a note from mom's pink sharpie

Ever since I can remember I’ve been a “sign” person. Not the “sharp turn ahead” or “bread on isle number 3” or zodiac type signs, but the subtle hints in one’s tiny part of the universe that suggested some sort of truth, or acknowledgement, or even a course of action.

I have to admit that when I was younger I went seeking the signs rather than being more keenly aware of those coming naturally. In one’s youth, besides getting an education, establishing relationships outside of your immediate family tends to be the center of existence. Whenever I had a crush on someone, I use to say to myself, “If he looks up at me two times and smiles that means he likes me”. Of course, in second grade, the real sign would have been him pulling my hair, or teasing me incessantly. High school found me still believing in the romance novel type of sign, but in order for this to be real you have to turn and see if there are any other girls behind you, which most often is the case.

As I began to get older I didn’t seek out signs so much, but knew they were coming to me through the people I met, the experiences I had, and through my personal spiritual beliefs. Of course some were affecting my life more deeply than others, but all giving me pause to think. One of the most lighthearted and memorable signs I have with regards to Kelly actually happened before she was born. Her father and I were at a restaurant and the waitress noticed I was expecting. She asked if we knew the sex of the baby. A firm “no” being our answer she asked if she could perform the wedding ring test. My wedding ring dangled over my belly and began to move in a circle. “That means a girl”, she proclaimed. We smiled and during the rest of dinner, my husband and I talked about baby names, both girls and boys! The obvious sign was that the wedding ring was right, but the more subtle sign was that this became Kelly’s favorite restaurant and she was always made to feel extra special by the wait staff.

In the past two years, I’ve come to actually look for signs, both about the past, the present, and the future. A re-examination as to what led me to this place in life, how to deal with it as it exists, and what I need to do moving forward. Way too deep, I know, but it starts to naturally happen to most everyone as they grow older, maybe even more so if you are experiencing a difficult time. I have witnessed this in Kelly these past few months as she speaks about signs, both tangible and intangible, surrounding and, in a sense, guiding her. I hope she shares some of these in her posts, they are pretty incredible.

Diane Keaton recently stated in a magazine article, “See, this is what life is. People bring you to places you never expected you would go.” My interpretation: People often carry the “signs meant for you” through their words, action and love. Be a carrier!

Now here are a couple of interesting facts about breasts we came across: (Warning: it might seem like TMI, but good to know when talking about health.)

Nipple Hair Is Normal

Not everyone has nipple hair, but it is very common. The more hair a woman has all over her body, the more likely she is to have hairs around her nipples. These hairs are rarely cause for concern, but if you want to get rid of them, you can tweeze, laser, or trim them. However, you should “alert your physician if the amount of hair dramatically increases.” That could signal a women’s health condition or another type of medical issue that needs attention.

You Can Have More Than Two Nipples
It’s not a myth! Supernumerary nipple, also known as extra nipples, can grow on places other than your breasts and may even develop breast tissue. In fact, extra nipples are the most common congenital abnormality of the breast and can occur in both girls and boys. Some celebrities, including Lily Allen and Mark Wahlberg, are rumored to have them. Extra nipples — there can sometimes be more than one — typically develop along “milk lines,” which start in the armpit on each side of the body, run down through the nipples on the breasts, and end at the groin. However, they have also been known to occur on other areas of the body, including on a 22-year-old woman's foot, as far from the breast as it could get.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 
Kimberly  

“we're off to see the wizard”

I think I speak for most when I say, I don’t particularly like going to the doctor. So I knew I really had to buckle up as I began to Follow the Pink Brick Road.

Doctors, Tests and Needles…Oh My!

The First Stop: Fertility Specialist

When I met with the Breast Surgeon, I was told that because of my specific type of breast cancer, part of my treatment plan would require chemotherapy. As you can imagine, this news was extremely difficult to hear. The first question I asked was “Will I lose my hair?” Sadly, the answer was “Yes.” There would also be a long laundry list of other side effects…one of which I wasn’t expecting, the possibility of infertility.

