I feel like December 7th is never coming...
I was extremely excited to have time to spend with my family over the Thanksgiving holiday. Claudia was in for a week from Brazil and I was happy to be attached to her hip. My brother, Robbie, and his wife, Emily, were able to come to PC for the long weekend and I have not seen them since August. So, although it feels like the wait is never ending, there is an end in sight, and I was able to spend time with loved ones.
This Thanksgiving was a little tough, it was just another reminder of Jason's passing. We missed him and his craziness that was always close behind. Time heals but at the same time our heart aches for his presences during these times of family gatherings.
During Thanksgiving it is tradition to state all that you are thankful for, well... I am thankful for God's timing. My list of his amazing timing can go on and on, and this situation is no different. It can sometimes be hard to trust in God and that his timing is perfect. But, I am telling you from experience when you put your whole trust in Him you will be completely amazed at what He can and does do for you. I am going to share my two timing stories.
In June, Josh started a new job with Doral Bank. With this new position came new insurance. Now as far as industry standards are concerned we have always had good insurance, low deductibles with moderate to low co pays, and usually 80/20 coverage. Well... through this experience we have discovered that my surgery, treatments, and even an eventual wig are 100% covered!!!! Now that is pretty amazing. Our former insurance would have left us with HUGE bills that can be very difficult to recover from.
In June we also had some issues with finding childcare for Gavin. We pretty much have always had a hard time finding childcare for Gavin, there are not many facilities "able" to accommodate the needs of a child with Autism. Anyway, there was a daycare that was going to have a spot open just in time for school to start and I took Gavin to meet the teachers and he really seemed to enjoy it there. Well, the Friday before school started, on Wednesday, I received a call from the facility director asking me why I had dropped off Gavin's medical info, shot records, admission papers, and a deposit. I reminded her that I had spoken with her two weeks prior when she called to let me know they had a spot available for Gavin and I had already called the ESE bus system and arranged for him to be taken there after school starting the first day of school. She proceeded to explain to me that it must have been a mistake when SHE called ME and that they did not have a spot for him, but maybe they would soon. It being after 4:30pm on Friday I had to wait until the next week, two day before school started, to try and figure out where he was going to go after school. Now keep in mind that I had already called and put our names on numerous waiting list around town. So Monday I called an organization in town that is supposed to aid parents in finding childcare for their children. They sent me a list of almost every childcare facility in the Bay county area and informed me that they are all required to accept special needs children. Ha, that is a joke! So I called close to twenty facilities that Monday with only one possible solution. This facility said they may have a spot available but I would have to wait until Tuesday. I agreed to wait to talk to the director but I went ahead and dropped off all the important information and deposits that night. It was worth losing a $35 deposit. Tuesday morning I got a call that he was accepted and they asked me to bring him over to meet them and see the facility before he arrived on the bus the next day. We went, he loved it and they have another little boy with Autism who actually ended up being in Gavin's class at school, which is crazy! It also turns out that one of Gavin's teacher's aids works at the facility after school. I could hardly believe all the amazing things God was placing right in front of us. We had one day to reroute Gavin's bus and ending up putting him on a different bus in the afternoon so he would not have to be on the bus so long, but in the end I could have never found a more perfect spot for Gavin. We still have our Gavin issues but when I go to pick him up in the afternoon I know that he has been loved by his teachers and the children of all ages at the after school program.
I would love to sit here and continue to tell you of all the crazy timing stories I have but that would fill a book. So as I sit here complaining about waiting, maybe I should realize what I have just said, "God's timing is perfect." and I should just wait and be happy to be in time with Him!
God Bless
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Time for some research
Since I have so much time to sit and wait for my surgery I have been able to research protocols at various cancer centers and try to compare and figure out the best way for me to fight this cancer, beyond the surgery. My dad is also researching, but I am sure that is of no surprise to anyone. Most of the other cancer center do go ahead with the chemo and Herceptin regimen. So it sounds strange to say I may push for the chemo, but I am fighting to get rid of this cancer and be done with it. There is a reason why so many successful centers have this regimen, it is working. The length is usually only two to three months of chemo and then a year of the Herceptin.
