It’s just another lump. That’s what I thought on Sunday, December 3, 2017 when I found a lump in my left breast. It wasn’t my first lump, so I figured it was nothing to be concerned about. I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN. She scheduled me for a mammogram, ultrasound and if needed, a biopsy. I’ve never needed a biopsy before. On Monday, December 11th, I had all of the above. After waiting two very long, stressful days I received the dreaded call. My wonderful nurse, Jan, called me while I was at work to gently break the news. I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. What? Breast cancer? Me?
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breast_center/breast_cancers_other_conditions/invasive_ductal_carcinoma.htmlIt can’t be. I’m 40. I’m a busy working mom. I don’t have time for this. I don’t deserve this.
Fortunately, I caught it early, Stage one, highly treatable. Jan said “If you’re going to get cancer, this is the one you want.” Oh lucky me. Wait, really, lucky me. Some others aren’t lucky enough to get this good of a prognosis when it comes to cancer. I should know. It’s claimed more than one of my loved ones.
Fast forward seven weeks...I’ve had an MRI tell me that I only have the one tumor. Yay! I’ve had a lumpectomy to get rid of the tumor. Yay! I’ve had a negative lymph node biopsy that told me the cancer hasn’t spread. Yay! I do have to have a second surgery, since the lab results came back saying that the margin of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor isn’t where they’d like it. My second surgery should take place in a week or so.
In a month or so, I will start chemo therapy treatments. I’ve tested positive for the HER2 protein,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/breast-cancer/expert-answers/faq-20058066 which means I (
https://www.mayoclinic.org/breast-cancer/expert-answers/faq-20058066 which means I) will have one form of chemo (Herceptin) once a month for a year. On top of that, I will have a second form of chemo. As of now, I don’t know how long or how often I will receive the second form of chemo. I should find out soon.
A big thank you to my family, friends and coworkers! Thank you for loving me and supporting me thus far. I can’t imagine doing this without your prayers, positivity and sense of humors! 😘
Welcome to my CaringBridge website. I will be using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. My family and I appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
