The Rollercoaster Goes Down—The Rollercoaster Goes Up!

On Monday after an MRI turned up additional small nodules, I had a second biopsy on both breasts.  Today I was told the latest biopsy showed suspicious areas in the right breast, but no cancer. Suspicious indicating that even though the area isn't cancerous now, it is likely to be later.  In the left breast the latest biopsy was positive for cancer.

With this information, the doctors are recommending a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, and a Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy. It will be all done the same day, October 18 at University General Hospital. I should be in the hospital a couple of days. At this point I will still have no Chemo!

So, on the bright side :) and we MUST concentrate on the bright side:
• New Breasts
• Two  Surgeries in One
• No Chemo
• A four to eight week recovery
• The Memphis/ Brookhaven Trip is still on for the 28th-4th
• Grace's Baptism is doable
• No Dr appointments on Friday!

Many thanks to Avril for being my chauffeur today and keeping me laughing—And to all the people who have emailed, phoned and texted. Your support and love has been overwhelming.

An Early Morning

Didn't have to set an alarm clock this am for my 7:40 Dr's appt— hot flashes woke me up.
Oh, the things we complain about!
If I had put up with the hot flashes four years ago and gotten off the hormones, the hot flashes would be gone by now. My doctor advised it but I ignored her. Now I have four more years of hot flashes.  More later....

How could I get Breast Cancer??

I have always prided myself in eating healthy and maintaining a good weight. How could this happen?? But the risks are there and I have a lot of them.

Gender, Age, Family History, Race, Breast Density, Early Periods. No Children, Use of Oral Contraceptives, HRT (Harmone Replacement Therapy)

The statistic that really hit home was "Any more than 3 drinks of wine a week can increase your chances of breast cancer by 30 percent". Yikes!

The "Risks" link above will let you know what your risks are—Know them.

Good News is Great!

We are still waiting on one path report and an MRI which I will have on Monday, but It doesn't look like I will have to have chemo—Just a bilateral lumpectomy and radiation.

Thanks to all of you for your emails, recommendations, lengthy phone conversations, prayers, research, hand holding and more—Man, you were all so great— from family down to my insurance rep!!  it has just been overwhelming. I can't tell you how much it meant to me.

No News is Good News

You have Breast Cancer, the nodules are tiny and you need to find a Breast surgeon was about all I got out of the doctor today. If anyone has recommendations, let me know.

The Not So Good News

It all started with a small lump in my right breast just before my yearly physical and mammogram. Unfortunately, it ended up being a small Invasive mammary carcinoma in the left breast and a small invasive ductal carcinoma in the right breast. The tumor cells indicate Grade 1-2 features and show no evidence of tubule formation. What ever that means. I have an appointment today to find out more. 

My big decision for now is what doctor, what hospital??? My gut tells me MD Anderson, but I will be researching that.  This blog will report my progress. I have already found much support from family and friends. Thanks to you all.