So...how bad is it really?

We don't know yet.  

What we do know is the size of Lauren's tumor measured at 3.6 cm (roughly 1 and 1/2 inches) as of her July 10th mammogram. 

We also know her tumor has been labelled as invasive and a nuclear grade 3.  Based on zero medical background but access to many cancer sites on the glorious internet, it appears this is considered high, and means it is more likely to come back after it is removed completely with surgery as compared with a lower grade, and generally will require additional treatment.  Lauren's surgeon has already informed us that radiation is one treatment at minimum that will be required with the lumpectomy.  Whether chemotherapy or further removals or tests/scans will be required will depend primarily on the additional lymph node biopsies which will also be done either before or at the time of surgery.

Based on the pathology report from the biopsies taken on July 16, comments from her surgeon, and my review of various cancer sites on the internet, it appears that her cancer cells are growing and dividing very quickly.  Under the ki-67 biopsy test conducted, a Low rate of growth is less than 10%, moderate is 10-20%, high is anything above 20%.  Lauren's cancer cell growth rate is at 35% (such an over achiever!), which according to the sites reviewed generally predicts a poorer prognosis.

Lauren is scheduled for an MRI on Monday August 4th.  She meets with her radiologist on the 7th.  Then her oncologist on the 14th (who will work with Lauren long term post surgery).  Surgery is tentatively scheduled for the 18th.  This is what we know at this point.

When the lymph node biopsies are conducted (either before or at the time of surgery), and when reviewed along with the MRI to be performed and her previous tests, the doctors will then be able to "Stage" Lauren's cancer.  From my preliminary review, it appears Lauren is already at minimum Stage 2.

If you wish to join us in fasting for Lauren this Sunday 3rd, I would really appreciate it.  For those not familiar with fasting, go to www.lds.org and type in "what is fasting?" in the search bar.