Tonight Melisa and I spent the evening with some close friends. We had dinner together, which consisted of some Grandma's Kickin' Chicken (What's Up?), beans, and salad. It was delicious. Personally, I chased that down with some caffeine-free Coke. Yeah. That's how I roll. (Obviously I have a very discerning palate.) Desert was amazing. Carrot cake straight out of a magazine, and chocolate chip cookies that should have been all mine. But I shared them anyway.
I was reminded of how blessed we are. Between our caring family and devoted friends, we have an incredible support system. I've noticed that people who care about us won't take our crap and they frequently know what we need better than we do. I learned a great lesson tonight. If you want to stay comfortable and happy, make less friends. But if you want to be uncomfortable, stretched, and pushed to your full potential, surround yourself with friends. Real friends. The kind who aren't afraid of you. The kind who know you and love you anyway. The kind who will tell you to quit being a baby, put your pride aside and let them help you when you need it. Ouch, that hurts. (In a good way.)
We've been overwhelmed by your concern and compassion. We get at least one call or email a day from someone who is just checking in on us. Family. Friends. Acquaintances. Strangers. Ok, maybe that guy wasn't waving at me. The hug did feel a little awkward. But you've been amazing. You've offered meals. You've offered childcare. You've offered financial support, tech support and emotional support. No strings attached. Just a full-on outpouring of you.
My pride's aside, and we need it. So, to all our family and friends: Thank you! If we had to pick, we'd pick you.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Normalcy
Mel's 2 cents...
So for the first month reading or discussing the details just made me nauseous - like for days. My mom thought I had morning sickness AGAIN. So not funny or possible. However, now I have almost three whole weeks without doctors' appointments or tests (I've had 13 since this all started) and it doesn't feel so personal and freaky. I've also been hesitant to describe things, because Scott is so great at it. Thank goodness he has been kind enough to keep people updated. He is such a talented and amusing writer. I still haven't read all the posts, but I am reminded by Scott's commitment and insightful descriptions how truly blessed I am.
Anyway, for the next two weeks I'm pretending nothing is really wrong. It's a return to the normal crazy pace of life: getting three kids ready for three different schools, working two jobs, juggling household chores, volunteering at church and trying to be supportive as Scott gets ready to move his business closer to home. Suddenly I love just being normal.
I guess that's what will keep me busy and distracted. With faith and the kindness and generosity of our wonderful family and friends, we'll get through to the other, healthier side...
more then.
So for the first month reading or discussing the details just made me nauseous - like for days. My mom thought I had morning sickness AGAIN. So not funny or possible. However, now I have almost three whole weeks without doctors' appointments or tests (I've had 13 since this all started) and it doesn't feel so personal and freaky. I've also been hesitant to describe things, because Scott is so great at it. Thank goodness he has been kind enough to keep people updated. He is such a talented and amusing writer. I still haven't read all the posts, but I am reminded by Scott's commitment and insightful descriptions how truly blessed I am.
Anyway, for the next two weeks I'm pretending nothing is really wrong. It's a return to the normal crazy pace of life: getting three kids ready for three different schools, working two jobs, juggling household chores, volunteering at church and trying to be supportive as Scott gets ready to move his business closer to home. Suddenly I love just being normal.
I guess that's what will keep me busy and distracted. With faith and the kindness and generosity of our wonderful family and friends, we'll get through to the other, healthier side...
more then.
Monday, August 20, 2007
August 20, 2007 - Ribbons
Ribbons. I've never been crazy about them. Sure, I like the ones you weave in your hair and the one tied around the old oak tree. I'm talking about the infestation of ribbons plastered all over our country. Vehicles, antennae, shirts, etc. etc. etc. I don't relate.
I've never been in a group that had a ribbon and I don't think of my car as a billboard for all things important. I don't have fuzzy dice. My honor student didn't beat up your honor student. And I don't have to Visualize Whirled Peas if I don't want to. When I feel strongly about something, I engage in conversation with someone. Someone who knows me. Or I post it on a blog so I can get it out of my system. You're welcome.
