l... And so begins my journey...
I have created this blog as a place for me to try to document the steps of this process of healing, from the initial diagnosis of breast cancer, and through each page that follows until I am free of this beast!
I am so blessed with loving support from many different compartments of my life, which all blend together to remind me how much love is out there!
I wanted to create a place that you all can come to check up on me! I thought if I could put all the information in one place, I wouldn't be forgetting anyone I was supposed to keep "abreast" of my situation(haha, get it?!?).
As time goes on and new info arises, I'll try to get it on here.
So, here goes my story...
August 2011- yearly screening mammo. A few microcalcifications showed up for the first time in my right breast. Radiologist said to return in 6 mos. for a follow-up to see if there were any changes.
February 2012- as advised, I had my follow up mammo. There were a few more microcalcifications in the right breast, so the radiologist felt I should have them biopsied.
March 1, 2012- a surgical biopsy was performed. The microcalcifications were close to the chest wall, very deep, but the surgeon assured me he removed them all. They proved to be benign! At the post surgery appt, I asked if a follow up mammo should be done anytime soon. The surgeon advised me again that he got them all and I didn't need a mammo for a year! Yay! I was glad because my boob was still sore and the thought of another mammo sounded excruciating! The pain finally did subside!
About Octoberish 2012- I started having pain in my right breast, real deep, in the area where the biopsy had been performed back in March. It was just tenderness at first, but seemed to be getting worse. I thought it was probably just scar tissue from the biopsy. I have a history of growing a lot of scar tissue following surgeries. But it finally got sore enough for me to call my Gynecologist, Dr. John Erickson.
December 10, 2012- saw Dr. Erickson. He referred me for a mammo and ultrasound.
December 13, 2012- had diagnostic mammo and ultrasound. As soon as I saw the screen of the mammo, I was quite shocked. There were numerous new microcalcifications. I was immediately shuffled in to the radiologist's office and he advised a stereotactic biopsy that same day. The ultrasound showed some fibrocystic tissue, but nothing huge.
I returned after lunch to have the biopsy... Ouch! And, when I went in, there was an oncology nurse navigator there for support... Hmmmm... Red flag #3! She was very kind and held my hand and rubbed my back during the most excruciating parts of the biopsy. She also said she hopefully would not have to see me again, but if so, she would be my "go to" person throughout this journey to make sure I was getting what I needed. Wow- what a concept! I am very happy to have her to call upon when I have questions or concerns!
I must add here, that day I had driven myself to Reno for my mammo, thinking they would tell me that it was scar tissue and to quit being a whiner! When I found out I had to have the biopsy and didn't know if I should drive myself the 70+ miles home afterward, I called Scott and he was on his way. He picked up David in Chilcoot so that David could drive one of our vehicles home. THIS is the kind of loving support I have! How blessed am I?!?
December 17, 2012- after a long weekend of waiting, and looking up too much stuff on the Internet, I got the call Monday morning from the radiologist. He said the biopsy showed invasive ductal carcinoma. I would need to see a surgeon and get the ball rolling sooner than later. A little while later, Dr. Erickson called me on his day off to see how I was doing. He had gotten the report on his computer at home and wanted to check in with me. By that afternoon, his nurse called me to tell me I had an appt with the surgeon on Friday, 12/21. I later found out that Dr. E went to the surgeons office (on his day off!) to make sure they would get me ASAP! I love that guy!
The biopsy also showed I was Estrogen receptor positive and HER2 receptor positive. What this means in a nutshell is that those two receptors help feed the cancer cells, but, they can now target those receptors with medication. So we'll see how that all plays out after my surgery.
December 21, 2012- saw Dr. Harris for a consult. After all the compounded anxiety, he did make me feel a little better about things. He felt that a lot of the cancer is still in the duct with not much invasion to surrounding breast tissue. I hope that is exactly what he finds during surgery! He will biopsy the sentinel lymph node (closest to the breast). If it is clear, I probably won't have to have chemo! :-)
We discussed my options, and at this time I have opted for a double mastectomy with reconstruction. This will mean no radiation, either!!! Given all I've read and the input from my friend, Joan, and cousin, Jeanne, who have both gone through this journey, this seems like the best option for me. BTW- I have already found that those who have gone through this experience are amazingly helpful and supportive! Thank you Joan and Jeanne for your incredible support and advice and information you have given me already!
The surgeon also ordered a CT and bone scan. This is to check and make sure the cancer has not metastasized to any organs or bone. Mostly used as a baseline with early diagnosis.
December 24, 25, 2011- I am happy to report I was able to put most of the anxiety and worry on the back burner and truly enjoy all that Christmas has to offer! Time with the boys, time with nieces and nephews, midnight mass, and many other blessings!
December 28, 2012- had CT and bone scan.
December 31, 2012- appt with the plastic surgeon, then they can coordinate and get the surgery scheduled! I just want it to be done!
