I found a lump in my left breast in June 2010. I went for a mammogram on July 14, 2010. They took several pictures and then sent me for an ultrasound the same day. The ultrasound showed a mass in my left breast. Because I had a breast reduction in 1992 my breasts have a lot of scar tissue but the ultrasound clearly showed something different. I asked the ultrasound tech what she thought it was and she told me what it wasn't - it wasn't a cyst, a fibroidadenoma, or scar tissue. Well in my mind that didn't leave much else. I was already thinking CANCER!! The Radiologist came in to check the ultrasound and suggested that I have a BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Imaging) test. This scan looks for abnormal cell activity. The HOT SPOTS showed up immediately on the scan of my left breast. I was trying not to panic! I had already called Ronnie and my mom and they were with me during the BSGI. The Radiologist said the next step would be a biopsy to confirm what the doctors and I already knew. I had to wait two LONG days for a consult with Dr Scarborough, and then had to wait five more days until the biopsy. Dr Scarborough had already mentioned cancer to me several times, the biopsy was just to confirm.
During the biopsy Dr Scarborough said he would expedite the Pathology results and had the tissue sent straight to the Path Lab. He promised me results before the weekend. On Friday, July 23rd, he called me (while I was in Sam's) to tell me that the biopsy showed cancer. I had an appointment with him on Monday July 26 to discuss options. Basically I have two options. 1: Because of the size of the tumor (5-6 cm) I am not a candidate for a lumpectomy without first trying to shrink the tumor with radiation. It would take several months to see if the tumor would shrink and there is only a 50/50 chance that the radiation would work. It if didn't work I would need a mastectomy. 2: Have a mastectomy. Both options would include chemotherapy. He sent me home and told me to come back in two days and let him know my decision . My head was spinning!! Chemotherapy had never come up in any of our discussions and I was NOT prepared for it. I already knew which option I wanted but took the two days to discuss it with family, think about it and pray about it. I chose Option 2 because I don't want to take the time to try and shrink the tumor and it not work and I have to have a mastectomy anyway. I asked the doctor why I need chemo and he said that it would greatly increase my chances of survival. Well, that was enough of an explanation for me!! I definitely want to survive.
My mastectomy is scheduled for Monday, August 2nd (my birthday). I will have my left breast removed along with all lymph nodes. They don't think it has spread to my lymph nodes but are taking them just to be safe.
Right now it is either stage II or III but the doctors will know more after surgery.
Please pray for me! Pray especially that the cancer has not spread to my lymph nodes.
I promise my posts will not always be this long I just wanted to get everyone updated.
Much Love,
Dawn
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