Hello Everyone-
A quick update about Brooke. As I mentioned in the previous post, the doctors ordered some additional tests to try to get as much information as possible.
On Wednesday, Brooke had an echo cardiogram. Although we haven't heard anything official from the doctor yet, the technician described her echo cardiogram as "boring" which sounds great to us -- we've had enough "excitement" for the past couple of weeks. We'll take "boring."
Brooke also had an MRI done on Wednesday. She got a call later that day saying that in addition to the tumor itself, the whole breast showed "abnormal enhancement." It's not exactly clear what that means. Our general understanding is that abnormal enhancement means something suspicious but not really well defined. They also said that although a lumpectomy is still an option, because of what they were seeing in the MRI, if she does choose a lumpectomy it might mean additional surgery down the road.
The other test that we are still waiting on is the genetic test. We just found out today that our insurance won't pay for this test unless we meet with a genetic counselor first. Brooke has an appointment to see the genetic counselor tomorrow and presumably the insurance company will then cover the test. That will be one more bit of information that will help Brooke finalize the very difficult decision about which surgery to have.
The other bit of news it that the surgery date (originally scheduled for Sept. 28) is going to be pushed back. There are a couple of reasons for the delay. This will allow time to complete all of the testing and get all the results back. More important though is that it is looking increasingly likely that Brooke will have more invasive surgery and, if she does, that will require both the surgeon who will take care of the cancer and a plastic surgeon as well. So we have to schedule two surgeons at once and that can't happen on the 28th. We'll keep you posted when we have a firm date.
That's the additional info we have for now. Thanks for your love, concern, and prayers for Brooke.
- John
Hey John! Thanks for the update. Tough choices. I happened to be on the phone with Dad so I went ahead & read it to him. He was trying to take notes so he'll probably call you. I know he will but he's thinking back three years to Mom, as we are all I'm sure. Thinking of you guys everyday & praying for you all. Keep the faith. Sometimes it's all we've got besides each other. Thank heaven for that! Love to all especially you & Brooke. XXOO Martie
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