My Breast Cancer Update

“It is fun to be alive. It's a hell of a lot better than being dead.”
― Joe Strummer

OK. So it feels like I'm being taken apart, but I'll be put back together - better and stronger. It may not feel like fun now, but I know things could be worse, and things WILL get better.

An update:

The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve, I found a lump in my left breast while showering. I wasn't doing a self-exam, just showering, and there it was. I freaked and made an appointment with my doctor for the following week. 

1/5/16 - My doctor seemed optimistic that the lump was just a cyst, but still wanted me to have it checked out further. 

1/21/16 - I have an ultrasound... Then my first ever mammogram. After reviewing the mammogram, I was asked if I could do a biopsy on the mass that same afternoon. Then my first ever biopsy and another mammogram.

1/26/16 - I received the call that the biopsy did test positive for breast cancer. 

1/29/16 - I meet with surgeon option 1.

2/1/16 - I meet with surgeon option 2. I also meet with a genetic counselor and have lab work done. I tentatively schedule surgery for the following Tuesday.

2/3/16 - I have my first ever MRI. I meet with plastic surgeon. Tuesday surgery for bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction is scheduled. 

2/4/16 - I have fitting for post surgery camisole. 

2/5/16 - Pre-surgery lab work at the hospital.

2/8/16 - Pre-op appointment with plastic surgeon.

2/9/16 - 8:30am arrival to hospital for surgery. I told the anesthesiologist that I didn't want to know anything, feel anything, or puke anything. Surgery was began around 11am, and ended about 6-7 hours later. All went well. 

2/22/16 - I have my first appointment with the oncologist. We come up with a 2-part plan for chemotherapy. Part A begins Monday, March 7 and will be every 2 weeks for 4 cycles. Part B will follow every week for 12 weeks. 

TODAY is 2/27/16. It's been a little over 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery and I'm feeling better and stronger everyday. My energy level is still up and down, and I get emotional at times. Things have happened very quickly, which I am thankful for.

Since my family and I started this journey, we have received an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from friends and family near and far. I can't imagine how I could ever express my sincere gratitude to everyone, but if you know me - you know I will try my best to thank every single one of you personally. 

My motto that I've adapted from a very dear friend: 

It's not going to kill me... it's just going to suck for a while. 

I plan on using this old blog to update everyone on my progress... a journal of sorts. 

Thank you again for all the love. I send lots of love and positive vibes back to you all.

Without you, I'm not sure I could feel as positive as I do that everything will be ok.