Pathology Results

Leticia saw her doctor today and was optimistic about the findings of her pathology reports.

The cancer was only in the sentinel node, (click here for definition) not in any of the other 17 llymph nodes that were removed or the other breast.

Her doctor says the common practice now is to refrain from assessing "stages" in cancers anymore but, here is the official "Dr. speak".

Her cancer is at a T1, N1, MO.  Layman's terms this is the best report we could  hope for as for at this time.

Explainer:
T - (her 1, means it's smallest category of tumor)
The letter T followed by a number from 0 to 4 describes the tumor's size and whether it has spread to the skin or chest wall under the breast. Higher T numbers indicate a larger tumor and/or more extensive spread to tissues surrounding the breast.
 N - (since it has spread to the sentinel node, it's a 1)
The letter N followed by a number from 0 to 3 indicates whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the breast and, if so, whether the affected nodes are fixed to other structures under the arm.

M - (0 means it has not spread)
The letter M followed by a 0 or 1 indicates whether or not the cancer has metastasized (spread) to distant organs (i.e., the lungs or bones) or to lymph nodes that are not next to the breast, such as those above the collarbone.
Although she is still going to undergo further testing to make sure there are not 'hot spots', they don't anticipate any.

At this point, Leticia says she the power of prayer is palpable and abundant in her life.  Not only does she have people in various cities, churches and states coast to coast prayer for her...but also people in other countries. She says not a day goes by with out a call to say "we are putting you on our prayer list."

The next step will be a visit to the oncologist for her treatment plan.

~Stephanie