Introduction

So, first of all, the reason I am here:

Recently I had a 40 gram tumor removed from my left breast that measured 7.5x5.3 x2.3cm, the palpable size of a mishapen raquetball. Through pathology it was identified as infiltrating ductal carcinoma (in the milk duct), modified Bloom-Richardson grade 3 (fast growing and dying cancer cells), with extensive necrosis (dead tissue.) Did it hurt? Yes, but not all the time. It's pinching pain came in waves of pulsing, and as long as I didn't touch it (or sleep on it) it was tolerable.

No further invasion beyond the original tumor has been identified through subsequent MRI's and a PET scan which tested my entire body on a cellular level through radioactive glucose. I was given a MUGA scan (spelling is off, here), in a whirwind of tests and appointments. This was to get a baseline 3-dimensional moving picture of my heart to assess the damage one of the drugs will do to it. There is a lifetime limit to this drug, so I better hadn't be needing its cancer killing ways any time in the future.

I began Chemotherapy the start of Labor Day weekend, the significance I will reveal later on, and will be receiving treatments every 3 weeks for the next 6 months. Every week my blood levels are tested to determine my susceptability to infection. So far I'm fine.

After the last chemo treatment, I will be given more scans to determine if treatments have been successful and to see how much of the tissue surrounding the excised tumor has to be removed. Since it had pushed its way almost down to the chest muscle, I will be lucky if they don't have to remove the whole breast plus the muscle underneath. So far they are optimistic I can get away with a second lumpectomy and removal of surrounding lymph nodes. Testing the lymph nodes will determine whether or not I have stage III cancer.


All riveting stuff, but more next time. I don't want to tire you out!
For the stages of breast cancer, follow this link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stage-of-breast-cancer/BR00011