About two weeks ago I discovered a lump in my right breast (had my last mammogram in July). I was examined by a nurse and scheduled for a special, more thorough kind of mammogram a week later. Turns out I have dense breast tissue which makes it hard to see anything on a mammogram. Something looked suspicious, so they immediately did an ultrasound exam. That exam revealed a worrisome spot, so they immediately did a needle biopsy - removed some tissue to examine. That all happened on Friday, January 4th. On the 9th, I was told that the sample tested positive for cancer, and an appointment was set for me to meet with a surgeon.
This morning, I met with a surgical oncologist at Kaiser to discuss my breast cancer treatment. I have a ductal cancer (grows in a mass without fingerlike projections, which is another type of breast cancer), approx. 1.9 cm. tumor (actual size won't be known until surgery); don't know about lymph node involvement yet (will also be revealed when surgery is done). They will have to do surgery in order to determine whether the cancer has spread to any lymph nodes and to determine its actual size; they would then remove the tumor and some of the surrounding area plus any involved lymph nodes. Because the nurse who examined me a week ago thought she felt something on the left side as well, the surgeon agreed that I should have ultrasound on the other breast before deciding about my treatment. That ultrasound will happen within the next few days.
My current options (if nothing changes) are lumpectomy (lump removal) + radiation therapy, or mastectomy (removal of entire breast). Outcomes as far as survival rate/recurrence are about the same for both options. Some women opt for mastectomy since it frees them from worry about developing breast cancer again, in that breast. But that doesn't mean the cancer won't turn up elsewhere, which is a possibility. Kaiser is very much on top of this - their breast cancer program is excellent and I have a great deal of faith in the care they provide. That said, I may decide to get a second opinion concerning treatment from the UCSD Moore Cancer Center (La Jolla), which is one of only 39 listed by NCI/NIH as top research/care centers in the US.
So, right now, I'm waiting and thinking. After the ultrasound on the other side, I'll know more. If there is a problem on the left side, that may influence the decision I make about treatment. I can think about this for a little while, but should not put off surgery any longer than necessary. If I opt for removal, I would likely also have reconstruction, which brings its own set of timelines and issues. Some kind of surgery will be done within the next couple of weeks.
I have set up this blog because I wanted a way to be able to communicate with my family, friends, and co-workers. It is important to me that people understand what's happening and take heed. I have no family history of breast cancer and did not believe I would ever hear the words, "You have breast cancer." Please be dilligent with your own self exams - learn to do it right - and do it regularly (I'll post some links). Also, keep your immune system strong - it's your first line of defense against any kind of cancer. This means eating well and exercising regularly, and monitoring your stress levels.
I hope that you don't mind this method I've chosen of communication. I have to weigh my strong desire to inform those I care about with my equally strong desire NOT to talk on the phone about this ad nauseum. I need my energy right now to get well and to think - I'm fighting my third cold in the past month, so clearly my own immune system isn't what it should be. I hope you understand.
Please feel free to e-mail me. I can deal with e-mails more easily than with phone calls. Mom has also offered to field calls on my behalf. She sat in with me this morning with the surgeon, and has been studying the situation and is close to becoming an expert in the field herself.
My love to everyone. Thanks for your good wishes, your support, and your understanding. I will update this site frequently, so stay tuned.
Marcia
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