Beyond the Shock

It has now been 5 days since my Diagnoses. I have breast cancer in both breasts. I knew when I found the lump that it wasn't going to be good. I called my Doctor first thing the next morning and she got me in right away. She called and set me up for testing in a metro area about 2 hours from my home ON THE SAME DAY! So, I was expecting it. THREE mammograms later (ouch) and a sonogram of both breasts TWICE prepared me for what I was going to hear. The oncology radiologist came in for the second sonogram and gently showed me the "areas of concern" that were "troublesome" and they were in both breasts, not just in the one where I found the lump. She stated equivocally that I had cancer in both breasts, and a lot of calcification that could be cancer or pre-cancer. I shouldn't be shocked...there's a family history. My mother got breast cancer at my exact age, just shy of my 59th birthday.

So, in two days I will get three needle core biopsies. They are hopeful I will have results in 3-5 days. I've already made up my mind to get a double mastectomy, but it's my understanding as I research breast cancer, that the pathology is important to know the kind, grade, rate of growth, markers, nodes, hormone receptor status and a lot of other medical terms that I'm doing my best to understand.

I will seek a second opinion on my pathology and interview at least two surgeons...assuming I have the time to do that. Ironically, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I'm hoping for surgery in that month.

Isaiah 41:10New International Version (NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand