The Results from the Pathology Report – The Stage of my Cancer Revealed
Today I went in for a post operative check-up with my surgeon, Dr. Berg. The pathology results came in. My dear, dear, friends…this is going to be a long road for all of us.
After they removed my breast tissue, they did what is called a sentinel node dissection of the first three lymph nodes to check “just in case” there is any crazy insane chance in hell, that there may have been an invasive cancer. DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in SITU) is supposed to stay in the ducts and be non-invasive. When I had my mammogram and biopsy, they pretty much knew it was “just” DCIS. The only way to really tell if there was anything else, was of course after the bilateral mastectomy (surgery that removes both breasts) when they send the tissue to the pathologist. The pathologist found cancer in nodes removed. What this means, is that he was NOT just facing DCIS. DCIS DOES NOT invade. Cancer in the lymph nodes means invasive cancer. They went back into the breast tissue and found a tumor the size of 3mm with a tiny spec of cancer cells in it..I would guess the size of a pen mark. That little bit of cancer cells was enough to travel and invade my lymph nodes and into my blood stream.
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What does this mean?
I have invasive cancer. Dr. Berg said that they (a bunch of doctors of all sorts of specialties) met up at their conference and I was the big discussion…again.. on what would be the best treatment for me, how odd this is, how rare this is…they have no one to compare me to with my age and since I have no family history, whatsoever, of cancer. They all talked together and said that since this is so aggressive, the best treatment for me would be to remove all of my lymph nodes in my right side (these are known as the axillary nodes). Once I heal from that surgery, I will then start chemo.
Next Tuesday, Jan. 8th, I meet up again with my Oncologist, Dr. Chowhan at the Cancer Center of Indiana, in New Albany. He is going to be the one to decide on which treatment would be best for me. If it were up to me, I honestly would prefer them all removed..at least I KNOW I did all I can to remove any percentage of cancer in there. Hell, It really MAY be up to me, now that I think of it. Since Dr. Chowhan is an Oncologist, of course I would want his guidance and experience on what he thinks is best for me.
Believe me when I say this.. When Dr. Berg told me that the cancer spread to my lymph nodes, I started crying out loud like a child. Shocked the hell out of me
1.) That it had spread 2.) That I was publicly crying like this. I’m an incredibly private person when it comes to crying. Of course that was normal and to be expected. But every time I have learned this or that through this journey, I’ve been strong-and not in a facade´sort of way..really strong about this news. It’s after I tell my family, that it sets in and I cry. Tonight, I cried for myself first. Immediately. Screaming inside my head “I THOUGHT THIS SHIT WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO SPREAD…!!!!!????!!!!” It turns out, it’s almost like I have three different breast cancers going on.. Paget’s disease of the nipple was first. (dude, seriously read how rare this one is)…then all the dumb calcifications in my ducts..the DCIS, then this tumor mass that held the small piece of cancer.
Here are all of my staging and grades:
(Click this link to read in “human terms” while going back and forth to what these grades mean in definition)
Histological Type of Invasive Carcinoma: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Tumor Size: Size of Largest Invasive Carcinoma: 3mm
Histological Grade: Nottingham Histological Score:
Glandular (Acinar)/Tubular Differentiation: Score = 3
Nuclear Pleomorphism: Score = 3
Mitotic Count: Score = 2
Overal Cancer Grade: Grade 3; Total Score=8
Tumor Focality: Single focus of invasive carcinoma
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Present; positive for EIC
Architectural Patterns: Comedo
Nuclear Grade: Grade III
Necrosis: Present; central
Nipple: Paget’s
Pathological Staging (pTNM)
Primary Tumor: pT1a
Regional Lymph Nodes: (sn) pN1mi
Distant Metastasis: Not applicable
SO……What I need are my right axillary lymph nodes removed and undergo chemo.
