I found a thickening in my left breast that made me think something was wrong about a month before my diagnosis. Along with that was a palpable lump. Erik convinced me to ask my doctor about it so while I was at work one day I mentioned it. Dr. B offered to send me for an ultrasound and mammogram so I made the appointment with TOPS, where I have been having my mammograms (my last one just 9 months ago). May 8th I went in for the tests and the mammogram machine was broke so they did the ultrasound first. The doctor at TOPS came in and told me he was suspicious of 4 spots and they wanted to biopsy them soon. I left the room feeling numb. Then went in for my mammogram. I left TOPS with an appointment for the following Thursday to have the biopsies. On my way home, I got a phone call asking me if I could change my appointment to Friday (the following day) and go to the Red Oak location off 1960 and 45. I asked them why they were changing my appointment and was it because of what they saw on the mammogram. The lady just said it was going to be a chaotic day Thursday and this would be less stressful for me to go to Red Oak. Friday morning I met with Dr. B. in the office so she could check me over and do a breast exam. At 1:00p I had the biopsies. They biopsied 2 of the 4 spots. The only thing that hurt was the local. The core needle biopsy didn't hurt until later that night and I iced and took Tylenol as ordered. It was totally tolerable. The hardest part was waiting the four days for the results. I worked Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and by Monday afternoon I was pretty ansy. I got a text to come into Dr. B's office for a followup. We got there early Tuesday morning and were escorted to her office. She came in and had "the look". It was written all over her face. I said, "It's cancer isn't it?" She shook her head yes. I didn't cry until she prayed over us at the end of the talk. They made my appointment with Dr. Sutton for May 19th (Braden's 10th birthday). My diagnosis is Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. I'm still waiting to see other specific parts of the pathology which I should get on Monday the 19th from the surgeon.
I have been so overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family. I can not believe how many people want to join Team Sheldon in the fight. I am honored to have so many by my side praying for me. One of the baseball moms is heading up a Team Sheldon "Help Save Second Base" tshirt order for those that want to order. I don't think she realized how big of a project this was going to be! LOL! The kids took the news well. Jaelyn has been overly attentive and full of extra hugs. Avery and her are selling tshirts at their school to help support me on my chemo days or surgery days. Braden and Evan try not to giggle when I say the word boobie, because they don't know what a breast is. Heck, I'm sure it does sound funny to a 7 and 9 year old boy. We decided to keep the lines of communication open with the kids so they don't feel left out. They are all doing well.
I will post here with updated doctor visits as soon as I have them so you all can follow me.
Dr Noel Boyd, my OB/GYN
Dr Pierre Khoury, My medical oncologist