Surviving Step by Step: Grateful to Share My Story

After radiation, my left breast always felt a little lumpier. Didn't think much about it until the lump felt more defined, but different than the first one.  I called the oncology doctor and set up an earlier appointment.On wednesday May 5th, had my medi-port flushed and all my blood work done. That friday I saw the doctor, finding out all blood work came back great.  We talked and decided to get an earlier mammogram and ultrasound. By now, the nerves began to creep in and the brain was swimmimg with all kinds of thoughts. The mammogram was the following tuesday morning From those test, it told us it was not scar tissue or a seroma or cyst. The lump resembled regular breast tissue and therefore decided a breast biopsy was needed. At this point, I can see why some would get upset, having to deal with all this again. Biopsies are not fun, but not that bad either. How many can you go through? This biopsy was not painful, unlike the first, probably because the two surgeries I had messed with the nerves in the immediate area. We were hoping the results would be ready the next day(friday) but had to wait until monday afternoon. It was a long weekend but worth the wait. The results were negative for cancer. Fatty breast tissue. Not sure why it grows like that and the growth cannot change to cancer. YEAH!!!!!! There is a very small tiny metal marker implanted in that area to show the area of concern has been looked into. My next mammogram is already set up for December 1st. This was a big big sigh of relief for all of our family. Things are looking up.

School is almost out(3 weeks) and my oldest is heading to the University of South Florida in the early fall. Transfer student in his junior year. I will miss him dearly. He is my first born and yes, for me, there is a special bond. I love all my boys and hope life will treat them good. I'm very proud of each and every one of them.

To all women out there, please have yearly mammograms and do your own monthly exams. Know your body and if you find something out of the ordinary, please don't hesitate to have it checked out. I know how scary it can be but early detection is the key. 

Thank you to Navarre Press for allowing me the opportunity to share my story. My ups and downs with the year long treatments and how important it is to know there are people who really care about you. May God Bless you all. 

My Faith will keep me strong and my Family will make me smile. Life is Good.