It all started with the usual notice from the medical imaging office, "your latest mammogram shows a questionable area and you should call for an appointment to have another mammogram done as soon as possible." We've all been there and said to ourselves, "what a nuisance, probably just a shadow." So off I went to have another test done. Only this time, the news was not good and I was scheduled for a needle-guided ultrasound biopsy on November 7, 2011. On November 14th, I heard the dreaded words, "It is cancer." The good news, however, was that it was caught early and it was diagnosed as "slow-growing, non aggressive, low grade." All good! The doctor suggested that since "he did not have enough tissue to work with I should consider a complete mastectomy so that, "I would never have to worry about it again."
Well, that sent alarm bells off in my head and I asked if it would matter if I kept my vacation plans to go to Pennsylvania for the Thanksgiving holiday. The doctor said there was no hurry and to enjoy my vacation. Little did I know at the time that he had me scheduled for surgery on December 6th. When I came home and found out about the surgery, I quickly called and said I was seeking treatment elsewhere.
God has been with me throughout this whole ordeal and I thank HIM for holding my hand the whole way AND for guiding me to the best surgeon and hospital for me. I've had my "lumpectomy" and was told the really good news that the tumor was very small and that the pathology report showed that all the "edges" were clean. The doctor had gotten it all! That was on February 1, 2012.
I want to thank all of my blogger friends for all the prayers - they are so important - and for stopping by to check in on me even though I had not updated my blog since Christmas. I cannot thank you all enough for being there for me and I thank God every day for everything He has done for me.
Just a week ago today I was resting comfortably at home after my second surgery removing three of my sentinel lymph nodes. That was Monday, the 13th and on Friday I received the good news that the nodes were clear! No cancer! Hooray! God is so good and faithful. He brought me through this trial and, I know, will walk with me through the rest of this journey. I have an appointment to see my surgeon this Thursday and will be able to ask questions and hear more about my treatment.
