Reality Rally

Since I wrote my last blog, I’ve been concerned that my choice of language was deceiving. Stating that I’m cancer-free is how I feel about my current situation, but truthfully, I’ll never live without breast cancer. Once you receive that diagnosis, breast cancer becomes part of you…like brown eyes.

For me, it is important to concentrate on NOT having cancer where it used to be. Can cancer be nearby or somewhere else? Yes, it always can. But, the surgeon removed the cancer, there is no cancer in the lymph nodes and if there are any stray cancer cells, radiation therapy should take care of them.

The bottom line is I’m cancer-free! Last week I had surgery and a lump was removed from my left breast. The surgeon also removed a lymph node. If the cancer had traveled from the lump to the lymph node that would be a bigger problem. Blessed for me, it did not. I will meet with the radiation oncologist next week regarding my radiation treatment.

I know that I am one lucky breast cancer survivor. I am grateful that medical technology has progressed to the point where a lump less than a centimeter can be detected, diagnosed and removed before it could cause more harm. I am grateful that I live close enough to be able to be treated at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Center where the care is top notch. I am grateful that my family and friends were quick to surround me with tons of love and support.

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!