The Blog is Back
Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you know, the past 6-weeks have been a bit stressful because a biopsy under Shannon’s left arm revealed a very rare type of cancer called Extra Mammary Paget’s Disease (basically, sweat gland cancer). By itself, this wasn’t overly concerning because when found in the armpit, it is usually treated by simple removal. However, Shannon’s doctors were cautious and ordered a PET/CT scan to rule out any underlying tumor or malignancy.
The good news is that the scans pointed to no malignancy in her major organs. Unfortunately it did reveal something on her lymph node. Yesterday, following the removal of the lymph node and a few others to be safe, it was confirmed that she has experienced a recurrence of her breast cancer in a single node. The surgeon said everything else looked very normal and believes the other nodes are cancer free. However, we can’t be certain of this until pathology analyzes the cells, which usually take 7-10 days. Shannon will also have a CT scan of her brain to rule out anything moving north (unlikely).
The theory is that a microscopic cell survived chemotherapy more than one year ago and grew slowly into this tumor. It is scary that something could have survived what Shannon’s body went through, but we are also fortunate that it was an isolated, contained tumor in one lymph node. This is not terribly uncommon, but the sad reality that these types of recurrences do happen. Many times it is a single recurrence, and that is obviously what we hope for in this instance.
So what now? Well, perhaps my in-laws will buy Shannon another flat screen for our new house so she can “rest comfortably” in the family room as well as her bedroom. Oh – you mean treatment wise – well, at a minimum Shannon will have a daily, 6-week course of radiation therapy. Pending the results from pathology, we are not sure if chemotherapy is in the cards again, but the surgeon didn’t seem to think that would be the likely course of action. We will meet with her oncologist very soon to begin our action plan.
We have reminded ourselves again that this is a marathon and not a sprint as there is a lot of waiting for tests and results. Thus, we are keeping our heads up and buckling in for another ride. We are very confident it won’t be nearly as bumpy as 2006, but admittedly we were looking forward to an uneventful 2007.
As always, your support and love is incredible and we appreciate all that you do!!
Love,
Jeff & Shannon
As many of you know, the past 6-weeks have been a bit stressful because a biopsy under Shannon’s left arm revealed a very rare type of cancer called Extra Mammary Paget’s Disease (basically, sweat gland cancer). By itself, this wasn’t overly concerning because when found in the armpit, it is usually treated by simple removal. However, Shannon’s doctors were cautious and ordered a PET/CT scan to rule out any underlying tumor or malignancy.
The good news is that the scans pointed to no malignancy in her major organs. Unfortunately it did reveal something on her lymph node. Yesterday, following the removal of the lymph node and a few others to be safe, it was confirmed that she has experienced a recurrence of her breast cancer in a single node. The surgeon said everything else looked very normal and believes the other nodes are cancer free. However, we can’t be certain of this until pathology analyzes the cells, which usually take 7-10 days. Shannon will also have a CT scan of her brain to rule out anything moving north (unlikely).
The theory is that a microscopic cell survived chemotherapy more than one year ago and grew slowly into this tumor. It is scary that something could have survived what Shannon’s body went through, but we are also fortunate that it was an isolated, contained tumor in one lymph node. This is not terribly uncommon, but the sad reality that these types of recurrences do happen. Many times it is a single recurrence, and that is obviously what we hope for in this instance.
So what now? Well, perhaps my in-laws will buy Shannon another flat screen for our new house so she can “rest comfortably” in the family room as well as her bedroom. Oh – you mean treatment wise – well, at a minimum Shannon will have a daily, 6-week course of radiation therapy. Pending the results from pathology, we are not sure if chemotherapy is in the cards again, but the surgeon didn’t seem to think that would be the likely course of action. We will meet with her oncologist very soon to begin our action plan.
We have reminded ourselves again that this is a marathon and not a sprint as there is a lot of waiting for tests and results. Thus, we are keeping our heads up and buckling in for another ride. We are very confident it won’t be nearly as bumpy as 2006, but admittedly we were looking forward to an uneventful 2007.
As always, your support and love is incredible and we appreciate all that you do!!
Love,
Jeff & Shannon
posted by Shannon Fallick at 2:11 PM
4 Comments:
Happy to hear of the promising prognosis. Not sure how many hits you're going to take for the team, but let's hope this is the VERY last one - you've certainly paid your dues. Thanks for being such wonderful examples of strength, hope, humor and perseverance. - Lots of love, the Barnharts
In the words of our sons' generation, "This totally SUCKS!"
You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers as you courageously begin this next round of treatment and healing!
We will keep up with your positive progress through the Blog!
Feeling Powerless,
Wayne & Jen
Jeff and Shannon-
You are an inspiration to us all. We will keep up with your positive progress by reading your blog. Just say the word and we will be there to help in any way. You are wonderful friends.
Much love always-
Dave and Alyse
I am thinking about you all. Your positive energy and spirit really have been an inspiration to me.
Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do!
Love,
Melissa Harms
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