You know I find it strange the way people have been reacting to me lately. I have people telling me a lot, "You do not have to be strong for everyone," I think what they do get is that I am strong because of ONE! So tonight I am praying for all of those who do not know the ONE that gives me strength. I pray that you too can have to strength and peace that I have!
Thank you for all the words of encouragement and the continued prayers. God Bless!
You know I find it strange the way people have been reacting to me lately. I have people telling me a lot, "You do not have to be strong for everyone," I think what they do get is that I am strong because of ONE! So tonight I am praying for all of those who do not know the ONE that gives me strength. I pray that you too can have to strength and peace that I have!
Thank you for all the words of encouragement and the continued prayers. God Bless!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Consult continued
So now that I am back home and well rested I will fill you in on my day yesterday. When we got to the appointment an oncology nurse was the first person we spoke with. She was very nice and she was the one who initially filled us in about the micro invasion and the fact that I was HER2 (+). She also proceeded to tell us that this would involve 5-6 months of chemo along with another IV drug. To this my mother became emotional. Now for those of you that know me probably already guessed that all I said was, "Ok, if that is what we need to do, then lets do it." The nurse left soon after that and telling us about the genetic testing that they recommend I have.
Dr. Carlson soon entered. I knew instantly that I liked him and felt that he was a bright and capable doctor. It was funny that he felt the need to comfort me the entire time and would pat my leg in support (very sweet). He asked me to go through everything I already knew, to which he was amazed by my knowledge and the fact that I smiled through my explanation of the last month. He went on to tell us that he did not feel at this time that I would need the chemo, IV drugs or long term hormone therapy. He also was very apologetic that the nurse had mentioned chemo at all and said he wished that he could take those words back. I felt really bad for the nurse and hope that she did not get in trouble later on, because it really did not effect me that much for the 10 mins I thought I was having chemo.
Anyway, Dr. Carlson finished his exam and went over a few details about the spacers and the reconstruction process. I will wait to bore you with all of that for when I am going through it and can explain it all better and in more detail. As he was leaving he told us about a service provided, for a nominal fee, at the hospital. It is a suite called the Rollins Pavilion suite. We went and checked it out and WOW, I call it the presidential suite. If you have time you should google it and take the virtual tour.
I also went ahead and did all of my pre-op lab work while we were there. Everyone at Emory is wonderful and they kept reminding me that it was a learning hospital and I should expect to have 7-9 physicians in my surgery (as if I will be aware of their presences). My dad was aware of this and of course asked Dr. Carlson if he would be performing the surgery, or would a fellow be performing it. He reassured my dad that he would perform the surgery in its entirety and the other physicians would simply be there for observation.
During the pre-op process several people asked me what type of surgery Dr. Carlson would be performing. When I told them it would be a bilateral mastectomy two of them asked me why...FOR FUN! Really? I HAVE BREAST CANCER. Is there really another reason why someone would do this? No really I am asking if anyone knows of another reason. I guess I just found it to be a strange question.
All in all I am ready for December 7th to be here. I am grateful to be home for the next few weeks to spend time with family that had already planned on being here and some that are coming to visit me before the big day. I love all of you for praying for me and my family! God Bless!
Dr. Carlson soon entered. I knew instantly that I liked him and felt that he was a bright and capable doctor. It was funny that he felt the need to comfort me the entire time and would pat my leg in support (very sweet). He asked me to go through everything I already knew, to which he was amazed by my knowledge and the fact that I smiled through my explanation of the last month. He went on to tell us that he did not feel at this time that I would need the chemo, IV drugs or long term hormone therapy. He also was very apologetic that the nurse had mentioned chemo at all and said he wished that he could take those words back. I felt really bad for the nurse and hope that she did not get in trouble later on, because it really did not effect me that much for the 10 mins I thought I was having chemo.
Anyway, Dr. Carlson finished his exam and went over a few details about the spacers and the reconstruction process. I will wait to bore you with all of that for when I am going through it and can explain it all better and in more detail. As he was leaving he told us about a service provided, for a nominal fee, at the hospital. It is a suite called the Rollins Pavilion suite. We went and checked it out and WOW, I call it the presidential suite. If you have time you should google it and take the virtual tour.
