Unknown Primary Cancer

The following Wednesday we had an appointment with the oncologist to discuss the biopsy results. At this point, we didn't know what to expect. All we knew for sure was that the mass and lymph node were cancerous. My mom, Brian and I went to the appointment together. We immediately made a connection with the doctor as he had treated my mom's friend about a year ago. He was friendly, had young kids, and joked with Brian (which we all know wins him over). They tested for 3 receptors and the receptor for Breast Cancer was 100% positive. This coupled with where they found the lymph node all pointed to Breast Cancer.

The issue was that my mammogram was clear. If they can not find the original tumor and it has already spread to the lymph nodes it is considered an "Unknown Primary Source" cancer. He felt with the positive Breast Cancer results in the biopsy that we just weren't seeing the tumor on the mammogram. He scheduled a Breast MRI to try to locate the tumor and a PET Scan to assure the cancer had not spread into any other organs. He gave us the following scenarios:

1. We would find something on the Breast MRI which would help us define this as Breast Cancer. At this point, my surgeon would decide if he could remove the mass or not. The treatment plan could include any combination of surgery, radiation and chemo in this case

2. We would not find anything on the Breast MRI which could mean that my immune system fought off the original tumor or that we might need to look further. We would then treat with Chemotherapy as an Unknown Primary Source cancer.

3. The two previous scenarios would all be dependent on a clear PET Scan. My cancer would be considered Stage 3 unless the PET Scan showed that it had traveled to any other organs. (Let's just leave it at that, we needed a clear PET Scan).

He sent me right over to Radiology where they took me in for a Breast MRI. We all walked into the internal waiting room......

Nurse: Undress, put on this gown and leave your shoes on

Me: I have my cowboy boots on

Nurse: Go ahead and just leave your socks on

Me: Ok (laughing..........)

We are a little sock challenged at our house,

but I'm thinking it may become a tradition here!