Where I am at

Today is 1 week since my diagnosis of DCIS.  This week has been fairly busy with 3 Dr appts.  I went to see an Oncologist on Tuesday and had blood work done.  We are waiting on this blood work before scheduling surgery.  To be honest I do not believe the results will have any impact on our surgical decisions.  (More on that later)  The testing is called BRCA 1 and 2 and they are gene mutations that may help us understand why I have cancer at such a young age (34).  We are in waiting mode, but after the last few weeks it is welcome.  I have had seven appts in 14 days and my daughter has been asking lots of questions and has been clingy.  

When I first was diagnosed I heard this song and it really hit me where I was.  I listened to it a few times and wept.  Tears of fear and tears of trust.  Such a beautiful song it will always remind me of this time.  

Though I walk,
Though I walk through the shadows
And I, I am so afraid
Please stay, please stay right beside me
With every single step I take

(Plumb, Need you now)

This is happening?

*Warning*  This is going to be a long post but bear with me.  I need to share what has been happening.
     
Saturday February 2nd I made a startling discovery, I had blood on my nightshirt and it was coming from my left nipple. (TMI)  When I saw it I let out a gasp and my daughter asked me what was wrong?  Uh...nothing, quietly/frantically waving Greg into the hall.  (I have been waking up with a small amount blood on my shirt for months and was never sure of it's origins.)  This being a Saturday what's a person to do,  I googled it.  I felt assured by my search results, all signs pointed to a benign cause.  Monday I would call Dr. M and see what she wanted to do.

Monday I called and went in for a mammogram and ultrasound.  There was no clear reason for my symptoms.  I spoke to the Radiologist and he assured me he saw nothing but clusters of cysts.  He recommended seeing a surgeon.  I went home not satisfied with the lack of answers. Tuesday I called  Dr. M (my gyn) and discussed the results of the mammogram/US.  She referred me to a surgeon.  I asked for an MRI and she seemed to think that it was a reasonable request.  I was told to be patient as it could take up to 2 weeks for the authorization.  The authorization came within hours and I had an MRI 2 days later.

Feb 11th I had an appt with a surgeon Dr. D.  We discussed the mammogram findings and she felt that my symptoms were caused by the cysts.  At this time she discussed additional imaging studies and she did not feel they would be helpful.  I informed her that I had already had an MRI ( I was surprised that she hadn't been aware of my MRI as I had called her office to make sure she reviewed them).  After she had a chance to review the MRI results the plan changed.  I was to have a biopsy of two areas that showed up on the MRI.  My biopsy was scheduled for Feb 13th.

I have an appt. with Dr. D Monday the 18th but the pathology came back early.  I received a phone call Friday afternoon. 
I have breast cancer.  The report points to a very early form called ductal carcinoma in situ.  At this time the prognosis seems to be excellent.  Later this week I will see an oncologist and will begin genetic testing.  

As you can see the last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind.  I have clearly seen God's hand in all of this.  Tests done within hours and studies being authorized in hours instead of weeks.  I am so thankful that we were able to find this at this stage.  The odds of finding it were stacked against us but God has been with us through it all.  Thank You to everyone who prayed for me and my family during these last 2 weeks.

Now on to the next chapter...

Valentine's Day

I Love my husband!    

Happy Valentine's Day Greg!  

Thank You for always standing 

by my side.  

My beloved is mine, and I am his
Song of Songs 2:16