What? I've got Cancer?

A month ago today my journey began when I went in for my annual mammogram.  I wasn’t having any problems and didn’t have any lumps, bumps or anything strange going on.  Mikayla had ridden over to Tulsa with me because she had a dentist appointment.  Since Mikayla was out of school, I had taken the day off and we were planning to have a “girls day” full of shopping in between our appointments and getting my hair done by Lisa (my beloved Tulsa hairdresser).  I was really looking forward to the day because Mikayla is usually so busy and we hardly ever get to be together for several hours on the same day.  

So... back to the story.  My first clue something was wrong during the mammogram was when the technician said she wanted to let the radiologist look at the images real quick before I got dressed.  Typically they say you will get the results in a couple days and may be called back …. Blah, blah, blah.  But this time it was a little different and she acted a little nervous.  Anyway, the mammogram images indicated I had a formation of calcifications that needed to be biopsied.  The radiologist explained I would need to come back the following week for a stereotactic needle biopsy.   My first reaction was, “what? you’re going to do what to me and it’s not going to hurt?"   As the doctor was trying to explain the mammogram results all I could think about was my mother who died four years ago after battling breast cancer for only 11 months.  She didn’t die of breast cancer, but her body was not strong enough to withstand the treatments.

A week later I returned to the same office for the stereotactic needle biopsy (that wasn’t going to hurt).    Let me just say, this procedure was NOT fun!  The nurse had told me I would be numbed and would only feel a little pressure, but she was very wrong.  It felt like someone had shot me in the booby with a gigantic bow and arrow!   I know you are probably thinking I am exaggerating, but this was really traumatic.  Okay, so obviously I made it through the procedure, but the whole “you’ll just feel a little pressure” is total BS.  In fact, after sharing this event with my friend Deborah, she told me she had a similar experience and believes we may both have what she refers to as PTBSS (Post Traumatic Booby Stress Syndrome).  We both laughed, but seriously, I definitely have this problem (and so does she)!

On September 13, I received the “call” to inform me by a very sweet and grandmotherly voice that I tested positive for breast cancer.   Nurse Grandma explained I had non-invasive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) and someone would be contacting me later to schedule a MRI.  She also mentioned I would need to schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon to discuss my treatment options.    Even though she was really nice and reassuring, I wanted to scream she had the wrong number and hang up.  But, of course, I didn’t.  I simply thanked her for calling and wished her a nice day.    I immediately called Romeo (my loving husband, Ron) and had a meltdown.

September 18, I had a MRI (which is a whole different blog I’ll write about later) and then Romeo and I met with the breast surgeon, Dr. Frame to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options.  Following the discussion we scheduled a lumpectomy for the following Tuesday.

On the day of surgery, I went back to the Breast Center and had a Localization Mammogram.   This procedure consists of inserting two wires around the area that needs to be removed for the lumpectomy.   Again, the nurses reassured me it wouldn’t hurt, but as you remember, I have a severe case of PTBSS and believe people in pink scrubs are liars.  Thankfully for me, the procedure was a piece of cake and really didn’t hurt that much. Later that morning the lumpectomy was performed without problems and Romeo drove me home, tucked me into bed and I don’t remember anything else until the next day.  Surgery drugs ROCK!

Two days later, September 28  we received a call from Dr. Frame explaining the pathology didn’t come back with clear margins (not enough healthy tissue around the DCIS area removed) and they also discovered a small tumor (2.5 mm) that was invasive (the cancer had spread outside of the ducts).   This was shocking because it had not shown up on any of the mammograms or MRI.   It's was really on accident they even found it!  He asked us to come back to his office the next day to discuss more surgery and how the treatment plan would need to change.  This was a devastating blow.   Thankfully, Romeo was home and was there to comfort me while I had a pity-party.  Have I mentioned he is the best husband ever?

Since that day we have met with numerous doctors from oncologist, breast surgeons, plastic surgeons to confirm Dr. Frame’s findings and learn more about my cancer.  The common theme we've heard is the safest surgery option is a mastectomy.  This was quite shocking at first, but I believe I'm convinced the more I am educated.  Yesterday we met with a specialist to discuss genetic testing to determine if I am  carrying a "cancer" gene that could be passed down to my children.  Even though my insurance might not cover, we decided it was something we must know.  It will also help me decide if I want to consider a double mastectomy.  Meeting with all these medical professionals has been extremely educational but also overwhelming.  But the good news is each doctor has confirmed if I am treated appropriately (there are numerous options), I am NOT going to die from this disease.   Fortunately, this cancer was caught very early and is highly treatable.  Yes, you heard that right... I am totally going to kick this cancer's ass (sorry about the profanity but I'm pretty passionate about this point!)

So Ladies, have you had your annual exam this year?  If not, please do not delay one more day because it could save your life.  Ask your mother, sister, wife, aunts and coworkers to do the same.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so take advantage of all the information being offerred on television, radio, magazines, etc.  I started having mammograms at age 32 even though the guidelines say to begin at 40.  If you are not 40 and have any concerns about your breast health, please don’t wait.  Take action now!