TERRI’S SISTERHOOD OF THE SOON TO BE TRAVELING TA TA’S and YA YA'S UPDATE
March 2009 Archive
3/31/09 -The saga continues....cue music here.
The results of the fine needle aspiration is in and it changes the course of treatment. I have cancer in that lymph node. I'll be getting chemo before the surgery, which is just dandy with me. I would rather get the worse part out of the way first anyway. In the next week or two I will be getting the genetic testing (gotta figure out what to do with those ovaries still), getting a PET/CT scan to see if there is more cancer cells somewhere else in the body, and meeting with the oncologist. For now, the surgery on April 13 is cancelled. This will be done after the chemo is completed.
3/31/09-GREAT NEWS FROM A WONDERFUL FRIEND!
I received this from Marlene, my realtor who helped us find this lovely house. Please read the following and support her walk in any way you can. I am one of those women she is talking about! For anyone who works at Ciber-this is Lou Romero's cousin (in-law). Thank you Lou and Marta for introducing us to such a wonderful woman!
ATTENTION:
On a whim, I called where I went for mammograms in NJ. I won't mention any names here, but it's the hospital where I used to work. I have been going there for the last 10 years for my mammograms. They do not have digital mammography. MOVING TO FLORIDA SAVED MY LIFE! If I had gone to the place I've been going to, they still would have not been able to see the tumors. When we moved down here I chose the local hospital out of convenience, but it turned out they have digital mammograms.
MAKE SURE WHEN YOU SCHEDULE YOUR ROUTINE MAMMOGRAM THAT THE PLACE YOU GO TO HAS DIGITAL MAMMOGRAMS. It's worth picking up your films and going to a place that does (only about 30% of /hospital and clinics offer this). If you are going to go through the trouble of getting it done, do it right!
Thanks Pete and Joe! You have no idea how grateful I am!
3/31/09:
I promised that I would talk about something other than my boobs. The weather is great LOL! No appointments with doctors or anyone else as a matter of fact. Karen (my niece) is coming in on Saturday. We will be eating cake and having booze by the pool. Life is good!
3/30/09:
Okay-I swore I wasn't going to bitch today, but this was good! I went to the hospital for an ultrasound. I told Bill not to come with me, I can handle a damn ultrasound. Well, after the ultrasound they wanted to do a fine needle biopsy. First they tell you all the things that can go wrong because technically, it's a surgical procedure. They didn't give me antibiotics for the mitral valve prolapse because they couldn't get the order in time from the doctor and it was my choice. Either reschedule, or do the damn thing. Luckily, my mitral valve isn't that bad and I've also been on an antibiotic that I just finished yesterday (not the preferred antibiotic, but just stick me already).
Okay-picture this-No Xanax because I drove myself (they prefer someone brings you). You lay on your side-they find the spot with the ultrasound. You get a big ass kicker of lidocaine and then they put needles into the node and pump it back and forth with both the needle and the plunger to capture cells. They do this about five times. The cytologist (cell person) looks at the liquid they collect to tell them if they have enough. It wasn't. Repeat process. You know exactly what is going on because you get to watch all this because the screen is over your head (it was interesting though). They sort of have to approach the lymph node slowly cause it rolls out of the way-and then stick it quick before it escapes. It's sort of like a video game for the doctor. Then they patch you up and glue you (literally) back together. I have to wear a bra for 48 hours. No swimming for a few days (did I mention work isn't that busy and the weather is absolutely beautiful this week). Sit with an ice pack under your pit and take Tylenol for pain. Now the biopsy irritated the lymph node just by being in the general area and it was painful (more than the biopsy site) for a good 2 weeks. I figure by tomorrow it will look like the Easter bunny came and left me an Easter egg under my arm. Fact is-I'd do this every day for the rest of my life if I never have to see the damn dentist (i.e. sadist) again! The ultrasound tech just got a tooth pulled today in prep for braces (she was still sucking on the gauze). We commiserated! I swear, tomorrow I will talk about something other than my boobs!