Along with a million other things running through my mind, now I had to think about the possibility of not having children. This wasn’t an easy thing to process, especially because I’ve always wanted to be a mother. I may have not been ready for kids right now but it was something I saw as part of my future. In order to protect that part of my plan, I was willing to do whatever it takes.

The first step was meeting with a Fertility Specialist to discuss my options. Again, there I sat, my parents by my side, as I listened to every word the doctor said to the 27-year old woman sitting in front of her. Oh wait, that’s me she’s talking to! Everything still felt like an out-of-body experience and it was hard to snap out of it.

During that meeting, I learned all about the Egg Freezing process. The doctor took a very positive approach, not focusing on the possibility of my infertility but rather how fortunate I am to have this option, which has only been around the past two years. She also said that age was on my side, as my eggs could be “frozen in time” as 27-year old eggs. The doctor did say that I would need to think about what I want to do with them, should anything happen to me. I quickly responded “I’d like to donate them to my brothers.” Everyone in the room laughed and I looked perplexed as to why. My mom chuckled and said, “Kelly, that wouldn’t work. It would be like incest.” Wow, how did I not think of that?! Here I was thinking I was making a nice gesture, ha-ha! At least we all got a good laugh out of it – which we really needed.

While all the details of the process sounded a bit overwhelming, I walked away wanting to make the “investment,” even if it was just an “insurance policy.” Now, I just needed to get the “OK” to move forward with freezing my eggs (prior to chemotherapy) from the Oncologist.

The Second Stop: Blood Work

When I was younger, I dreaded having my blood drawn, getting shots and even swallowing pills. Sometimes I would even pass out! Luckily, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been less fearful. It’s a good thing because little did I know that with this diagnosis – all of those things would become part of my “normal routine.”

To say a lot of blood was needed is an understatement. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many tubes drawn! Blood was needed for fertility testing as well as for several other tests. While drawing my blood, the Phlebotomist asked, “Are you alright?” I responded with, “Yeah, I’m fine…I just need to look away or I’ll pass out. This feels like a long time, how much more do we have?” “Oh, we’re only halfway there,” she replied. “Awesome!” I said sarcastically…and that was just the first of more “bloody” blood work to come.

The Third Stop: Breast MRI and Mammogram

Walking into the Radiologist office the morning of my appointment was like déjà vu. It brought back the nerves I had before my first ultrasound and ultrasound core needle biopsy. Now, I was anxious to see what a breast MRI and mammogram entailed. These tests were to not only get a clearer picture of the known tumor site but also to check both breasts for any other questionable areas.

The first part of the visit was the breast MRI. After changing into the standard medical gown and having blood drawn, they had me lay face down on the moveable examination table. The platform is specially designed for the procedure, which has openings to accommodate the breasts to be imaged without compression. Once I was situated on the table and given headphones to help with the loud noises, the technologist started an IV, which was for the portion of the procedure when they administered the contrast material. After about an hour of lying completely still, the imaging was finally over.

Then it was onto the mammogram. I’ll admit I had heard terrible things about them and here I was having one 13 years before we, as women, are suggested to. At first, the mammography unit looked like a scary contraption but it’s really not that bad. It’s just a few seconds of discomfort, when your breast is being compressed at the various angles. For me the most uncomfortable part was when the diseased breast was being manipulated. Luckily, I had a very friendly and funny technician who made the process feel like a piece of cake!

The results of the mammogram were very quick. After having time to look over my images, the Radiologist met with me to review everything. Fortunately, the mammogram only picked up the known tumor. The results of the breast MRI, however, would take a few days.

A message to all women: Do not put off getting a mammogram because of the scary things you may have heard, it really isn’t bad at all. You can do it!

The Fourth Stop: Genetic Counselor  

When I was tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, it was suggested that I have a consultation with a Genetic Counselor. The purpose of that meeting would be to not only review my family history but also to discuss the various genetic testing I should consider and their implications.

During that initial consult, we went over my family tree to see if there were any possible links to my cancer. Fortunately, there were not. However, since breast cancer is so rare in women my age, we also discussed additional genetic testing that I may want to consider.

