That post where I start sharing information about breast cancer

Well, found out 7 days ago that the little lump I found in my right breast has turned out be part of larger bunch of overachieving cells called invasive ductile carcinoma, AKA breast cancer.  I am still in a bit of shock because what the heck?  Seriously?  I don't have time for this!!  No really, I don't have time and am still trying to figure out how it will effect all areas of our lives.

I've already learned more about cancer in the last week than I ever knew, even though I've had family members and friends go through it in the past.  I'm debating how much I want to share here on this good old lapsed blog of mine, but it's nice to have a place to send folks to for updates, instead of repeating them over and over, so here it is :)  I am not usually much of an open book - more of an "I will deal with this all myself thank you" sort of person, but I'll do my best to share here.

So here's what I know so far:

• There are 2 (maybe 3) small tumors in my right breast (only two were biopsied), and one axillary lymph node that are currently known as cancerous.  I'll need further scans (MRI and PET or CAT scan) to determine if it's gone any farther.  As long as it has stayed within my breast and lymph nodes it's considered curable, yay!  MRI is scheduled for next Wednesday in Wenatchee.
• I have met with an oncologist, surgeon, and radiologist in Wenatchee and so far am comfortable with the proposed treatment team.  However I don't yet know what treatment will be since I don't have the scans back.  
• Both breast tumors are estrogen and progesterone receptor positive and HER2 negative.  Which (in my understanding) essentially means that my own body's hormones are what is feeding the cancer cells.  Gee thanks, body.  But this is apparently a really good thing, because it's easier to treat since doctors know how to control hormones pretty well these days.
• Cancer cells are grade 3, which is the most active.  Being fed well apparently.
• Both tumors are small, less than 1cm, which is also good!  On a scale of 1-4 they are both T1, the smallest.
• Because a lymph node is affected it will likely mean I need a axillary lymph node dissection where they remove them all under my right arm.  Although I am still learning about this part.

That's the medical jargon part.  I made a big old school binder to store the tons of information in it. Thanks to Olaf's school art for the cover work :) 

I'm definitely open to talking about it, seeing folks, emailing, phone calls, texting etc, but I'm super busy and am not great at getting back to folks in a timely manner.  So please don't feel ignored if I don't get back to you.  Also, I have already found that my anxiety goes up every time that some tells me they have a suggestion for me, based on their experience with a family member with cancer.  I do like hearing people's personal experiences and how they came to their treatment plans etc, but I absolutely will shut down if I feel like I'm being told what I should do, or strongly suggested, even if it's just recommendations on second opinions or where the best doctors are.  And I do know those suggestions come from a place of caring and love.  It's just such a personal and scary thing already to decide on a treatment plan that I and my family are comfortable with, and I just can't also feel like I have to justify to other people why I am making my decisions.  (it's the people pleaser in me)

I am thankful already for the support, flowers, encouraging cards (there's a spot in my binder for those too!), prayers especially, and offers of help.  My community of family and friends are FREAKING AMAZING.  I love my wide circle.  After putting this out on our Church's prayer chain, I noticed that my major anxiety went nearly away, praise be to God!  (I do have a backup prescription for heavy anti-anxiety meds just in case though.)  Once I know better the "plan", Jaimi is going to help me get volunteers in the right places at right times.

Thanks all for your love and caring.