I have some unfortunate news that I would like to share with you.
Over the past year, I have been tracking a small spot in my right breast. Being pregnant with Lucy, my options for tracking the spot were limited to physical exams and ultrasounds. A few weeks ago, I went to see the doctor about this spot, which had grown significantly in size (now about the size of an orange). Now that Lucy is born, I was able to receive a mammogram (as well as multiple ultrasounds) to check out the spot. The mammogram was abnormal and I was sent for a biopsy on my breast and my lymph nodes. On January 14, I was diagnosed with a noninvasive type of breast cancer called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). The biopsy did not show that there was any cancer in the lymph nodes. The cancer is high grade and “I have a lot of it.” Because of the size and feel of the affected area, the surgeon and oncologist are very concerned that the cancer does have an invasive component, but they will not know until surgery. The size of my cancer requires that I have a mastectomy, which will be scheduled for the next week or two. I will not know if I require further treatment (chemo or radiation) until after the pathology report is received (a week after surgery).
This type of cancer (DCIS) is not very common for a 31 year old to have or at least to know about. It normally cannot be felt and would only appear on a mammogram, which is not recommended until age 40. The fact that I can feel this area may be a gift. The surgeon believes that had I not known about this now, then by the time I did know about it, it would have been an invasive, probably aggressive, form of breast cancer and I would be facing a very different outcome.
I am stunned. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that they were going to tell me I have breast cancer. Over the past two weeks, I have had a number of appointments which are all full of information and overwhelming emotionally. I have been on an emotional roller coaster, as has my family. Having a two year old and a six week old baby, the timing couldn’t be worse. But then again, when would be a good time to be diagnosed with cancer? I feel that many of my dreams, hopes, and the life decisions are being put on pause or are being severely altered. BUT. I am thankful. I’m thankful to have my life, my family, my friends, my work, etc. I am thankful that this cancer presented itself to me. I am hopeful (oh God, do I hope) that the cancer has not spread. I am willing to do anything and everything I need to do to beat this thing and live a long, HEALTHY life with my husband and children. If nothing else in life, I am positive and optimistic. Jerry mentioned to me the other night that maybe I’m meant to help someone along in their journey one day. And that alone gives me hope and a potential purpose for this thing. I know I am strong and will be able to handle whatever treatment they lay out for me. But damn if this isn’t hard.
My having cancer is not a secret, nor is it something I want to hide. This is a fact of MY life and I would rather share it than keep it in. As many of you know, my grandma passed away from breast cancer this last September. I feel the loss of her every day, but have been more aware of her absence over the past couple weeks. Whenever you had a good day or a bad day, my grandma was there to listen and to offer her support. In a situation like this, she would be checking in on me each day and praying nonstop for me and our family. Although I know she is now watching over us from Heaven, I have felt like I have never needed her prayers more. If no one else knew, you always knew that Grandma had the prayers covered. Without her here, I feel that I need to know that SOMEONE is praying for me and my family. And that reason alone is one of the biggest in why I have decided to share what I am going through.
Even if you do not believe in prayer, I ask that you be thinking about me, my husband, my children, my parents, and my sister. I specifically am asking for prayers that the cancer remains DCIS and that it is not invasive and has not spread. I am asking for prayers for strength and courage. Please send us your good energy, positive thoughts, and love. This is a really tough, stressful time and I feel that knowing that this aspect is covered will help me and my family get through this.
Although I may not be able to (and even up to) write or call back right away, please know that you can get in touch with me whenever. If you have any questions, I am definitely willing to share more about my experience. Thank you.
Over the past year, I have been tracking a small spot in my right breast. Being pregnant with Lucy, my options for tracking the spot were limited to physical exams and ultrasounds. A few weeks ago, I went to see the doctor about this spot, which had grown significantly in size (now about the size of an orange). Now that Lucy is born, I was able to receive a mammogram (as well as multiple ultrasounds) to check out the spot. The mammogram was abnormal and I was sent for a biopsy on my breast and my lymph nodes. On January 14, I was diagnosed with a noninvasive type of breast cancer called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). The biopsy did not show that there was any cancer in the lymph nodes. The cancer is high grade and “I have a lot of it.” Because of the size and feel of the affected area, the surgeon and oncologist are very concerned that the cancer does have an invasive component, but they will not know until surgery. The size of my cancer requires that I have a mastectomy, which will be scheduled for the next week or two. I will not know if I require further treatment (chemo or radiation) until after the pathology report is received (a week after surgery).
This type of cancer (DCIS) is not very common for a 31 year old to have or at least to know about. It normally cannot be felt and would only appear on a mammogram, which is not recommended until age 40. The fact that I can feel this area may be a gift. The surgeon believes that had I not known about this now, then by the time I did know about it, it would have been an invasive, probably aggressive, form of breast cancer and I would be facing a very different outcome.
I am stunned. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that they were going to tell me I have breast cancer. Over the past two weeks, I have had a number of appointments which are all full of information and overwhelming emotionally. I have been on an emotional roller coaster, as has my family. Having a two year old and a six week old baby, the timing couldn’t be worse. But then again, when would be a good time to be diagnosed with cancer? I feel that many of my dreams, hopes, and the life decisions are being put on pause or are being severely altered. BUT. I am thankful. I’m thankful to have my life, my family, my friends, my work, etc. I am thankful that this cancer presented itself to me. I am hopeful (oh God, do I hope) that the cancer has not spread. I am willing to do anything and everything I need to do to beat this thing and live a long, HEALTHY life with my husband and children. If nothing else in life, I am positive and optimistic. Jerry mentioned to me the other night that maybe I’m meant to help someone along in their journey one day. And that alone gives me hope and a potential purpose for this thing. I know I am strong and will be able to handle whatever treatment they lay out for me. But damn if this isn’t hard.
My having cancer is not a secret, nor is it something I want to hide. This is a fact of MY life and I would rather share it than keep it in. As many of you know, my grandma passed away from breast cancer this last September. I feel the loss of her every day, but have been more aware of her absence over the past couple weeks. Whenever you had a good day or a bad day, my grandma was there to listen and to offer her support. In a situation like this, she would be checking in on me each day and praying nonstop for me and our family. Although I know she is now watching over us from Heaven, I have felt like I have never needed her prayers more. If no one else knew, you always knew that Grandma had the prayers covered. Without her here, I feel that I need to know that SOMEONE is praying for me and my family. And that reason alone is one of the biggest in why I have decided to share what I am going through.
Even if you do not believe in prayer, I ask that you be thinking about me, my husband, my children, my parents, and my sister. I specifically am asking for prayers that the cancer remains DCIS and that it is not invasive and has not spread. I am asking for prayers for strength and courage. Please send us your good energy, positive thoughts, and love. This is a really tough, stressful time and I feel that knowing that this aspect is covered will help me and my family get through this.
Although I may not be able to (and even up to) write or call back right away, please know that you can get in touch with me whenever. If you have any questions, I am definitely willing to share more about my experience. Thank you.
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