Did I also mention that I signed over my ta-tas for further research for Moffitt to do anything they please? Frankly, I don't understand why they just don't remove them and be done with it. They can play with them all they want once they have them off LOL! Actually I do understand-they are looking to see if the lymph nodes have cancer and to see how bad so they know how to proceed with surgery. I get it-but they can still play with them on their time! FYI-I get the results by either next Monday or they will want another doctor appointment (time and date unknown). I think they can do it by phone.
3/28/09:
I was running a temp since the dental work that I couldn't account for. Of course calling the doctors on a Friday was a challenge. My GP was away for the week, my Moffitt contact nurse was in clinic and the dentist said it wasn't from the dental work. I did get a call back later in the day. Basically, take two Tylenol and call them in the morning LOL! I was told what I was doing wrong was not taking Tylenol round the clock to keep the fever from coming back and not sitting on my butt and resting. "A fever is your body's way of telling you to take a chill pill". I was still doing some cleaning, scrapbooking, working etc and I should have been sitting on my butt. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it LOL! I think I had a slight temp, but no where near how miserable I was feeling the last few nights. I didn't know to take the Tylenol around the clock until it broke. I always just waited to see if it came back-Polish theory LOL!
I've been reading up on chemo. It really takes a toll on your immune system and you have to be very careful about not getting sick. This means staying away from kids (kids might not look sick but because of school/daycare they carry lots of germs), large crowds, buffets (eating out in general), raw fruits and veggies (this depends on the doctor-I'll have to see if mine is one of them), cooking meats until well done, etc. What really sucks is not eating out that much during chemo. I LOVE eating out! I have to be careful about who prepares my food and how they do it, not to mention that I'd in in a place with other people who might be sick, etc. I will also be nauseous a few days after the chemo treatment. I also have to get 3-6 months of sushi in me before chemo starts LOL! I'll be counting the days until I can eat the fish again! I'd rather give up chocolate. There is enough non-chocolate cakes, pies and desserts out there for me but nothing tastes quite like sushi!
A few things people have been asking me is how long the chemo goes on for. It depends on the pathology results and my oncologist. I won't know exactly until I see the results from the surgery and my oncologist for the first time. Usually chemo lasts for 3-6 months. It also takes the same amount of time to gain my strength back afterwards from the point of surgery to when chemo ends. If it takes six months from the time of surgery until I finish chemo, it will take me 6-9 months to get back to how I'm feeling now. There is a few different chemos that come in pill form, which you take for 5 years or more and can cause the same fatigue problems. They are for a certain hormone producing cancer and thankfully, I'm not a candidate for that (which is a good thing). My cancer is HER2 not overexpressed.
The other thing that sucks is these days you end up GAINING weight with chemo. On average 20 lbs (that I don't need!). Since they started using drugs before the infusion to help with nausea etc, people tend not to get nauseous at all or not as much. They also tell you to eat what you can, when you can. If pasta and cakes works, go with it. Usually it's the starchy stuff that works best, which goes right to my thighs (hips, upper arms, etc). Too bad I can't build a pair of boobs with it all!
I also found out that I still might have to give up my nails. Grinding the nails down opens me up to more infection chances. This also depends on the type of chemo and my oncologist. Come on, isn't the hair enough?! I can let go of my hair. It will come in softer and curlier from what I'm told and that's okay with me. But I love my nails! My regular nails are thin, peel easily and grow slowly. Since I've been getting my pink and whites I really like how they look.
