This is my story that is currently unfolding.
3 weeks ago i went to my Gynecologist for my yearly physical. The same routine as every year. Because my birthday was 2 weeks away she decided it was time for my 40yr old mammogram. I had a baseline done 3 years ago. For those that don’t know what a baseline is, They do a pre 40 mammogram so the have a before shot of what your breasts look like.
Within 2 days i get the call that i needed to get the mammogram redone because they found what they called calcification on my left breast. this time i had to go to the Breast Care Center for these shots. They did a few more than the last time and after i was asked to wait. The nurse took me into a empty room where the radiologist was waiting and they explain to me that the mammograms matched and i needed to have a biopsy done now. The radiologist looks at me and says, “1 out of 3 patients with this form of calcification’s that has the biopsy done has breast cancer.” All i heard was, Your going to be that 1 out of 3.” I sucked it up, put a smile on my face and scheduled the biopsy for the next week. This Tuesday i went in for the biopsy.
They were really great at The Toledo Hospital Breast Care Center. Talked to me through it, explained everything along the way and made sure i was ready to leave since i went alone. Yesterday i got a call from the nurse that helped with my biopsy. She asked how i was doing and feeling then she explained that my Gynecologist was on vacation so the doctor that did the biopsy needed to speak to me. He get on the phone and says,”Unfortunately we found cancer cells in your tissue. Its non invasive ductal carcinoma. You now need to see a breast doctor for a action plan and to decide how you want to get treated.” I just started crying on the phone. I kept thanking him and hung up as quickly as i could, but it rang again. It was the nurse this time and she was wonderful talking me through my feelings and explaining that it is treatable. Yet again i thanked her and hung up.
Upset and needing to think i walked out the door and headed to Lake Erie. Its where i go to walk through whats going on in my head and to get my feeling in check. I had to figure out how i was going to tell my 3 kids. Heather is 21, Nicks 19, and Shawna’s 13. I figured Shawna would take it the hardest. I let my family know by text message and i let my friends know on Facebook then i went home to tell my kids. Shawna wasn’t upset so much as mad. She looked at me and says,”We’ll beat this Mom.” Yes we will baby, Yes we will.
I’ll be posting my story as it happens. I know this is going to be a day by day roller coaster of emotions for me.
When i helped start Boobie Wednesday, it was because my oldest kids aunt had breast cancer. We are the same age. It doesn’t run in my family but i wanted to do something to educate the young women that blow off self exams because they dont think they may get it or are afraid of finding that lump. I didn’t have a lump. This was so small that only the Mammogram picked it up. I had no signs either.
Please, for me, everyone, Check yourself. Be happy when you dont find anything, and if you do, GET CHECKED.. Its your life in your hands when your feeling your boobs.
Veronica…
























