If you're reading this, you're someone who I deeply care about and am fortunate to look to for support (so thank you!). I hope this platform is helpful to gain knowledge, increase early detection via preventive health services, and provide solace for those reading this. I plan to add helpful links if you wish to go down the rabbit hole, and TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read) options for the quick and dirty version.
On December 14th, at a well-woman exam, my primary care provider (PCP) who is a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) found a lump she didn't like. Since I am 38 years old, I had not yet had a mammogram, and she referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound. Due to there being a concern, there was an interventional radiologist on retainer for the 2 hours which allowed my mammogram and ultrasound findings to be further investigated and ultrasound biopsy and clip (I got a heart one!) insertion done on the same day (December 26th).
He was honest, which I appreciated, and stated while he could not diagnose cancer from a mammogram alone, he had concerns at this time through their BI-RADs category (I was a 4C at the time and have since increased to a 6 after MRI) which led to the three core needle biopsies to be taken. Preliminary pathology results were sent to my PCP on December 29th who let me know it showed Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. Final pathology results were available on January 2nd which showed it was Triple Positive (Estrogen, Progesterone and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 aka HER2 positive) which means the little thing (currently 1.3 x 2.0 x 2.2 cm) loves everything and therefore grows really fast. HER2+ breast cancers tend to grow faster and are more likely to spread. On the flip side, it also responds better to breast cancer treatment that targets HER2 proteins, which is a positive (pun intended).
The next test I received was an MRI with contrast. From there, it was decided I should get a PET scan to truly know the full involvement at this time. I had the PET scan on January 12th and had to wait for the radioisotope to fly in on Alaska Airlines from Seattle, hoping it didn't fly out the door. Sorry, was that too soon?
I also received an echocardiogram (ECHO) to get a baseline status of my heart as the suggested chemotherapy is cardiotoxic (can cause heart damage). At this time, next step is to get the PET scan results and meet with the medical oncologist on January 16th which is also the day all four of my physicians will be in the same room discussing my case.
TL;DR
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Great idea Steph and thanks for the invite! January 16th quote from Prayers for Healing, seems to match your quote above. "Empower me to be a bold participant rather than a timid saint in waiting, in the difficult ordinariness of now; to exercise the authority of honesty, ... [a]nd by grace, to find treasures of joy, or friendship, of peace hidden in the fields of daily you give to me to plow." I am on Team Steph to help power you and keep you bold.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila! 🥰
ReplyDeleteCalming the Monkey Mind by Sue Patton Thoele
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts can be like a thousand monkeys in a tree, swinging by their tails, arms, and legs from branch to branch, grabbing at each other and then whisking away. Monkey thoughts especially love to dwell on fleas, those things that bug and irritate us-picking, scratching, biting at our minds until our feelings fester. It doesn't have to be so. We are in charge of our thoughts.
Because learning to be in charge of our minds is one of th emost difficult and frustrating tasks we have, it is tempting to give up and remain at the mercy of limiting and fearful thoughts. It takes courage to perservere in taming our minds, but it is essential for our well being. We need to believe with our whole hearts and minds that we control what we think, and then practice that knowledge with diligence and patience.
So when we notice our monkey-mind concentrating on fleas, we can distract them with thoughts of bananas, love, or thankfulness. If the branch of our thoughts are swinging from is perilous to our peace of mind, we can choose to jump to another more soothing one. We can decide what we allow our mind to concentrate on, but we need to be gentle with ourselves as we calm our monkey mind, because doing so is a lifelong process.
*I am in charge of my mind.
*I choose to think healing, loving, and thankful thoughts.
* I have the power to create peaceful thoughts even in stressful situations.
Hugs Steph! Love, Sheila