BrickHouse's Journey:

My small lump didn't appear on a diagnostic mammo, nor an ultrasound, but everyone agreed there was definitely something there. I was sent to a surgeon who thought it was a ductal abnormality. I underwent a minor outpatient surgery on 10/2 and on 10/4, I got the call that it was "all cancer."

Going to the surgeon tomorrow to have my stitches removed and plan our attack.

My breast MRI on Oct. 8 was one of the most uncomfortable experiences ever. That little cushion between your breasts does nothing in the way of actual cushioning. I've never been claustrophobic, but it tested my limits! I'll discuss my results and options with the surgeon tomorrow.

Good news. Well, sorta. My MRI showed nothing. I still need more surgery and likely radiation, possibly chemo. My tumor was tiny - 7mm. About the size of a pencil eraser. The problem is where it was located. The surgeon thinks I'm a great candidate for a lumpectomy, but I will lose my nipple and areola. I'm in the process of seeing if my insurance will cover the BRCA1/BRCA2 testing. If it's covered, I will have that test next Wednesday. If it comes back positive, I will not hesitate to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I won't live in fear that it's coming back. But if it's not covered, or if that test comes back negative, I'll probably go with the lumpectomy. When they do that, they'll test the "sentinel node." The doctor said it's "garden variety breast cancer," except for the location. Early and small, which is good. Right now, we're looking at 10/30 for whichever surgery I end up with.

A couple of weeks and I'll know.

My awesome surgeon met me at the office on a Sunday to apply some steri-strips and put my mind at ease!

Great news for my family and me!

My SLNB begins today with the isotope injection. Bilateral mastectomies with axillary SLNB tomorrow. I've heard many horror stories about how painful this injection is. Some doctors prescribe a numbing cream; mine didn't. Does anyone care to share their experience with this injection? UPDATE- although quite painful, it was over quickly. Now on to surgery tomorrow!

I'm amazed that I was in the OR at 10 am yesterday and on my way home at 11 am today. The worst is definitely over.

Although many tried to talk me out of a double mastectomy for my 7mm IDC, my gut told me it was the right move. Yesterday I learned my left breast (the non-tumor side) was full of LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ), which are markers for likely future cancers. As a result of my double mastectomy on November 6, I am cancer-free. My SLNB came back clear as well. I will see my oncologist Thursday where there is a very slight chance she may recommend chemo, but for now my focus is on getting back to living my life.