I have created this blog as a place for me to try to document the steps of this process of healing, from the initial diagnosis of breast cancer, and through each page that follows until I am free of this beast!
I am so blessed with loving support from many different compartments of my life, which all blend together to remind me how much love is out there!
I wanted to create a place that you all can come to check up on me! I thought if I could put all the information in one place, I wouldn't be forgetting anyone I was supposed to keep "abreast" of my situation(haha, get it?!?).
As time goes on and new info arises, I'll try to get it on here.
So, here goes my story...
August 2011- yearly screening mammo. A few microcalcifications showed up for the first time in my right breast. Radiologist said to return in 6 mos. for a follow-up to see if there were any changes.
February 2012- as advised, I had my follow up mammo. There were a few more microcalcifications in the right breast, so the radiologist felt I should have them biopsied.
March 1, 2012- a surgical biopsy was performed. The microcalcifications were close to the chest wall, very deep, but the surgeon assured me he removed them all. They proved to be benign! At the post surgery appt, I asked if a follow up mammo should be done anytime soon. The surgeon advised me again that he got them all and I didn't need a mammo for a year! Yay! I was glad because my boob was still sore and the thought of another mammo sounded excruciating! The pain finally did subside!
About Octoberish 2012- I started having pain in my right breast, real deep, in the area where the biopsy had been performed back in March. It was just tenderness at first, but seemed to be getting worse. I thought it was probably just scar tissue from the biopsy. I have a history of growing a lot of scar tissue following surgeries. But it finally got sore enough for me to call my Gynecologist, Dr. John Erickson.
December 10, 2012- saw Dr. Erickson. He referred me for a mammo and ultrasound.
December 13, 2012- had diagnostic mammo and ultrasound. As soon as I saw the screen of the mammo, I was quite shocked. There were numerous new microcalcifications. I was immediately shuffled in to the radiologist's office and he advised a stereotactic biopsy that same day. The ultrasound showed some fibrocystic tissue, but nothing huge.
I returned after lunch to have the biopsy... Ouch! And, when I went in, there was an oncology nurse navigator there for support... Hmmmm... Red flag #3! She was very kind and held my hand and rubbed my back during the most excruciating parts of the biopsy. She also said she hopefully would not have to see me again, but if so, she would be my "go to" person throughout this journey to make sure I was getting what I needed. Wow- what a concept! I am very happy to have her to call upon when I have questions or concerns!
I must add here, that day I had driven myself to Reno for my mammo, thinking they would tell me that it was scar tissue and to quit being a whiner! When I found out I had to have the biopsy and didn't know if I should drive myself the 70+ miles home afterward, I called Scott and he was on his way. He picked up David in Chilcoot so that David could drive one of our vehicles home. THIS is the kind of loving support I have! How blessed am I?!?
December 17, 2012- after a long weekend of waiting, and looking up too much stuff on the Internet, I got the call Monday morning from the radiologist. He said the biopsy showed invasive ductal carcinoma. I would need to see a surgeon and get the ball rolling sooner than later. A little while later, Dr. Erickson called me on his day off to see how I was doing. He had gotten the report on his computer at home and wanted to check in with me. By that afternoon, his nurse called me to tell me I had an appt with the surgeon on Friday, 12/21. I later found out that Dr. E went to the surgeons office (on his day off!) to make sure they would get me ASAP! I love that guy!
The biopsy also showed I was Estrogen receptor positive and HER2 receptor positive. What this means in a nutshell is that those two receptors help feed the cancer cells, but, they can now target those receptors with medication. So we'll see how that all plays out after my surgery.
December 21, 2012- saw Dr. Harris for a consult. After all the compounded anxiety, he did make me feel a little better about things. He felt that a lot of the cancer is still in the duct with not much invasion to surrounding breast tissue. I hope that is exactly what he finds during surgery! He will biopsy the sentinel lymph node (closest to the breast). If it is clear, I probably won't have to have chemo! :-)
We discussed my options, and at this time I have opted for a double mastectomy with reconstruction. This will mean no radiation, either!!! Given all I've read and the input from my friend, Joan, and cousin, Jeanne, who have both gone through this journey, this seems like the best option for me. BTW- I have already found that those who have gone through this experience are amazingly helpful and supportive! Thank you Joan and Jeanne for your incredible support and advice and information you have given me already!
The surgeon also ordered a CT and bone scan. This is to check and make sure the cancer has not metastasized to any organs or bone. Mostly used as a baseline with early diagnosis.
December 24, 25, 2011- I am happy to report I was able to put most of the anxiety and worry on the back burner and truly enjoy all that Christmas has to offer! Time with the boys, time with nieces and nephews, midnight mass, and many other blessings!
December 28, 2012- had CT and bone scan.
December 31, 2012- appt with the plastic surgeon, then they can coordinate and get the surgery scheduled! I just want it to be done!
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