I am on the fence about reconstruction. For me, it means more doctors visits and more surgeries. Since it can't start with the original mastectomy, I'd get one surgery for spacers to stretch my skin. This is increased every few weeks with saline until the skin has streched enough for the surgery. Another surgery for the actual ta ta's. An another for nipple tattoo if I decide on that. Problem is I could still reject them after all that. The other thing is yes, by law, if an insurance company pays for mastectomies, it has to cover your reconstruction. The down side is that it is taken off your lifetime benefit. Now I have a 2 million dollar lifetime benefit on my insurace, which is good. The down side is say 5-10 years down the line I develop another cancer or heart problems or other major issue. Do I want to hear that I used up my lifetime benefit on my chest puppies or not. You'd think 2 million can cover you for anything but
1. I intend to live a long time and get my last dollars from them, and
2. Tests, surgeries, hospitalizations, doctor's bills, etc add up quickly.
I was thinking instead of a nipple tattoo Bill would really like a Star Trek costume. You know the ones from the 1960's show where they girls defied gravity with their stick on cup thingies (sort of a 1960's pasty). Problem is I wouldn't know what color to choose and once you got it, you're stuck with it. Pink, blue (Bill's favorite color but I find it limiting-how do you pair it with purple?) or my favorite color green (which would look too much like gangrene)! Too bad they can do gold or silver sequins. Regardless, my thoughts on reconstruction change every day. It's going to be months before I can go that route and by then I might not care about hooters!
Gee-having to sit on my butt for a fever tends to make me wordy! I'll let you digest the above for a while and come back in a few days!
3/26/09-SURGERY INFORMATION
Okay, so we are sitting on the tarmac waiting for clearance from the tower! My preadmission testing, genetic testing and another fine needle aspiration will be done on 4/9. As if the first one with me passing out while my boob was in a vice wasn't enough! This time I pledge to breath and not look at the damn needle. My surgery is scheduled for 10 am on 4/13. At least it's not another Friday the 13th-I got most of my bad results then LOL! I will be held overnight at a minimum. PS-the pasties I ordered for the procedure should be in on time!
3/25/09:
Even though I've taken clindamycin (antibiotic) many times before, it seems I developed an allergy to it this time. I woke up itching at night and had to take an antihistamine. I spoke with the dentist first thing this morning. She suggested taking another pill and see what happens since she wasn't sure if it was the pain med or the antibiotic. No more itching (I think the antihistamine is still in my system) but I developed a fever (very reminiscent of allergy to sulfa many years ago which I got a high fever and rash). Bottom line, my antibiotic was changed. Still some pain, but nothing that isn't manageable. Did I mention it's soft foods for the next few weeks until I get the permanent teeth? Especially since a few front teeth (biting) are involved. Other than that, nothing has changed-I still hating going to the dentist!
The good news is tomorrow is Tumor Board-when they decide on my surgery and treatment. Hopefully, I'll get a phone call right after the board meets and it doesn't drag out over the weekend. I'll let everyone know ASAP when I have some info!
3/24/09:
I'm up, but I don't know for how long (between Percocets). I learned a few very important things today (as if I didn't already know this).
1. After 3 temp crowns with posts, 2 (count them, TWO -one back tooth and one front buck tooth) root canals and one little itty bitty filling (thank goodness for small favors), DENTISTS ARE SADISTS! (Carol, I think that makes you a masochist LOL). I get to go back for the permanent teeth in 3 weeks unless they get them sooner and then they will call me.
2. A mastectomy can't be as bad as the dentist (we'll see about the chemo).
going to work for a few minutes (or as long as I can last), take my Percocet and go to bed. At least I sleep good with the Percocet!
3/23/09:
Just for grins (pardon the pun) I have to go get dental work tomorrow. Dental stuff has to be taken care of before chemo because you can't do it during treatment. Anyone who knows me knows I would rather have ta tas removed then go to the dentist (now I have to do both-where is the justice LOL). Now because I don't go to the dentist on a regular basis (but hey, my mammograms are regular!), I have about 5 things that need to be done in my mouth. I'm having the root canal on the left side because that's what hurts now. Everything else dental-wise will have to hold its own until chemo is done. Xanax tonight, Xanax before the procedure and gas throughout-such a chicken shit when it comes to the dentist! I'll start with Tylenol AR (lasts 8 hours), Tramadol if that doesn't work and I have Percocet in the house from prior dental stuff if all else fails. The biopsy didn't hurt as much as dental work!
