The "C" Word

My blog is like the story of our life and I try to document all the highlights of our daily lives on here.  I've debated about blogging about this but I've decided it's time to talk about it.  It's certainly not a highlight but it is life and it happening to us.  I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  The "C" word is pretty scary.  The good thing is mine is just stage 1 and hopefully it's all gone now, because I had a lumpectomy yesterday.  They also biopsied my lymph nodes and if they don't find any more traces of cancer in the lymph nodes, hopefully I will only need radiation.

So here's the story of how I found out and everything I've been through so far.  About 2 months ago, I noticed a pain on the left side that was a tingly pulling feeling.  I had also previously (honestly for about a year) noticed an indention underneath the left side.  I have since found out this is called a skin retraction.  I never had a lump and I could never feel a lump. I never thought the indention/retraction was anything. I had always heard to be concerned if you felt a lump, a knot, a mass, etc... Well come to find out my retraction was caused by a lump that you just couldn't feel. 

I went to my regular doctor for my yearly appointment.  He did my whole exam, told me I was good, and told me I was too young for a mammogram etc.... I told him I wanted to show him this indention, and that it was only visible when I stood up and raised my arm.  When he saw that, he said "Oh, ok well we need to get this checked out."  They made an appointment for me the very next day.  I went to Texas Breast Specialist and had a mammogram, ultrasound and then I was shocked when they said they wanted to biopsy it that day too!  I was officially freaked out.  So I waited for 5 days to find out the results, and in the meantime we had a blizzard so that kept my mind off of it some.

When we went in, they said yes it is cancer.  Shock, I was totally shocked.  How in the world can this be happening to me?  I'm 38 seriously.  So a week later, on my 39th birthday I spent the day meeting my oncologist and surgeon.  They flooded us with so much information and painted the worst scenario (I know they have to tell you everything). Thankfully, all of my test have been coming back positive.  Now, that my surgery is over, things are really looking positive.  When pathology comes back, hopefully (fingers crossed), I will only need radiation.  Radiation is 5 days a week for 7 weeks.  I can handle that though!  If I do have to have chemo, I will handle that too!

My life has definitely changed.  I don't necessarily think it's for the worse.  In fact, I feel like everything happens for a reason.  I have learned patience, my faith has been strengthened, and I am for sure stronger.  The main thing I want people to know from me is that if you see something different get it checked out!  It's not always a lump you can feel, it may just be an indention or retraction.  Do self exams and take care of yourself.  I am so thankful mine was caught early and I just know that I'm going to be fine.  My mission now is to help others and get awareness out there.  Very few people, I have talked to, have ever heard of a indention or skin retraction.  So tell your mothers, daughters, wives, and friends and spread the word.  It's all about early detection! 

As my son said, "Mom, cancer, ain't nobody got time for that!"  LOL  Thankfully, I have the most amazing husband and sons.  They are my rock.  I also have an amazing family and some pretty crazy friends that have been there for me too!  Thank you all!  My prayers have been with all those people out there that are waiting for results, waiting to hear if they do have cancer.  It is so hard waiting for news... so I pray for anyone in that position, I pray they will have strenght to get through the wait.  Peace, love and hope!