So, there have been questions and rather than updating Facebook I’ll start journaling here.  Diagnosis date 3/17/21.   Triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma.  This means no hormones are feeding this cancer. This means limited treatment options. This means high rates of growth, high chance of reoccurrence. This means throw everything and the kitchen sink at it!

Feb 2021, I actually found the lump myself.  It was large and then it got smaller.  So maybe just a cyst?  Had a telehealth appt that day and just casually mentioned it.  He asked some questions and said I’m getting you in for a mammogram and to see a surgeon?  I’m like what?  You haven’t even seen me!  

Flash back to a year ago 6/2020.  Annual mammogram had shown suspicious spot. Did biopsy (actually 2 because they biopsied the wrong area). Inconclusive, but def not cancer was what I was told.  Dr had hit a blood vessel during biopsy and had huge hematoma which did disappear over the next few months. 

Back to Feb/Mar.  Radiologist came in after mammogram and said we see something but I’m sure it’s the hematoma from last summer. I remember that and that’s all this is.  Ok. I’m good.  My PCP calls and says did they tell you what they thought? I said yes, should I cancel surgical spot.  He said, no, I’d like his opinion on this. 

Its the beginning of March saw surgeon. He said I read the chart but you tell me.  He says, hematoma should have been gone by now  and this spot is bigger than last June. ( first time hearing that) Let’s do a surgical biopsy and get what we can just to make sure.

Surgical biopsy before daughters wedding. Everything went fine, follow up after wedding.  Didn’t hear anything, so thinking no news good news.  Went to appt myself.  Dr came in and said It’s a tumor and I’m thinking, well they can just take it out if it’s a big deal. Then he said, yeah cancer.  We have you set up with the cancer center tomorrow.  Wait, what??????  Drove to tell Chad and a few tears escaped as I told him but I don’t think I still ‘got it’.  Went to work, kind of worried, but it’s fine.  

Meeting at the cancer center. Learned about my cancer and what was planned.  Asked questions and then back to work.  
I’m going to deal with this.

A couple days later it hits home.  I have cancer! And a former coworker dies (from cancer).  I spiral down.  

more to come