Hopefully the rest of the teeth will hang in there (another pun?) until all else is over with. PS-don't call me tomorrow and don't expect an e-mail-I'll be in la la land. I'll try to snap out of it for a few hours to work (Carol-if I don't make sense with the transcription-stop me!)
3/20/09-First visit at Moffitt Cancer Center:
I will need chemotherapy and I need surgery to remove my left breast. My right breast is questionable but my case goes to the Tumor Board at Moffitt. This is the best scenario. Tumor Board is where a whole bunch of doctors get together (radiologists, oncologists, etc) and my breast surgeon presents my case. This is so they can decide the best course of treatment and review all my slides, x-rays, MRI's etc. They will decide if it's best to do chemo first and then surgery or surgery first and then chemo (dependant on type of tumors, size, placement, etc). I'll know more about their findings, hopefully, by next Friday (but we all know I'll have to wait the weekend-it hasn't disappointed me yet LOL)
The right breast removal is contingent on insurance. I want this to prevent recurrence on the other side and having to do it all over again-not to mention I'll be more balanced LOL! I only have insurance coverage through Bill and no coverage of my own, so we want to be sure the right breast removal is covered before entering the OR. The surgeon did not feel this would be an issue. Basically, if I want the right breast removed, they dot all their "i's" and cross their "t's" until the insurance company approves it, but it takes time to get surgery all lined up so we are looking at a prospective surgery date in the next 2-3 weeks. If chemo is required first, then the surgery will be postponed.
The breast surgeon also recommends genetic testing. This will tell them several things.
1. what-if any-cancer genes I carry and if so, how best to treat the spread of disease.
2. certain breast cancer genes also attack ovaries (mmmmm, tasty ;-), in which case I would have to have them removed too.
With regards to genetic testing I go on 4/9. It's a 3 hour family history/medical history tour and then they do a blood test. If the results are positive for certain cancer genes I will need my ovaries removed. I would have liked to do this the same time as the mastectomy, but unfortunately, I can't get an appointment sooner and the breast surgeon would like to proceed with ta ta removal ASAP. The ovaries (if needed) can be removed on an outpatient procedure (laparoscopy-one of my ectopic pregnancies was removed this way-not a bad way to go-just a few more stitches on my road map tummy).
As far as reconstruction it, on average, takes 50 days to set up an appt with a plastic surgeon and then time for the breast surgeon and the plastic surgeon to line up their schedules to do my procedure. It also adds many more hours to the already 2-4 hour breast removal procedure. My breast surgeon recommended I take out the cancer now and deal with possible reconstruction (if still desired) later. I had hoped for it to be a wham bam thank you ma'am all in one procedure. Not gonna happen. We'll see if I still desire reconstruction later after all is said and done with my treatments/surgeries etc.
Bottom line-after next week's Tumor Board review I will be either having the mastectomy or chemo. After the recommended first step, the second follows. Usually the mastectomy comes first, then after a certain amount of time for recovery, chemo begins. I'm actually hoping for chemo first. It will be worse than the procedure and I'd rather just get that over with.
In terms of the surgeon-I liked her a lot! I felt very comfortable with her and she did her rounds at RWJ in NJ. Her husband hails from Perth Amboy! Small world!
3/18/09:
We're back in Tampa after a brief stay in NJ (Terri's Ta Ta's Farewell Tour)! Sorry if we didn't see you while we were there! We tried to spend a few minutes with everyone, but it was getting harder to do as time progressed! We're both exhausted but we had a blast!
I see the surgeon Friday so there should be something to report after that visit, which will last for most of the day. They tell you to plan on spending at least 4-5 hours for your first visit. Stay tuned for more info.
