen or a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator).

I know it sounds like a lot, right?  So in addition to all of the above mentioned the person I was talking about who has the cancer I have "invasive ductal carcinoma" did not have surgery. She is only taking tamoxifen and being monitored. Now being that she is in her mid 40's may have something to do with it, but it's an option I honestly didn't know was available to me.  I'm not sure if it's because I have a tumor that makes my situation slightly different but it made me think that maybe I don't have to have surgery.  Right now, I'm not sure if I have a particular preference other than being cancer-free.  If I decide to go the conservative route, I don't want to have to be blogging to y'all in fifteen years saying..."Guess whose back....cancer."  

Tomorrow I meet with the plastic surgeon and you KNOW I have to make my list of questions and discuss possible outcomes. I'm still standing, still here and right now I feel well!!! Thanks for the love! I am off to Kaiser to request a copy of my medical record for me because 1) it's mine and 2) you never know!  I will post more soon just wanted to update ya!

Loving you all!

Quick side note: I am feeling quite empowered right now! I started a list serve specifically as a support system that my sorority sisters could participate in that may not have the support I am beyond blessed to have! So far the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. There isn't anything positive energy can't cure =)