A little history

On Saturday, November 3rd we went to bed and I woke up in the middle of the night and felt something strange on my left breast. I discovered a lump in the middle of the night. The next morning I told Brett. I called my doctor on Monday morning, saw her on Tuesday morning and had an appointment for a mammogram and possible ultra sound on Wednesday afternoon. (I was glad the appointment was in the afternoon so I could teach at least a half day!) On Wednesday I was taken in for a mammogram and then straight to the ultra sound. When the nurse began measuring a small mass I knew that we had something to deal with here. During the ultra sound the nurse wanted the doctor to see what we were doing. He came down and said we need to do a biopsy. Amazingly they had time right then. I said sure, just let me call Brett. Brett was with the kids in the waiting room, elevator, parking lot and I think Hastings too while I did all this because we took them down for flu shots. I mean really! How long can you expect a 5 and 7 year old to wait?! Fortunately grandma dropped by and took the kids to Hastings while I finished the biopsy with the doctors.

Friday, November 9th we learned I had breast cancer. I had my first appointment set up for the next Wednesday, November 15 with the surgeon. On Thursday, the 16th, I met with my medical oncologist. Last Wednesday, November 21st, I had a second opinion from a surgeon at Overlake. He confirmed everything I've been told in Wenatchee and was very impressed with the manner in which my case has been handled. Basically for the type of surgery I need there is nothing he would do differently. I just need a basic mastectomy and probably with lymph nodes taken out . We then drove downtown Seattle for a MRI. (OK, driving in Seattle is always an event in itself! We're thankful for home!!!!!) Today I will drive all the MRI's to Wenatchee so my doctor can see them before surgery. (We have hand delivered all my records because we didn't want them to get lost or delayed in the mail, especially over Thanksgiving.)

Surgery will be on Monday, November 21st. That's where we are currently.

Have a happy day!