The Diagnosis

Jen picked me up at 10:30am and took me to Washington Radiology for a breast MRI. It wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. The test was quick and they printed out films and a CD with all my images from the ultrasound, biopsy and MRI so that I have it to share with my medical team. I cannot believe I have a medical team. I will need the images to share with my surgeon and oncologist.

It wasn’t until late in the afternoon while I was driving that I received THE phone call.

“Your pathology report shows that you have breast cancer.”

Even though I knew this news was coming it didn’t stop the black out. My ears rang with a high pitched siren and the words following “cancer” were jumbled. I wish Jen were on the phone with me to take notes.

invasive ductal carcinoma

The tumor is actually 5cm. From the ultrasound they could only see the side of it. It has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, the breast tissue and is positioned at the back of my chest wall. The fact that it has started to branch out and it’s positioning makes it difficult to do surgery first. This cancer is aggressive and I need to start chemotherapy immediately. The concern with the positioning is that it could potentially spread to my lung.

According to my biopsy report, it is invasive ductal carcinoma which is the most common type of breast cancer (which is some good news). The radiologist advised I seek a medical team and get several opinions from different doctors due to my situation.

I meet with the breast surgeon Virginia Chiantella, MD on Monday and Jen’s oncologist, Dr. David Heyer on Tuesday. Personal research and recommendations perceive them to be phenomenal doctors.

I just want this process to start already.