November 4, 2010: At my annual ob/gyn appointment, Dr. Petraske discovers a lump. (Thank you, God, for Dr. Petraske and her vigilance and her kindness!) She asks me to schedule a mammogram.
I am 39 years old. The risk of developing breast cancer at my age is 0.43%, corresponding to 1 in 233 women.
November 5: Mammogram does not visualize the lump; however, it is seen via ultrasound. Radiologist deems it potentially of concern and recommends a biopsy.
November 17: Meet with breast surgeon (I hadn't known there was such a specialty!) to discuss imaging results. Dr. Krisher determines that I will need a biopsy.
November 30: Biopsy performed; cancerous cells found, so a lumpectomy or mastectomy is necessary
December 9: MRI shows no additional areas of concern
December 14-22: Consult with various specialists to help decide between lumpectomy and mastectomy. I chose a lumpectomy to preserve as much tissue as possible.
January 4, 2011: Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node dissection performed. The cancer has not spread to my lymph nodes. However it is grade 3 and has 'dirty margins' (the tumor was surrounded by extensive pre-cancerous cells called DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ) that will require either re-excision or a mastectomy.
January 19: I chose a mastectomy, since it may be necessary anyway and since so much tissue will need to be removed in the re-excision. Mastectomy scheduled for March 3.
Feb 2-11: Consult with two oncologists to determine the need for chemotherapy and chose the best regimen. Both agree that my case necessitates chemotherapy.
No comments:
Post a Comment