Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place as we are overwhelmed with day to day life right now. With the outpouring of support and concern from family and friends, we feel that writing one update at time for everyone to read will provide everyone with news while sparing us some sanity . We will do our best to update this site as often as possible with information as we receive and digest it. Thank you so much for all the kind and supportive words to this point.
Our cancer journey began December 3rd when I discovered a lump in my right breast. I saw my provider the following day and was able to get a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound the same day! The radiologist recommended to proceed with a biopsy which was scheduled for December 10th. My surgeon scheduled me for a follow up the next day to go over results. Unfortunately, My biopsy came back positive for high grade DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with a 1.5 cm tumor. I am incredibly blessed to work with some of the most compassionate and skilled medical staff at work. It brings peace and comfort knowing that they were able to get us to the point that eight days after finding a lump I had a confirmed diagnosis. This reaffirmed that I was not going into this battle alone. This team has been with me, holding me up every step of the way!
I was swiftly referred to Mayo Clinic for treatment recommendations. After having to battle a surprise COVID diagnosis before Christmas, I was able to be accepted by Mayo's Breast Clinic for consultation in the beginning of January. That first week was a whirlwind of appointments and referrals. Luckily, Nick previously worked at Mayo and was able to lead me to the right floors in the correct buildings while I blindly followed, taking advantage of not having to navigate my way alone. He has been my rock through this. I am thankful to be traveling this path together.
My Breast Clinic physician was amazing, compassionate, and thorough. Upon initial examination, she made the recommendation that I see dermatology for an excessive number of freckles. I had a suspicious mole on my right rib cage, which was biopsied that first day. Of course, with the luck I have been having, it tested positive for malignant melanoma. At this point, I felt like I had been hit with a Mack truck. There are no words to describe the feeling of being diagnosed with cancer, only then to be told you have a second unrelated cancer diagnosis. It’s devastating, and we know we have a long, hard road ahead.
After several days at Mayo, and multiple appointments with specialists over the course of two and a half weeks, I am relieved to say that we have a plan in place. I am lucky to have caught this early so I am considered stage one invasive cancer (providing lymph nodes are negative). According to my Oncotype Dx testing, I will not need Chemotherapy and am hopeful radiation will not be part of my treatment plan. I am scheduled for a double mastectomy and lymph node biopsies on February 10th, with reconstruction spanning over the next several months. If the lymph nodes are negative for cancer, they are optimistic that I will have to only participate in hormone therapy for the next few years.
Please say an extra prayer for my littles. They ask a lot of questions that I answer as honestly as I can, but it is a scary and confusing time for them. They have, unfortunately seen grim results of fighting cancer from my dad and other family members and friends. Its hard for them to see anything optimistic since they were told my news around Christmas.
Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. Even after getting bad news, I have so much to be thankful for and count my blessings every day♥️