I guess I've always felt like the people exhibiting their ribbons were doing it for attention or a need to feel like they belonged to a worthy cause. I'm not one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, my antenna or my bumper. Like I said, I've never been in a group that had a ribbon. Until now.
Perspective is an interesting thing. I'm amazed how my strong opinions can be changed in a heart-beat. What I realize is that most people aren't decorating their lives with ribbons for the reasons I thought. It's more of a camaraderie thing. Just a little something to say, "Hey, I've been there. I feel your pain. If we were walking down the street, I'd high-five you and give you the secret ribbon handshake." It feels good to belong to a club. To know that we're in it together. Kind of like wearing a Cubs hat.
I haven't completely changed. I'm still not going to get a ticket speeding my way to the ribbon store. But at least now I understand. I feel the love. And it's good.
I've never been in a group that had a ribbon and I don't think of my car as a billboard for all things important. I don't have fuzzy dice. My honor student didn't beat up your honor student. And I don't have to Visualize Whirled Peas if I don't want to. When I feel strongly about something, I engage in conversation with someone. Someone who knows me. Or I post it on a blog so I can get it out of my system. You're welcome.
I guess I've always felt like the people exhibiting their ribbons were doing it for attention or a need to feel like they belonged to a worthy cause. I'm not one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, my antenna or my bumper. Like I said, I've never been in a group that had a ribbon. Until now.
Perspective is an interesting thing. I'm amazed how my strong opinions can be changed in a heart-beat. What I realize is that most people aren't decorating their lives with ribbons for the reasons I thought. It's more of a camaraderie thing. Just a little something to say, "Hey, I've been there. I feel your pain. If we were walking down the street, I'd high-five you and give you the secret ribbon handshake." It feels good to belong to a club. To know that we're in it together. Kind of like wearing a Cubs hat.
I haven't completely changed. I'm still not going to get a ticket speeding my way to the ribbon store. But at least now I understand. I feel the love. And it's good.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 15, 2007 - Tests
I know it seems like I've been slacking at regular updates for the last couple of days, but I have a good excuse - I didn't feel like it. Or my fingers were tired. I had to wash my hair? You know me, I'm such an emotional roller coaster. Actually I was kind of waiting to have some accurate info to post.
DISCLAIMER: I wasn't there. Shame on me. I was upset, too, because I love going to the doctor. Anyway, the following information is based solely on an interview with the Subject (Melisa, my wife. Please don't tell anyone I called her the Subject.) and is by no means to be taken as 100% fact. I tend to exaggerate, embellish, and otherwise destroy perfectly good information. This is strictly my interpretation of events that may or may not have happened. I wasn't there and can't prove them. If anything seems fictitious, it probably is. Or isn't. Who knows?
Last Monday (8/13), Melisa went to have the CAT Scan done. She was offered, and accepted with great anticipation, a 44 oz Big Gulp of red Kool-Aid with some delectable oral contrast sprinkled in. After about an hour they started her on an IV and took a couple of pictures. Then they spiced up the IV with some cocktail that makes your hands and head hot. As an added bonus, your privates get hot and it feels like you're peeing. (I've had that dream.) They took a couple more pictures and were done. Isaac, the Specialized Radiologist Tech who did the tests, went to school under Bob (Mel's Dad) while he was teaching PE at Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI) in the 80's. It's one thing to pee in front of somebody. It's another thing to pee in front of someone who knows your Dad. Good thing she didn't actually pee.
On Tuesday (8/14), Mel met with Dr. Ansari, the Oncologist. It was a quickie appointment to discuss some of the recent tests he had ordered. He said the bone scan was normal. The CAT Scan was also normal except for one lymph node on her left side. He said it was normal and a comparable size to her other lymph nodes. However, the radiologist considered it suspicious because it is 1.1 cm (dilated and fully effaced - just kidding). The surgeon, Dr. Poulin, is going to be in that area anyway, so Dr. Ansari is going to have him take it out during surgery. Melisa is scheduled to go back to see Dr. Ansari in about a month.
