Being Proactive and Grateful

The perfect combo for making the best of a bad situation!

Now that the MRI was complete the next step on my journey was to see the breast surgeon, or so I thought it was. Turns out the next step was to get an axilla ultrasound. This will look at my lymph nodes. (Under the armpit!🙋 Thank God I shaved the night before! 😎) Apparently, the MRI showed that one of my lymph nodes looked highly suspicious.

I'm going to keep it real: my heart sank. Just when I was feeling confident that I had a grip on my diagnosis, another obstacle happened. Of course after verifying that the lymph node did in fact look large and suspicious a biopsy was preformed. Now another test to wait and see.

My breast surgeon, Dr Hatmaker, is amazing. She is so thorough, telling me everything I need to know and then some. She was calming and did her best to reassure me that she will be right there with me on this journey. Besides my primary care physician and OB/GYN, Dr. Hatmaker has put together a 'dream team' of doctors; all with the common goal at putting me in my best health. There is an:

• Endocrinologist that will work with me on keeping my diabetes in check.
• Oncologist that deals with my treatment to rid the cancer completely.
• Breast Surgeon who will preform the surgery as well as coordinate all the doctors together.
• Plastic surgeon for the reconstruction of my breasts.
• Nutritionist to look at the holistic things I can incorporate into my diet/lifestyle to keep my body whole and feeling its best. 

Now this is my 'dream team.'  Yours could and probably would look very different if you are battling cancer. For example, I have type 2 Diabetes - if you don't, then there is no need for an endocrinologist.

However, I do recommend seeing a nutritionist or seeing if there are any classes on nutrition you can take.  You want to make sure the foods you are eating are helping nourish your body to its optimal health.

I also highly recommend the genetic test to see if you carry BRCA1 or 2. This lets you know if you carry this gene in your DNA. If you have the gene then you could be at a higher risk to develop breast cancer. For more information on this test go to
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BRCA1andBRCA2.html

***Update on the latest****

The lymph node came back NEGATIVE for cancer! My genetic test also came back NEGATIVE for BRCA1&2. Thank you Lord!

So the final treatment will be a lumpectomy with breast reconstruction (My silver lining... a boob lift 😎)  I will also be having radiation treatments as well.

Everyone's journey to a cancer free body is different. I hope that if you have been diagnosed, or know someone who has, that you will find theses posts a help. The most important thing I can advise you is to research your options and if you don't feel comfortable with any doctor, get a second opinion. A good doctor won't mind.

Your doctor is like your coach through this. You MUST be able to fully trust your doctor.   Of course, leaning into God and family is key to getting the support you need.

I appreciate all the messages, cards, emails, etc. Im encouraged by how many are scheduling their mammograms and doctor's appointments. There is only one you and you are worth the time it takes to care for your health.

I will be having surgery later this month. In the mean time I will be posting updates with my various doctors. I want to help anyone going through cancer, or if you have a loved one dealing with it, know what to expect. Also, I know its so important not to feel alone. Many women (some cancer surviors and some going through the treatment now) have reached out and supported me. Please let me know if you need a listening ear. I want to pay it forward.

Later this week I will be posting a recipe that I think you will really enjoy! Also, I have some other great posts planned. Until then, take care of yourself and each other.

Lar