PET Results

On 8/31 we met with the oncologist to find out what she felt the best course of action would be. She explained that some of the most important things would be the size of the original tumor (2.7 cm) and that anything bigger than 1 cm would require chemo. Also, if the lump had been around long enough that some random cells dispersed into her blood stream and spread to other areas such as lymph nodes, liver, bones, brain, and lungs. She told us that Morgan's tumor was grade 3 cells which are the most aggressive and that means they will grow the fastest. She discussed a little about what to expect from chemotherapy and then opted to wait until the PET/CT scan to see what the lump had already done on its own.

On 9/2 we found out that the internal mammary lymph glands are enlarged and that the tumor is not receptive to estrogen, progesterone, or HR2. This means it is called a Triple Negative Medullary breast cancer which is less than 1% common.

Treatment will consist of 6 rounds of chemotherapy, each 3 weeks apart. This will last about 5 months and then we will do 6 weeks of radiation every day M-F. The surgery was postponed since the glands are under her breast bone and in order to remove the nodes, they would have to crack open her breastbone.

She has a prescription for a steroid to take the day before chemo begins and then the day after. This will help prevent an anaphylactic shock from one of the drugs. Also, the day after the chemo, she will go in for a Newlasta shot which will build up her immune system and help build up her white cells. One week after chemo she will go in for a blood test to check her toxicity levels.

The doctors say that each treatment will be a little worse than the one before. We are hoping she takes this first treatment well. Supposedly the 3rd or 4th day is the worst...which will happen to fall on her 16th birthday.

As Morgan's mom, I just want everyone to know how grateful we are for your support, love, prayers, and concern. It is difficult to talk to everyone and fill you in, even though you are all so important. We are just exhausted with all of the news, emotions, and decisions. Just keep in touch and we will keep you as current as possible.

Love to you all!