I also went ahead and did all of my pre-op lab work while we were there. Everyone at Emory is wonderful and they kept reminding me that it was a learning hospital and I should expect to have 7-9 physicians in my surgery (as if I will be aware of their presences). My dad was aware of this and of course asked Dr. Carlson if he would be performing the surgery, or would a fellow be performing it. He reassured my dad that he would perform the surgery in its entirety and the other physicians would simply be there for observation.
During the pre-op process several people asked me what type of surgery Dr. Carlson would be performing. When I told them it would be a bilateral mastectomy two of them asked me why...FOR FUN! Really? I HAVE BREAST CANCER. Is there really another reason why someone would do this? No really I am asking if anyone knows of another reason. I guess I just found it to be a strange question.
All in all I am ready for December 7th to be here. I am grateful to be home for the next few weeks to spend time with family that had already planned on being here and some that are coming to visit me before the big day. I love all of you for praying for me and my family! God Bless!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Two is better than one?
My consult went well... I will be having a bilateral (both sides) mastectomy on December 7th. The staff here at Emory had also done a more extensive pathology test on my earlier biopsy and found that the carcinoma had already broken through the ductal lining. They are calling it a micro invasion.
Right now the plan is no chemo, radiation or hormone therapy. As long as there are no further surprise in the final biopsy, after the mastectomy, I should be 100% cured. My doctor here is suggesting that I get the genetic testing done to see if I have the BRCA 1/ BRCA 2 genes. This could later indicate the need to stay on top of cervical and ovarian testing.
So we have some more interesting things to learn about and more information to search for. I will post more probably tomorrow. I am exhausted after appointments, testing and pre-op.
God Bless! Have a good night
Right now the plan is no chemo, radiation or hormone therapy. As long as there are no further surprise in the final biopsy, after the mastectomy, I should be 100% cured. My doctor here is suggesting that I get the genetic testing done to see if I have the BRCA 1/ BRCA 2 genes. This could later indicate the need to stay on top of cervical and ovarian testing.
So we have some more interesting things to learn about and more information to search for. I will post more probably tomorrow. I am exhausted after appointments, testing and pre-op.
God Bless! Have a good night
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
It's finally here!
Tomorrow is my consult with Dr. Carlson at Emory. I talked to the hospital today and got pre-registered and scheduled my pre-op appointment for tomorrow after my consult. It sounds like things are actually moving along now.
Please pray that they decide to keep me up in Atlanta a go ahead with the surgery Thursday or Friday. It has been two and a half weeks since I got my diagnosis and I have already noticed more changes in the left breast. I feel completely confident that things are going to turn out fine, but the longer IT is in me the more it starts to wear on me. I would love to have a night of sleep where I do not think about this.
It is strange the things you think about in different seasons of your life, the things that all the sudden become important to you and then those things that you wonder, why did I ever think about that. I miss school, my friends, having to read 80 pages before the next lecture, care plans (Yes I said it, care plans!) I love school and the whole learning process. Last night I read for three hours and it had nothing to do with the human body.
It is also weird to have so much time. My laundry, is still not done, but it is a lot more complete than usual. I actually fold it and put in the drawers where it is supposed to be.
Yesterday I was showered with gifts from people in all areas of my life. I had a friend from school leave an extremely comfy set of PJs on my door step, I arrived at work to a huge basket from everyone at the surgery center I sometimes work at, and I went to lunch at my mother-in-laws office and one of her sweet friends had made me a get well basket. I would have never expected any of this and it is so touching to know that people care about me and want to help make me comfortable.
I was reminded of yet another amazing blessing today, someone asked me what I was going to do with my children while I was gone. Well the blessing was that it was never a question, my mother-in-law said that this was her part in all this, to take care of my children. Now, I know my children and have left numbers of babysitters and already arranged some breaks, but to not even have to think twice about who would care for them and if they would feel comforted while Josh and I are away, is am AMAZING blessing!
Well, I hope that tomorrow I will have good news about my surgery date. Thank you again to everyone who is keep me and my family in your prayers. God Bless!