While the Comprehensive BRACAnalysis is “a highly reliable and accurate test” for the sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, the BRACAnalysis Large Rearrangement Test (BART) was “launched to provide a way to detect additional large genomic rearrangements in both BRCA1 and BRCA2” (Source: Myriad). Thus, I was advised to be tested for a BART mutation as well.

In addition, another gene mutation that has been linked to breast cancer, among many other cancers is p53. My counselor asked me to give thought to this test as well.

After many discussions with my Genetic Counselor, doctors, insurance company, and parents, I decided it was best to “dot my i’s,” “cross my t’s” and make the investment in all of the testing, so I could have the reassurance of knowing all the facts – especially to aid with a future surgery decision.

Approximately two and a half months later, I now have all of my genetic test results. I am very pleased to report that all came back negative (no mutations)! What a big relief for both my family and me.

Even though I still keep in touch with my Genetic Counselor, I want to publicly thank her so very much for listening, her sweet nature, patience, concern, advice and loving support. You made a crazy time much more comforting – like I was talking to a big sister who was always looking out for me! Thank you for being a wonderful person that I’ll never forget.

The Fifth Stop: Oncologist   

Was I really going to meet with a doctor who deals specifically with cancer? Now I was officially the cancer patient...things were just still so surreal. When I walked into the examination room I felt fine but my pulse was skyrocketing. Even though I had my long list of organized questions, I was growing more nervous by the minute.

First, a technician came in to get my vital signs and ask if I was in any pain. Not long after that, the Physician’s Assistant came in. She asked me to recount everything that’s happened since I found the lump. I feel like I knew the story like the back of my hand at this point, since I’ve recounted it so many times. Then we discussed both my family’s medical history and mine at length. I suddenly started to get very hot and had a hard time concentrating. I was hearing what she was saying but focusing was becoming more and more difficult. I was pretty sure I was about to pass out, so I spoke up and said I didn’t feel right. Immediately, they opened the door to let in some fresh air and she ran out to get me some water and crackers. I had pretty much drenched through my clothes, so I changed into a medical gown. I guess reality was hitting me all at once.

She stepped out and gave me some time to lie down and relax. Once I was feeling better she came in to finish the appointment with a breast exam. Next the Oncologist came in smiling and asked if it would be okay to bring in some students with her. I didn’t mind at all, especially if it was to help them learn. Everyone was very nice and the doctor often placed a hand on my shoulder – talking to me in a very caring way. We went over my diagnosis and what my chemotherapy treatment plan would look like. Her recommendation was 8 infusions total, every other week, followed by a shot the day after each infusion to boost my white blood cell count. You wouldn’t believe how many questions I asked about chemotherapy and it’s side effects. While going through the details, that feeling came over me again. I had to stop the conversation as I felt as though I was going to pass out. They were very kind and all stepped out of the room to get me more water and time to regroup.

Eventually, I was “all there” and we continued the appointment. I explained that having children was important to me and asked her thoughts on freezing my eggs. The Oncologist understood, but due to the aggressiveness of my cancer she was only willing to give me permission to do one round of IVF. I couldn’t proceed if my menstrual cycle came late or not at all, as there wouldn’t be time.

Towards the end of the visit, she did a breast exam and mentioned that it was important to see if the cancer had spread. Thus, I needed both a CT and Bone Scan. Luckily, they were able to get me in for a CT Scan that day. Before wrapping up, we talked about clinical trials for a bit and she had someone meet with me to discuss them in more detail.

We met with the clinical trial contact to gather paper work and briefly discuss what the trial would entail. It was a lot of information to process at once, so I took it home to think it over. Then guess what I had to do next? More blood work! The man who drew my blood was so sweet and funny. I said “Don’t mind me, I just need to look away.” “That makes two of us,” he replied. It was nice to laugh. He then said, “Your blood is special, you must have royal blood.” Oh royal blood! Now I really liked hearing that! I’ve always liked to think there was some royal blood in me. Or maybe that’s just because I’ve always wanted to be a princess and have a weird fascination with crowns! Either way, at least now I have a stranger to help aid my theory! As he finished up, he wrapped my arm with a pink bandage to match my shirt. Now that’s what I call full service! He said I should go play a tennis match or something. Ha-ha.

