From Becca Miller (via Roger Powell):

For those of you that are just now hearing about this, I had a radical mastectomy of my right breast on May 4th.  They sent the specimen off to be tested ... of course... There are 4 things that they check ... lymph nodes (6 of 9 were positive ... needs to be less than 4), the size of the growth (needs to be < 3 cm, mine was > 7 cm), and a couple of other things that we wrote down, but I can't find at this moment.  The lymph nodes and the size were in the bad category, but the other signs were okay (something about estrogen receptor .. ??? ... sorry, I don't remember).  So bottom line ... 2 of 4 were good ... or bad, whichever way you want to look at it.
 

To complicate matters, the incision got badly infected and we have been fighting that this week.  I think that is under control now, thank goodness.

They are starting with some really in-depth tests on Thursday ... bone scans, etc.  When those are all done, I will start chemotherapy.  I will have to have 2 courses, each 4 weeks long.  I am also going to have to have radiation treatments.  Goodbye beautiful hair.  And that was the only thing I had that was any good!
 

The oncologist said that if I don't do the therapy, I have a 22% chance of being alive in 10 years.  With the therapy, I get another 27%.  The way I do addition, that's not quite 50% ... but I've always been stubborn.... and in the top of my class.  Hope I can ace this one!
 

Keep your prayers going.... I need every one!
 

I keep changing plans, but it looks like now I'm going to come back to work on Tuesday the 31st, with the understanding that I'll have to be taking time off for doctor's appointments and chemo.   Hopefully I'll tolerate it well and won't get too sick.  I know you guys on the NRT will back me up if I do. You're the best!
 

Love you all.     Becca

From Roger Powell   June 3, 2005

I have received another update from Becca  regarding her health issues, and the news is not good. Additional testing has been positive, and some intensive treatment planning and action on her behalf is underway. She has asked for the continuation of our prayers for her, and I have assured her that each of us and her Mensa family will keep the prayers going. Our experience with Becca indicates that she is strong enough and positive enough to confront these issues successfully. Any additions you can make to that strength would be appreciated. Please continue to keep Becca and her family in your thoughts and prayers.