Pathology Report and Next Steps
We received the pathology report, and there’s some encouraging news. The standard goal is a 1 cm clear margin around the tumor, but the results showed 1 mm. While we’d ideally prefer more, the team considers this acceptable given the specifics of Kasey’s skin and tissue. They’ll proceed with the current margins for now, and during her future reconstructive surgery, they’ll remove additional tissue in that area to achieve the full 1 cm margin. This means we can move forward—definitely a positive step!
The next phase begins in about 3 weeks, when Kasey will start the tissue expansion process. Because of the amount of tissue removed during surgery, this will be done gradually. Once the expanders are fully inflated, she’ll begin radiation therapy: 5 weeks of daily sessions (Monday through Friday).
Reconstructive surgery is tentatively planned for the fall, though the exact timeline will depend on how the expansion and radiation go.
Kasey had an appointment with her oncologist today, and they’re making some adjustments to her medication regimen:
• She’ll start a stronger medication to further suppress estrogen levels (which will keep her in menopause). This will continue for 3–5 years.
• Her immunotherapy will continue, but with a change in the specific drugs. She’ll receive infusions every 3 weeks for the next 14 weeks.
• Some of these medications can affect bone density, so she’ll take an additional drug to help protect her bones.
• Another potential side effect is jawbone weakening, so she’ll need a dental evaluation before starting the new meds to ensure everything is in good shape.
It feels like a lot to take in all at once, but we’re focusing on one step at a time. We can already see the finish line ahead, even if it’s still a ways off.
Kasey is eager to get back to working out, spending sunny days on the boat in a swimsuit, and feeling like herself again. She knows it’ll happen—it’s just a matter of when. She’s following every recommendation from her doctors without hesitation.
They’re giving her the holidays to rest and recover from the recent surgeries, and then right at the start of the new year, we’ll dive back into beating this damn thing.