I am doing well tonight. I am just so freaking glad you guys are all still here with me and have my back, sides and front!!! I LOVE YOU
74 Responses to “The Results from the Pathology Report – The Stage of my Cancer Revealed”
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oh sweety-sending so much love and many many prayers your way-The prayer warriors will beat this evil devil. Stay strong xxxxoooo
OMG Alyssa…….I can’t even believe this. I seriously want to hug the heck out of you right now. I’ve been thinking about you TONS and look forward to more updates. Xoxo
I just have no words right now. (tears are filling in many eyes tonight)
Oh my word! I just can not believe what you are going through and you are a year younger than me. This is so scary and I do not know how you stay as strong as you do. I commend you for your strength and positivity. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My mother battled breast and lung cancer so this hits home. I am truly hoping for the best. I think you are doing and handling everything like a super hero. Best of luck!
My heart aches for you & your loved ones. We are all Pulling for you, Praying for you & believing in your Purpose! Thank you again for sharing.
Oh Alyssa, I’m so sorry. I felt like I was punched in the gut when I read this and I can’t even imagine how you felt when you got the news. Stay strong. You will make it through!!
What happened when you were a child was tragic, but you survived.
Y2K came along – “it’s the end of the world!”. You survived.
2000: you survived Hal Lindsay’s version of the Rapture.
2007: Shelby Corbett predicted another Rapture after Lindsay failed. But you beat the odds!
2011: Harold Camping said that May 21, 2011 was the ultimate judgment day. What? You’re still alive?!?
2012: Mayan calendar ended in December…yet…you can still post updates?
Well, Alyssa! This tells me that cancer is child’s play given the scope of trouble you’ve face and have already defeated.
You got this.
You know you do.
We all know you do.
love that, Ken
My thoughts and prayers are coming your way! Try to stay as positive as ever! We all are pulling for you!
Hanging there with you. Stay strong, bright eyes
You will get through this! Keep fighting and don’t worry that you have to break down every once in a while. Tears cleanse. You are strong and powerful and loved!
Sweety, We’re all here for you. HUNDREDS of us!! We will be your biggest cheer leaders!! You know that if you ever need to talk, I’m just a phone call away.
Alyssa,
We are all here beside you. You are surrounded by prayers and loving thoughts. We, your army, will do what’s needed to help you. Anything!
Get some rest and snuggle those cute babies of your’s.
Oh Alyssa I was praying for better results as i’m sure everyone else was.Yes you do have a long road, but remember your not alone.I have done my share of crying for my son,but sweetie I’v cryed for you and I keep you in my prays every night! Enough is enough any time we could us some GOOD news! God be with you.No one knows how hard you are fighting,don’t give up,but remember crying isn’t a sign of weakness.. Love Billi
Thinking of you constantly, my friend! Sending big hugs your way! XO
This just pisses me off so much!! I love you Lys! You are the strongest woman I know. You WILL beat this. Prayers and love are sent to you constantly.
Love and strength
Alyssa,
I think Heidi and Judy are awesome and can only assume that you get your incredible spirit through them. My 4th graders and I will keep you on our prayer wall and continue you in our daily thoughts and prayers. (I’m Lily’s teacher.)
I hate you cancer!
You can do this. As hard as it seems. you have so much going for you.I did it so can you.
I’m sure it feels like everytime you get results back it seems to get worse and you wonder – “am I just having a bad dream? When the hell will I wake up?”, but there are many positives to your situation: you have amazing Drs., you are young, healthy & strong, the bilateral mastectomy is the most painful part (emotionally & physically) and you breezed through it! And best of all you have the most loving & supportive family and thousands of us who are praying for you and sending our love your way. Stay strong my beautiful friend – but remember to cry & scream whenever you need to! ❤❤
Allysa, We are all praying for you and will not give up on you EVER! You WILL beat this and it sounds to me like you have an amazing team of doctors. I’ve never heard of removing all those lymphnodes so this tells me they KNOW what they’re doing and I think it’s a great treatment plan. Hang tough girl. Cry, scream, throw something (when no one’s around). You WILL get through this. Much love and blessings always!!! Give your mama an extra big hug tonight…..She will need just as many hugs and prayers as you my dear as we mothers know we never want anything hurting our precious children. (((HUGS)))
You are a strong lady Lisa, you will pull through this one with flying colors too. If you want to talk call me or if I can help you through Mom or Josh just let me know. Take care and good luck.