It seemed like forever waiting for the CT Scan. So many steps you have to go through with insurance. Finally, it was my turn. I lied on the examination table fully clothed and they put a sheet over me and asked me to pull my pants down to my knees. I’m not going to lie; it was kind of awkward – especially coming from the guy technician who asked. Next, he hooked me up to the IV, which would administer the contrast material. I kept switching which arm to use for all these needles, as they were starting to look a bit traumatized!

The scan was fairly short; the weirdest part is when they push the contrast material through the IV. I was pretty sure I peed my pants and started to get nervous the tech would notice when he came out. So I figured I would just bring it up before it got awkward. As soon as he walked in the room, I said, “I think we have a problem.” “What’s wrong?” he asked. “I think I peed my pants…” I quietly said. “Well we can’t have you doing that, now can we! Are you sure you did?” he smiled as he replied back. “I’m pretty sure but I can’t say for certain,” I reluctantly replied. “You know peeing in your pants is only for babies and old people, right?” he laughed. “Yeah I know but I couldn’t control it!” I laughed back. “He said I’m just joking with you, that’s a very common sensation for most people when we push the contrast liquid. You didn’t pee your pants, I guarantee you,” he said. Once he left the room and allowed me to pull my pants up, I was relieved to see he was right. Thank goodness!

The next morning, I received a call from the Oncologist saying that my CT Scan was clear. So good to hear such great news! Now I just needed to get a Bone Scan scheduled.

The Sixth Stop: Breast Surgeon Follow-Up

Prior to my follow-up appointment with the Breast Surgeon, I picked up my reports and images from my mammogram and breast MRI. I also had them forwarded to surgeon, so she would have them for review prior to my visit.

The mammogram was clear, as the Radiologist mentioned, only picking up the known tumor. Unfortunately, the breast MRI picked up another questionable solid mass in another area of the diseased breast. This would require another biopsy to determine if it’s benign or cancerous. Because of its size and location, it would require a more challenging procedure than my original biopsy, called a Breast MRI-Guided Core Needle Biopsy. Ugh. Not exactly the news I wanted to hear.

The MRI also showed, as the surgeon suspected in my first visit, that there is chest wall involvement. This means that the known tumor is against the chest wall and possibly invading it. With this situation, If they were to go in for surgery, they very likely would not be able to get clear margins – which would mean that cancerous cells could be left behind in the chest wall. This news was a game changer. Even though they knew I would need chemotherapy, they now knew I would need neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or chemo prior to surgery. I was told that I needed to start chemo as soon as possible, especially if I was going to try to fit in one round of IVF beforehand.

Even though I was not looking forward to the idea of chemo and losing my hair earlier than expected, I looked at this as something that would buy me time with making my surgery decision. I also hoped that I would be able to see the tumor shrink, hopefully allowing for breast-conserving surgery.

Coming out of that visit, I had yet another set of appointments to schedule:

·      EKG and Echocardiogram (determine heart function prior to chemo)

·      Breast MRI-Guided Core Needle Biopsy

·      Mammogram #2

·      Bone Scan

 

The Next Several Stops: Additional Opinions

In order to ensure that I was making the best possible decision with my medical care, it was important to seek additional opinions. Fortunately, everyone had the same diagnosis and similar game plans. My decision would just come down to whom I felt most comfortable with.

So again, off I went to digest a wealth of information, set up more appointments, make decisions about my medical team and start to make plans for IVF.

Following The Pink Brick Road so far has brought many unexpected curves but I’ve been lucky to travel it side by side with supportive and loving family and friends. Always clicking my heels along the way, saying…

There’s no place like home!

Kelly

P.S. My brother Ryan (aka Ryden Ridge) released his latest EP today. Check it out here and in my “Song of the Week” section. Ryan, I love you and I’m so proud of you!

P.P.S. Happy Halloween! When I was younger, I was fascinated with The Wizard of Oz. Apparently, I would watch it over and over again. It’s a true classic that never gets old and thus the inspiration for today’s post theme. Here’s a picture of me in my preschool Halloween costume, dressed as Glinda the Good Witch. Thanks to my mom for the awesome creation!!

