My journey began a little over a quarter of a century ago when someone close to me was diagnosed with breast cancer. I helped as much as I was able with a new baby and one on the way. Her struggles were real – as they continue to be for anyone going through cancer.
Five years ago, there was a lump in my breast found by a mammogram.That’s when Dr. Colleen App came into my life. After a biopsy, she performed an ultrasound. We kept an eye on the lump which was non-cancerous. However, six months later, I decided to have it removed. Honestly, I didn’t want something extra hanging out in my body that didn’t belong there. Thankfully, life carried on and all was well.
Until, it wasn’t. For the following four years, Dr. App and I saw each other annually for ultrasounds. Mammograms were also scheduled during that time. Then, another lump was found. It behaved the same way as the first one. No big deal, right? We found it on an ultrasound and rechecked it six months later. This tumor didn’t behave cancerous. We made a plan for another surgery. After the surgery, Dr. App told us everything looked non-cancerous and to enjoy my recovery. It was the same as before.
A week later, the pathology report came back and the results were clear – this tumor was not like the one before. This tumor was cancerous. We were all completely shocked. This was not the result we expected. My husband and I met with Dr. App that afternoon to create a healing plan through this journey. We spoke with her for almost two hours on a Friday. We were inundated with information. Our car ride home was quiet as we processed the information.
Craig and I were four months away from celebrating our first wedding anniversary, and this is what showed up on our plates. The unexpectedness of all of this was overwhelming. Our next surgery was to ensure the cancer didn’t spread into the lymph nodes. Before the surgery, twelve days away, it was recommended to get an MRI and talk to the plastic surgeon. We heard both appointments would be challenging to get – and this is when the miracles began.
I called the MRI office on Monday. There was an opening that day. I called the plastic surgeon’s office directly afterwards. There was an opening on Tuesday. Again, we were inundated with information from the plastic surgeon. Dr. Andrew Livingston took all the time we needed to explain the upcoming processes. An hour and a half later, we felt comfortable with the information and trusted his expertise. Mind you, I still went home and did a lot of research. Hours were spent filling our brains with endless information about double mastectomies, breast expanders, breast implants, and whatever else came to our minds.
We opted for a double mastectomy with reconstruction instead of a lumpectomy then radiation. These decisions are so very personal. We respect everyone who’s going through this to make the decisions that are best for their journey. These decisions are not easy and life changing – no matter which path is chosen. These decisions are not to be taken lightly. Make sure you do your research, sit with the information, pray (if that’s what you do), and follow your gut instinct – no matter what others may say.
Our cancer journey doesn’t include chemotherapy or radiation. But, in upcoming blogs, I’ll share with you our journey thus far – the good, the bad, and the ugly. The information in the blogs will be personal and to the point – no fluff, and all reality. I’ll share the pain points, frustrations as well as the successes and joys. Yes, a cancer diagnosis can have its share of successes and joys. Honestly, it’s all up to you and the way you look at things. Focusing on the daily delights during my most frustrating moments has kept me grounded. Praying helps me stay in a peace-filled frame of mind. The most important part of healing is finding peace – and that’s not easy on this journey.
Until next time,
Orsika Julia