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:

• 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.