Test Results

On August 5, I found a lump in my breast. I called the doctor first thing Monday morning, August 6 to schedule an appointment. I went in Tuesday, August 7. He wasn't sure what the lump was, but set me up for a mammogram and ultrasound for Friday, August 10. The doctor stated the lump was "worrisome." It was a solid mass, but small. He felt an immediate biopsy was necessary. I was kind of thrown, but I didn't break down. My first thought was for my family. My beautiful daughter is pregnant with her first baby, my son is disabled and won't completely understand what's going on and my husband...well, he's the best husband in the world. I was most scared of his reaction. I didn't want to upset him. But, I digress.

They, in turn, set me up for a biopsy on Monday August 13. I was scared to death. I don't like needles in the first place. My husband, Tim, took off work to go with me. Did I mention he's the best husband in the world? Total workaholic. But, apparently, I'm more important than work. Pretty darn amazing. Anyway, I digress again. I had teachers meetings and needed to set up my room or "cart" to be ready for my students the next day. So, the wonderful people at the Breast Care Center set up my appointment for my lunch hour on Monday so I wouldn't miss so much.

They gave me a valium to take at the center but after discussing it with Tim, I realized I had to go back to work and meetings. I didn't want to be loopy, so we decided against the valium. Wish I had taken the valium. Biopsies are awful. He deadened me, then made a small 1/4" incision so he could insert the needle. Did I say needle? I meant jack hammer. Or it seemed like one. He inserted it 5 times. 4 samples and once to place a tiny piece of metal on my lump so the surgeon would know where to go at the time of surgery. They had already determined that surgery would be needed whether it was cancer or not. They ended up having to place cold compresses on my neck and forehead so I wouldn't pass out and they raised my legs up. It was awful.

But that was nothing compared to the phone call the next day, telling me the biopsy showed aggressive Invasive Ductal Carcenoma. Sounds bad, huh? Well, it basically means that I do have cancer, it's agressive, it started in the duct and has broken out and invaded the surrounding cells. Now, I heard aggressive and wanted to puke. Lucky for me, but unlucky for her, I have a friend who just went through this mess. She told me aggressive is good. It's better treatable. Whew! I love that girl. She also gave me her copy of Breast Cancer for Dummies. I've read quite a bit of it already. Very informative.

Unfortunately, at this time, that's all I know. I'm going to meet with a surgeon Tuesday, August 21. It is the same surgeon who is doing the mastectomy for my friend. I'm positive I'll have to have surgery. If for nothing else than to remove the lump. Hopefully it hasn't spread to my nodes.

God has led me to Westmoore High School to teach. He has plans for my life and they don't include cancer or dieing. He didn't give me cancer, but he sent many to pray for me and someone to help me through it. He always provides a way. I'm scared and a little worried. But with God and the support system I have, I can scale mountains. I'll come through this mess and I'll be a better person in the end. In the immortal words of my good friend who had breast cancer (but NOT NOW!) cancer sucks.