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Went for routine screening Mid March and now 3+weeks Katie diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery for mid May. Probably looking at radiation and hormone strippers but no bad chemo.

Saw the surgeon today. See Heme/Oncologist tomorrow. Genetic testing drawn today. Haven't told anyone except the kids yet due to not wanting all to worry without a real plan in place.

Anyway while scary think I got really really lucky.

Oh tush.. That is not fun news at all. But I AM happy that you got your routine screening and will be able to tackle this now. I had cervical cancer in my 20s and often say I had "the good kind of cancer" in that it was caught early (thank you Pap smear!), and no chemo. So I agree with the best kind of bad news description.

Yes it is scary. Very scary. But you are getting your plan in place and you know how to take care of your physical and mental health as you go through this. And your H will be by your side to help you. And you know how to navigate our convoluted medical system. 💪

And you will have all the SI mojo behind you, too. Sending strength and good mojo for a smooth treatment. Big (((hugs))).

It was just about two years ago that this was my story. I did really well with both the surgical recovery and radiation. All my nodes were clean and I just see the medical onc every six months. Even though I was ER+/PR+/HER-, I have chosen to stay on a very low dose of estrogen for the protective factors it provides for other health issues I have. I initially got a little blowback for that decision, but knowing the choice I made, they still put me on a one-year callback for my mammograms (as opposed to six months) - they don't see a need to do them more often, so go figure. I do have my annual mammogram next month, so fingers crossed. Most people I know who had lumpectomies said the post-surgical pain they struggled with most was where the nodes were taken. The location of my tumor allowed my surgeon to do only one incision to get the cancer and nodes, so I really didn't have a lot of pain afterwards. Had to have H blow dry my hair after washing it for the first week or so after surgery. As hard as it is for us women, heed their advice and really take it easy the first couple of weeks in particular. I was told to wear two bras in the first couple of weeks to minimize swelling. And I had no skin irritation to speak of with radiation.

Do you know the receptor pathology yet?

I've had a couple of my providers ask me if I would consider the breast MRI; I initially said no way, but I was actually researching this yesterday and feel like I would be willing to consider it if I can take a comfortable dose of alprazolam before. Has anyone asked you yet about a breast MRI?

My genetic testing came back with nothing to note. And of my cousins who had breast cancer, none of them tested + for BRCA.

With my current diagnosis of basal cell cancer on my nose, this is now my third bout of cancer where I haven't had to do chemo. I feel you on the lucky bandwagon.

Sending you mojo and prayers Tush!!!

Number4 I get a breast MRI once a year along with my mammogram. Several years ago I had a lump removed and the pathology showed atypical ductal hyperplasia which puts me at an increased risk for breast cancer. The MRI isn't the worst thing. I have horrible anxiety and am able to get through it. Laying face down seems to make it a little easier.

I was taken off my estrogen and am supposed to be taking tamoxifen. I haven't been able to get myself to take it.

..Dear tushnurse,

Please know that looking forward and I send you our best wishes and all our mojo for the best possible outcomes with your fight with this dreadful disease. Medical science has come a long way and we hope it will knock this cancer on its ass.

smy

I was just thinking of you last night and wondering if you were ok.

Sending prayers and SI mojo. May you receive the excellent care you have given so many others.

I'm glad that your bad news wasn't of the worst variety, but it sure does suck that you have to go through this at all. I'm sorry, tush.

Yes had the MRI already. 3 one I have had one on my beaner, one on my knee and this. Brian was the worst by far given length and the addition head cage they use. The breast wasn't bad face down in a cradle like a massage and the worst part was the hard thing had to lay my sternum on. Did some meditation and prayer and it was done.
HER2 - hormone receptor positive so tamoxifin or similar in my future. Fully through the change and not been on any hormone therapy for several years. Only did 6 mos of it due to frequent UTIs and progesterone about 8 yrs ago for mood swings and hot flashes.

Hoping no chemo is needed due to my RA it would mean stopping those meds which will make me crippled, so thinking I am lucky.