Update from Oncologist visit

On Wednesday afternoon, we went to see our oncologist (Dr. C.) to get all the details from the surgery. Our last update (Friday) was very brief from the surgeon's nurse.

Dr C. did confirm that the surgery was successful. No cancer was found on the right side. The cancerous masses were removed and 2 out of 20 lymph nodes did have cancer. As stated, margins were clear of cancer. Dr. C. told us that the cancer was rated at stage 3 (on a scale from 1-4). We were hoping that it would be staged at 2 since they "got it all" but since the size of the tumor was pretty large (5 cm) and it did enter the lymph nodes, it was rated at stage 3.

He told us that if we did nothing at all (chemo or radiation), the chances of returning was 75% and it would not be curable only treatable. Of course, we are going to do something and he recommended 6 sessions (every 3 weeks) of chemo and then 5 weeks of radiation just to put this cancer to bed! We are going to follow this advice to a T. The Dr is very hopeful especially with the preventative chemo and radiation.

We plan to start in 2 to 3 weeks.
Bruce