I have breast cancer

That's not a very nice thing is it? But, it's a part of my life now...

This has been a very crazy, busy week since finding out about my diagnosis on Monday. Between family, friends, doctors, and women I don't even know, I don’t think I’ve ever talked on the phone so much in my life as I have the past 3 days. I'm grateful for the attention though. There is nothing worse than being diagnosed with a terrible disease and then never getting a call or email.

The pathology report from the biopsy has some encouraging news in that the estrogen and progesterone receptors are positive. This means I can be treated with anti-neoplastic drugs such as tamoxifen.

Today, I have my first visit with a surgeon in Olympia. I have received some excellent advice and support at work and I feel that I am prepared to discuss the different options including lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, radiation and chemo options.

Ok, so this is weird. Before I had my first mammogram, I did not feel any lumps. My doctor had done a breast exam the week before and she did not feel any lumps. During the week between “abnormal mammogram” and “biopsy” I felt around looking for a lump. I finally found it after the ultrasound was done and realized where the radiologist was looking. I mean, I had to kind of dig for it. Now that I’ve had the biopsy done, this lump is so completely obvious on the underside of my breast, I don’t know how it could have been missed. I’m wondering if the trauma to the tissues associated with the biopsy somehow made it stand out more. Or, now that it’s become the object of so much attention, it’s just more obvious. I don’t know. Another question to ask today.

I made a 3-ring binder to organize this phase in my life. Lots of tabs with names like, "diagnostic reports" "pathology reports" "healing retreats" "correspondence" "other women with breast CA" "surgeon notes" It goes on..but it's a good resource for me to make sure I have all the information I need.

One of the challenges I'm facing is where I should get treatment. I'm currently living in Olympia, about to move to Tacoma, and start a new job in Seattle. So, hmmm... do I get treatment where I live or where I work? Do I get some treatment in Seattle and some in Tacoma or Olympia? I don't know right now. I'm seeing one surgeon in Olympia and one in Seattle, so I'm just going to go with the person who makes me feel the most comfortable.