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Sue’s Story

Site created on October 3, 2023

Monday 9/18 I went in for my annual mammogram and physical. All my labs were looking great and thought all was well. I received a call later that afternoon that there was an abnormality in my left breast. Another mammogram and ultrasound on Tuesday. Biopsy on Thursday and diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer on Friday. I met with my oncologist Dr. Devineni and my surgeon Dr. Huisken on Wed. 10/4. They did not confirm my stage as we were waiting for the results of HERS2, PET scan and BRCA testing. My HERS2 came back negative which is good news. Today, I received the PET scan results. It confirmed the mass in the left breast along with involved lymph nodes. There were also some concerning "hot spots" on my left iliac. They did not feel these needed immediate attention but would keep an eye on them.

I am in stage 2. The good news is that it was found VERY early so I will have a lumpectomy with lymph nodes removed on Nov. 13th with radiation following. If 4 or more lymph nodes are positive, I will also need chemotherapy.

I had the BRCA genetic test done as it is just so odd there is so much cancer in my family. I don’t think it will be positive as both my sister and cousin had it done, and they did not have it. I should have those results in about 2 weeks. On the off chance I do have it, game changes.

I’m ready for this and have the best support possible.

Please, get your annual mammograms done! I had not found any lumps and my doctors could not either. So, without this test, it would not have been found!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Sue Plankers Edstrom — 13 hours ago

I can see the light! I had my CT scan on Friday and everything came back clear. Today I had my radiation simulation and received my very first tattoos. I start radiation on Monday May 6th and will complete the 20 rounds the first week of June. I can already feel the positive changes in my body (and mind) being off that nasty Taxol chemo. I will have to live with mild neuropathy in my feet and hands, a small price to pay for getting that ugly cancer out of my body. Praising God for all he has done!

Read More of the journal titled "Light at the end of the tunnel April 29, 2024"

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