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!