Linda Baker Linnie's Journey

I am starting this so I can keep those that want, informed.  As this process evolves, it is quite difficult to keep everyone I love informed.  So, you may get a notice that I have a new post and you are welcome to visit or just delete the email.  I apologize for how impersonal this is, but my ear is about to fall off!!!


Oh, where to start?!?  I have not been feeling well for some time.  I was very tired and lacked my old energy.  For the last year, I have been doctoring and they have been adjusting my thyroid.   I eventually discovered a lump which started this journey.


I have been to more doctors and had more tests in the last few weeks then at any time in my life.  Started with primary, then diagnostic mammogram, ultra sound, biopsy, MRI, CT scan, bone scan and the list goes on!!!  Today's technology is amazing and it is wonderful how far we have come in medicine!!


So, after poking, prodding, pricking, & scanning, the results came back.  I have  ' invasive lobular carcinoma - subtype Luminal A'.  I can't believe I have acquired such a handle!!  I am at  a stage 3 and probably this is a few years old as this type does not show up on a mammogram.  My mammogram was clear last year.  My cancer is quite unusual as less than 10% of breast cancer is lobular, and less than one percent of those have luminal A.   A little extra bonus is that I got MRSA which is a staff infection from the biopsy so have been dealing with this for a few weeks.  


I now  have my internet PHD in breast cancer!!!!   My research is showing me that if you have to have cancer, this is the best kind to have.  It has a low risk of recurrence, and if they get it all, I have a 93% survival rate.  This is an endocrine based cancer so I was relieved to find out my sweet tooth or lifestyle did not cause this.  Having said this,  I have treatments to go through and choices based on all the test studies.  


My medical team is amazing - I have a breast surgeon, reconstruction surgeon, endocrinologist and most importantly, a hematology oncologist!!!!  I am feeling pretty special!!  Because my cancer is so specific, they have also reached out to Duke University and MD Anderson in Houston.  These are two of the foremost cancer centers in the United States.  I am also speaking to a breast surgeon at Mayo Clinic so I have done a lot of research.


At this time, they have put me on an estrogen blocker and will be for 5 years to life depending.  They are also recommending chemotherapy, then actually two surgeries followed by more chemo and radiation.  So......a long haul!!


I am doing well and learning as much as I can.  So, my M & M's have been replaced by plant smoothies, and my diet coke has turned into water!!!!   This might be worse than chemo!!!  Thanks for your visit and I will post again as my journey moves forward...............Linnie