Today was good times at Genetic Counseling. Much blood was taken. Family trees were rustled through. Information was permeating the air: Who had what diseases? How old were they when they were diagnosed with those diseases? How old were they when they died? Who let the dogs out? You know. Important stuff like that. I guess they're looking for mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. No. I don't have a clue what that is and neither do you. Because if you do I guess we can't be friends anymore. I don't need the grief of you thinking you're better than me now, plus I don't like hanging with people who speak Acronym. Anyway, the chances of her having these mutations are between 10% and 15%. People who are positive have increased likelihood of ovarian cancer. Ultimately, these tests provide a risk analysis for ovarian cancer and information on what direct family members need to be checked for. The results of the tests are pending, and I'll keep you posted.
This afternoon the offices of Dr. Shulman and Dr. Poulin called to schedule surgery. We're on for the afternoon of Sept. 11. Until then there are some more blood tests scheduled, but otherwise a bit of calm before the storm.
Thank you for all your emails, calls, comments and messages. I've had several people tell me they didn't know what to say. Really, there's not much too say. Other than THAT SUCKS! But just knowing you care and are there for her makes all the difference. I tell her, "I'm sorry" and "I love you." That seems to ease the pain a little. If for some reason you can't be more creative, you're welcome to steal my lines.
On that note, have a great day and I'll keep you posted as soon as I feel like it again.
DISCLAIMER: I wasn't there. Shame on me. I was upset, too, because I love going to the doctor. Anyway, the following information is based solely on an interview with the Subject (Melisa, my wife. Please don't tell anyone I called her the Subject.) and is by no means to be taken as 100% fact. I tend to exaggerate, embellish, and otherwise destroy perfectly good information. This is strictly my interpretation of events that may or may not have happened. I wasn't there and can't prove them. If anything seems fictitious, it probably is. Or isn't. Who knows?
Last Monday (8/13), Melisa went to have the CAT Scan done. She was offered, and accepted with great anticipation, a 44 oz Big Gulp of red Kool-Aid with some delectable oral contrast sprinkled in. After about an hour they started her on an IV and took a couple of pictures. Then they spiced up the IV with some cocktail that makes your hands and head hot. As an added bonus, your privates get hot and it feels like you're peeing. (I've had that dream.) They took a couple more pictures and were done. Isaac, the Specialized Radiologist Tech who did the tests, went to school under Bob (Mel's Dad) while he was teaching PE at Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI) in the 80's. It's one thing to pee in front of somebody. It's another thing to pee in front of someone who knows your Dad. Good thing she didn't actually pee.
On Tuesday (8/14), Mel met with Dr. Ansari, the Oncologist. It was a quickie appointment to discuss some of the recent tests he had ordered. He said the bone scan was normal. The CAT Scan was also normal except for one lymph node on her left side. He said it was normal and a comparable size to her other lymph nodes. However, the radiologist considered it suspicious because it is 1.1 cm (dilated and fully effaced - just kidding). The surgeon, Dr. Poulin, is going to be in that area anyway, so Dr. Ansari is going to have him take it out during surgery. Melisa is scheduled to go back to see Dr. Ansari in about a month.
Today was good times at Genetic Counseling. Much blood was taken. Family trees were rustled through. Information was permeating the air: Who had what diseases? How old were they when they were diagnosed with those diseases? How old were they when they died? Who let the dogs out? You know. Important stuff like that. I guess they're looking for mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. No. I don't have a clue what that is and neither do you. Because if you do I guess we can't be friends anymore. I don't need the grief of you thinking you're better than me now, plus I don't like hanging with people who speak Acronym. Anyway, the chances of her having these mutations are between 10% and 15%. People who are positive have increased likelihood of ovarian cancer. Ultimately, these tests provide a risk analysis for ovarian cancer and information on what direct family members need to be checked for. The results of the tests are pending, and I'll keep you posted.
This afternoon the offices of Dr. Shulman and Dr. Poulin called to schedule surgery. We're on for the afternoon of Sept. 11. Until then there are some more blood tests scheduled, but otherwise a bit of calm before the storm.
