Update on Katie ~ written by Melissa

Melissa here it's been a while since we have posted I wanted to give you a little update on Katie. On Sept. 24th, she went in for a P.E.T scan. Then Sept. 26th, she received her results from the PET SCAN As you can imagine we were all on pins and needles. Doc came in the room, we could tell by the look on his face and the way he was holding his head. Things were about to get real once again. Doc explained there was still a spot in the lymph nodes in her armpit. He could not be 100% sure it was still cancer. At that moment it was like all hope was lost. He then explained she had a few choices. ******First choice was to have it surgically removed. *****Second choice was to start radiation.

*****3rd choice would be to just sit on it and repeat scan in a few weeks.

Katie was very adamant about not wanting to have to start radiation and sitting on it was not even an option in her book. So surgically having it removed was her 1st choice. The doctor said he would have to meet with the tumor surgical board on Thursday (October 4th) to discuss her case and he would call her. The waiting game began once again. UGH that's the hardest part. Thursday October 4th came and a little after noon, Katie received the call. "Hello Katie this is Dr. Manges." I have spoke with tumor board, we have went over your case and scan. Unfortunately I have some bad news. After reviewing everything with the team, We feel as if surgery to remove this is more or a risk than it would be beneficial. (What a BLOW!) He went on to explain that there were so many vital nerves that are just to close to the effected area. It was just to much of a risk, and it may end up causing more damage to the nerves, muscle, and not to mention the possible effects it would have on the function of her arm in the future. So now what? Katie was so upset because that left her facing radiation, something she was so adamant about not wanting. Dr. Manges explained that the board would like to have her go in for an ultrasound biopsy, which would help them determine the right steps to take as they move forward with her care. On October 9th, with Dad, mother and I by her side, She went in for the biopsy. Before we came home they told us they had made an appointment to have her see Doctor Cannon (the radiation doctor) on Tuesday Oct. 16th. On Friday October 12th, Dr. Manges called with some great news. The spot they had done the biopsy on was NOT CANCEROUS ! At this point we were all on cloud 9. Praising God for answered prayers. Then he explained that she still needed to see Doctor Cannon on Tuesday October 16th. We were all a little confused as of to why since he just said it was not cancerous but whatever. (We were just rejoicing about the great news) So on Tuesday the 16th, We met with Doctor Cannon. He explain that the biopsy indeed came back that it was non cancerous. Then he proceeded to explain that he would like to start her on radiation..... "Wait! What you just said it was not cancer !" He went on to tell us that he would like to do radiation on the area that the cancer had started in. Just to help reduce the chances of there being any cancer cells still in there trying to thrive. So its with my deepest regrets I must tell you that she will start radiation on October 24th. She will undergo 10 rounds. She will have going every day Monday through Friday until all treatments are completed. We would ask that you would continue to keep her and the family in your prayers as she continues to fight this difficult battle. Again thank you for all your love and support, it is truly appreciated.