Unbelievable But True

Last summer, my daughter-in-law Bethany's 2 sisters decided to have breast reductions. From the minute I heard about there adventure something kept telling me that is what I should do too. In October 2010 I took myself to the plastic surgeon to see if that would be something that would benefit me too as I have suffered from back, neck, and shoulder pain for many years. I scheduled the surgery for January 6, 2011. During that waiting time I have many doubts whether I should go thru with the surgery, not only from myself but others around me.

On January 6, 2011 I underwent surgery for breast reduction. They were able to take 605 gm off the right and 740 gm off the left. Although it wasn't a pleasant surgery the results were immediately impressive. Four days after my surgery I went to the plastic surgeon for a dressing change, much to my surprise he revealed to us that the tissue he removed from my left breast had signs of early breast cancer despite a normal mammogram 2 weeks before the surgery. He stated that he and the pathologist would go to the tumor board at the Huntsman Cancer Center and that we would have to wait a long week for more results.

During my follow up visit January 17, 2011 with the plastic surgeon I was told that in fact I have DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) localized in 2 tumors in my left breast. The tumors are very small, however since there are 2 of them the concerns are increased. Whether there are additional tumors in the remaining breast tissue is yet to be known. I will have an appointment with the oncologist next Wednesday (January 26, 2011) to determine my plan of care. Thankfully  at this stage, DCIS is a non-invasive, non-life threatening breast cancer but left untreated could certainly progress.

In retrospect I know that I was being inspired to have this surgery as it would have been a whole year before my next mammogram. I consider this a true tender mercy from my Heavenly Father. I plan to post things as they arise, so as to keep you all up to date on what is happening in my journey.

Grandma Jenny and Lauren. . .Cancer buds