Breast Cancer 101

I don't know about all of you, but I really don't know a lot about cancer...only that it's a really scary thing we should completely freak out about if the doctor tells you that you have it! So, begrudgingly I've forced myself to do some research on the subject...I have to admit that I'm one of those (shallow) people who don't do research on a subject unless/until it effects me or someone I love. Quite honestly, I've done more research on water-color painting, making/selling jewelry, training horses and working on relationships than I have on any health issue I've ever had.

My friend Kim comes home from her doctor's office and goes online and knows more about her current condition, it's symptoms and causes than her doctor ever could have told her...all within an hour!!! I guess I'm just one of those people who would rather close my eyes, stick my head in the sand and wait for the outcome. Granted, this approach hasn't always served me very well, but I suppose it's my stubborn attempt to prove that in the end everything turns out the way it's supposed to...no matter how much obsessing I do on the subject!!!

With that being said, I've pulled my head out of the sand, opened my eyes and have actually done some research. So, with this post of my blog I'm going to share with you facts that I have to date, about my own breast cancer...'cause at this point it's all about me!!! You've chosen to take this journey with me so we all might as well learn something in the process.

I have Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. This is the kind of cancer that spreads, or can spread, to other parts of your body. The first place breast cancer usually spreads is to your lymph nodes, because the sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node into which a tumor drains. According to the tests that have been done so far, the cancer/tumor I have is low grade, and about a half an inch in diameter (think peanut size). It looks as though it was caught pretty early, which is a good thing. The tumor will be taken out surgically along with some of the tissue surrounding it in what is called a Lumpectomy. A Lumpectomy is considered to be a breast-conserving or breast-sparing surgery because unlike a mastectomy, only a portion of the breast is removed.

Now, because the cancer is the kind that spreads, the surgeon will also do what is called a Sentinel Node Biopsy. Remember the lymph node will be one of the first places this type of cancer will spread, so removing one to have tested will be imperative to my diagnosis. According to the surgeon, he will make a small incision in my arm pit and inject a blue dye that will highlight the lymph node making it easier to find. They will do it at the same time they do the Lumpectomy. Once the tissue has been removed they will be sent in for analysis and have numerous pathologies done on them. At this point it will be determined if the cancer has spread, how aggressive it is, and what protocol will be used to treat me from there.

I go in for surgery at 8:25am (who schedules these things??? 8:25...really?) Monday morning, January 4th and should be home, resting and downing lunch, coffee and pain killers by noon. If all goes well I should have the results from the tests that are done on the tumor and the lymph node, 24-48 hours after that.

So there you have it...Julie's Journey Through Breast Cancer 101. At this point I'm pretty optimistic about the outcome...pending the pathology reports, I know in the long run, no matter what happens, I will be alright. I am as determined as always, to live with minimal regrets, no drama, no looking back, and with God walking beside me. I look forward to moving past this with grace, dignity, a good attitude, and and all of you in tow.

Let's all collectively cross our fingers and hope for the best! I know I am...