3/11/09:
So I showed up at 6:45 am for my bone scan today. They have me on the schedule for tomorrow (even though the doctor's order sheet that I have was for today). They couldn't do it cause the radioactive stuff has to be mixed up in advance. Tomorrow I have other things going on so I guess I'll go for the bone scan next week. I don't think it's anything the surgeon needs to know. I think these tests are more for the oncologist.
Remember when I said that the PET scan wasn't approved by the insurance? Well I found out the reason for that. The bone scan needs to be done in order to justify the expense of the PET scan. If the bone scan shows something, then they will allow the PET scan to test further.
Otherwise I ordered pink nightgown (a girl can never have too much pink) with a drawstring neckline so I can put my feet into them and pull them up (overhead arms will be difficult for a while).
It's 8:15 am. Gotta go to work!
Terri's Helpful Hint #2
If testing is scheduled for you by the doctor's office, go home and confirm the testing dates and times along with any directions given. Bill and I wouldn't have had to get up at 5:30 am to be there at 6:45 to find out the test was scheduled for tomorrow.
3/8/09:
Not too much going on. The weather is absolutely perfect but Bill is sick with a sinus infection (and a cough) and I went to the doctor too today (they have walk in clinics down here). She thinks my issue is really very bad allergies but she gave me and antibiotic because there was some wheezing (my asthma) and a slight temp (I think I'm just a natural "hottie" LOL)
I did have my little neighbor (Isaiah) and his mom (Ellen) over to learn all there is about hermit crabs! Isaiah has been begging for a pet and after discussing it with Ellen, I offered him my hermit crabs. She let me surprise him and he was absolutely delighted! He's such a cutie! I originally asked if he can watch them while we were in San Francisco, but since Bill is going to have enough on his hands with me, work, groceries and household stuff-he doesn't need to worry about the hermit crabs so Isaiah can keep them-they are easily replaced after my surgery and recuperation.
Some positive results of a
mastectomy:
Bill and I were eating dinner the other night and I did drop some of what I was
eating on my shirt (happens several times a week LOL) and I started
laughing. Bill looked at me like I was crazy. I had to explain that
in a few weeks, he won't have to pre-treat my shirts anymore (Bill does the
laundry). My food will skip over my chest and end up on my pants, which
are always darker and never show the stains! I'm way past wearing white
pants LOL!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
If the crayon box is half empty, so what, use what you have. Maybe the world needs a purple horse!
(maybe I'm a purple horse)!
3/6/09 10 pm:
Okay, so they got their act together and I was able to get the MRI today. That's the good news! The bad news is that they did not get the approval in time for Monday's PET test. There is also a dye/contrast they use for the PET and they don't have it in stock because it must be approved first and then ordered (gotta love it!). I don't know how long it takes to get the dye after they order it either. Don't even ask about the bone scan. Still waiting to hear if that was approved. Just more phone calls on Monday to insurance, doctor and diagnostic laboratory. Hopefully, things will fall into place. If you've had an MRI before you already know, but for anyone who hasn't had one, it's a tight fit and a little claustrophobic, very loud noises and uncomfortable position for 20-30 minutes.
Other than that nothing much to report. After the test we just ran to get a bite to eat, came home and did ironing, did some laundry, and put more records/films together (Egads, I 'm going to need a U-Haul if this keeps up!). Too busy to think of anything! I guess it does pay to remain busy! It does keep your mind of things.
3/6/09:
Not much to report. Trying to get authorizations for the tests the surgeon ordered in time for my MRI appointment at 2pm. If I can't get approval in time, it will have to be rescheduled. Got to love those insurance companies.
I got my haircut! It's officially short. It's long enough to look "feminine" and and can wear it in front of my ears or back (I like behind the ears). Once Bill shows me how to post photos I'll get one on the page. He's got enough on his mind so whenever he gets to it. The haircut might be a keeper even after all this is done just because Florida (in case you didn't know) gets hot and the long hair was getting old. The top is pretty much what is has been. The sides and back are around the same length all around, just with my curl it pulls up some. We can go shorter if needed for chemo but for now it's just easier for the surgery and recovery on all involved.
