DON'T PANIC

 "It is said that despite its many glaring (and occasionally fatal) inaccuracies, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy itself has outsold the Encyclopedia Galactica because it is slightly cheaper, and because it has the words "DON'T PANIC" in large, friendly letters on the cover." - Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

To help everyone keep informed and up-to-date with what is going on with my diagnosis, treatment and well-being, I decided that I'd set up a blog. For me, it'll be easier to post everything in one place - links to websites, appointments, status - and for everyone else, the information will be available even when I'm not able to chat on the phone.

The story so far:
At the end of July, I found a small lump in my right breast. Knowing there was no history of breast cancer in my family, I wasn't too concerned but I got an appointment as soon as possible with my doctor to have the lump checked out. August 14th, I had a mammogram and ultrasound, where the doctor said things "looked suspicious," and recommended a biopsy. A few days later (August 17th), I had the biopsy done. I got the results on August 20th (the day after my 42nd birthday) and I was told I have breast cancer, that it was Invasive Ductal breast cancer and high grade, and an appointment was scheduled to see a surgeon.

Today was the surgery consult. I learned that my doctor is one of the top-rated surgeons in the country. She's very well informed and gave Bill & I all the information we needed to know in easy to understand language. She even made notes of important details and pages to refer to in the book she gave me for additional information.

What we learned today was the type of cancer I have is Triple Negative, meaning that hormones are not affecting the growth of the cancer. Unfortunately, that's not as good as it sounds, as that means I will have to undergo chemotherapy as part of my treatment. Also, she estimated, based on the approximate size of the lump, that the cancer is stage two. There is still tons of testing yet to do to get a better staging of the cancer and to give a prognosis. However, the lump is small (about two centimeters or less than an inch) and it appears the cancer was found early. Also in my favor is I'm still relatively young and in reasonably good health.

Tomorrow, I'll know when the next appointment is - well, series of appointments - for some more testing that needs to be done prior to the surgery. The doctor has recommended genetic testing based on the type of cancer I have, an MRI (to see if there are any other areas of cancer in either breast that are too small to be seen otherwise), another ultrasound of the lymph nodes and probably a fine-needle aspiration of the lymph nodes, as well as assorted blood work and a chest x-ray.

Based on what is known so far, the plan is to just remove the affected tissue and some lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiation. However, with the above tests, that could change. If there are other smaller areas of cancer or if there is a genetic disposition towards cancer, then more extensive surgery will be needed. Regardless, chemotherapy is going to happen and most likely so will radiation.

I'll try to keep this site up-to-date as much as I can.

Prayers always welcome. :)

Love & Hugs