I am so mad right now. How can this be??
I guess the way I see it is, you are so special that you will be the girl who has the one_in_a_million rare thing happen . .so you can be that rare one_in_a_million girl to KICK ITS ASS!
I am screaming inside. I so thought you were going to have good news & a good day. Instead, you had a really shitty day. I am so very sorry. I wish I could make it better, but I can’t. Sometimes life just isn’t fair. This is one of those times. So glad you have a really good medical team & family support. They can help you pull through this.
Oh dearest, Alyssa! My heart breaks for you…..it hurts to read your words but yet you inspire us because of of your raw courage & strength. You are brutally honest. You don’t hold anything back & your photos of this difficult journey show us your pain & sorrow….
You never need to feel bad about your emotions or reactions to this! How you feel is how you feel! Mad, sad, angry, upset, or however you feel is part of the process. It’s OK to feel those emotions & a gamut of many more. You are fighting to eradicate this terrible disease that has turned your life upside down!. CA SUCKS!!!!! We will be there with you Alyssa & your family in our thoughts, prayers, & spirit! You have so much support & strength that you can do this! We will keep praying & praying & praying…
Oh dearest, Alyssa! My heart breaks for you…..it hurts to read your words but yet you inspire us because of of your raw courage & strength. You are brutally honest. You don’t hold anything back & your photos of this difficult journey show us your pain & sorrow….
You never need to feel bad about your emotions or reactions to this! How you feel is how you feel! Mad, sad, angry, upset, or however you feel is part of the process. It’s OK to feel those emotions & a gamut of many more. You are fighting to eradicate this terrible disease that has turned your life upside down!. CA SUCKS!!!!! We will be there with you Alyssa & your family in our thoughts, prayers, & spirit! You have so much support & strength that you can do this! You can do it!!!!!!!!
So many people are praying for you, Alyssa. Have faith. The best advice I received was to take one day at a time. My thoughts and prayers everyday.
The DeShields will pray for you!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
I sure was hoping for better news, and can only imagine how devastated you are. When you start losing hope, think about my mom, a two time breast cancer survivor…..she’ll be 75 this year =) Fight hard, my friend. I have no doubt you can do this xoxo
Prayers, prayers, so many prayers!
I’m so sorry that you are going through this, & that as a mom you are stressed for you and your kids. If there is any way I can help with them please let me know!
Praying for you!
Allysa,
You don’t know me, I don’t know you. I am Erica Alvey’s Aunt. I have been following your journey because it’s very inspiring. I believe above all that the good will prevail. I learned recently that a good friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her sister underwent a double mastectomy a couple of years ago and is happy and healthy. I know that no matter what, you have the thoughts and prayers of so many people behind you that you don’t even know about. And YOU WILL WIN!!Hugs to you and your family:-) Vicky
Sooo sorry and sad to read and hear about everything you have been going through. I just don’t understand why this has to happen to such a wonderful, beautiful, and caring young woman. My prayers are with you Alyssa. Stay strong, you of all people can beat this. Love u.
Wow, that’s a lot of information to Soak in at your appointment. I think that even though you cried after hearing this, that you are a strong woman who will fight with everything you’ve got. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers!
Thinking about you!
F cancer. And love to you and your family. That’s all.
Reading this just pisses me off—my heart is breaking for you!!! Time to bring out the big guns to fight this off!! You ARE a fighter and WILL get rid of this shit!! Most of all, you ARE a SURVIVOR, the most beautiful, amazing, and strongest person I have ever had the wonderful opportunity of connecting with. Prayers, love and hugs sent your way, every day!!!!!!!!
U can’t even believe how much u fill my thoughts all day. I was so excited for u today thinking that u finally would have your much desired shower then I get on here tonight and read this shocking bullshit!!! Why??? U r such a good person, good mom, good wife, daughter, etc. I am just so thankful that u found it so quickly and went ahead with the decision to have both breasts taken. That, right there, proves how smart and brave u r.
