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I am 31, established in my career, and love just being me! I am also a dog mom to HUGE Weimaraner, Bella. I want to share and update all my friends and family as I win my fight against breast cancer. I was diagnosed Friday, March 25th 2011. I got the phone call from Dr. Jen (who is also a long time friend) at 1:33pm. And that's when my journey began...

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Timeline of My Journey

Sunday, February 6th, getting ready to go out.  Noticed a lump in my left breast, thought it was weird but would just watch it for a while...Rio here I come!!!  And what a fun night it was!

Thursday, March 10th, time to make the phone call to Dr. Jen, I think it got bigger... Told my mom tonight what was going on.

Friday, March 11th, playing wii with D and AM; told AM what was going on (for those of you who don't know, AM is Anna Marie, my best friend)

Monday, March 14th, appointment with my Dr. for a physical.  She ordered the mammogram and ultrasound.

Thursday, March 17th, Mammogram and Ultrasound day, and results...wasn't expecting that!  Mom can you get here and quick?  Found out I had 2 masses not 1.  Left breast only.  Right breast all clear.  Dr. Gunderson could not rule out anything "dangerous" on ultrasound but not to worry she said, 80% of biopsies come back negative-woohoo!  Time to schedule the biopsy.  Mom's quote:  "Well Mary, you never do anything easy."  Anna Marie met me at home early and we went to lunch, yes the RIO!  We refer to this day as "that one day."

Wednesday, March 23rd Biopsy day.  Mom and Anna Marie and I wore a dress code consisting of work out clothes, running shoes, and meaningful jewelry.  Dr. Paqulette preformed the biopsy-AMAZING woman.  When I laid eyes on her prior to surgery, I knew I was in excellent hands.  Anna Marie got to go in the biopsy room with me.  We talked about going to New York for my birthday and going to the Rio when the biposy was over.  I watched the entire procedure on the ultrasound screen.  The lumps would not aspirate -  on to needle core biopsies.  Feeling fine after the procedure.  Took rest of the day off to geocashe with AM and of course we ended up at the rio.  The bartender refilled my ice compress:-)!!! 

Friday, March 25th  Results day!  I have breast cancer.  Dr. Jen said to come in at 4 and bring my family.  Once I heard the words "breast cancer" I could not hear anything else she said.  We needed to meet in person and digest the news together with Jen.  My mom, dad, brother, and Anna Marie piled into her office to get the details as to what was happening inside my body.  From the preliminary pathology report I had localized breast carcinoma.  Dr. Jen asked if she could schedule my week with the best of the best in Oncology, Radiology, and Surgery.

Monday, March 28th, Oncology Appointment with Dr. Diana Medgyesy.  I have HER/Nu 2 positive localized stage 2 breast cancer.  And round 1 of wig shopping in the afternoon with Anna Marie and Mom.

Tuesday, March 29th, Surgeon appointment with Dr. Stephan Pettine. Dad and Anna Marie are along for the appointment.  Bilateral MRI in afternoon Anna Marie is still right by my side. 

Wednesday March 30th, another ultrasound of both breasts in the early morning, first appointment alone.  PET scan in the afternoon Dad is going with me.  The PET scan will determine if the cancer has spread anywhere else in my body.  I am radioactive. Can't hug or hold hands for at least 2 hours post appointment.

Thursday March 31st, cardiology appointment at PVH, my heart is in great condition!!!

Friday, April 1st, Radiology appointment for the consultation and results of PET scan-ALL CLEAR cancer is in left breast and 1 lymph node, a celebration is in order in my opinion!!!  Oncology in the afternoon to determine the plan.

Monday, April 4th PORT surgery-not at all what I expected!  Ouch!

Tuesday April 5th, back to surgeon's office. Are you sure this feeling is normal?  Major muscle spasms!  Oh to ice and drugs!  Much better by evening.

Wednesday, April 6th back to work!!!

Thursday April 7th first round of Taxol and Herceptin, 4 hour infusion!  Went Great!  Absolutely no side effects from the chemo, great first week.  Got my wig ordered and it's beautiful!  Thanks to Cheri at the Old Town Hair Company!  They are so great over there.  Chemo guests, Dad, Mom, Matt, and Anna Marie

Tuesday, April 12th genetic testing. Results will be here in 2-3 weeks.  This could determine a change of surgical plans between chemo and radiation.

Thursday April 14th, second round of Taxol and Herceptin, 3 hour infusion! Went Great!  Chemo guests, Dad, Mom, Matt, Anna Maire, and Aunt Cheryle-who came in Saturday the 9th to surprise me!

Thusday April 21st,  Appointment with Dr. Medgysey and chemo round #3.  It shrunk!  Chemo guests, Scarlett, Mom, and Matt

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