Other than that, we are good. Bill is okay too (a lot of people have asked). He's got his work to keep him busy and I think that helps a lot. Everyone at Ciber and Associates in Gastroenterology are great with all the support and well wishes. Pete and Joe have been great in understanding our needs and allowing Bill to adjust his schedule and work from home so Bill can be with me at every step of the way.
I've also been asked if we regret moving to Florida since there isn't any family down here with us. The answer to that is NOPE! NEVER! NADA! ZIP! ZILCH! We do miss our family and friends though! Believe it or not, I feel I have truly grown down here. After all, leaving home at the age of 48 is hard LOL! I never knew what it was like to move, buy a house, explore a new home town, etc. We absolutely love it here. Besides, we have more than enough family and friends willing to visit! Go figure. FYI-it's 85 degrees and sunny tomorrow and Sunday and it's March 6. With the exception that Bill is my only "taxi service and procedure supporter" and that puts more stress on him-we are doing well. I have a few neighbors who check in with us. E-mail is great for keeping in touch. People around just staring at me while I drool on my pain meds would just tick me off LOL! I can't sleep while I'm being watched!
By the way, a lot of people have asked how was the biopsy. Fact is, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I'd go thru that again anytime before going to the dentist-now that's pain! Lets hope it's the same for the mastectomy!
3/4/09:
I'm doing good today. What you need to know now is my initial appointment with a surgeon is postponed by a week (3/20/09). I initially scheduled an appt with a surgeon off site of Moffitt (he was a part of the facility, but has his own facility now), but I just changed today to a Moffitt surgeon. She has a little bit more qualifications and is a member of the ABMS (American Board of Medical Surgeries) and FACS (American College of Surgeons) who, basically, have a higher standard than the other surgeon I originally scheduled with. This being the case, I don't have an appointment with her until 3/20 instead of the 3/13 appointment. This isn't a big factor, it just postpones the surgeon meeting by one week. I also chose her because she is not quite as old as the other doctor (not that he is old, by his picture I'd put him in his late 50's). I'm thinking she has steadier hands LOL and more up to date on newer procedures-she is not young enough to be just out of school either. Not to mention, she is a woman. Not that I think that makes her more or less qualified but I think it would make her a little more "understanding" of breast health issues. I hope she is more proactive about respecting my concerns with regards to spread of disease (if at all possible-I want both ta tas removed at this point). This way once I undergo this initial treatment, I don't have to worry about something else popping up in the other breast. There is always the possibility that there is still a few cancer cells floating around (nothing is foolproof) but the less places it has to grow and hide, the better I'll feel.
I know how much I bitched and moaned about the wait between getting tests, getting results, getting appointments, getting started but in the long run I feel better if all my care, from beginning to end is at Moffitt. I think everyone out there knows how frustrating it is to get your records all together at one place. I also figure if all my stuff is initially at one place, that isn't an issue! The physicians also have easier access to one another as far as discussing my care.
Next-I am so hoping I won't need chemo (and yes, I'll go for it if that is what is suggested) but I really need a short haircut so I won't have to lift my arms over my head at all after the surgeries to do a ponytail. I like my long hair, but I don't like it down (especially in Florida). For the few days after the biopsy Bill had to do a ponytail for me. Lets just say, through no fault of his own, he's not good at that LOL! I want something that is short to take care of and absolutely stunning and feminine and looks great with bedhead ;-) I'm not asking for a lot LOL! So I have to make an appointment Ann (my hairstylist) to do something fabulous! Mind you, I just almost got all my natural color (there is about 2 inches on the end that is still part of the frosting for the grow in). Anne and I just got our descriptions straight so we're on the same page
so I get it exactly as I like it now LOL. Oh well, time to pick a new style. I paid $10 for a magazine yesterday with all short hairstyles in it. I saw a few pics in it and I'll let Anne decide what way is best for me. The good news-I don't have to change my fake nails at all LOL! At least something thru all this will remain the same!
