Hi family and friends!

This is Colleen.  First of all, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I have been lifted up every day from all of the kind words, cards, flowers, meals, house cleaning, texts, gifts and prayers from family, friends and co-workers.  It has made me feel very blessed and courageous in this journey.  It has been a wild ride since finding my initial lump in February.  Quick PSA- self exams are HUGE.  Although I ended up having 6 invasive cancerous tumors in my right breast, the mammogram did not detect them.  I knew something was off when I found a lump that felt like a rock. This led to my OBGYN sending me in for an ultrasound, then biopsy, then diagnosis.

Today was a busy doctor day.  I received results from genetic testing, had my first post op with my plastic surgeon, received my pathology results from the tumors and tissue taken in surgery and met with my medical oncologist.  Phew!!  Overall, there was a lot of positive news.  Turns out there was pre-cancer brewing in my left breast so I am so relieved I decided to have a double mastectomy.  I do NOT need to do chemo (where is the dancing emoji?!).  I will need to do radiation after my plastic surgeon gets things where he/we are comfortable. After radiation, they will have me take Tamoxifen for 5 - 10 years.  All in all, this is a great prognosis and plan.  I absolutely love my care team.  Dr. Cassandra Anderson, my surgeon at Piper is kind, smart and thorough, Dr. Ruebeck at Midwest Plastic Surgery is sweet, meticulous and a top doc, and Dr. Stuart Bloom my medical oncologist is brilliantly hilarious and makes me laugh every time I see him. 

My physical recovery is a little slower than I would like.  I would love to be out running right now or playing co-workers in pickleball but that is not going to happen anytime soon.  Dr. Ruebeck told me my 10 lb weight restriction is for 3-4 weeks. Walking is encouraged but absolutely no running for quite some time.  I tire easily, walk slow and am pretty sore. 

In close, I would like to say a special thank you to my family.  My husband has been so wonderful.  I never thought he would play nurse to me but he has been so caring, protective and attentive.  My mom has been my incredible full-time day nurse and support.  And Patrick, Dad and Rita have been superstars with their support, care of Aidan and Molly and endless love. 


Wishing you all my best,

Colleen