Today I am going in for an ultrasound procedure where they will insert a Savi SCOUT into the tumor. This is a piece of technology that (apparently) the surgical team is really excited about. For this team, it has reduced the number of second surgeries after lumpectomies or partial-mastectomies where not all the breast tissue is removed.
From my own research, this little "reflector" is activated just before the surgery to send out non-radioactive waves that help map the tumor. The surgeon's receiver uses those signals to make sure that they take all the cancer cells during the surgery.
Today's procedure uses ultrasound to "look" at the body inside-out to place the reflector. Makes perfect sense.
Sidenote: I find myself apologizing for the cancer (or the news of the cancer?). What a strange reflexive response to other people's discomfort.
Onward!
Sherri
But that is not the question. What are we doing here, that is the question. And we are blessed in this, that we happen to know the answer. Yes, in the immense confusion one thing alone is clear. We are waiting for...
~ Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot
This is amazing technology. Makes the surgery much more precise. I love that it reduces second surgeries and I would also think it minimizes how much tissue they have to remove. It sounds like our reports are very very positive and optimistic
ReplyDeleteThat is not to minimize what you’re going through right now. You have a lot of hands to hold. Surgery on May 16 is such a good thing. Then the healing can begin.
Indeed it is amazing. The nurse explained their local results, and I said, "sign me up!" I hope we can get to that healing part soon.
DeleteTechnology is amazing. I like this new blog. The last one I only ever saw your first post. Tho' that might just me not knowing anything about blogs or how they work. But then again, I totally saw this one, so there you go. Think about you on a daily. Sounds like you have an awesome medical team. A plus in all uou do in this journey. Love you, Michelle
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are able to see them now! My team is pretty amazing, and I'm grateful for their kindness and even their enthusiasm, even when it seems like a lot. I guess it's better to have someone working with you when they love what they do. Love you back, sister.
DeleteWhen I was reading this update, I was struck by how weird it is that you're walking around with a tumor in your body. It's like a parasite (Is t? What do I know). I'm also amazed at how far medicine has come in the area. Love you so much, girl. Sending you plumeria and hibiscus.
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY weird. Especially weird because I don't feel bad at all, so it makes it feel imaginary. Like the reverse of feeling bad and being told that it is nothing. But then (like today) I watched the ultrasound screen at the actual tumor on the screen, and the implant of the Scout into the center of it. Oh, and that felt real. Surreal. And I adore plumeria and hibiscus. Thanks.
Deletea surgeon's GPS for navigating a boob? this sounds more better than when i was told for my thyroid "it'll be outpatient, couple hours and you are done, by the endo...
ReplyDeletethe surgeon stuck a fiber optic camera up my nose and down to see my vocal cords, said "hmmmm" in a deep voice, and upped it to full dissection of the neck.....
i like the GPS better.
Me, too.
DeleteBeen thinking of you all day! I hope you're sleeping soundly right now, and will be thinking of you all day tomorrow, too, probably starting very early. We all love you so much. Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! I'll be taking your love with me. <3
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