Saturday, February 4, 2012

The beginning

I have Stage 0 Breast Cancer (DCIS ductal carcinoma). It started as bloody nipple in December. Never hurt - just saw blood on my bras    Had mammo and sonogram and dr thought it was a benign pappiloma in the ducts of my breast. They did fine needle aspirations and pathology came back benign. She set me up for a ductogram/glactogram. They couldn't do the test since the bleeding stopped. She wanted me to go for a MRI.



In the week between the unsuccessful test and the scheduled MRI - fractured wrist and elbow so did MRI with cast up to bicep - not fun. In that week and a half a visible lump formed but just thought it was a clogged duct and thought for sure I was going to have a lumpectomy. They found 2 abnormalities and ordered an MRI guided core biopsy that the head of the department did and used me as a research subject on 1/19. Found out 1/23 I had cancer and the course of action was mastectomy. 

Went last Wed 1/25 with my Mom and Felice (so she could take notes - arm in cast). I do love my dr. A lumpectomy is not an option since it is in my ducts and I am choosing to do a bi-lateral to I don't have to worry and get tested every 3-6 months. The best news is 100% survival, less than 1% of recurrence and if everything goes as planned I will not need chemo or radiation or tamoxifin. I did go for the genetic testing yesterday to see if I have the BRACA gene.

The doctor is so happy she ordered the MRI and we caught it so early.

I am 47 and I know I am losing my boobs not a vital organ. I know I am going to be ok but I'm still scared. Just of the unknown and recovery and what to expect. All of the information is overwhelming to me. 2 weeks ago I was fine and I still feel fine but I have cancer and am getting a double mastectomy. I am busy all day but when I get into my car after taking the train home I get all weepy and I'm having trouble sleeping. I think it is when I shut down that it gets to me.

1 comment:

  1. I remember thinking "How am I going to tell my mother?!" Weird huh?

    ReplyDelete