History of this journey

Last October I had cataract surgery.  It was a bit scary, but it was a very good experience and I was blessed with 20/20 vision and no longer needed to wear glasses which I had worn since about the 7th grade.  Happy Day!!!  At the time of surgery on the second eye, the doctor told me that I should have my blood pressure checked.  This weighed on my mind, because I knew it was too high.

I preceded to look into health insurance for myself and signed up to begin January 1, 2014.  I made my first appointment with my new primary care physician on Tuesday, January 4th.  I went into the appointment a little nervous, but confident that all was well or at least would be.  I knew I would begin taking blood pressure medicine.  My doctor suggested several screenings that are those we all know about.  She also asked about an EKG since my blood pressure was high.  I said that would be fine.  I really was shocked when she returned after the EKG to tell me that it was irregular and that I had heart disease.  At first she was going to send me for a stress test, but she called a couple of days later to tell me she wanted me to go to a cardiologist. 

Within a week of that visit, I was scheduled for a mammogram on January 15th, the cardiologist on February 12th, and a colonoscopy on February 26th.  A few days after the mammogram, my doctor called to tell me that I should go in for an ultra sound and possible biopsy.  She said that at that point she didn't think I should worry as this happens sometimes.  It was first scheduled for January 27th.  However, I realized I had an appointment for the post for an implant to be put in on the 23rd and I would be taking aspirin following that for a few days.  It was rescheduled for for February 3rd. At that appointment I learned more of the concerns from the mammogram.  There were 3 areas they wanted to check.  One was the lump itself which they thought was about an inch and did biopsy, another was a lymph node on the same breast, but they weren't sure was a problem, and an area of the other breast that turned out to not be a concern.  On the 4th, my doctor called to tell me I had breast cancer. After we talked, she set up an appointment for me to meet with the surgeon.

I met with the surgeon on February 11th.  We were encouraged as we learned some positives I had going for me and were still hoping that the cancer cells were not in the lymph nodes.  I was happy to learn that a lumpectomy was a good choice for my situation.  Surgery was set for Friday, February 28th.  I left her office feeling very relieved and light-hearted.

The next day I met with the cardiologist.  He explained what the EKG had revealed.  I have an electrical blockage.  It is a left bundle branch blockage.  Often in people my age it is an indication that there is another problem.  He explained what some of those things could be.  The only way to know more was to have some more tests to find out what was happening in my heart.  He couldn't give the OK to proceed with surgery without knowing.  I didn't feel relieved or very light-hearted when I left his office.  Two days later, on Valentine's Day I had an Echo cardiogram and a stress test.  I learned the next Tuesday that the valves and blood flow in my heart were working fine and normal and that there are no blockages.  YEAH!!  I was so happy to hear that report,.  I don't need to return to him. 

The following week I was scheduled to have the colonoscopy on Wednesday followed by the lumpectomy on Friday.  The colonoscopy went fine.  The doctor found no problems in the colon.  However, there was what he was sure was fatty tissue on the outside that was protruding.  He did biopsy it and wants to see me again in a year to make sure it isn't growing.  I was quite relieved to receive the call the next week that all was well with that biopsy.

On that Friday, February 28th, the  lumpectomy surgery was successful.  The surgeon felt good about removing the lump and getting a good margin.  It was an inch in size and confirmed that it was invasive ductal carcinoma. It was a disappointment to find that of the 14 lymph nodes she removed cancer was found in 9 of them.   When I went to her office the following week, a PET CT was scheduled on the following Monday and an appointment with the oncologist on Tuesday.

When I went to the oncologist on Tuesday, he called to get the results of the PET CT.  We were all happy to learn that it showed no cancer in the rest of my body. However, the fact that 9 of the lymph nodes had cancers cells put the cancer at stage 3 and recommended more aggressive treatment. The plan for treatment was recommended and dates set to go forward with it.  Up until that point, it seemed that I was going to a doctor or test, waiting for the results, and then going for other information.  That pattern seems to have been completed.  We seem to have the information we need to move forward.

I had another post op appointment with the surgeon two days later.  She said I am healing as is expected and she removed the drainage tube she had inserted during the surgery.  She explained more of the port that she would be inserting the next Wednesday.

During the last couple of months I have had many new experiences.  There have been some shocks.  I am still adjusting to the reality that I had cancer.  I have learned a lot.  Even though I am not particularly good with "unknowns"  I have felt peace and am grateful for that.  I am grateful for my children who are willing to put their lives on hold to be here for me, as well as, other family members and friends who are such wonderful support to me.  I am grateful to my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.  I can feel Their hands watching over, guiding, and protecting me and those around me.  I am richly blessed.