October-Breast Cancer Awareness and Diagnosis

October 3, 2016, was a beautiful, bright, sunny fall day. It was also the day I had an appointment with Dr. Quill, a breast surgeon who would give me the results of the breast biopsy that had been done a week or so ago.

To say I was terrified was an understatement. Dr. Quill entered the room and didn't beat around the bush; he looked at me and said, "Well, you are positive for breast cancer."

In my heart, I had already known what the biopsy results would show.

Before the biopsy, I had a diagnostic mammogram, followed by an ultrasound. After the mammogram, the kind technician walked me to a waiting area for a doctor to examine the pics. She started to walk away but turned and gave me a hug and said, "It's gonna be okay." At that moment, I knew. But I was so thankful for that hug.

So, when Dr. Quill said those words to me, they were just confirmation. He sat down on a stool beside me and asked, "Are you ready to fight?" Oh, hell yeah, I was! He said that he and the rest of my team of doctors would use every weapon available to fight this thing. 

I can't remember much from the next few hours after that visit with Dr. Quill, but I do remember walking around my backyard later in the evening and chatting with God. Begging might be a more accurate description of what was happening.

I remember being heartbroken over having to tell my kids. Conor was a Junior in High School, and his homecoming dance was that weekend. I remember being adamant about waiting until after homecoming to tell him.

The rest of my kids were scattered about the country, so it wasn't like I could sit them all down and tell them this news. 

Somehow, I got through breaking the news to my kids and other family members and then, finally, my friends. It was tough. Really tough. 

Today is October 21, 2023. Exactly 7 years ago today, I had my first chemo treatment. The first punch in that fight. This isn't necessarily something I want to celebrate, but I am celebrating the fact that 7 years later I am still here. Still fighting, but still here and feeling pretty darn good most of the time!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

You may or may not know I also received my breast cancer diagnosis in October. It was October 3, 2016. Seven years ago?!

I was planning to write a post sharing more about that day, but I could not find the right words to describe what I was feeling that day or in the days following that diagnosis. 

That was such an important and emotional time for me, and I don't want to post something just for the sake of posting. I've had a very hectic few days, and my brain is somewhat scattered right now, so I will wait until sometime next week to share more on the subject.

In the meantime, if you still need to get a mammogram this year, please go online or call your doctor's office to schedule one.