Thank you for all your emails, calls, comments and messages. I've had several people tell me they didn't know what to say. Really, there's not much too say. Other than THAT SUCKS! But just knowing you care and are there for her makes all the difference. I tell her, "I'm sorry" and "I love you." That seems to ease the pain a little. If for some reason you can't be more creative, you're welcome to steal my lines.
On that note, have a great day and I'll keep you posted as soon as I feel like it again.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
August 11, 2007 - Touchy Feely
I don't know what the deal is. When we finally have a weekend at home with nothing scheduled, we somehow manage to fill it with important things besides west and welaxation. This weekend has been great. We're away from home, so the temptation/obligation to be productive is much less because the normal everyday stuff is so far away. It's kind of nice having an excuse to just relax.
Recently I've been thinking a lot about cancer and it's affects on Mel and our family. This whole experience has been (and will continue to be) an adjustment from our previous life. I guess it's just not in the way I expected. I presumed the most stressful things would be of a physical nature for Melisa, like surgery, cancer, nipples, treatment, etc, etc, etc. But so far what I find most affected are things like attitude, schedule and money.
I can see how people run into problems in their family when they are dealing with trauma. It's probably not even the trauma that's the problem. It's all the other stuff. Luckily for me, I have an incredible wife who's communicative, understanding, and supportive of me while I'm dealing with this whole traumatic experience of her having cancer! She's hard to read, so I'm constantly investigating to make sure she's okay. I hope I'm as comforting and compassionate to her as she is to me.
Don't gripe. I told you yesterday that I'd be more touchy feely today. Now that that's out of my system, I should be back to normal by Monday. But I'm not promising anything.
Recently I've been thinking a lot about cancer and it's affects on Mel and our family. This whole experience has been (and will continue to be) an adjustment from our previous life. I guess it's just not in the way I expected. I presumed the most stressful things would be of a physical nature for Melisa, like surgery, cancer, nipples, treatment, etc, etc, etc. But so far what I find most affected are things like attitude, schedule and money.
I can see how people run into problems in their family when they are dealing with trauma. It's probably not even the trauma that's the problem. It's all the other stuff. Luckily for me, I have an incredible wife who's communicative, understanding, and supportive of me while I'm dealing with this whole traumatic experience of her having cancer! She's hard to read, so I'm constantly investigating to make sure she's okay. I hope I'm as comforting and compassionate to her as she is to me.
Don't gripe. I told you yesterday that I'd be more touchy feely today. Now that that's out of my system, I should be back to normal by Monday. But I'm not promising anything.
Friday, August 10, 2007
August 10, 2007 - The Nipples
Here we are in PA, spending the weekend with my in-laws who are in the process of moving to CA in a couple of weeks. On Sunday we're planning to abscond with a truck and trailer full of their previous possessions. Turns out, one person's treasure is also another person's treasure. Thanks to their generosity, we're getting a new couch (our old one SUCKED) and Naomi finally gets a real bed. Anyway, everyone just went for a walk so I have a few minutes to put some thoughts down.
First I just wanted to say thank you again to everyone! You've been so caring and supportive, and we appreciate all the calls, notes, prayers and emails. Please feel free to forward this blog to whomever you think would enjoy it or benefit from it. The settings are changed now, so anyone can view it without having to register or sign in. Just send them to http://cancershmancer.blogspot.com/ .
Yesterday, August 9, Mel met with the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Shulman (pronounced Shoe Man). I was bummed I wasn't able to go with her. This was the meeting where we were to find out the fate of The Nipples. Instead, I got to receive the info second hand from Mel, who gets queasy discussing the subject. Luckily we had an 8 hour drive to talk, so I was able to extract all the info I needed to get an understanding of what to expect in the next weeks and months.
Here is the order of events according to me:
First I just wanted to say thank you again to everyone! You've been so caring and supportive, and we appreciate all the calls, notes, prayers and emails. Please feel free to forward this blog to whomever you think would enjoy it or benefit from it. The settings are changed now, so anyone can view it without having to register or sign in. Just send them to http://cancershmancer.blogspot.com/ .
