Books

The book on top was given to me by my "nurse navigator," an angel who works for the hospital to keep all the different departments on one page of information disbursement for me. The bottom one was recommended to me by a dear friend who's been down this crappy road. They're both 300 pagers and I've devoured most of them. They are helpful, but there is also a time I need to stop reading, too, when all becomes a little too much.

And speaking of recommendations, one reason I am blogging about this is because of the positive, fearless stories I have read and listened to that have helped me cope so far. Stories from people I physically KNOW. If you get breast cancer, DEPEND ON THOSE WOMEN. They are angels. More about these folks in a later post. In MANY later posts.

I am totally digressing, but more angels are my beautiful husband and children. They are handling this news like champs, ever cheerful and optimistic, trying to keep me from going down the deep, dark rabbit hole. Love to ALL.

Surgeon

This morning, we met with Dr. Craft, my surgeon. Jon and I both really like him! He is smart and kind and funny and explains things well. Pending some more testing (genetics and an MRI), he believes I may be able to "escape" with a lumpectomy and some daily radiation treatments, in addition to probable hormonal therapy for a few years. The good news is that all my hormone receptors are positive, which makes this a lot easier to treat. My tumor is about 1 cm in diameter. Next step: testing.

By the way, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the only appointment Jon will be allowed to attend with me. That adds another whole level of "scary" to this fight, but I can handle it.

Breast Cancer

DIAGNOSIS: Breast Cancer. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 1. I am in shock and eager to learn the next steps when we meet with my surgeon.

Biopsy

This morning, I had a core biopsy. It involved a small pinch with lidocaine and then the removal (via large clicking needle that I chose not to look at) of some cells from the spot they don't like. It was basically painless, and the sweet tech held my hand the entire time as the doctor, tech and I discussed dogs and band. Results will be here tomorrow.

BREASTS.

I got your attention!

I've been away from posting for FAR too long, and I regret that this posting is not as jovial as most, but I am ready to be real here.

Breasts.

They are functional. Sexual. Life-saving, even. I nursed both boys well past their first year. GO, BREASTS!

But, breasts can also be total JERKS. This morning, in fact, I learned that my left breast probably contains life-threatening cancer. Biopsy in a few days will confirm but the doc is not optimistic about the spot she saw today during the ultrasound.

And you MUST know we're in a pandemic right now. Whatever. Let me just say BREASTS again.

I am terrified. But AS OF NOW, I do not have cancer. I do not have it until it is confirmed by the biopsy. So I am gonna keep plugging along, writing when I want, and actually, doing ANYTHING I want as much as I can. I do NOT have cancer in my breast. Not now.

Our New Family Member!

Meet Tori! On a whim, we stopped by a shelter yesterday. Twice. We are in love!

Andrew's 11th Birthday Party