I never gave breast cancer a second thought and, in fact, was lax in getting mammograms mostly because of emotional issues but there was, to my knowledge, never been breast cancer in my family. So, last year my physician finally convinced me to get a mammogram because of my age which led to a more indepth investigation of "suspicious" tissue in my right breast with an untra sound. The Radiologist was not impressed that I did not have any prior films to compare to and decided to "watch the area" for a year. Truth is I had prior mammograms but seems they are destroyed after a peroid of time.
So, I went in a couple of weeks ago for my yearly appointment and had the mammogram which lead to another untrasound, biopsies, and an MRI suggestive of lymp node involvement and was handed a diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (ICD). I was devastated and numb. They handed me a packet of information that was just too overwhelming. I have just barely gleened through it to this day. Since being given the diagnosis a week ago, I have seen a surgeon, plastic surgeon, and have an appointment with an oncologist. Seems like a whirlwind of activity since the diagnosis and barely time to catch my breath.
I am only 57 and have been widowed since 2005 so I consider myself pretty tough. I have decided on a double radical mastectomy. I don't think there was ever a doubt that would be the course I chose. It is the most logical for the situation. I have always been a strong individual and I know I can do this and I look forward to having the surgery so I can begin the healing. In all this I have never asked myself why simply because I don't think there is any other answer except: because. Realistically, it is what it is and I will find my way through it with the help of God and my wonderful family.
Oklahoma City, OK
