My new journey started just two weeks ago.  I had actually felt the lumps in my right breast a couple of months earlier, but I figured they were the regular lumps I have had off and on for years.  But something didn’t ring true this time around; they were not going away this time but seemed larger. After going to the fourth memorial in the last six months and this last one being a friend of mine who died of metastatic breast cancer to her lungs, I thought it would be dumb for me to ignore this if it was actually something.

It was time for my annual mammogram anyway, so I called and let them know about the lumps which were probably nothing, but I thought I would mention it anyway. They told me to call my doctor for a diagnostic mammogram rather than a screening mammogram.  It is amazing how quickly they got me into the GYN doctor which was the very next day for him to examine me and order the mammogram and ultrasound.

After those were done, the radiologist ordered the biopsies, and then a few days later the dreaded news came back about an invasive mass noted on the ultrasound.  I have two problematic lumps that were biopsied. [the worst Valentine’s day ever. -Pete]  Both were stage-2 carcinoma; one in situ cancer and the other invasive cancer with calcification in the breast tissue as well.

I met with a female oncologist surgeon on Monday, who specializes in breast surgery which I think is a plus. All the staff in the office are Christians who pray for all their patients.  The doctor gave me several treatment actions that are possible, but I still need to wait for one last part of the biopsy result which is delayed. That test result will help with the direction we need to take.

So at the moment I am waiting for the insurance to approve the MRI, and are waiting on the last part of the biopsy. Then after that I need to decide on an oncologist and hear about other treatment options. So that is where I am at to this point.  I will keep you posted as I find out what the next steps are.

I have to say that I have wonderful support and prayers from my husband, friends, family and church friends. I feel like the Lord is with me through this even though I still go through the normal emotional ups and downs.  Jesus is the rock that is holding me through all of this.  How does anyone go through something like this without God walking them through?  I know He is my strength.