I'm going to share this journey with you in hopes that I can connect with other women on the same journey. I hope to share the ups and downs and learn what I can from other you.
Last week I had my annual physical and mammogram. I don't normally look forward to it, but I do it. I figure if I don't take care of myself who else will? The Dr tells me I need to exercise and I say I will, but am not very good at it. About 2 weeks prior to my appointment I noticed a lump on my breast. I didn't think anything of it because I knew my Dr appointment was coming up. After a mammogram, ultra sound, and biopsy I was diagnosed with stage 2 IDC breast cancer. I wasn't shocked, I didn't break down, or 'freak out'. (I hate that phrase.) The Dr did the biopsy right after the mammogram and ultra sound, I thought as long as I was undressed and there it might as well get done. I did cry when he was doing the biopsy, that's when I knew what the diagnosis would be.
By the end of the week we were sitting in the surgeon's office. I really like my Dr, he is a specialist and about 45 minutes away. He was recommended to me and I am happy I asked. He takes his time and is very good at explaining. The nurses were wonderful too! After another exam and lymph node biopsy I was given tons on information and a really informative book to read. He thinks doing the chemotherapy first would be beneficial to my type of aggressive cancer.
Today we met the medical oncologist. I'll be doing those treatments locally, my Dr agreed to it and can work with that. He's sure of one of the drugs he'll use and is going to do some more research to determine what will be best for me. Guess what? I got to have another breast exam, chest X-ray, and some blood work done.
Insert complications:
We are leaving on Friday for several days in Reno for the Men's National Bowling tournament. We've decided that we can work around the trips I have planned for the next couple of months. I'll have a port (for the chemo) inserted a week from this Thursday (after we return from Reno). I'll see the oncologist as soon as I can after that.
And then there's work.....I know I shouldn't worry about it. I'm not...not much anyway. I worked 1/2 day today, until my Dr appt. Yup, Dr appts are ruling my life now. The way it is now, I'll either be at the Dr or at work....not what I had planned for the end of April/beginning of May.
I am learning a lot (that I didn't want to learn). The American Cancer Society is a very helpful organization. I will elaborate on my experiences as they happen. My blog won't turn into a cancer blog, I still have plenty of other useless stuff to write about and I hope you continue to visit.
If you have any comments I'd LOVE 'em.
Last week I had my annual physical and mammogram. I don't normally look forward to it, but I do it. I figure if I don't take care of myself who else will? The Dr tells me I need to exercise and I say I will, but am not very good at it. About 2 weeks prior to my appointment I noticed a lump on my breast. I didn't think anything of it because I knew my Dr appointment was coming up. After a mammogram, ultra sound, and biopsy I was diagnosed with stage 2 IDC breast cancer. I wasn't shocked, I didn't break down, or 'freak out'. (I hate that phrase.) The Dr did the biopsy right after the mammogram and ultra sound, I thought as long as I was undressed and there it might as well get done. I did cry when he was doing the biopsy, that's when I knew what the diagnosis would be.
By the end of the week we were sitting in the surgeon's office. I really like my Dr, he is a specialist and about 45 minutes away. He was recommended to me and I am happy I asked. He takes his time and is very good at explaining. The nurses were wonderful too! After another exam and lymph node biopsy I was given tons on information and a really informative book to read. He thinks doing the chemotherapy first would be beneficial to my type of aggressive cancer.
Today we met the medical oncologist. I'll be doing those treatments locally, my Dr agreed to it and can work with that. He's sure of one of the drugs he'll use and is going to do some more research to determine what will be best for me. Guess what? I got to have another breast exam, chest X-ray, and some blood work done.
Insert complications:
We are leaving on Friday for several days in Reno for the Men's National Bowling tournament. We've decided that we can work around the trips I have planned for the next couple of months. I'll have a port (for the chemo) inserted a week from this Thursday (after we return from Reno). I'll see the oncologist as soon as I can after that.
And then there's work.....I know I shouldn't worry about it. I'm not...not much anyway. I worked 1/2 day today, until my Dr appt. Yup, Dr appts are ruling my life now. The way it is now, I'll either be at the Dr or at work....not what I had planned for the end of April/beginning of May.
I am learning a lot (that I didn't want to learn). The American Cancer Society is a very helpful organization. I will elaborate on my experiences as they happen. My blog won't turn into a cancer blog, I still have plenty of other useless stuff to write about and I hope you continue to visit.
If you have any comments I'd LOVE 'em.
Oh Linda...I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You seem very positive and that is as good as any treatment they give you...:) I have no advice to give but will offer my prayers if that is ok with you...:) Do keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Vicky
I've had you in my thoughts and prayers Linda. You have a harder journey ahead of you that I did, as they caught mine at Stage 1, 2 surgeries and 8 wks radiation. That was 2009. I am thrilled we met in time for me to follow your journey and be a cheerleader for you.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to all your "useless" stuff.....HaHa. Sending hugs and smiles.
Linda, I was re-reading my comment and I didn't mean to sound so negative like...hard journey....I just meant I didn't have to go through the chemo. Please know I'm on your team.
DeleteYou will definitely be in my prayers. It is not going to be an easy journey but you seem to have that matter-of-fact-let's-get-this-done-and-get-on-with-it attitude. That will stand you in good stead I know. We will all cheer you on and look forward to hearing all your "useless" stuff and I know that we will see you through this. Saying a prayer for you for peace and serenity. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in prayer. My sister (who lives in Reno) had breast cancer stage 4 at age 62. She had a mastectomy and then chemo. She is a 10 year survivor. Five years later my mom at age 86 was diagnosed with breast cancer totally different than my sisters, moms was estrogen related she had a mastectomy no chemo, she is a 5 year survivor!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you caught it now and getting it taken care of and remember to keep a positive attitude and your faith. Power of prayer works wonders!
You have a great attitude.I m here for ya.
ReplyDeleteI always save your blog for last when reading my emails because I enjoy it so much. Your perspective and creativity inspire me. I am a friend of Carolee's. Wishing you all the best on this difficult journey.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who completed that journey that you are just starting on. It was a very rough time, but she weathered it all and is now well. It's hard, but try to stay positive. That's really all I can think to say. You're always in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and encouraging us all, you spirit is contagious! Jesus bless you this day!
ReplyDeleteWith you in thoughts and prayers. I just found this and wondering why they haven't been coming in my mailbox!
ReplyDeleteI am behind in my blog reading and just read this today. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
ReplyDelete