“say yes to a cure”

As many of you know, I proudly work for TLC, one of the networks part of Discovery Communications. Earlier this month, Discovery’s LifeWorks & Inclusion team hosted their annual Wellness Expo, an onsite internal event for employees to visit with local vendors and to not only learn about well-being but celebrate it. This year’s focus was breast cancer awareness and the event was appropriately themed “Say Yes to a Cure,” after TLC’s well-known and hit franchise, Say Yes to the Dress.

Luckily, both my mom and I were able to attend the tastefully executed event. I loved seeing Discovery’s halls perfectly adorned with pink! While the theme of the expo hit very close to home, I know I speak for both my mom and myself when I say it was truly an amazing day that we’ll never forget.

Part of that memorable day featured a special appearance by one of TLC’s most beautiful and beloved talent, Lori Allen, of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. Unfortunately, earlier this year, Lori was faced with a breast cancer diagnosis herself. A true warrior and inspiration to all, Lori graciously allowed cameras to document her journey. During the expo, Discovery employees were given the opportunity to screen her story, Say Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight, which airs tomorrow, Friday, October 26 @ 10|9c on TLC.

As usual, Lori shines in this touching and tear jerking special. I encourage you all to tune-in, as it not only showcases a very lovely woman but also a disease that affects so many of our loved ones. 

Photo Credit: Jess Molina

Set your reminders and grab your tissues, you don’t want to miss Say Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight, tomorrow, Friday, October 26 @ 10|9c on TLC.

Check out this sneak peek and show your support during the show with #LorisFight.

Sending all my love and sincere thanks to Lori Allen, TLC and my entire Discovery Family.

Say Yes to a Cure!

Kelly

P.S. This week’s song selection is for DL. I will never forget that concert earlier this summer. Thank you for being a constant soldier by my side. Happy Early Birthday, Love! xoxo

a note from mom's pink sharpie

When I first heard those words from Kelly, “It’s not good”, I went into shock. I felt like I couldn’t move, but I knew I needed to, my child was hurting and by her side I haven’t left. I’ve crumbled many of times, some in front of her and others in private. Besides the question of where do we go from here, the other big one in my head was “Why Kelly?”

In order to answer the first question, her father and I took to the computer researching breast cancer, the various cancer centers in the metropolitan area, and unfortunately a lot of the statistics that comes with doing research. After quite a bit of reading, I happened upon the story of a young woman much like Kelly, who battled breast cancer questioning why this was happening to her and her realization. It was after all this reading that I found that the real question is “Why not Kelly?” Don’t get me wrong, I still have trouble even saying my daughter has breast cancer, much less understanding why! She doesn’t fall within any of the high risk categories; i.e., over the age of 55, family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast or other cancer, chest radiation at young age, obesity, beginning your menstrual cycle before the age 12, or having a first child after 35. However, these are “risk factors” and for many women, like Kelly, diagnosed with breast cancer, they don’t have any of these. However, she does fall within the highest risk category of all, she is a woman!

