Do I want a partial mastectomy, a mastectomy or a double mastectomy? This is the question and there are different things that come along with each of those decisions. My tumor is aggressive. It is already at 3 1/2 cm which means that with taking it out (plus an extra cm on each side) I'll be missing 5 1/2 cm in diameter of breast tissue. However, after researching mastectomy's and seeing all that goes into them including complications and recovery, a lumpectomy doesn't sound so bad.
Also, as an added FYI, I had a breast exam this past Spring with my annual. My OBGYN found nothing then, so like I said, this thing has a mind of it's own. I also found out that this tumor does NOT respond to progesterone or estrogen, so hormone therapy is out. This is not common...most of these tumors respond to that. I'll tell you one more thing...I'm seriously OK. I've had a week to think about this all. I have faith in my Dr. and I have a husband who has been nothing be generous, loving and kind. He completely supports any decision I make and has not led me on to any of his opinions. And he's been able to joke with me about all of it, which is a life-saver. I am so thankful for that.
The Family
Thursday, July 31, 2014
I Have Cancer
A few of you already know this, but I've been encouraged to document this from the beginning. So here goes...
About a week ago I found out that I have breast cancer. On the weekend of the 4th of July, Adam and I went to St. Petersburg to enjoy the beach for a few days. It was then that I noticed a lump in my right breast. When I returned, I phoned my OBGYN and was told that I needed to get it looked at NOW. I went in the next day, in which it was confirmed that I did indeed have a lump...duh. I was then sent to get a mammogram/breast ultrasound. So the following day that is what I did. The results were "worrisome". I was then sent to a surgeon the following day. This guy is really up-front and honest...no sugar-coating. He explained that when the medical community uses words like "worrisome", it is code for BAD. He sent me to get a biopsy. The labs took a week to process the four samples, so consequently, I had to find out the results while on vacation with my family. I was called on Monday the 21st by my surgeon and informed that I had breast cancer and had two options. Lumpectomy or Mastectomy. If I choose a Lumpectomy, I will need an MRI as well as radiation. If I should choose a Mastectomy, it will be a one and done deal...except that it's not because I'll probably also have reconstruction. I was also informed that this cancer is invasive. That is all I know for now...I have my first office visit with him tomorrow. I have a feeling I'm about to get a strong dose of reality. Being with my family this last week has been a nice way to "ease" me into this diagnosis. I have had nothing but encouragement and love. Now I think I'll be much more ready for the action part. Until I know more, here is a link to the American Cancer Society. It will have a lot of fact-based cancer information, and has relieved me of some guilt.
FYI: I don't meet any of the criteria that make women more susceptible to develop breast cancer. NOT ONE. Unless you count the fact that I am a woman. For me, I guess it's just the luck of the draw.
About a week ago I found out that I have breast cancer. On the weekend of the 4th of July, Adam and I went to St. Petersburg to enjoy the beach for a few days. It was then that I noticed a lump in my right breast. When I returned, I phoned my OBGYN and was told that I needed to get it looked at NOW. I went in the next day, in which it was confirmed that I did indeed have a lump...duh. I was then sent to get a mammogram/breast ultrasound. So the following day that is what I did. The results were "worrisome". I was then sent to a surgeon the following day. This guy is really up-front and honest...no sugar-coating. He explained that when the medical community uses words like "worrisome", it is code for BAD. He sent me to get a biopsy. The labs took a week to process the four samples, so consequently, I had to find out the results while on vacation with my family. I was called on Monday the 21st by my surgeon and informed that I had breast cancer and had two options. Lumpectomy or Mastectomy. If I choose a Lumpectomy, I will need an MRI as well as radiation. If I should choose a Mastectomy, it will be a one and done deal...except that it's not because I'll probably also have reconstruction. I was also informed that this cancer is invasive. That is all I know for now...I have my first office visit with him tomorrow. I have a feeling I'm about to get a strong dose of reality. Being with my family this last week has been a nice way to "ease" me into this diagnosis. I have had nothing but encouragement and love. Now I think I'll be much more ready for the action part. Until I know more, here is a link to the American Cancer Society. It will have a lot of fact-based cancer information, and has relieved me of some guilt.
FYI: I don't meet any of the criteria that make women more susceptible to develop breast cancer. NOT ONE. Unless you count the fact that I am a woman. For me, I guess it's just the luck of the draw.
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