What a difference a day makes....

Last night I got the exciting news that the biopsy I did last week (for that tiny spot) was benign.  But now it's a moot point.  I tested positively for the BRCA1 mutation.  I've said all along that I would elect to do a double mastectomy if it was positive (because the risk of me having breast cancer again will be significantly reduced).  I stand by that decision but I have not yet come to terms with the reality of it.  In some respects, I'm relieved that this decision has been made for me but I'm very sad about it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

I have always known that I have been blessed with great family and friends;  but now I am reminded on a daily basis of the wonderful people that surround me.  And that is what I am thankful for this year.  

What's ahead for this week...

Happy Thanksgiving week!  I am SO looking forward to spending time with my family this week.  And after running around a lot over the past few weeks, it will be great to have some time to just relax and rest.
But, before I go overboard on mashed potatoes and stuffing, I do have some things to do...

• I had my fertility consultation today.  The doctor explained my options for preserving my little eggs...I'll spare the details now because I'm still digesting it all. I have a lot to think about over the next week or so. 
• I have a MRI biopsy scheduled on Wednesday to check out that ity-bity spot that was found last week.  

After that, it's TURKEY TIME! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!  xoxo

Genetic Testing

I did my genetic testing today and thought the meeting with the genetic counselor went pretty well.  We did a little biology 101 and talked about the risks associated with my family history. There were a lot of numbers thrown at me (which is funny for me to say since I am a quantitative researcher).  Thankfully Katie was there to take notes.

I learned that there is a good chance (85-90%) that I do not have the BRCA genetic mutation.  I was expecting it to be the inverse, honestly.  I am being cautiously optimistic... I will be sure to post once I have those results (probably the first week of December).  

Lookin' Good Lefty

I just spoke to the radiologist at Northwestern.  Lefty is clear and has no abnormalities! :)  I'm quite relieved about that! I may need to do some additional tests before surgery.  There's an ity-bity spot on Righty that may need to be checked out.   I also have a lymph node in my right arm pit that is a little bigger than the others (hopefully it was just a little bloated from my big lunch yesterday).  But it's obviously concerning that it's on the right side, which is where the cancer is.  I'll be talking to my surgical oncologist soon to see if he thinks the tests are needed before surgery.  I'll keep you updated on what's next... 

MRI & Genetic Testing

I had my MRI today.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (perhaps it was the Xanax though).  I was face down and my head was resting in one of those massage things so I kept telling myself that I was getting a massage while a fire drill was happening (forgot how noisy MRIs are).  I should hopefully have the results from that by the end of the week.

I'm also going for my genetic testing this week.  I spoke to the woman today and gave a bunch of family history so I'm not really sure what to expect out of this meeting, aside from a blood test.  Those results will take a couple of weeks to get back.  So, just need to be patient about what the surgical next steps are.

I'll be sure to post as more updates come through.  In the meantime, just trying to keep myself busy.  Thankfully my social calendar is quite full which helps to keep my mind off things. :)

Email Updates

Please email me if you would like to blog updates to be sent to you as they are posted.  I'm still figuring out this blogosphere stuff... xoxo