My Breast Cancer Journal
Part 2
Breast Cancer is a disease that touches everyone lives. 1 out of 8 women get diagnosed with some form of breast cancer. I was diagnosed in January 2021. Here is my story…
Hurry Up and Wait - 2/15/21
Good morning!
Houston, we have a problem! It’ a frozen tundra outside! Here, of all places! (I’ve attached photos for proof) Today was meant to be the day for me to meet my team of doctors, discuss my options and hopefully start to set a plan in place, but alas, it will need to wait. So, instead I’ll give you an update from last week’s appointment, as many of you have so kindly been in touch to ask about it.
On Friday, I spent 8 hours at MD Anderson registering as a patient and undergoing extensive initial diagnostics. I am so very impressed with their team in the Breast Center. They did not repeat the breast biopsy but they did biopsy and mark one lymph node that was looking suspicious. (For those of you unfamiliar with that term, a tiny tissue marker (also called a clip) is put into the area where the biopsy is done. This marker shows up on mammograms or other imaging tests so the exact area can be located for further treatment and surgery).
The lymph node initial biopsy pathology report came back unfavorable, and a more thorough report will take a few days. So in the end, it is not really a set back that my appointments have been delayed by mother nature. My Surgical Oncologist was kind enough to call me at home and introduce herself. We discussed my case a little and she assured me my appointments with her, the Medical Oncologist and the Reconstructive Surgeon will all be rescheduled soon. So until then, we all wait a bit more.
you will Never go on this journey Alone
Thank you for your calls, notes, texts, cards, thoughts, prayers and kindness. It is very much appreciated and I am thankful for each of you! It helps me not to feel ‘alone’ in this journey. The variety of treatments of breast cancer is staggering and the decisions to be made are big ones. Please pray for thorough diagnostics, guidance for me and my medical team and for peace of mind for us all!
Ladies, please book your appointments, and remember, I cannot feel my tumor at all!! It was only seen on the mammogram and I missed 3 years of exams. DON’T MISS! Did you know that 1 in 8 women get breast cancer now? The sooner you catch it, the sooner you can get through it!
Hope you are warm and safely reading this from the comfort of your home, wherever you are!
xx Susan
If you are looking for a place to get a mammogram, just ask your OBGYN.
The technology these days is amazing and you will get your results almost immediately.
Please don’t delay this important act of self care. You and your loved ones deserve it!
For local ladies, below is the information on MDAnderson in the Houston Medical Center.