Statistically speaking, women, by far, have a higher risk than men (290,000+ new all inclusive types of breast cancer diagnosis of women vs. 2,190 men estimated for 2012). Living in the United States places us at a 2% percent increase of breast cancer incidence between the ages of 15-79 than the rest of the world. White women have a higher incidence of all racial ethnicities; however, in Kelly’s age bracket (under 40), the incidence is higher in African Americans. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, resulting directly from gene defects (called mutations) inherited from a parent. Getting older, as we’ve all heard, places you at greater risk. However, this is where the statistics get a bit murky for me. According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.” Whereas the Susan G. Komen for the Cure notes, “Women in the United States have a ‘1 in 8’ (or about 12 percent) lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. This means that for every eight women in the U.S. who live to be age 85, one will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.” The Komen website breaks it down further by showing the absolute risk of a woman developing breast cancer in the next year for a 30-34 year old would be 1 in 4,000 versus a 70-74 year old who would have a 1 in 226 risk of diagnosis. Too much math you might be saying and I would have to agree. After hours of trying to make sense of it all, I finally had to agree with the young woman whose story resonated so close to home, “Why not Kelly?” She is a woman who has become the 1 in 8 in her lifetime to develop breast cancer. Was she the 1 in 8 of women in our family; or her Brownie Troop; or her middle school softball team; or her high school French class, or her fraternity pledge class, or among her co-workers? Somehow I believe we need to adopt a more simple mathematical way of looking at breast cancer. No matter what our age, where we live, what our ethnicity, our family history, or even our personal history (genetics, rate of alcohol consumption, our weight, etc.), we, as women, all need to realize we could be the “ONE”! So really get to know your body, especially your breasts (this goes for you men out there as well, especially since there is no screening available for guys); learn at least one thing you can do to try and prevent cancer and let this lead to a second thing, and so on; and pass what you learn on to your family.  You've heard it before and you'll hear it many times in the future:  EARLY DETECTION is key, but steps towards PREVENTION are valuable too!

Now here are another couple of tidbits I’ve learned along Kelly’s journey so far! 

1) I’ve been getting annual mammograms since I was 40 (as every woman should), going to the same radiology center for let’s just say several years now! When Kelly had her mammogram she went to another radiology group, and it was a totally different experience. I will just say that in all those years, not once did a doctor come and talk to me right after having the mammogram; whereas, I noticed at the other center, every patient’s visit was followed up by a doctor consultation. I’m switching centers! 

2) Continuing on the subject of mammograms, you may be interested in this

TED talk regarding some new developments in this area coming in the not so distant future.

Be well,

Kimberly

“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!

a note from mom's pink sharpie

Kelly and I share quite a bit as mother and daughter. Our first names begin and end with the same letters (coincidence, I think not)! We both love pretty stationery and writing notes with a sharpie (hence the name of this column). Thus, it is so nice of Kelly to share some space on her blog for me to write some thoughts of my own. First and foremost, thank you Kelly, I love you so very, very much! Secondly, thank you to all those supporting Kelly and our family along a journey that has many curves and potholes in the road. For lack of a better analogy right this moment, we feel surrounded by a bunch of airbags, inflating just in time to soften the impact. As cathartic as this blog will be for Kelly, we all look forward to seeing the comments, funny stories, YouTube videos, or even personal life moments each and everyone one of you care to post on this blog. Just remember: 

 “To stay positive, think positive, act positive, and believe positive.”   -Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Here’s a tidbit of advice we’ve learned so far: Get your personal health history together while you’re healthy! You cannot believe how difficult it is to see the “sick” history of the generations that have come before. It doesn’t quite inspire hope at a time when you need it the most. So get in touch with that long lost relative, or make it a family project to gather those health histories, you never know what you might uncover. Check out this website to get started: https://familyhistory.hhs.gov                                     

Kimberly

                                                                        

the “booby call”

In hindsight, when I think back to that call I received on August 8^th, I am actually quite surprised as to how calm I was when I heard the words “Kelly, I’m sorry to have to tell you this but it’s not what we were hoping…” In true “Kelly” fashion, I had my notebook and pen with me and wrote down every word the doctor said. In some sense, I almost felt like I was prepared for this news, but at the same time I was hoping it wouldn’t be true.

After the call ended is another story. All of a sudden, everything felt very foggy and shaky. My world was literally shifting before my eyes. Then came the collapse and tears. So many thoughts ran through my mind. One thing I know for certain -- I will never be able to adequately thank the amazing individual who rescued me after that life-changing call. You know who you are.

To be honest, when I received my specific diagnosis, I didn’t realize that there were various types of breast cancer. I just thought it was one disease with various stages. With all the media coverage, you would think that I would have known more. Sadly, I didn’t pay as much attention to it as I should have. Sure, I acknowledged breast cancer awareness before but now I get it. In fact, now, I feel like I could write a book on the subject matter.

