Well, it's Thymoma

[pecwae]

Had the golf ball sized 'teratoma' removed Tuesday and it was Stage 2 thymoma instead. I'm bummed hearing cancer again, but understand this is highly curable in this stage although rare (about 500 cases a year).

Next step is sternotomy to remove the thymus, periocardium and surrounding tissue since the path showed some vascular invasion. I really am not looking forward to another chest tube and ICU time!

The really odd thing is that I've known about this thing for three years and it did not go on a growth spurt until the last few months. This includes the months that I was treated with Taxol for BC. One would think that the Taxol would have prevented growth since it's one of the drugs of choice for thymoma treatment in later stages.

This is the 3rd time in 3 years and I damn well feel like my karmic debt is paid up! My front torso looks like a war zone.

Thanks to this group for all the love and support. I just got home, signed on and saw more good wishes on my last post. You have no idea what that means to me.

:loveya:

[OzarkDem]

1. Darn!

But glad to hear its highly curable. Interesting about the Taxol, too. It looks like hormonal therapy is also an option, along with radiation after surgery.

Let us know when you are scheduled for surgery, we'll hold a party for you! :party:

You are sounding so positive, I know you'll get through this. We're with you.

:grouphug:

[Auntie Bush]

2. You got my husband beat!

Three times in three years!!!!!!! WOW!!!!

Husband's was three times in five years.

Wishing you good luck and good health in the future.
Agreed! The support comments to our post are so reassuring, encouraging, comforting and loving! :grouphug:

[LeighAnn]

3. Sorry to hear this

When do you have to go for your sternotomy? That's a bummer, but I'm glad you're getting it taken care of

:grouphug:

[ulysses]

4. strength, pecwae

Three times in three years. Jesus. :hug:

[pecwae]

5. Good grief!!

Spoke with my surgeon this morning and now they are unsure about the diagnosis. It's either thymoma, lymphoma or a mix. The path lab at Duke Raleigh had never seen anything like it and shipped it all to big Duke here in Durham this morning. My surgeon is presenting my case to the Tumor Board Friday morning and I will meet with him afterwards.

[Stepup2]

6. Stay strong

It sounds like you are in good hands and you sure have a positive attitude about the hell you have been through.

[OzarkDem]

7. Good idea

Better to let the experts take a look at it, they're used to seeing a lot of them. We're still pulling for you!

[pecwae]

8. Definitely thymoma

Stage 2A, low grade, Type A. All of that is good and the stats are virtually the same for Stage 2 as for Stage 1. I will have my third opinion next Monday as to treatment, but I know he'll also recommend the sternotomy for removal of thymus.

Just last year (tomorrow to be exact) I was preparing for a double mastectomy followed by chemo and Herceptin. The year before I was preparing for lumpectomy and rads. September just doesn't seem to be my lucky month.

I am so hesitant to have this surgery. My family has a history of heart disease and what if I need open heart surgery? I'll already have had my chest opened up! How many times can the body take that type of invasion? I'm really having trouble with this! One would think the decision would be a 'slam dunk', but it isn't.

Whatever thoughts anyone might have on this I would truly appreciate. What would you do in my situation?

Love and peace to all of you, my friends.

[OzarkDem]

9. Oh, pecwae

I'm glad to hear its something manageable, but you have been through so much in the last few years. My heart goes out to you at this time, it must be really difficult trying to make a decision.

Your docs will probably be testing your heart, etc. before they do surgery, so they will know if you have a risk of heart complications, right? Make sure to bring these questions up when you talk to them.

I have a friend who has been through similar problems. She's been living with bone mets and is Her 2 positive and also developed secondary cancer of the salivary glands. She's also had numerous surgeries over the years, but she keeps plugging along. She has children, so her wish is to do all she can to be with them. When I first met her 7 years ago she had just finished rads for the salivary gland cancer, she's had other surgeries since then.

There is always hope and, as a young person, your body is still probably surprisingly strong. Let you doctor know of your concerns. Whatever you decide, we're with you. I know its an agonizing time for you. I have a friend and fellow bc survivor who was just dx with a brain tumor, she's waiting tests for that to determine if its mets or a new type of tumor. I don't know how she manages, but she does. You are both such strong people.


:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Auntie Bush]

10. So sorry to hear this Pecwae.

Why do all the good people in this world have such bad luck?

And bush* is healthy as a horse!

[pecwae]

11. Auntie, I sure wish I knew.

DU has had a hell of a couple of days with two beloveds passing. Yet, the monkey and his crew, especially Darth Cheney, remain hale. I can't figure this out and this is where what little remains of my faith is severely questioned.