God is good and prayer does work. I know HE hears all of us and u will get thru this. Just think how many u r helping along the way with you documenting your journey. I am so proud to call u my niece. Thinking of u and praying for u constantly. Xoxo
Alyssa, my heart goes out to you and your family. You have so many people keeping you in their thougths and prayers. Keep strong! You are a fighter! And in those moments that you need a release and cry…do it! Just means that you have shed all those doubts. Round two, here you come!!!!! God Bless!
Keep the faith , praying hard every day for you an your family !! much love to you Alyssa .. XXOO
Alyssa, you’ve always been a fighter. And a champion!! Growing up and watching you play softball and basketball, i always admired your aggression when you took on the game. As much as that cancer is trying to beat you…you are much more stronger! You have a whole lot of fight in you and strength running through your blood!
I’m praying for you and your family. Whenever you feel weak and want to give up and give in….sit down for a few moments and look to God for grace and help. Stay positive! And keep the faith! Girl, I have confidence you’ll overcome this!! I’m rooting for ya!!!!!!
Much Love,
Jessica
I don’t know the right words to tell a stranger that they are loved and thought of in a non creepy way, but I will try and do my best.
You’ve been on my mind endlessly. My heart breaks for you and your young family. I’ve come to believe that only true superheroes get cancer. No one seems to know the strength inside themselves until this. Cancer makes you vulnerable to emotions you didn’t even know you have. On so many levels your private life is exposed for all to see. Just know that each person here is effected by your journey and we pray for a full recovery. In the meantime go on and wear your pink superhero cape and kick some butt, you deserve it! While our paths may never physically cross you’ve left a spot on my heart. God Bless!
With all these prayers, with all the love, with all your spirit; You will defeat this beast! HOPE always. And B × e a × t Cancer!
Alyssa, I’m Ruthie (Stopher) Ross’s aunt. Praying for you for strength, hope, peace, joy in the midst of the trials and for God’s healing.
Alyssa
My heart goes out to you & your loved ones. Sending you an army of sincerest prayers. Never lose faith and never lose hope.
You can do it, Alyssa! We went to school together, but you were a year a head of me and we never talked, but I am rooting for you! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. You are a very strong person, and I know you can overcome this! Much love to you!
Alyssa- you are in my thoughts. It breaks my heart to think of you going through this. You deserve to have the best in life. Keep fighting. (You’re HeadStart teacher from years ago)
Thinking of you and your family and saying a prayer each day as I wake. Love you girl!
YOU GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE!!!! I can’t handle all of this love!! Yes I can
It’s so amazing. I LOVE you guys, and thank you so much <3
I’m so sorry to hear your news. All I can say is, put one foot in front of the other and go on, day by day. I have been in Stage 4 for three years now and that’s what I do. Some days are really hard and some days are easier. My prayers and thoughts are with you…
I am so sorry for what you are going through, and I wanted to take a moment and thank you for being so strong and one amazing person! You are a inspiration for many, and you will not be fighting this alone. I and my children will be saying prayers for you every night. Stay strong!
May Every Cell in your body vibrate with energy and health!
you sweet beautiful woman! funny how life works…it doesn’t seem right or fair…but there always seems to be a lesson in it. you are teaching a lot of us to think about the beauty of life and family and courage and honesty. thank you. praying for those fucking little cells to be destroyed!
Alyssa, this is your Auntie Suzannes friend from Farmington. I’m so very sorry that you have to go thru this battle!! All our prayers are for your quick recovery and life to get back on track as fast as possible!! You ARE a VERY STRONG Woman!! YOU WILL BEAT THIS!! Love you girl!!
Hi! My heart goes out to you…I am 59 and had pretty much the same scenario as you this year….small lump, removed both breasts and 3 lymph nodes, found cancer in one node….they performed an Octotype test to determine if I needed chemo…my score was 12 out of a possible 100 so I did not “need” chemo. Finished radiation in mid October. So far so good. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. If you need a shoulder or just want to talk, please contact me.
