Amy Jones

Hello everybody!!  Thanks for visiting, and thanks for your support.  So in the middle this month (October 2018), I found out I am one of millions of women that have breast cancer.  I've had a lump in my breast for a few months now, but have been so busy I hadn't gotten it checked. When I finally did get some time to go in, the general practitioner immediately send me to get a mammogram and ultrasound.  After inspecting the films, the radiologist recommended we do a biopsy that day.  He said based on the films and the hundreds of other cases he's seen, he was almost certain it is breast cancer.  Well, we got the results back last week and it is definitely cancer.  BOO!!  The good news is, the prognosis is GREAT!!  (And the surgeon said it probably wouldn't have made a difference if I had come in a few months ago anyway.....whew!!)  I have Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), which is the most common type of breast cancer and is highly treatable.  I will have to have surgery in the next few weeks to remove the lump, and then I may have to have chemotherapy (based on the size of the lump (about 3cm) and my age) as well as hormone therapy, as my estrogen and progesterone receptors are positive.  I should find out about the course of treatment next week.  I will keep everyone posted!!  

While it sucks to get a cancer diagnosis, I feel extremely lucky about mine.  One of my best friends in the world passed away last year after fighting like hell to beat a much more aggressive form of cancer.  So she gives me strength for the upcoming fight, as well as the knowledge and real-life experience to know that it definitely could be worse.  I was and am inspired by her strength in the face of adversity and can do nothing less than try to face my battle with the grace and poise she showed until the very end.  Please know that I am one of the lucky ones....I have a wonderful husband, an amazing family, awesome friends, a great job with an extremely supportive Navy family and outstanding health care.  Life is good!!  :)