A very busy past 3 weeks! And... how I will spend my summer...

Here's the rundown so far...don't get dizzy, this is a fast ride!

March 15th - yearly routine mammogram...la di da, this is always a breeze

March 18th - call back for more films and ultrasound...OK, I've done this before; this time with not so great news afterwards though; breast biopsy scheduled

March 20th - sterotactic biopsy left breast (it hurt and my left breast was not happy)

March 22 -  AM phone call - I have DCIS 'ductal carcinoma in situ', high grade; non-invasive...start reading about DCIS on the internet which is a blessing and a curse, lots of conflicting info and opinions about treatment, DCIS is tricky that way...breast MRI in the afternoon

March 27th - first appointment with breast surgeon, all my options discussed

April 1st - Appt with reconstruction plastic surgeon, I'm considering a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction; then head downstairs for appt with the radiation oncologist to discuss possible radiation therapy.  At this point in the story I have to say that I could walk around topless now and not be self conscious.  Everyone has looked at my breasts, touched them and photographed them...and really, could they make the exam rooms any colder?!  

April 4th - decision made, meet with breast surgeon, scheduled for mastectomy on Monday the 8th; then head to a different building to the physical therapy department for consult on exercises for left arm; then back to original building to the plastic surgeons office for last meeting with her to finalize reconstruction decision. Head home and go out for a well deserved margarita and relax.   Whew

Now I have to say that all of this went like clockwork, like butter, smooth as silk, easy peasy etc.

All of the appointments were made for me by the various departments, everyone working in sync, I just needed to show up where they told me.  From the moment they detected something suspicious on the first mammogram they were not going to let me fall through the cracks.  I am so totally impressed with how everything has gone so far and I am at peace with my decisions.  All of my surgeons and their staff are women who are very nurturing.  

Emotionally I am doing OK, sort of a roller coaster ride, but I feel very positive about having a good outcome.  I've lost some sleep but have pampered myself with some nice afternoon naps.  My family is so very supportive, sister Kate and my niece Sarah will be here for the surgery.  Their job is to keep me laughing and cater to my every whim; my husband is amazing and will take great care of me as well...he too shall be catering to my every whim.  Do you see a pattern forming?  I'm liking it...

Heading into Seattle  - it will be a road well traveled when this is all finished