g &nbp;I am 41 yrs old. I have 3 biological children- my oldest daughter is 15, my son is 12 and my youngest daughter is just 9 months. I also have a 26 year old step-son and 2 grandsons with that.
So we found a lump. And I went in September 27th and had a breast exam. The Dr. was nice. She suggested a mammogram & ultrasound. Those happened September 29th. That Dr. wasn't comfortable with what she saw so then biopsies October 10th... they had found more than 1 lump. There was also something in the lymph node under my right arm. The Dr. who performed the biopsies was amazing!! I didn't feel a thing. I can actually say that about all the medical staff I've been in contact with so far. I've been very lucky; they've all been great at what they do and had wonderful 'bedside' manners. Which is good, especially for the ones who come at me with needles, for blood, biopsies, what have you. I really hate needles.
October 12,2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It's ER+, PR+ which means it responds to hormone therapies... a good thing. It's also HER2 which is more aggressive...not such a good thing.Also, it's matastatic (spread from its origin, the lymph node thing)My husband was out of town on business. He cut his trip short and almost literally flew home. No, there was nothing he could do. Just to be with me and the kids.
Next the MRI's...one for breast and one for brain. Well, there was a wait for those. Somebody didn't submit the request to medicaid. (As much as I hate to take help from the state, right now that's the position we're in and all I can say is how incredibly grateful I am for it) After I realized I was waiting entirely too long for the appointments, I started making phone calls. At least when we resolved the issue things happened quickly.
I've heard stories of MRI's and while it wasn't as bad as some of the worst I've heard, it's not exactly a relaxing river raft ride either. I've never been claustrophobic but I can certainly see where those damn machines could cause those feelings! These were on Nov 21st & 28th. I kept my eyes closed, both times. I figured if I didn't see the inside I'd be ok. Needed IV's both times so they could shoot stuff in me to better read the results. Did I mention I hate needles??
So. November 30th, the appt to talk about the MRI results and the options. The brain scan came back clear. The breast scan was good as far as, the lumps weren't any bigger than what the ultrasound showed. I also received the BRCA (blood test) results. I am positive for the hereditary cancer gene. REALLY. Which means my kids have a 50/50 chance of carrying it as well. There's nothing I can do about that, except preventative measures for their futures. Except that with being positive for the gene, my options were limited significantly. Which I guess to a degree isn't all bad. Decision making is easier. The only real actions to be taken... a bi-lateral mastectomy with lymph node removal and later, a complete hysterectomy.
Dec 6 I met my surgeon, the man who will be removing both of my breasts. Nice guy, been doing what he does a very long time. The next day I met my plastic surgeon. That's the 'upside' I guess. Reconstruction will begin immediately following the mastectomy surgery. My humor in all this? I am a 44dd+ and have always wanted a breast reduction. Didn't quite envision this, but what the hell. We discussed his part of the procedures and showed my what the implants will be.
My surgery is set for January 10, 2012. I asked to wait until after Christmas. I don't want to ruin that for the kids and it's the littlest one's 1st.
That's all I can write for now. Feelings will make me bawl and I can't do anymore of that right now~
"The past is a ghost, the future a dream, and all we ever have is now." - Bill Cosby
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