TammyM's Journey with Breast Cancer

In November 2010, I did a self breast exam and discovered a lump. I went to my gynocologist and he ordered a mammogram and an ultrasound that confirmed the lump. I then got referred to a surgeon who ordered a biopsy and went over what my options were if the lump was cancerous or not. The Monday before Thanksgiving I received the call from the surgeon that he wanted to meet with me. Of course when he said that, I knew it had to be cancer and when I met with him that same day, he confirmed it. My first reaction was to start crying and everything he said after the whole "You have cancer" I don't even remember. Luckily, I had my partner with me who listened to everything he had to say about scheduling my surgery and treatment options cause I heard none of that. All I remember is the word "cancer" and because I had lost my mom to cancer one year earlier, it was all I remembered.

On December 7, 2010 my lumpectomy was scheduled. Believe it or not, the lumpectomy was the first surgery I had ever had in my life and I was scared. I worried about the anestesia and if I would have a reaction to it or even if I was gonna wake up. Luckily, I was so tired on the day of my surgery because I had not really slept the night before that I was asleep before I left the pre-op room. The next thing I remember is being awakened by the nurse and being asked if I needed to go to the bathroom which I did. My legs were kinda wobbly feeling and I felt groggy but with assistance I was able to make it to the bathroom. It was a same-day surgery so I was able to go home after I was more fully awake. The doctor prescribed some pain medicine and I took some when I needed it but unfortunately it made me nauseated so I stopped taking it.

On December 28, 2010 my port implant was scheduled and this time I remember up until the time I was in the operating room and was told to count backwards from 100. I think I made it to 98 or 99. Like the last time, I recovered well and went home the same day.