The Beginning

First of all, I do not consider myself a professional blogger.  I have a hard enough time spelling and using proper grammar.  However, I have struggled with the best avenue of communication to friends and extended family.  So here it is, from the beginning.

In late June, everything was completely normal with me and my sweet family.  We were packed and walking out the door for our annual beach vacation when I noticed a piece of mail from The Breast Center.  I was certain that it was my letter notifying me that my mammogram was normal and they'd see me next year.  Instead, it said they needed me to come back in for some additional images.  So, I called, got it scheduled and we were off to Florida.  The Monday we returned from vacation, I went in for my appointment, had an ultrasound and was informed they'd like to take a biopsy of a small area.  Two days later, I went in for my breast biopsy....still not overly concerned.  I asked the doctor what percentage of the biopsies came back clean.....and her reply was 80%.  Surely, I had nothing to worry about.  She told me that I could expect a call that next day.  Now to July 3, which I do believe was the longest day of my life!  10:00, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00....no word.  We were packed and heading back out of town to spend the 4th at my in-laws cabin.  Finally, at 6:00....."Mrs. Paladino?  This is Dr. Smith-Foley.  Is this a good time for you to talk?" As if I was going to tell her to call back after the long weekend, right?  "Mrs. Paladino, unfortunately, the biopsy came back positive for breast cancer."  At that point, it was like I was talking to Charlie Brown's teacher, because I heard nothing else she had to say.  I was devastated and looked into my kids' futures without me around to see all of their special moments.  The next 24-48 hours were pretty much rock bottom.  Over the weekend, I did lots of research on breast cancer and realized that it was not the death sentence that originally entered my mind.

The next week we began to get some questions answered around my diagnosis.  I am realizing how little I know about breast cancer.  There are so many variables that go into a diagnosis and treatment. As these variables all come together from tests, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.......you wait, and wait, and wait.  That has been my biggest challenge by far.  Patience is definitely not my best attribute.  And then there all the different physicians you begin to get scheduled with.  It can be completely overwhelming.

Here's where we are today.  I have Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, which is the most common form of breast cancer. The tumor is  a small, Grade 1 (slow growing).  It's Estrogen and Progesterone positive.  Hormone receptor status is a main factor in planning treatment.  Another important variable is a protein that appears on the surface of breast cancer cells, HER2 status.  Mine is HER2 negative.  Prior to diagnosis, this was all foreign language to me.  Bottom line, my cancer has a very good prognosis.  

I have two options for surgical removal of the cancer.....lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation, or bilateral mastectomy.  After much thought and discussion with the breast surgeon, I've decided to go with the complete mastectomy.  Although, my chances of recurrence are low....I want to take all precautions to take that chance to as close to zero as possible.  

Because my breast cancer is hormone receptor positive, this tells us that further treatment can be done with hormone blocking therapy rather than chemotherapy.....thank goodness.

I've also submitted a sample for genetic testing because of my mom's cancer and the uncertainty of it's origin.  With the chance it started in her ovaries, there will be a possibility we'll need to look at more frequent screenings for ovarian health.  There is a direct relation between breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  Unlike breast cancer screenings, there are no annual screenings that test for ovarian cancer.  I am still waiting on the results from the BRCA tests.....but that will not impact my decision to move forward with the mastectomy. 

This week is full of appointments.  I'll meet with two reconstructive surgeons and should get an idea of what my "after picture" will be like.....aka, Cindy's Treasure Chest.  Should be interesting to say the least.   I'm also scheduled to have a sentinel node biopsy, which will determine if there are cancer cells in the lymph nodes.  So far since my diagnosis, all of my tests have come back very favorable and I pray this does as well. 

I know the road is not going to be a cake walk, but I know I'm going to be fine.  Within 3 days of my diagnosis, I was put in contact with 5-6 wonderful ladies....all who've recently gone through the same fears and emotions following their diagnosis.  I'm already looking forward to getting this all behind me so I can be supportive to other women who have been diagnosed and looking for someone just to listen and talk too.  It has been such a blessing to talk to such an inspirational  group of ladies.  

I'll continue to post as I find out new information.  A big thank you to everyone who has added me to their prayer lists and checked on me.

I do have to get on my soap box for just a moment.  Ladies....get your mammograms and get them regularly.  This was an absolute complete shock to me.  Just a year ago, I had a completely clear mammogram.  Just do it!!  If I had skipped my mammogram or put it off this year, we may have been looking at a completely different treatment plan.  Okay, I'm done now.  You're welcome.