One of the things they tell you when you receive your diagnosis is -- don’t do any research on the Internet. I’ll admit it was hard not to look. After all, you do want to learn and understand what’s going on with your body. But I quickly understood why they make this recommendation. While filled with a lot of information and resources, it is also a scary world that can be very negative. Seriously, who needs any more fear or worry? So, I put a stop to that nonsense. Instead, I chose to get the facts from other reliable sources – ones that would fill me with hope, strength and courage.

So, you may be looking for the details of my specific diagnosis but you won’t find them here. While I am open to talking about everything, I’d rather not give the medical terminology on this platform to then be turned around and looked up online – as it won’t be helpful to anyone. If you find yourself wanting to know the facts, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m more than willing to share. I just ask that you keep thinking positive, like I have!

Now I think I need to lighten the mood a bit…what do you say? How about a lil’ musical number to bring out the WARRIOR in all of us? My youngest brother, Ryan, is not only a very talented artist (he designed my blog – love it) but also a great musician. Check out his remix of the song “Warrior” that he recently entered into a contest. Let’s all vote and get him that 1^st place he deserves! Thank you, Ryan, for your beautiful creations and heart of gold. I love you so much.

Fun Fact: My first name means “Warrior Woman” and my middle name, Nicole, means “Victory of the People.” So, I often like to say that I’m successful in my battles…and I know I will win this one.

Ain’t no call like a Booby Call!

Kelly

P.S. Thank you so much for all of the encouraging comments and for joining my Boobster Club – your love and support means the world to me!

the “pits”

Over the course of my life, several friends have always told me that I need to have a blog and write about all the crazy sh*t that happens to me. Trust me, there are some pretty epic stories. To be honest, I’ve thought about it from time to time but didn’t really have something that moved me enough until now.   

The original idea for my blog was to recap a story (or ten) from my day, where literally the most awkward, unusual, hilarious, uncomfortable, insane, out of this world sh*t...you get my drift…would just simply happen to me! While they typically weren’t pleasant in the moment, they certainly made for great laugh-your-ass-off stories and conversation starters after the fact! 

Even though the new direction of my blog has taken a bit of a twist of fate, I hope to still keep it light-hearted but also real. Don’t worry; I’ll still throw in some of my crazy stories.

Now you’re like, “Okay Kelly, enough of the boring background -- spill it! Get to the point. What’s this new direction you speak of?”

So here it goes…

I woke up on Monday, July 23^rd and started my normal get ready for work routine, little did I realize that was a day I would never forget for the rest of my life. I hopped in the shower and went to shave my “pits,” when my wrist grazed against a rather obvious lump on my right breast. 

At that moment, my stomach dropped. I was pretty freaked out. What is this thing that seemed like it popped up over night? I managed to finish shaving but as soon as I got out of the shower, I called my GYN. I wasn’t going to mess around with this, especially because I didn’t have a good gut feeling. I explained that I found a lump and was there any way I could be seen that day. After some fight, I was luckily able to get in the next afternoon.  

Fast forwarding through the next two weeks:

• Saw my GYN who referred me for an ultrasound
• Flew down to Texas to celebrate Grandma’s 75^th birthday; she’s battling lung cancer
• Called to make ultrasound appointment and wasn’t going to be seen until late October…absurd! I fought back and got the next emergency appointment a week later
• Flew back home
• Had the ultrasound that confirmed it was a solid mass and required a biopsy to tell if it’s benign (not cancerous) or cancer
• The first biopsy appointment wasn’t for weeks out, so I fought for an emergency appointment and got in two days later
• Had an ultrasound core needle biopsy - funny story about that, I'll get to that another time
• 5 days later, on August 8th, I was called with my biopsy results 

 

This was the phone call that no one wants to get. You’ve probably guessed it by now…but I was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

That was August 8^th and it’s now September 18^th, needless to say a lot has transpired since then. That’s what I’ll unfold here in posts to come. 

So, as you can see my new direction for this blog is about my breast cancer journey, along with some of my promised crazy sh*t stories. 

The title of the blog was inspired by many of things but primarily because it’s just really uncomfortable to wear a bra right now!  Here I am, literally, “lettin’ it all hang out.”

Busting out of here for now,

Kelly