Good news, bad news (really pretty much good news)

I got a call from my oncologist at UCSF today, yeah I said it... she called me!! This never happens. Actually she left a message and I called her back. She was calling to give me the results of my ultrasound (which I already new, since I talked it over with the radiologist on Friday as she was doing it). She said she wanted to call because she was so excited that "they can't see anything!" It must be good news if your oncologist is so excited they have to call you! She also told me my CT scan was clear and that she presented my case to the 'tumor board' today and they decided I'm a good candidate for surgery. Before I have surgery though, I need an MRI (I figured as much). Thankfully I'm still on the trial, so without me doing anything I'm scheduled for an MRI next Monday (at a time that doesn't interfere with work at all- thanks to Irene the trial coordinator). After the MRI, I'll go see a surgeon and talk about what kind of surgery I need. I thought only a lumpectomy was on the table, but it sounds like it might be a mastectomy depending on the MRI. Honestly, this is one of those things where I'll do whatever they tell me is best. I'd rather not have a mastectomy if I can avoid it, but if that is what the experts tell me to do, I will do it. So far the experts have done a good job of keeping me going.

O.K., what is the bad news you ask...My oncologist wants me to stay on the trial until my surgery (more puking, more nausea and more diarrhea, yippee!). I have to say I took the news pretty well, since it was preceded by the good news of the scans. I think it is also easier to accept knowing there is an end in sight now. I'm not saying I won't be sick, but knowing that it is working and knowing that I'm not on it indefinitely make a huge difference psychologically. I'm figuring I have two more cycles now and I'm keeping my eyes on the prize!