Here’s how this story begins

On 3/22/11 I was shaving my armpits when I felt a large bump.  The day before, I didn’t feel anything.  I promptly called my gynecologist, who had me come in the next day. She did a breast exam and felt a couple of lumps, but said they were probably just fibroids, and nothing to worry about. She arranged for me to see a radiologist on 3/25 for a mammogram (my first one) and ultrasound. Unfortunately, the radiologist told me the tests revealed several “suspicious masses” and she would need to take biopsies.  She was very serious when she told me she had seen enough cases to feel pretty certain they were the dreaded CANCER. 

I was completely shocked. Never in a million years did I think I would have cancer, especially with everything I’ve already been through (diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003). 

On 3/28/11, I got the results of the biopsies…breast cancer.  The next day my husband and I met with a breast surgeon who went over the pathology reports.  I learned that I have cancer in my left breast and also my left lymph nodes. Treatment would be the full spectrum: chemotherapy first, then surgery, followed by radiation.   She also took a sample of my saliva to be tested for the BRCA I & 2 (genetic cancer genes). We’re still waiting on those results.

On 3/31/11, we met with an oncologist and went over the details of my cancer and treatment.  We learned I have "triple negative stage III breast cancer." Of course, that's an aggressive form, because when I do something, I really go all out!  Treatment should start right away.  But first more tests and procedures in preparation for chemo, including an echocardiogram, breast MRI, PET scan, etc., etc., etc. Let the fun begin!