Thanks for visiting the CaringBridge web site. Here I hope to regularly update my progress on the road to recovery from breast cancer. It’s early days, but I have already experienced the warmth and support of family and friends, as well as that of caring professionals. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to your messages and phone calls. If you get the basic facts here, then when we talk we can focus on more interesting topics: hiking, travel, politics, good books and films, for example!
After my annual 3D mammogram in late February, I was called back for additional imaging, then for a biopsy. On March 3 we had the results: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) - about 80% of all breast cancers are of this type. The mass is small, but the cells are grade 3 and grow quickly - so we will begin treatment immediately.
My imaging from a year ago was perfectly clear, which underlines the importance of having regular annual screenings. Get your 3D mammogram, ladies!
Next week I will meet with surgeon Michelle LeBlanc to learn more and to schedule surgery; my oncologist will be Rachel Raab. Asheville’s Mission Hospital is a major cancer treatment center for this region: for example, most every cancer case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, etc., who view the imaging, discuss surgical and follow up treatment options, ask questions, and make recommendations. I will benefit from all these professionals’ opinions.
I am fortunate to be on leave from UNC Asheville this semester and working at home on a new edition of our textbook. My schedule is more flexible than usual. I continue to hike and practice yoga, both of which will help as I go through surgery and treatment.
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