Please pray that they decide to keep me up in Atlanta a go ahead with the surgery Thursday or Friday. It has been two and a half weeks since I got my diagnosis and I have already noticed more changes in the left breast. I feel completely confident that things are going to turn out fine, but the longer IT is in me the more it starts to wear on me. I would love to have a night of sleep where I do not think about this.
It is strange the things you think about in different seasons of your life, the things that all the sudden become important to you and then those things that you wonder, why did I ever think about that. I miss school, my friends, having to read 80 pages before the next lecture, care plans (Yes I said it, care plans!) I love school and the whole learning process. Last night I read for three hours and it had nothing to do with the human body.
It is also weird to have so much time. My laundry, is still not done, but it is a lot more complete than usual. I actually fold it and put in the drawers where it is supposed to be.
Yesterday I was showered with gifts from people in all areas of my life. I had a friend from school leave an extremely comfy set of PJs on my door step, I arrived at work to a huge basket from everyone at the surgery center I sometimes work at, and I went to lunch at my mother-in-laws office and one of her sweet friends had made me a get well basket. I would have never expected any of this and it is so touching to know that people care about me and want to help make me comfortable.
I was reminded of yet another amazing blessing today, someone asked me what I was going to do with my children while I was gone. Well the blessing was that it was never a question, my mother-in-law said that this was her part in all this, to take care of my children. Now, I know my children and have left numbers of babysitters and already arranged some breaks, but to not even have to think twice about who would care for them and if they would feel comforted while Josh and I are away, is am AMAZING blessing!
Well, I hope that tomorrow I will have good news about my surgery date. Thank you again to everyone who is keep me and my family in your prayers. God Bless!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Consult Date
I heard from Emory last night and I am scheduled for my consultation on November 17th. We do not have a date for the surgery yet and that will be decided by the doctor when I see him next Wednesday.
I must say I am really ready to get this out of me! It seems even more strange to me but I can feel a lot more lumps on the left now. I am not sure if the spots were displaced after my excision or what it going on but it is weird.
I have emailed my advisor at school to let him know that I will be coming back ASAP, but that I am not sure if that means the Spring or the Fall. I of course would like for it to be the Spring but this is a multi step process, as far as the reconstruction goes. I hope to know more, again, on Wednesday.
I have a lot of people calling, emailing and tracking me down to give me hugs and I just wanted to say, "Thank you!" It really means a lot to know that there are so many people out there supporting me and praying for me and my family. I have a great community of friends and family! ;)
God is great! He has given me strength and understanding that can only come from Him. Now if I could have a little more patience, which I have prayed for for years. Children....I think that says enough!
I pray that all of you receive the peace that I have in any tough situation you are facing. We all have our seasons and sometimes it seems like they run together and are never ending. God can help you find joy in everything!
Until next time...
I must say I am really ready to get this out of me! It seems even more strange to me but I can feel a lot more lumps on the left now. I am not sure if the spots were displaced after my excision or what it going on but it is weird.
I have emailed my advisor at school to let him know that I will be coming back ASAP, but that I am not sure if that means the Spring or the Fall. I of course would like for it to be the Spring but this is a multi step process, as far as the reconstruction goes. I hope to know more, again, on Wednesday.
I have a lot of people calling, emailing and tracking me down to give me hugs and I just wanted to say, "Thank you!" It really means a lot to know that there are so many people out there supporting me and praying for me and my family. I have a great community of friends and family! ;)
God is great! He has given me strength and understanding that can only come from Him. Now if I could have a little more patience, which I have prayed for for years. Children....I think that says enough!
I pray that all of you receive the peace that I have in any tough situation you are facing. We all have our seasons and sometimes it seems like they run together and are never ending. God can help you find joy in everything!
Until next time...
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Waiting for a call
All of my information has been sent to Emory and now we are just waiting for them to call with an appointment. I did find out that Dr. Carlson will not schedule me until he receives the films from my Mammograms, Ultrasounds and MRI, along with the biopsy slides from the pathologist. Since all of these do not travel well through fax they were fed ex shipped today and should arrive tomorrow or Thursday. Yet another delay.
