A Path Through

There has been many a conversation had to whether size counts and I am fully in the YES camp.  Wait, let me quickly clarify that I am talking about tumor size related to breast cancer!

When I was originally told that my tumor was 3.2 centimeters, I really did not have a point of reference.  As there was so much going on and never a ruler in sight when I needed it, I really didn’t grasp the size until a few weeks ago when I grabbed my husbands measuring tape.  When I did look, I was actually surprised at the size.  It was not a “WOW that is great” type of surprise either…it was a “Why did I not feel THAT”.

This got me thinking that just as I didn’t have a reference point when I was first told about my cancer, I bet there are others in the same situation.  So, I will admit….I turned to my faithful friend, Google to see if there was an easier way of understanding tumor sizing.  Guess what…THERE IS (oh how I have missed my google)!

Now, for those of you who think I would waste my google search just ANY random reference document, give your head a shake!  In my review, I actually found that the Mayo Clinic had an exceptional reference chart and it spoke to the foodie in me.  So, without further delay, here is a quick reference to tumor sizes under 10 centimeters.

• 1 cm is the size of a pea that is fresh from the garden (not the frozen kind)
• 2 cm is the size of a larger variety peanut, not a Spanish peanut more of a Vermont size
• 3 cm is the size of larger green grape
• 4 cm is the size of walnut, but not shelled
• 5 cm is the size of a smaller lime, similar to a key lime
• 6 cm is the size of an egg, large to extra large depending on your chicken
• 7 cm is the size of a peach
• 10 cm is the size of a grapefruit, similar to a Ruby Red

There you go, never thought talking cancer tumors would make you hungry did you?

Now, since we are talking putting size into scope, it is a great transition to how tumor size designation is identified with Breast Cancer. 

To clarify, tumor size is based on the tumor at the widest point.  Below is how the tumor size is classified:

• T0: The doctor has not found evidence of a primary tumor
• T1: The tumor is 2 cm or less in diameter
• T2: The tumor is more than 2 cm but less than 5cm across
• T3: The tumor is larger than 5 cm in width.
• T4: The tumor can be of any size but is growing into the chest wall or skin. This category includes inflammatory breast cancer.

I was designated as a T2 tumor.  My tumor was a lovely green grape coming in at 3.2 cm and not attached to any muscle, skin, or the chest wall. 

When you talk about tumor size it is easy to jump to the stage of cancer.  As I have mentioned previously, we will not know what stage my cancer is at until September when I have my surgery to remove whatever is left of this nasty little invader.  It is my hope that I will be Stage 1, which would reflect that the tumor did not make any new tumor friends and there is no lymph node involvement.  This would be the best case possible as my cancer is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and you need to be non-invasive to have the magical Stage 0 designation.

So there you have it….size is important.

Now, considering we have talked a lot about tumor size and I have been dropping a few hints through this little blog, I figured I could share another little tumor nugget with you (no pun intended).  As of my most recent oncologist appointment my tumor is nearing a point where it can not be detected in a physical exam.  Yes, my grape has shrunk to a raisin and by the time we are finished chemo the hope is there is not even a grape seed left to remove!

If I were to try and see a positive on the journey I am on, it would be the learning I have had not just on cancer but life in general.  Now, thanks to Mayo Clinic there are a few food items that I will look at a wee bit differently from this point forward. However, I will do this with an appreciation of what it brings to mind.  I also know that given my love of grapes, I will be munching on them as I make my way on the path through.  With all of the above in mind, I will most likely stop and look at the little green gem of yumminess and wonder how something that size could turn a life upside down, inside out, and backwards.  Then I will pop the little sucker in my mouth and chew it up as I continue to make my way on the path through!