Little bit of history

Hello all, this is my first post and I wanted to give a quick synopsis of my diagnosis and the issues I have already faced in the 2 short months since discovering I have breast cancer. (It is still hard to even type let alone say out loud.) I want not only to record these things for people "just tuning in" but also for myself. This is a journey that I will emerge better than ever but I want to record the steps I will take to get there.

In March, 08, I discovered a lump shortly before going for my annual exam and brought it to the attention of my OB. He sent me for a mammogram and Ultrasound. The Mammogram came back Normal (more on that later) and the Ultrasound found the lump. I could feel it with my fingers so I knew something was there, I just wanted it out. I was not concerned because I had just finished breast feeding Erin in Feb and thought the lump was related to that. In late April, I got my first of many operations, biopsy to remove the lump. The meeting that revealed my diagnosis sticks in my mind. Brian and I were waiting in the office, me not a care in the world, Brian a bit anxious to hopefully hear good news. The Dr. came in briefly but in his arms was my file and before he left and came back, Brian saw the brochure right on top of the file called "Dealing with Breast Cancer". Brian gasp and went white. I was immediately in denial. Then after hearing the confirmation of Cancer, I was still in denial until I heard the words that I would need an Oncologist. That is when I started to cry because I knew that an Oncologist was a cancer Dr. and that is not a Dr that you want to have. We were devastated.

After that the appts, meetings and procedures have been a world wind. I was diagnosed on June 3rd between then and end of July I have had a second operation, hormone testing, 2 MRI's, a PET Scan, Genetic testing, meetings with four specialists, an another Ultrasound and mammogram and another biopsy coming up. In my next entry I will update on the latest tests, etc.

I face Chemotherapy (16 weeks) and Radiation (several weeks) as well as a hormonal (pill) therapy for the next year.

We told Paige the news about mid way through June simply because there were so many appts that she was beginning to wonder where we were going all the time. Brian's mother has graciously come to stay with us for four months while we deal with this and help with the kids. My Mother is set to come in the Fall to help so I am thankful for their help. Erin thankfully will probably not even remember all this but of course both girls will forever need to be tested for Breast Cancer and always be aware of the genetic link. It breaks my heart that I have to put that responsibility on them.

As I have good days and bad, I am thankful as well. I have a wonderful medical community near by at Stanford University. They are the Gold Standard for Cancer research and treatment and I have been tapping into their resources since they are only a 2 hour drive away. I am also thankful that that this disease is completely treatable and curable. There is an established path of success and there is a clear plan for my treatment. I am confident I will get through it but I am clearly dreading the process.

Thank you for your interest and More to come.

Britt