The first dance step...

Sorry to be breaking this up, but I thought if I wrote in steps it is easier to read...or not, depending on your viewpoint.

The surgeon appointment was less than one week after that initial telling of the diagnosis. I didn't really know what to expect but off I went. Two days before the surgeon appointment I recieved a call from his office telling me I was scheduled for an MRI the following day. I went on my own to this appointment, they were only taking pictures right? Turns out there is a mass in the left breast too.!!! Yippee! NOT!! So another biopsy is going to be required.


Thankfully, Lyle came with me for the next day to the surgeon's appointment. His rememberance is much better than mine. The surgeon discussed the results of the biopsy and the treatment plans. The biopsy and ultrasound were indicating that the tumor (lobular carcinoma) was approximately 2.5 cm in size. Ok, that isn't really that big. But he wanted to wait to see the results of the second biopsy, which was moved up to that afternoon. The good thing about that was I wasn't going to have to stew about it for another 5 days, it would be over with. Thankfully, the second biopsy was negative.

The following week I was back to see the surgeon. The MRI causes alot of confusion regarding tumor size, now there is a possibility it is as large as 10 cm, but of course I wasn't really listening to this, just the fact that my surgery was scheduled for February 10, the following Tuesday.

At this point I have to say I have the best employer. There has never been a hesitation about allowing me time off for all those pre-surgery Dr appointments/tests and the sick leave program is also very good. So thank you!

In the meantime, on Monday I had a test scheduled called 'Sentinel Node Imaging' and then my Pre-Op Screening. A full day indeed. And then the next day, the surgery.....