In early January, I noticed a lump in my right breast. A mammogram, followed by an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy shows that I have Grade 2 Breast Cancer, somewhere between 2.5 and 4 cm, which has spread to 2 lymph nodes. They won’t be able to tell the actual size and Stage until after surgery.
Those of you who know me, know that I am going to fight this disease with everything I’ve got. But the first test that I am facing is the “hurry up and wait”. It takes days to make appointments, followed by days and/or weeks to get test results. I know it is important for the doctors to know everything they can so they can put together an effective treatment plan, I just want to know it now!
Although, there isn’t a serious history of breast cancer in my family, Kaiser recommended that I have a genetic test to test for the BRCA1&2 gene. I had this test on January 19, and it will take about 3 weeks for the results
In the meantime, Kaiser also recommended that I have a PET scan. The Pet scan came back that the breast cancer hasn’t spread. Unfortunately, I have a suspicious “spot” on my colon, so now I am scheduled for a colonoscopy. I’m hoping to have more test result information later this week and will post the results as soon as I get it.
Right now, I am feeling good and continuing to work. Everyone has been so supportive. I always knew I was lucky to have so many great friends and co- workers.
I can’t stress the importance of monthly self-exams, especially for those of you under age 40 or not getting regular mammograms.
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