Alyssa,
I am so sorry to hear you will be becoming a member of the chemo sisterhood. But I can tell you since I’ve been through it there are good days and bad days and you can cry whenever you want to!!! You have a wonderful spirit that is an inspiration to others and I know you can do this!! If you need anything- friend for hat shopping, a casserole, a babysitter whatever I am here for you! I consider my experience an honor that changed my life for the better and I hope everything goes well. Keep me updated. If you have any questions feel free to contact me
Love liz
I am Dana and Jamie Kangas’ mother. Alyssa, you cry all you want to and in front of anyone you want to!!! Pour out your tears as it will help you to heal. You desereve to cry in front of God and everyone. I am sending angels to help you heal. You have such a positive attitude which will help you to heal. Keep up that attitude!!!! I would like to send monetary support also. Please let me and everyone else know where to send it.
God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers. Once again, sending angels.
Julie
Sorry for the above typos – my tears got in the way!
Alyssa, I know it’s hard but stay positive. God is on your side. You are young and I admire your strength. Thank you for posting this. It is so important to go for mammograms and catch it early. You are blessed!!!
Sweet Alyssa, I’ve been thinking about you non stop since you told me last night. You are on every prayer list I can think of. YOU WILL WIN THIS.
We want to send a donation, but don’t have a paypal account. Where should we mail it?
I’ve been thinking about you non stop since you told me last night. You are on every prayer list I can think of. YOU WILL WIN THIS FIGHT.
We want to make a donation but don’t have a paypal account. Can we just send a check? If so, should it just be made out to you? What address?
Hi Alyssa, I am so sorry to hear that the cancer is more aggressive than we had hoped. Unfortunately, since you are young and full of hormones, it really doesn’t surprise me. I would love to talk again when time allows. I will be back in town next week so we can have conversation around the next piece. Hugs from a far, Sharon
Alyssa,
Praying for you all the time and wish you all the strength from God. He will help you through this don’t fear the evil that has been laid upon you. It will be a long road but taking one step at a time can get you up a mountain. God Bless.
Stacey
Just wanted you to know my mom had an aggressive type of breast cancer, underwent a radical mastectomy and radiation. I am happy to tell you she is well 47 years later. Yes 47 years later…..I pray for you every night….
You are so courageous and so many people love you and appreciate you including me! Thank you for sharing your journey and opening yourself to accepting the love and caring we all have for you! Love you dearly! xxoxoxoxoxo Stay strong!
Hello Alyssa, I left a message on your FB page, I hope you see it. I am praying for you as God carries you through these tough times. You will make it through.
Prayer chains are in process… Pleading with our good Lord to watch over you and give u much strength, health and power in healing! We state that you are an angle here on earth and ask his power to surround you today, tomorrow and always! In my daily prayers Alyssa. Wrapping you in a VERY tight hug right now… God Bless, Respectfully LU
My thoughts and prayers are with you Alyssa. You fight hard-you can do this!!!!!
Have a great faith in God and a great faith in yourself. Even in hard times we are stronger than we think. Persevere and take one day at a time. You will be in my prayers.
GOD be with you and your loved ones !!!! NEVER give up & ALWAYS think positive !!!! Love Vicky
Oh I am so sorry to hear this news. You do have the battle of your young life ahead of you but with all the prayers God will keep you safe in his care. Just trust your Dr.s and God please wrap your arm around Alyssa and keep her safe. That will be my prayers each and every night until you write and say your cancer free!!
Alyssa,I know that you will beat this, you have the prayers of all of these people and I know that God will hear us since we are praying in unison. I am sure he is throwing up his hands saying OK I hear you just give me a little time and I will heal Alyssa!!!
YOU’VE GOT THIS!!! I was 32 and 34. I’ve been CANCERFREE for 11 years now!!! Double mastectomies, reconstruction, chemo x2 and radiation. BE AGGRESSIVE and leave no stone unturned. I gladly donated my ovaries as well. ER positive in 2000, ER PR positive in 2001. I HAVE NO REGRETS. I Knew….I never wanted to look back and say to myself, “Gee I wish I would’ve been more aggressive”. You have a beautiful attitude!!! REST and be good for to and for yourself and your family. You and your family, doctors, friends and total support network are in my thoughts and prayers. THINK PINK SISTER!!! NO REGRETS!! FORWARD MOTION and allow yourself to feel human