1. History of diagnosis

I am writing this blog for my own reference as well as to update my family and friends on my progress without having to call you all individually. This way I can be sure I tell everyone the same information.

I went to my regular doctor for an unrelated issue and the doctor inquired about my last mammogram. When I told him I had never had one, he ordered one for me so they could establish a base line for future comparisions.

At the first mammogram appointment on 1/20/11, the technician told me to expect a call back for more pictures of the left breast. They said they just want to be sure they have good pictures for a baseline. That it was totally normal and not to worry if I get a call back. At the time, I believed that, now I honestly think they saw a suspicious area and wanted to follow up but didn't want to alarm me.

Went in for 2nd mammogram on 2/3/11 and they took more pictures of left breast. They also did a sonogram. The technician told me there is definately something there and don't be surprised when doctor calls to schedule me for a biopsy. The biopsy would allow them to take some tissue from the breast and test it to see if it is harmless or not. The doctor's office called and scheduled an appointment for me to come in and tell me I needed a biopsy.

The biopsy was done on 2/15/11. It was an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. They numbed the area, and took two samples. They inserted a needle of some sort... I wouldn't know cause I couldn't look at it - didn't want to get nauseous! Just couldn't watch !!

As I waited for the results, I talked with friends who said they would probably schedule an appointment to go over the results, positive or negative. I was fully prepared for a call from the doctor's office to schedule a time to review the results, especially since they had me come in to tell me I needed a biopsy. I was NOT prepared for the call I received on 2/17/11 at 1:30pm.

Nurse called me earlier and left a message to call the office. I figured they wanted to schedule an appointment to go over results, so I called back from my client's office in Tracey. Instead of scheduling an appointment, I hear these words, "The results are back and it is positive" !! Imagine the shock as I burst into tears hearing that news!! Don't really recall the rest of the conversation, but she said something about needing a surgeon and did I have one in mind! SURGEON! Seriously, how did it get to that point!

I hung up shocked, crying and feeling very helpless!! Took me an hour or so to get home and wrap my brain around the news. Called all of my moms to share the bad news. I called back to the doctor's office at 2:30pm and told them I needed to get in right away. Explained the way I was given the news and told them I had a million questions and no one to answer them. They got me in at 3pm. My mom, Jane, met me there so she could be my ears.

Doctor reviewed a recap of the results and this is when I first learned that I have an Invasive Ductal Carcinoma about .7-.8 cm at widest point. Talked about the need to remove the tumor and need to consult with a surgeon. Now the research begins!