Just as were packing to go back home for two days for a radiation simulation tomorrow(we were on vacation when we got the call )we got a hold the phone type call...

They are now debating whether Dave should get node surgery in the axilla,radiation and/or chemo.
So, the next step has been changed to a surgical consult next week.
Feels like a lot of hurry up and wait stuff but I do know there has been a lot of back and forth and consulting on this which is good.

It is very difficult to get info on the axilla on this stuff(everything I look up talks about breast cancer).

The biopsy that was done just showed it in one node. I guess the next step is to see if it went any further. Nothing is showing on the PET.

if anyone knows any direction to point us in to get more info on axilla and nodes,etc it would be appreciated.

I wish I could help, but know that you are in my prayers.

Thanks. You just did help. Just having the support here helps.
It's a little nerve wracking waiting to figure out what's next. And more than a little frustrating that there is something next. But that said,I know we are lucky that there are options available to him. I don't know if other folks feel this way but I feel better with a plan in place.

It's funny. Everything I look up about the axilla leads me to a woman's health site!!! I've always said my husband marches to his own drummer but this is a bit much. LOL.

One thing that really helps is the reminder when I come on that no one here is a "statistic." It is inspiring to see people here beat the odds and a good reminder not to get caught up in that. I am struggling with that with this new development.

Hi Susan. From what you are describing, your husband is being seen at a cancer center. That shows how important it is on going to a place where doctors discuss a patient and their treatment plan. It gives the patient the very best of care.

I had a friend whose cancer was so small it did not light up the PET scan. His biopsy came back with it being in the tongue. Something important to remember is that all it takes is one teeny tiny cell to be missed for the cancer to return later.

It was nice to read you are another person who isnt playing the statistics game. You are so right that people beat the odds all the time around here. Im very fortunate to be one of them.

Best of luck with the future treatment, whatever it may be.

Christine, my change in attitude about statistics was in direct response to a post you wrote to someone else.

We are at Sloan and you are also right about the cancer center. I was speaking to one of the nurses and she said to me 'there are a ton of e-mails flying around about your husband." His MD called us from her vacation to discuss the biopsy, and then called us again to tell us that she spoke to several folks and they are divided about the best step.
That is why they are continuing to evaluate.
My feeling is there are a bunch of bright folks who clearly cares and are using every resource at the center. That I think is why the Cancer centers make such a huge difference.

This cancer did not show up at all in any of the scans as recent as 4 months ago. The good news is that it is a small area and that because he was already in treatment it was caught right away. The rest of the PET is good and dave is looking and feeling better every day.

Because we have such faith in the MDs the next course of treatment or that it has to happen doesn't bother us.
What was bothering me was that this cancer was on the move.

But I'm going to go forward with the attitude that they will stop the little bugger here and that our odds will be high for success.
Anything's possible.right?