It was February, 2012 and I went for my regular mammogram. I'd had DCIS in the left breast in 2008 which was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation and had been doing just fine. I had the mammogram and went to Las Vegas for a sisters get-together and had a wonderful time. When I got home, there was a letter in my mailbox advising me that I needed to go in for additional views. Okay, I've been here before, and I just figured it was maybe scar tissue or something from my previous cancer so I was not worried. I went for the additional views and found out it was my right breast they were looking at – not the left. The technician did the mammogram and then an ultra-sound, and took the results in to the radiologist. Next thing I know, he is walking into the room. I know that is not a good sign! He recommended an MRI. I had the MRI and there was a tumor, it was deep and not easy to feel. I met with my surgeon and after discussing the results of the mammogram I decided to go with the bi-lateral mastectomy because they were indicating an area of 'suspicion' on the left. She removed both breasts and 13 lymph nodes – ten of the nodes were positive.
I had my surgery and everything went well. I went in for my week follow-up and my doctor took one look at me and said 'you need to go to the ER right now'. Wait, What? So, next thing I know I am in the emergency room, although I really do not remember much of what happened. I was in the hospital another week before being released to start treatment. I did chemo, radiation, and one year of Herceptin infusions.
By God's grace and will I am still alive and enjoying my life. Sometimes I get scared the cancer will return, but for the most part I am just grateful to be alive and try not to dwell on what might happen in the future.
Pasco, WA