Yesterday, August 9, Mel met with the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Shulman (pronounced Shoe Man). I was bummed I wasn't able to go with her. This was the meeting where we were to find out the fate of The Nipples. Instead, I got to receive the info second hand from Mel, who gets queasy discussing the subject. Luckily we had an 8 hour drive to talk, so I was able to extract all the info I needed to get an understanding of what to expect in the next weeks and months.
Here is the order of events according to me:
- Surgery around the end of this month. Bilateral mastectomy (means both sides) with immediate reconstruction. Dr. Poulin and Dr. Shulman will work together to remove the breast tissue and implant the tissue expanders. As it looks now, they will not need to do any skin, muscle, or tissue grafts.
- Unfortunately, she will not wake up with C cups. The tissue expanders start out small. Every week or so Mel will go in to see the plastic surgeon and have saline added to the expanders. This process goes on for 6 to 8 months until her breasts are the size I want. OK. Fine. Until her breasts are the size she wants. Basically, it gives the skin time to stretch out naturally. Kind of like getting braces.
- When her breasts have reached perfection, she says "When" and the saline injections stop. She undergoes surgery one last time and they swap the saline implants for silicone ones. They tell me it's much more natural looking and feeling. I'll keep you posted on that.
What I've been wondering, and everyone has been asking, "What about The Nipples??" We (meaning me) are already lamenting their loss. Yes, they will be permanently removed. The tubes that deliver milk to the nipple have to be removed. Consequently the nipples have to be removed. Nipples are important, but they lose their significance when you compare them to life.
For those of you who want to know, here's the procedure for reconstruction of The Nipples. During the initial surgery, they take a <> shaped strip of skin (at about a 45 degree angle) from the front of each breast, including the nipple, which allows access for surgery. Then, at the final surgery The Nipples are reconstructed. The plastic surgeon forms a nipple out of skin, and then tattoos the nipple and areola to make them look authentic. I haven't met the plastic surgeon, but when I do I'm going to ask if she can make Happy Faces instead. Mel said she doesn't mind. I haven't seen what it will look like the "proper" way, but if it's totally fakey I might have a case for Happy Faces. We'll see. (That's Mom language for, "Never gonna happen.")
Have you heard the word "Nipple" enough for one day? Nipple, nipple, nipple. There, now we can move on. Oops! I lost my train of thought. I guess this is long enough for now. That's the info, the scoop, the facts as I know them. Tomorrow I'm planning to be much more touchy feely.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
August 8, 2007 - Oncology
Cancer aside, today was a great day! We just got back from spending the afternoon at Lake Michigan with our good friends the Holts. I just wanted to take a minute and post an update.
Yesterday, August 7 @ 9:45 am, Mel had an appointment to see the Oncologist. Apparently it was Two for Tuesday or something at the Oncology clinic. That place was packed! Maybe they were offering, Buy One Blood Test, Get One Free. Suffice to say, about 90% of the population was there. A lot of people with a lot of health challenges. I admire the people who can work in that environment and choose to, on purpose. I almost felt guilty about how much I was enjoying my Tootsie Pop. (Hey, there was a basket of them right in my face. I couldn't resist!)
Anyway, we were finally granted admittance to the exam room and Dr. Ansari showed up promptly. Mel and I were both very impressed. I can't put my finger on why, but we both liked him a lot. He was professional, informative and sympathetic. He first asked Mel a lot of history questions, then did his own exam. He was very diplomatic about exploring all of our options, and was prepared to send Mel for an MRI to pursue a possible lumpectomy. It was pretty clear, though, that the best option was the one Mel and I had already discussed: Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Because of her age and how early it was discovered (she's at Stage 0), she could have the surgeries and continue on with her life. No need for radiation or chemotherapy unless something else is discovered once they've tested the tissue after surgery.
Dr. Ansari did, however, want to have a bone scan done as well as a CAT scan. He wants to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer or any involvement in the chest wall. He said regardless of the outcome of that we should proceed with the breast surgery. So, that is all coming together. Mel spent about an hour, after meeting with the doc, scheduling the wide assortment of tests and appointments necessary. I wanted to stay for that part of it, because I love that kind of stuff, but I had to go to work.
