And that would be in the world of computer/blogging. (Irene and Sarah, remember our day in computer class ??!!)
Anyway, I THINK I'm ready to begin my story !!
No one expects to be diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in this day and age. Especially someone like me who religiously schedules annual mammograms and doctor appointments. And conducts self examinations in the shower, just like we were told to do ever since our breasts arrived on the scene. Mine happen to be dense and a little lumpy at best on any given day.
When I was a girl, I remember being kicked by our cat, in the chest, and it hurt a lot. My mom took me to the doctor, worried about my future breast development. We were told not to worry, at some point, later in my life, I would most likely have an inverted nipple. HOW EMBARASSING for a girl to hear. No thought of disease, or future complicatioins. Just OH NO, now I'll have THIS to look forward to, as if going through puberty wasn't enough.
Fast forward to 2007. My left nipple inverts. My thought, "guess my childhood doctor was right". I call Irene to tell her no matter HOW bad her day is going, I can top it. We laugh, the signs of ageing can be cruel and funny at the same time, just how cruel never crossed our minds.
I make the annual doctor appointment and he sees the inverted nipple. He feels a "thickening" in my left breast. We wait for the mammogram to see if anything is "picked up". The mammogram shows nothing abnormal. I'm good for the year.
2008. The mammogram for my left breast picked something up. The doctor felt the same "thickening". The follow-up mammogram lead to an ultra sound. Which lead to a core biopsy. Which lead to a fine needle aspiration. Suddenly my world was changing. The breast image was mine, the ultra sound imaging was mine, and I could see thick blobs of something the radiologist didn't like at all. These findings lead to cat scans, bone scans, blood tests, breast MRI, eco studies, and a team of techs with tears in their eyes telling me how sorry they were. I'm sure there are a few people at Mass General who haven't seen my left breast, but not many.
I have 2 more tests today. Wednesday I have a test and I will be radio-active once again. Good thing I'm not planning a trip, Sarah would be able to hear the security alarms up in Kittery.
Thursday I start chemo.
The good news: my cancer appears to be contained to the left breast and left lymph nodes. My course of treatment will be chemo first, followed by surgery, hormone therapy, and radiation. I'm eligible for participation in a clinical trial of the drug Avastin, thought to be THE cancer drug of the future. It will be administered during the chemo phase, stretching it to about 17 weeks.
I'll wait 2 to 4 weeks, then have a lumpectomy (plus removal of the lymph nodes). Hormone pills begin, followed by radiation (I'm not sure how long this lasts).
Enough for my first blog page !!
Except to tell each and every one of you how much I LOVE YOU. You ARE what will get me through the next 9 months.
I am blessed to have you in my life.
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5 comments:
Kathy:
Remember I am here for you any day every day - sign me up for whatever you need or even if you don't think you need anything.
Eveyone seems to want a wing at the Skyhouse so I will be more than willing to take a wing at the Cape House or wherever you will be hanging out.
Thinking good thoughts.
Terry
Martha,
Good show with the blogging!! Thanks to Irene for setting this up so we can follow your many adventures.
Martha (Country)
Kathy, I know you have a long road ahead of you but I also know you will get through it. It is easier said then done but sometimes its best to not think of the total journey but just getting through the moment. Then before you know it one moment at a time you come through. I've always admired your strength and grace and it will carry you through this too. The journey is yours to make but don't underestimate the power of "girl friends" that will always be there to hold you up and cheer you on. Plz call me if you ever want to swap war stories. I've learned to tie many a clever scarf around my head. Should you decide to shave your head before all your hair falls out, what ever you do, don't let Irene carve her initials in your head. It won't be pretty. And, if you ever want to get away from all those pesty house guests, i've got plenty of room in my new house in Saugus. I would love to have you over. I love you and am there for you for whatever you need any time. Take advantage of your friends. That's what we are here for and we are a very powerful resource, especially when it comes to taking care of each other. Love you!
Kathy, notice how along with the girlfriends and boyfriends, some of us are leaving pictures of our dogs ? I don't know about anyone else, but mine is much more photogenic than I am!
Thanks for your entry, and yes I do remember computer class with you two...I almost fell off my chair when I heard about the blog ..how far you have come !
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