“what's up, doc?”

Good health. Let's be honest with ourselves we often take it for granted...until something slaps you in the face.

While I had been sensing for quite sometime that something wasn’t “right,” I didn’t think it was cancer. I thought I was pretty healthy – yes, I may need to exercise and eat better – but youth was on my side…or so I thought. It just goes to show you, things can happen to anyone…even when you least expect it.

When the Radiologist called me with my biopsy results, she explained that I needed to move very quickly. She told me to pick-up my pathology reports/images and referred me to a breast surgeon right away. From that moment, I knew I would need some type of surgery. I guess I just wasn’t expecting that a breast surgeon would be the first doctor I should see…but then again I had no idea what to expect.

Following the advice of the Radiologist and with the help of my family, I moved quickly to research breast surgeons and set-up appointments. Even though things were moving along swiftly, time seemed to be passing extremely slow. Hours felt like days. One day felt like weeks. Needless to say, I was anxious to get in front of a doctor to ask the infamous question, “What’s up, Doc?”

You may know this but in case you don’t, I like to be organized. So again, in true “Kelly” fashion, I made sure I was appropriately prepared for my first doctor appointment. My list of questions was six pages typed, divided into categories and bullet pointed. I must have read over my list of questions fifty times and added to it by the minute. On the way to the doctor, I rehearsed my questions, just as I would a school speech. I suppose it was my way of having some sort of control of the situation.

When I walked into the doctor’s office and sat in the waiting room, I remained pretty calm. I was nervous but I had my game-face on. I was ready for go-time. Having all my questions ready and previously completing the extensive pages of health history, I felt prepared. My pulse, on the other hand, was racing.  

Sitting on the table, waiting for the doctor felt like eternity. I often find that waiting is sometimes the hardest part. I’m pretty sure I read all of the posters on the wall, counted the ceiling lights and continued to read my questions over and over again. Fortunately, my family came with me and distracted me even more. I needed anything to keep my mind from thinking about how much time was passing.

A knock at the door. This was it. Finally, it was my time to be seen. A caring smile greeted me and shook my hand ever so confidently. She followed with a heartfelt and sincere, “How are you?” That’s when I broke. I had been so strong but I felt like she could see through me. I thought about how hard it must be to see that look in a patient’s eyes...multiple times a day, let alone everyday.

She started by talking me through my specific breast cancer diagnosis and corresponding diagrams. Luckily, I had already briefed myself on everything but it helped to walk through it a second time. Part of me felt like I was back in high school sitting in my AP Biology class. She kindly answered my endless list of questions and made me feel like she had all the time I needed. It was so nice not to feel rushed. As she continued talking to me, everything started to feel very surreal. It was like an out of body experience…as if I was standing next to myself, watching and listening to what someone else was being told. Almost as though I was watching a movie of myself.

Part of the visit included a ultrasound and breast exam. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t very comfortable. I tried to hold back the tears. The tumor had been tender to the touch and painful since the day I found it but it was even worse after the biopsy. The incision area was still healing and the swelling made the area feel much larger than before. Fortunately, she did not feel anything alarming other than the known tumor site. However, she said I would need further testing and imaging before moving forward.

Even though I do not have a family history of breast cancer, they still wanted to perform genetic testing to rule out any mutations. The primary reason for having the testing is for surgery implications. So at that first doctor appointment, we wasted no time and I was tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations of these genes are linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Interestingly, only 5-10% of breast cancers in the United States are linked to an inherited genetic mutation.

As the appointment wrapped up, we discussed what the next steps were:

• Breast MRI with and without contrast
• Mammogram
• Blood work
• Appointment with Genetic Counselor  
• Appointment with Fertility Specialist
• Appointment with Oncologist
• Follow-up Appointment with Breast Surgeon

So off I went to digest everything and to quickly set-up my next set of appointments. Even though I had a good feeling about the first breast surgeon I saw, it was important to seek out additional opinions to allow me to make the best decision moving forward. Thus, I worked that into my next steps as well. Needless to say, there were many appointments to come...all of which needed to be done in a short period of time.

Current Update: Weeks after testing, I received my BRCA1 and BRCA2 results. I’m happy to report that no mutation was found. Results of further genetic testing to come.

That’s all Folks! (for now)

Bugs

P.S.  Wondering when my next blog post will be live? Sign-up to receive an email whenever there is an update – simply enter your email address in the “Follow By Email” section below the Boobster Club sign-up!

P.P.S. Check out my new section called “Song of the Week.” This week's selection has a special meaning for me in many ways. Now it's time to share your song choice in the comment section below!