Today, August 8, Mel went for the bone scan. She arrived at 8am and voluntarily let them inject her with some radioactive isotopes. Crazy, I know. Then they set her free to roam the countryside for 2 hours without even making her wear a biohazard suit or face mask. At 10am she was back at the clinic for the scan. She said it was her favorite kind of test in the world. They put warm blankets down and covered her up, and she was instructed to lie still for a while. She said, "No Problem!" and proceeded to take a well-deserved nap - well, almost. We're supposed to know the results next week.
Tomorrow, Mel's scheduled to meet with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Shulman. After meeting with her we'll know more about the extent of surgery needed and have a better idea of the timeline.
We're going to PA for the weekend (we're leaving tomorrow evening), so I may not be able to post until next Monday. Mel and I appreciate all of the calls and emails, you don't know how much. Thank you for keeping her in your prayers.
Yesterday, August 7 @ 9:45 am, Mel had an appointment to see the Oncologist. Apparently it was Two for Tuesday or something at the Oncology clinic. That place was packed! Maybe they were offering, Buy One Blood Test, Get One Free. Suffice to say, about 90% of the population was there. A lot of people with a lot of health challenges. I admire the people who can work in that environment and choose to, on purpose. I almost felt guilty about how much I was enjoying my Tootsie Pop. (Hey, there was a basket of them right in my face. I couldn't resist!)
Anyway, we were finally granted admittance to the exam room and Dr. Ansari showed up promptly. Mel and I were both very impressed. I can't put my finger on why, but we both liked him a lot. He was professional, informative and sympathetic. He first asked Mel a lot of history questions, then did his own exam. He was very diplomatic about exploring all of our options, and was prepared to send Mel for an MRI to pursue a possible lumpectomy. It was pretty clear, though, that the best option was the one Mel and I had already discussed: Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Because of her age and how early it was discovered (she's at Stage 0), she could have the surgeries and continue on with her life. No need for radiation or chemotherapy unless something else is discovered once they've tested the tissue after surgery.
Dr. Ansari did, however, want to have a bone scan done as well as a CAT scan. He wants to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer or any involvement in the chest wall. He said regardless of the outcome of that we should proceed with the breast surgery. So, that is all coming together. Mel spent about an hour, after meeting with the doc, scheduling the wide assortment of tests and appointments necessary. I wanted to stay for that part of it, because I love that kind of stuff, but I had to go to work.
Today, August 8, Mel went for the bone scan. She arrived at 8am and voluntarily let them inject her with some radioactive isotopes. Crazy, I know. Then they set her free to roam the countryside for 2 hours without even making her wear a biohazard suit or face mask. At 10am she was back at the clinic for the scan. She said it was her favorite kind of test in the world. They put warm blankets down and covered her up, and she was instructed to lie still for a while. She said, "No Problem!" and proceeded to take a well-deserved nap - well, almost. We're supposed to know the results next week.
Tomorrow, Mel's scheduled to meet with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Shulman. After meeting with her we'll know more about the extent of surgery needed and have a better idea of the timeline.
We're going to PA for the weekend (we're leaving tomorrow evening), so I may not be able to post until next Monday. Mel and I appreciate all of the calls and emails, you don't know how much. Thank you for keeping her in your prayers.
August 4, 2007 - Discovery
We were kind of waiting until we had some concrete info before telling everyone. We now have some concrete info, so here goes . . .
About a month ago (June 27), I discovered a lump in Mel's left breast. (I won't tell you what I was doing there because it's none of your dang business.) She went that week (June 29) to have it checked out by her new family MD, Dr. Weston. Yes, there is definitely a lump in there. A breast exam and referral for diagnostic mammogram/ultrasound was scheduled.
July 5 finally arrived, after much anticipation, and Mel had the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound done. There was a suspicious lump, and a biopsy was recommended. Conveniently, this all took place just before Mel was leaving for Lara and Josh's wedding in San Diego (July 6-16), so the biopsy had to be postponed for when she returned.
