Reality Rally

My first thought was “It’s my turn.” I have watched so many people deal with breast cancer, but I never ever thought about it one day being me. And then that day came. If you follow my blogs, you know that my sister Charlene is a breast cancer survivor. My girlfriends Denise and Debbie are too. It is why I work with Reality Rally to benefit Michelle’s Place. The fight against breast cancer has always been my chosen fight. Now, it’s just a little more personal.

I have always been “kinda” diligent about my mammograms. “Kinda” because I don’t go at exactly one year, but I do go. Since my husband changed jobs and we relocated, its been a busy year for us. I’m grateful that I prioritized this year’s mammogram. I didn’t feel a lump or have any suspicion that something was wrong. I was floored when I received the call that I needed to come in for additional testing. I was even more surprised when I was told that I had a lump in my left breast and needed a biopsy. At that point, I decided I would seek medical treatment at Emory University Hospital. I figured if they could deal with Ebola, a little breast cancer would be a walk in the park. Notice what I said in that last sentence. I hadn’t gotten the biopsy, but I had a feeling this wasn’t going to turn out to be a false alarm. It didn’t. I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It sounds bad, doesn’t it? Sometimes I can’t remember the exact wording. I think I am blocking them from my consciousness. Anyway, it’s a small lump and it hasn’t spread. That is good. That is very good. This is where I stop and ask you…did you go for your mammogram? Please schedule an appointment today!

My husband Steve, my son Stephen and I met with the surgeon yesterday. Thankfully, my son has time off before starting medical school in August. After discussing my options, we decided on “breast conservation surgery” followed by radiation therapy. The doctor uses that term “breast conservation surgery”. I think it speaks for itself. The goal is to conserve the breast. I’m all for that. Surgery is scheduled for next week. We talked about survival rates. With what I have, survival is over 90%. I told the surgeon that the number didn’t matter, I already consider myself a breast cancer survivor. There are no other options.

As I sit here writing this, I feel very blessed. I have health insurance. I have the money I need to pay for my treatments. I have friends and family by my side. I am healthy, thank God. You see even though I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. But as I sit here feeling very grateful, my thoughts go to those who have breast cancer that are not as lucky. They need financial help. They need emotional support. They need Michelle’s Place. I am so glad that I have done my part to help them by helping Michelle’s Place.

Even though I don’t really need much, I know that Michelle’s Place will be there for me during this fight. It’s good to know. I’m thankful for all my reality star friends and their tireless work for such a great cause. I plan to keep sharing my first hand experience with you through this Reality Rally blog. I hope that you will show me your support by giving to Reality Rally and Michelle’s Place. Stay tuned…Bloggergal