My Fight with Breast Cancer

I went for my yearly exam at my OB/GYN this week.  In addition to the usual humiliations that one normally endures during a GYN visit, I intended to have the doctor drain a so-called cyst in my right breast.  A pap smear and a giant needle stuck in my boob all in one wonderful day.  What [...]

I just made an appointment to have my first mammogram.  I never thought I’d be needing one at the age of 30.  As evidenced by the various email jokes forwarded to me over the years by my mother, I’m assuming I’m not going to like it.  I just hope the technician’s hands are warm.

I had my first mammogram today.  It wasn’t all that unpleasant.  I don’t know why, but for some reason, I really dressed for the occasion.  Not that putting on a nice outfit would sway the results in any way, but it just felt right (at least for the brief time until I had to take [...]

I just received the results of my mammogram and ultra-sound.  There is something suspicious that they wish to biopsy.  They want me to come back “ASAP”.  That’s reassuring. 

I’m debating whether I should tell my husband that the Radiologist wants to biopsy the mysterious area in my breast.  God love him, but Michael is just not very stable.  I once dubbed him, “The Italian Version of Richard Lewis” and those who know Michael, know what I mean- and, what I put up with.  [...]

I decided that I shouldn’t keep the fact that I was getting a biopsy on my breast from my husband.  He grilled me about my mammogram appointment and I didn’t want to lie, so I down-played my description of the appointment as much as possible and told him that it was just procedure, that the [...]

Today was my appointment for my breast biopsy.  I went to the radiologist’s office for my early morning appointment.  On the way there, my cousin Kristopher called me to chat and see how the weather is here in AZ.  We talked about his possible transfer from Michigan to Minnesota (what a move) and exchanged other [...]

My friend from Michigan is flying out to visit me this weekend.  Great timing.  Cancer is so inconvenient.  Normally when my friend comes to visit me, we hike Camelback Mountian, we go boating at Canyon Lake or we take a daytrip to beautiful Sedona.  Right now, I feel nervous and on edge.  I just don’t [...]

The Radiologist just called me with the news.  I have ”Invasive Ductal Carcinoma“.  She said that it’s the most common type of breast cancer.  Invasive Ductal Carcinoma sounds so clinical.  The thing is, I don’t feel like I have something that warrants a title like Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  Aside from a persistant, dry hacking cough, and [...]

My original doctor (my OB/GYN) called me to tell me that I was “right to be concerned” about the lump in my breast.  He retold me the results of my pathology report and referred me to a surgeon to discuss my next course of action.  I’m scheduled to meet with the surgeon tomorrow, which is so inconvenient when [...]

I met with Dr. S this morning.  He is the surgeon that my gynocologist recommended.  He looked at my mammogram film and examined my breast, then sat me down in his office to go over my options. 
First, he took a piece of paper and drew a line down the center, separating it into two columns.  [...]

I can’t believe that this is happening to me.  I actually have to make a choice whether I should have my boob cut off or expose myself to radiation for 6 weeks.  Worse yet, how is my family going to react?  My mother is not going to deal with this very well, at all.  I [...]

I’m still torn as to whether I should tell my parents that I have cancer or not.  Since they live out-of-town, I would be able to have my surgery without having to tell them.  I just don’t want to put them through any pain.  My mother tends to be very sensitive and emotional, so I [...]

I should have known better than to use my brother as a litmus test for telling my parents about my cancer.  As far as emotions go, he takes after my mother.  As soon as I told him, there was a pause of surprise (or maybe he was hoping that I was joking?)  Anyway, as soon [...]

When breaking bad news to people, I’ve always been of the School Of Thought which believes that you should just spit-it-out, as “they” say.  The sooner you relay the news, the sooner people can start to get over it.  However, after telling my parents that I have Breast Cancer, I’m beginning to think that I [...]

Did I mention before that my husband is a neurotic crazy person?  Well, for once, his neurosis may have come in handy.  Since my cancer diagnosis, Michael has called every single person that he knows trying to get information and opinions about lumpectomies vs. mastectomies. 
I had already made up my mind that I was going [...]

It just so happens that the world famous Mayo Clinic has a facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, about 40 minutes from my home.  My husband absolutely insisted that I get, what he considers to be, the best medical care available.  He called our insurance company and they said that we were technically covered, but for the Mayo [...]

There is nothing to new to report at this time, except my cough has been getting worse and worse.  I have never had allergy / asthma problems quite this intense before!!!!  We’ve had a lot of rain this year, but still…this is ridiculous!  I can barely speak on the telephone to my clients.  Even the inhaler that [...]

*cough, cough*.  Well, at least I’m getting a good ab workout. *cough, cough*

I met with a surgical oncologist, Dr. G, at the Mayo Clinic today.  At the Mayo Clinic, they have a specific office, just for breasts.  I think it’s called the “Breast Center” or something like that.  My husband joked that it sounds like the “best place in the whole wide world”, but it wasn’t quite as he fantasized.  You [...]