On a side note this means that Josh and I get to go to the crew ball this Saturday, and we always have a fun time there, and I get to take my future sister-in-law to the Hollie Fair. Just trying to look on the bright side of things.
Waiting a few more days to get in is not the end of the world. I am in a little upset, but that is just because I'm ready to get this out and move on. The surgeon in Atlanta has come highly recommended and with that always comes a little wait.
I have answered a lot of the same questions lately so I think I will recap them for those of you that have not spoken with me:
1) Are they going to take both breast? My doctor here in P.C. is not going to biopsy the right before I go to Emory (which is nice since that is just one more surgery). He is going to leave it up to the doctor in Atlanta. So I'm not really sure the answer to that question yet.
2) How can we keep updated when you are in surgery? Josh and/or my Mom will be updating the blog while I cannot.
3) Do they think the spots on the right are also DCIS? The feeling so far is, no. Although they cannot be sure without a biopsy. What I am not sure of is if the doctor in Atlanta will go ahead a biopsy the right while I'm under anesthesia for the mastectomy or what his plans with include. I'll just have to keep you all updated on that issue.
I ordered myself a Kindle last Friday and really hope that it comes in before we leave for Atlanta. If anyone has ANY suggestions for good books to buy, let me know. I enjoy just about anything. I have not read for leisure in forever!
On a side note this means that Josh and I get to go to the crew ball this Saturday, and we always have a fun time there, and I get to take my future sister-in-law to the Hollie Fair. Just trying to look on the bright side of things.
Waiting a few more days to get in is not the end of the world. I am in a little upset, but that is just because I'm ready to get this out and move on. The surgeon in Atlanta has come highly recommended and with that always comes a little wait.
I have answered a lot of the same questions lately so I think I will recap them for those of you that have not spoken with me:
1) Are they going to take both breast? My doctor here in P.C. is not going to biopsy the right before I go to Emory (which is nice since that is just one more surgery). He is going to leave it up to the doctor in Atlanta. So I'm not really sure the answer to that question yet.
2) How can we keep updated when you are in surgery? Josh and/or my Mom will be updating the blog while I cannot.
3) Do they think the spots on the right are also DCIS? The feeling so far is, no. Although they cannot be sure without a biopsy. What I am not sure of is if the doctor in Atlanta will go ahead a biopsy the right while I'm under anesthesia for the mastectomy or what his plans with include. I'll just have to keep you all updated on that issue.
I ordered myself a Kindle last Friday and really hope that it comes in before we leave for Atlanta. If anyone has ANY suggestions for good books to buy, let me know. I enjoy just about anything. I have not read for leisure in forever!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Atlanta here we come
I saw the doctor today and he agrees with the radiologist to monitor the right side every six months to see if anything changes. I must say I was prepared to just take them both and be done with all of this, but at the same time I understand that this should make the recovery that much easier.
My doctor here has some connections at Emory and he and some other doctors in town are trying to get me in sometime this week. His office is supposed to call me tomorrow to update me on the appointment.
We are not sure how long with will be in Atlanta. We are very blessed with a wonderful support system, thank you to all our family and friends. Your prayers are helping us to get through this with a smile on our face.
My doctor here has some connections at Emory and he and some other doctors in town are trying to get me in sometime this week. His office is supposed to call me tomorrow to update me on the appointment.
We are not sure how long with will be in Atlanta. We are very blessed with a wonderful support system, thank you to all our family and friends. Your prayers are helping us to get through this with a smile on our face.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
A slight delay
Well I had the ultrasound on Thursday and the radiologist said that the spots on the right were NOT cyst. She did say that she was sure they were benign and she would put me on a six month MRI schedule. With all due respect... I have heard that before.
My appointment with the surgeon had to be rescheduled to Monday because his father past away on Thursday. The Morris family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I think that we are going to go ahead with the referral process since we know that the left has to go and hopefully continue with a biopsy on the right early next week.
We have decided to go to Emory in Atlanta, Ga. We have heard great things about the surgeon and reconstructive surgery at this hospital. I probably asked just about every doctor I could think of in Panama City where they would go in a situation like this, so I feel pretty confident in the decision.
