Been gone for awhile as medical issues were added myself and front, and center for DH cardio/diabetes.
Was getting ready to attend daughters honors ceremony, pre college graduation and was putting on a specific bra to work with shoulders of my dress. Lean forward to adjust "the girls" and saw a dent in skin of left breast.
PG--> imaging and now waiting for appt for biopsy for "areas of concern".
DH just got the all-clear to not need portable defibrillator and send it back. He wore his own Bra for 4 months.
Here in NJ Princeton Medical is now partnered with PennMed. So that is where I am waiting for an appointment I was told to make ASAP. At least there they will have access to all my labs if needed as I am seen for Sjogrens @ PennMed/Philly. The other Rhuem I see monitors for leukemia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4196815/
So a twist in the road.
Learning here the value of online support.. I posted an query on local closed fb site and recieved good feedback on the two local Breast Centers. Interesting that results on study of women without chemo just came out. Thank you to those brave women who partook in study. The Guardian has an article on the study. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/03/precision-medicine-breast-cancer-remove-need-chemotherapy
The woman on my maternal side do have histories of breast and thyroid cancers.. so it is a medical reality I have been aware of. But, these last few years have just really been emotionally exhausting.
All love and support to you, QD, in this time that has already been so full of care and concern.
I also read in the New York Times the results of the latest study.
Your doctors will be able to identify your genetic factors and also the nature of your cancer (if indeed cancer if diagnosed). This is new information, along with new drugs, which will help you in your treatment.
My heart is with you, QD.
Love, Elaine
Take care and keep us posted! I'm hoping it is all OK.
I had biopsies of two areas of left breast. It basically sent me into a whole body flare. I eventually started a Mederol pk. just so I could sit up and eat.
Waiting and carrying cell phone with me for call back was stressful to the point of a migraine. Have not been this stressed in years. If you miss call you go into a loop of leaving message in one of six options. I left a message in two..lol.
Spoke to surgeon. Dx stage 1 cancer. So appt today @ 1 pm.
Still have not told my daughter nor my son. I did not see any sense in worrying them .. having them speculate, when I did not know the facts. Am even considering depending on what surgeon details at appt. possibly waiting until after surgery. They have both started new jobs and that often comes with its own stresses. Surgeon stated stage 1 is 'highly treatable' .
Do want to inquire about genetic tests for information for daughter and granddaughter... as there is breast and thyroid cancer on maternal side of family in multiple females. So I was not 'surprised' with biopsy result. Clearly not happy.. just not surprised.
I have been in contact about this with cousin who has now been breast cancer free for 18yrs. She did develop thyroid cancer later. But, nothing since and off all meds now, with continued monitoring.
Hoping the migraine will end.
Sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. I hope your migraine goes away soon and cancer treatment plan is swift and effective.
Dearest QD,
Sorrow, grief, and just 'pure-D' reluctance to accept this diagnosis for you. I am screaming NO at the fates.......
However, fate will have to deal with YOU, and you are a strong woman, more than capable of stepping up as needed.
You will not hide from this, nor rush in unnecessarily......you will do what is needed.
You are loved, so very much loved.
Love, Elaine
I had a MRI. Surgeon wanted to see if lower quadrants were affected. Upper ones are with inner having a 2" mass, outer smaller. Option partial vs. full mastectomy, then reconstructive surgery. * Got return call while food shopping. Store was selling patio set.. so sat there. Still not best place. Told Dr. I would get back to her to schedule with her and plastic surgeon as per her suggestion.
Invited my son and daughter for cookout Saturday to bring them into the loop. Son informed me he has a friend whose mother has Sjogrens and Stage 4 Breast Cancer.. he got very shaken. So I assured him I have "non-invasive Stage 1". Daughter is ... I don't know the correct word to explain the emotion... she has taken medical terminology courses.. and works with patients.. but, she has lived with me and just beyond sad that something more has been added. And it seems this is the 4th summer in a row that has had a wrench thrown into it.
Learned another woman has cervical cancer which has gone into her colon.. so all-in-all..I can have no complaints. Told son and daughter I saw dent in breast when I put on bra for daughters' graduation. Daughter, Morgan gave me a wink.
I did get to the Neurologist and Topamax was increase.. so headheads are pretty well managed. They get so bad I can't even eat,bending over. But, I have had worse where I can not even stand sounds, scents, lights... so migraines.
Weather today, temp and humidity is wonderful and granddaughter is here.. going outside with her. Later, we can have some Mango ice cream... yum.
Thinking about you and wishing you all the best QD. Stage 1 has almost a 100% cure rate. I am so glad that you found it early. Keep us posted!
Oh, QD, you have me thinking about 'dents'! And I have a notice on My Chart reminding me it's time for a mammogram....so I guess at 76 I'll have one soon.
You're on this, QD.
Hugs, Elaine