3/3/09:
Today, I’m not sad anymore,
I’m mad! I’m getting all my ducks in a
row to take my pathology slides, x-rays, mammogram reports and labs to a
surgeon associated with Moffitt Cancer Center
here in
A little more information about my plans (which can change at a moments notice LOL)-stop reading here if I have provided TMI already ;-)
I plan on getting a mastectomy of the left breast, and more likely of the right if there is the slightest chance of cancer being there too. We won’t know if there is cancer is present there until the PET, bone and MRI scans are performed. They will also be able to tell if there is any spread of cancer to the rest of my body. Needless to say, these tests aren’t foolproof. If my surgeon can convince the insurance company to do the second one because of family history even if no disease is found, I’m on board with that.
Right before the mastectomy, the doctor will inject a dye into my lymph nodes which highlights possible spread of disease. No highlights would be best as the less that are highlighted the better it is for me. They remove the lymph nodes during the time of mastectomy.
As far as finding out how aggressive and what type of cancer (we already know it’s ductal carcinoma, in situ with possible lymph involvement) we won’t know for sure until the breasts and lymph nodes are removed and sent to pathology, where they are dissected and examined to see how large the tumor is, if there are more pieces of cancer in the breast, and staging of the tumor. Staging and type of breast cancer tells the doctors treating me how to proceed. There are many different types of breast cancer with many protocols for them to follow and different life expectancies for each. Then a course of treatment is suggested. If I don’t have the mastectomy, it means possible radiation and chemo. If I do have the mastectomy(s) then radiation is skipped and the doctors decide if chemo is needed.
Terri’s Helpful Hint #1:
If you have moved or are planning to, make sure to gather all your hospital records and mammogram films. This saves you so much trouble when you have to provide all this information and eliminates some of the stress involved. Even with knowing that in advance (I got all this stuff from NJ before we even left the state) and bringing all that information, I still have to gather so much info, but that is one less headache to deal with. Especially when knowing it takes a bunch of HIPPA forms to get the information released to you and giving them 48 hours to gather everything so you can pick them up. If you have already moved, contact the hospitals or facilities in question (you might just be able to contact your family physician that you had before you moved to get your records, but you will still have to pick up your mammography films).
I think the opening e-mail explained it best, but let me add it again here.
3/2/09:
First, let me apologize for telling this to everyone with a general e-mail, but I'm not up to calling everyone just yet as I just got the news today.
After a routine mammogram that was abnormal and further testing, I went for the biopsy results today and I have breast cancer in my left breast. It is invasive but I won't know how far for a bit yet. They have to run more tests in the next few weeks.
There was an abnormal "something" in the right breast with my recent mammography, but they couldn't see it clearly to biopsy and they were just going to recommend a follow up mammogram in 3-6 months. That changed when they found the cancer in the left breast. I will have a bone scan, PET and MRI in the next few weeks to determine the course of action. There will be at least one more surgery to remove more tissue around the lump they took out since they need to make a better margin between what was cancerous tissue and what is normal.
NONE OF THESE LUMPS WERE FELT BY EXAM. New mammograms (digital) have been developed to look for things before they can be felt by the patient, helping the cure rates by finding things early. I do routine breast exams. I was not expecting an abnormal result and just felt the doctors were being overly cautious. Mammograms do not take over regular breast self exams, they are to be used in conjunction with each other.
I don't want anyone to worry
about me. I will be fine, dammit! I didn't go through this much
trouble to get to
Please, for me, go get checked. Sorry about the soap box-I'm stepping down now LOL!
Jeez-that sucked having to drop that bomb on everyone! Thanks for the good thoughts! Terri
SPECIAL THANKS TO BILL IN SETTING UP THIS WEBPAGE FOR ME!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE WELL WISHES COMING MY WAY FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
ANOTHER SPECIAL THANK YOU IS TO DR.
MARGOLIN AND THE GIRLS AT THE OFFICE!