I also did some research of the doctor I will be seeing and he had done his training at MD Anderson, which was one of the other facilities I was thinking about.
I hope to have some more news Monday evening and I will type another post then. Thank you to all the nice comments and prayers.
God Bless!
My appointment with the surgeon had to be rescheduled to Monday because his father past away on Thursday. The Morris family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I think that we are going to go ahead with the referral process since we know that the left has to go and hopefully continue with a biopsy on the right early next week.
We have decided to go to Emory in Atlanta, Ga. We have heard great things about the surgeon and reconstructive surgery at this hospital. I probably asked just about every doctor I could think of in Panama City where they would go in a situation like this, so I feel pretty confident in the decision.
I also did some research of the doctor I will be seeing and he had done his training at MD Anderson, which was one of the other facilities I was thinking about.
I hope to have some more news Monday evening and I will type another post then. Thank you to all the nice comments and prayers.
God Bless!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
More lumps and bumps
I went back to the doctor yesterday to get the results from my MRI, it showed basically what we had expected from the left breast, the area from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock is covered, so the plan for the mastectomy of the left is still the way to go. The news of the right breast was not all that shocking to me, there are three spots that are indicated and I am going to follow up with an ultrasound on the right today to check for fluid and increased vascularity. With these results the doctors will decide if we need to investigate even further with a biopsy on the right.
I say go ahead and take the right also, let’s be done with this chapter of our lives, but right now we are playing the insurance game and making sure we cross all the “t’s” and dot our “I’s” so they can’t come back in six months and say that this was an elective surgery and not pay for it. Not that any respectable insurance company would do such a thing…
My doctor is also discussing my situation with several other doctors to determine that best options for me as far as location for my surgery. There are discussions for MD Anderson, UAB, and Emory. There are great doctors in town but I feel like I should go ahead and go to a facility that specializes in breast cancer and does mastectomies daily.
My spirits are still high as we continue down this road to recovery. I would ask for everyone to please pray for my family, especially my husband and children. This is going to be a long and stressful road and I want them to continue to gain comfort from God and know that He is always with them and that He is watching over me.
I never once, in these last few weeks, have felt scared: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. God is going to use me for his glory in this situation and I pray that I touch the lives of everyone involved in this process.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Starting with a bump
It is interesting to me that I would ever consider writing a blog. The main issue, I am terrible with grammar! So, if the only amusement that comes from this blog is making fun of the fact that there are fourth graders out there with better grammar than I, so be it! (Even with this previous sentence I thought back and forth to decide if I should use I or me, ugh!) Here on out I will not apologize for my grammar I will simple type what I feel! I pray that no one is offended by any of my comments or my going too far into detail.
This all started, October 17, 2010, when I found a lump in my left breast while performing my monthly self exam. Now most women I have talked to since are amazed that I, being so young, would routinely perform a self exam. Well, the recommend time to begin these exams is at the age of 20, I am 30.
Sorry, I am going to give a little PSA at the junction... The reason it is so important to start the monthly self exams early is so you will know your breast. All breast have "lumps" in them, but when concerns come into play is if there is a change in any of your lumps.
So I found the lump and proceeded to make an appointment with my OB/GYN. My doctor felt it necessary to send me for a Mammogram with a possible ultrasound to follow. On October 21 I had my first Mammogram and ultrasound. I must say that I thought I would be in quite a bit of pain with the procedures, but I found them painless and not even all that uncomfortable.
The radiologist saw a spot on the Mammogram and the ultrasound, the same spot I could feel. He suggested that have a breast MRI of both my breast at the earliest time possible.
Josh and I have already decided that I was going to go to a surgeon and have the lump removed and biopsied. I saw my surgeon the next day and was scheduled for a left breast lump excision the following Wednesday, October 27. The surgeon had examined the lump and expressed the discharge from my breast and he felt that what we were dealing with was a Ductal Papilloma. This is a wart like growth that is "almost never cancerous."
The excision went well and the lump was removed and still believed to be a Ductal Papilloma. My recovery was going as planned and I was on my way for a follow up and possible removal of my stitches on November 1. Since everything seemed "normal" I opted to get my stitches out by myself.