On July 17, Mel met with the surgeon, Dr. Poulin. Yep. She should get a biopsy. So, the biopsy was scheduled, and all was well for a full 6 days when Mel figured, What the Heck? Let's have another appointment! On July 23, she went to see Dr. Weston for a general physical.
On July 26, apparently all the ducks were in a row, because Mel was finally able to have a biopsy done. Actually, it was a Double Biopsy with the Mammotome at the Breast Care Center in South Bend.
July 27 dawned with the great news that Mel's results from the physical were in and her cholesterol levels were sky high. Enter garlic tablets and Omega-3 fish pills.
Tuesday, July 31, Dr. Poulin's office and the Breast Care Center were frantically trying to get in touch with Mel. They had an opening the next day at 2:50p to see the doc. We figured if all was clear they would have just said so over the phone. We were right. We met Dr. Poulin at the afore mentioned time and he proceeded to relay the following:
About a month ago (June 27), I discovered a lump in Mel's left breast. (I won't tell you what I was doing there because it's none of your dang business.) She went that week (June 29) to have it checked out by her new family MD, Dr. Weston. Yes, there is definitely a lump in there. A breast exam and referral for diagnostic mammogram/ultrasound was scheduled.
July 5 finally arrived, after much anticipation, and Mel had the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound done. There was a suspicious lump, and a biopsy was recommended. Conveniently, this all took place just before Mel was leaving for Lara and Josh's wedding in San Diego (July 6-16), so the biopsy had to be postponed for when she returned.
On July 17, Mel met with the surgeon, Dr. Poulin. Yep. She should get a biopsy. So, the biopsy was scheduled, and all was well for a full 6 days when Mel figured, What the Heck? Let's have another appointment! On July 23, she went to see Dr. Weston for a general physical.
On July 26, apparently all the ducks were in a row, because Mel was finally able to have a biopsy done. Actually, it was a Double Biopsy with the Mammotome at the Breast Care Center in South Bend.
July 27 dawned with the great news that Mel's results from the physical were in and her cholesterol levels were sky high. Enter garlic tablets and Omega-3 fish pills.
Tuesday, July 31, Dr. Poulin's office and the Breast Care Center were frantically trying to get in touch with Mel. They had an opening the next day at 2:50p to see the doc. We figured if all was clear they would have just said so over the phone. We were right. We met Dr. Poulin at the afore mentioned time and he proceeded to relay the following:
- Yes, you have the cells that cause cancer, developing in your breast.
- You can either: 1. Remove the soon to be cancer areas, have radiation treatments for the rest of your life, take some delicious medication, and then do it for the other side when the cancer comes. or 2. Have a full double decaffeinated mastectomy and live long and prosper.
- Oh, and do you want fries with that?
Actually, he seems like a pretty nice and competent doctor. I'm sure he deals with this on a daily basis, so to him it's no big deal. Take the breasts off, scoop out the yuckies, put some new ones on, and party 'til you're 90. I know that's not how he meant it. I'm just telling you how it felt. Mel's response was (with a big grin) "I finally get my C cups!" She's been amazing at handling this. She's already had so much support from the few people she's told, and that means a great deal to us.
Anyway, Dr. Poulin suggested, before making any major decisions, that Mel make an appointment (love those!) to see an oncologist. Her gene history could be a factor in deciding which course of action/treatment/surgery to take.
After meeting with the doc, the Breast Care Center called. The lady Mel talked to was incredibly nice and informative. She explained in depth what was going on - "extensive ductal carcinoma in situ with suspicious microinvasion". I don't speak Greek, but I think it means "not a good thing".
Mel has been incredibly strong through this. More than a month of not knowing and hoping for the best, but deep down dreading the worst. She's just been taking it one day at a time, going about her daily life as it nothing is going on. But it's a scary and serious ordeal. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
The oncology appointment is scheduled for this Tuesday (8/7/07), so we'll update you again soon thereafter.
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