A lot has happened since my last post here! I won't even try to give any details on what's been going on the last 2 years, but I will start with the latest and (not so) greatest:
I have cancer.
Breast cancer, to be exact.
Here are the facts and timeline:
May 23rd, 2013
Annual ObGyn exam, including breast exam - NORMAL
August 26th
Meet with fertility doctor in NY, included impromptu ObGyn exam, including breast exam - LUMP
Doctor says it's "probably nothing" and not to worry; if the lump was still there in 2 weeks then I should get it checked out.
September 9th
Meet with PCP and he orders a diagnostic mammogram, even though it's "probably nothing".
September 17th
Diagnostic mammogram - shows 1cm "nodule". Immediately have ultrasound. Radiologist determines that it is a 1cm "solid" mass with "unusual" characteristics. Says it's "probably nothing" but wants to do a biopsy.
September 25th
Breast biopsy. Will be notified of results in approximately 3 business days.
September 27th
Receive call from PCP indicating that I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 3/3, lymphatic vascular invasion of .88cm. Recommend to immediately see a surgeon for further care.
October 2nd
Meet with General Surgeon and he recommends a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Schedules a chest x-ray and MRI to find out if the cancer has spread anywhere else.
October 8th, 2013
Meet with Medical Oncologist. He finds an additional lump under my armpit, closer to the breast. Reviews the mammogram results with the radiologist and the mass can be seen on the mammogram. He thinks it's just a fibroid (benign tumor) based on the shape of the mass and since it is closer to the breast tissue. Recommends lumpectomy with chemotherapy and radiation. Anticipate chemo to last 12-16 weeks (depending on lymph node involvement) with infusions every 3 weeks. Radiation will follow and last approximately 5-6 weeks. Once therapy is complete, he recommends Tamoxifen for 5 years.
MRI is completed after the appointment.
October 10th
Meet with Radiation Oncologist. He indicated that the mass seen on the mammogram is actually a swollen lymph node, based on the MRI results. There isn't any way to know whether or not it is cancerous until the surgery. He recommends radiation regardless of lymph node involvement, based on the lymphatic-vascular invasion. Recommends mastectomy over lumpectomy.
Meet with Radiation Oncologist. He indicated that the mass seen on the mammogram is actually a swollen lymph node, based on the MRI results. There isn't any way to know whether or not it is cancerous until the surgery. He recommends radiation regardless of lymph node involvement, based on the lymphatic-vascular invasion. Recommends mastectomy over lumpectomy.
Meet with Plastic Surgeon. Recommends double mastectomy based on size of tumor, clear margins, size of breasts and age.
Also, that's what I wanted :)
November 4th @ 8am
Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using tissue expanders.
I anticipate chemotherapy will start approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery. So it will be a bald Christmas!
Now go give your boobies a quick feel :)
I anticipate chemotherapy will start approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery. So it will be a bald Christmas!
Now go give your boobies a quick feel :)
Wow!!!!! I know your not all emtional as your my emtional twin, but i will be praying for your speedy recovery!!!!
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