Sitting in the exam room I had an overwhelming sense that my doctor was going to enter with bad news. God had prepared me and given me a peace in my situation before the words ever left my doctors lips. People always say in times like this that all they hear are the first words of bad news and the rest just fly right by. I on the other hand remember everything to a tea. My doctor did not want to talk with me without my husband and my parents present, so we called them and waited for them to arrive. And then the words came....
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, DCIS...it is not malignant but 100% of the time will become malignant. OK, where do we go from here. There are several options in a "normal" circumstance. Well, because of the location of my lump the option that gives me a 100% cure is a mastectomy.
Today, November 2, we went on to have the MRI of the breast with and without contrast to see how much growth we have and if the cells have also infiltrated the right breast. For reasons I am not completely sure of these cells do not routinely show up on Mammograms and ultrasounds. Also women with DCIS do not usually present with drainage or a lump. To that I say, "Thank God for drainage!"
All of these strange factors come into play when you realize without detection I would have developed breast cancer in the near future. Sure I have to still go through the motions that most women who experience breast cancer do, but if we are aggressive I may never have to undergo radiation or chemo.
So as I end this very long blog tonight I realized that I am extremely blessed in so many areas of my life. I also know that this is going to be a long and somewhat uncomfortable road, but I am ready to go!
This all started, October 17, 2010, when I found a lump in my left breast while performing my monthly self exam. Now most women I have talked to since are amazed that I, being so young, would routinely perform a self exam. Well, the recommend time to begin these exams is at the age of 20, I am 30.
Sorry, I am going to give a little PSA at the junction... The reason it is so important to start the monthly self exams early is so you will know your breast. All breast have "lumps" in them, but when concerns come into play is if there is a change in any of your lumps.
So I found the lump and proceeded to make an appointment with my OB/GYN. My doctor felt it necessary to send me for a Mammogram with a possible ultrasound to follow. On October 21 I had my first Mammogram and ultrasound. I must say that I thought I would be in quite a bit of pain with the procedures, but I found them painless and not even all that uncomfortable.
The radiologist saw a spot on the Mammogram and the ultrasound, the same spot I could feel. He suggested that have a breast MRI of both my breast at the earliest time possible.
Josh and I have already decided that I was going to go to a surgeon and have the lump removed and biopsied. I saw my surgeon the next day and was scheduled for a left breast lump excision the following Wednesday, October 27. The surgeon had examined the lump and expressed the discharge from my breast and he felt that what we were dealing with was a Ductal Papilloma. This is a wart like growth that is "almost never cancerous."
The excision went well and the lump was removed and still believed to be a Ductal Papilloma. My recovery was going as planned and I was on my way for a follow up and possible removal of my stitches on November 1. Since everything seemed "normal" I opted to get my stitches out by myself.
Sitting in the exam room I had an overwhelming sense that my doctor was going to enter with bad news. God had prepared me and given me a peace in my situation before the words ever left my doctors lips. People always say in times like this that all they hear are the first words of bad news and the rest just fly right by. I on the other hand remember everything to a tea. My doctor did not want to talk with me without my husband and my parents present, so we called them and waited for them to arrive. And then the words came....
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, DCIS...it is not malignant but 100% of the time will become malignant. OK, where do we go from here. There are several options in a "normal" circumstance. Well, because of the location of my lump the option that gives me a 100% cure is a mastectomy.
Today, November 2, we went on to have the MRI of the breast with and without contrast to see how much growth we have and if the cells have also infiltrated the right breast. For reasons I am not completely sure of these cells do not routinely show up on Mammograms and ultrasounds. Also women with DCIS do not usually present with drainage or a lump. To that I say, "Thank God for drainage!"
All of these strange factors come into play when you realize without detection I would have developed breast cancer in the near future. Sure I have to still go through the motions that most women who experience breast cancer do, but if we are aggressive I may never have to undergo radiation or chemo.
So as I end this very long blog tonight I realized that I am extremely blessed in so many areas of my life. I also know that this is going to be a long and somewhat uncomfortable road, but I am ready to go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)