An Update

Hi friends and family.

I just wanted to give some updates for those of you following my situation.

I had gone in for genetic counseling a few weeks ago and my blood was sent off to the lab for review. My testing all came back negative for six of the major genetic mutations related to breast cancer -- specifically BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53. Hallelujah! This is amazing news for myself and for the rest of my family tree! Since my grandma had breast cancer, there was definitely a concern that my cancer could be genetic. I am truly elated that my children, cousins, aunts/uncles, sister, mom, etc. do not have to be concerned about getting breast cancer themselves (at least not because of our genes). This is the best news I could have gotten. However, I'm still basically a fluke.

After my MRI was done on January 28, my surgeon called to tell me that the radiologist noted a hazy area in the left breast that he wanted to biopsy. (My cancer is in the right breast.) I was, and still am, blown away. Just when I felt like I could take a breath, they took it away again. I went for a biopsy last Tuesday, February 3, but they could not see the area they wanted to biopsy using an ultrasound. They wanted to try the biopsy by MRI instead.

Well, while taking my first MRI, I had decided I would definitely be electing for the bilateral mastectomy. My right breast has to be removed, but it is my choice to remove the left. When they called with the results of the MRI, my decision was cemented. I do not want there to be any chance of a second breast cancer ever growing. I don't want to risk it. With that decision already made, we (me, my surgeon, and radiologist) decided not to do the second biopsy by MRI. Whatever they may be worried about is going to be removed and reviewed with my surgery anyway.

My surgery is scheduled for February 17. I am scared, anxious, angry, confused, etc. You name the emotion and I'm having it. I'm ready to get this cancer out...like yesterday! I'm ready to hear the details of what they find. I'm ready to face whatever comes next. I'm just ready to move forward and start finding answers to some of these unknowns that are hanging over my head.

I'm growing increasingly grateful for Lucy and Dean. They don't let me sit still too long and require my attention frequently. So I can't sit and live in my head too long before I'm snapped back to the here and now. I'm so thankful for my husband, parents, family, and girlfriends. Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful. I really am glad I have made the decision to share my experience. It makes navigating this mess so much better. I'm sure one day I may wonder what I was thinking by sharing all of this, but then I will go back and read your comments, look at my LIVING wall, think of the mementos, meals, etc. that people have sent and remember how important you all are in my life. You are all a part of my life in one way or another. And for that, I am thankful.

Many loves and hugs.