The diagnosis
May 7-9th 2008 
After months and years of my husband and I finding lumps, I finally got the courage to go for a mammogram. I just never felt like I had the ability to stand any more medical issues until now. I went for a diagnostic mammogram and because of what they found there, they immediately did an ultrasound and then a needle biopsy. I had time to call my husband and he came down for the last part. We were both in shock over the seriousness of the matter. All I could say to myself over and over was, "I can't fuckin believe it!" The radiologist and the surgeon both felt it was cancer already, but didn't want to be sure until I got an MRI. So I did that the next day. It was uncomfortable in that tight tube, but I kept telling myself I can withstand anything for a short time. I was more nervous about the results. The next day, Rick and I went down to the surgeon's office and she confirmed "It is breast cancer." Oh My GOD! So, then, she goes into detail about the kind of cancer, the stage, the type, how it spread to the lymph nodes, and what she plans to do about it.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on the right breast only
Spread to the lymph nodes under the right arm pit
The plan? Scoop it all out and replace with breast reconstructive materal. They will also take out 4-12 lymph nodes under my arm.
Easy Peazy, lemon squeezie.
She reassured us that the plastic surgeon she works with is also an advocate for women and he and she work together as a team, and they don't work with anybody else. Dr. Police and Dr. Kaidi. After taking it all in, crying, hearing I will also need chemotherapy and my hair will most likely fall out, crying some more, and then finally leaving the office... we made an immediate appointment with DR. Kaidi. So, we drove over there and saw him. He was also very kind and reassuring. His nurse explained the procedure of inserting a bag in the breast that they expand (it's called the expander) a little at a time, to stretch out slowly and big enough to take up the space for the permanent breast implant. He also offered to do lift the left breast to allow it to match the new right breast. This was a bonus to me, since that means I'll have perky breasts at 50. And 80 I guess.
Don't get me wrong... I'm scared shitless. What bugs me most is the process of surgery and anesthesia. I don't do well with it. I have had 6 surgeries before and they all were the kind that made me barf uncontrollably for 24 hours. except the last one. We figured out that Zofran makes a huge difference.
Rick is my advocate, my rock, my courage. I love him so much. I am so grateful for him.
I am also grateful for my friends and family and coworkers. I feel supported and as though everything is going to come out alright. I plan to kick this. I know it will be tough. But, I will survive.
After months and years of my husband and I finding lumps, I finally got the courage to go for a mammogram. I just never felt like I had the ability to stand any more medical issues until now. I went for a diagnostic mammogram and because of what they found there, they immediately did an ultrasound and then a needle biopsy. I had time to call my husband and he came down for the last part. We were both in shock over the seriousness of the matter. All I could say to myself over and over was, "I can't fuckin believe it!" The radiologist and the surgeon both felt it was cancer already, but didn't want to be sure until I got an MRI. So I did that the next day. It was uncomfortable in that tight tube, but I kept telling myself I can withstand anything for a short time. I was more nervous about the results. The next day, Rick and I went down to the surgeon's office and she confirmed "It is breast cancer." Oh My GOD! So, then, she goes into detail about the kind of cancer, the stage, the type, how it spread to the lymph nodes, and what she plans to do about it.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on the right breast only
Spread to the lymph nodes under the right arm pit
The plan? Scoop it all out and replace with breast reconstructive materal. They will also take out 4-12 lymph nodes under my arm.
Easy Peazy, lemon squeezie.
She reassured us that the plastic surgeon she works with is also an advocate for women and he and she work together as a team, and they don't work with anybody else. Dr. Police and Dr. Kaidi. After taking it all in, crying, hearing I will also need chemotherapy and my hair will most likely fall out, crying some more, and then finally leaving the office... we made an immediate appointment with DR. Kaidi. So, we drove over there and saw him. He was also very kind and reassuring. His nurse explained the procedure of inserting a bag in the breast that they expand (it's called the expander) a little at a time, to stretch out slowly and big enough to take up the space for the permanent breast implant. He also offered to do lift the left breast to allow it to match the new right breast. This was a bonus to me, since that means I'll have perky breasts at 50. And 80 I guess.
Don't get me wrong... I'm scared shitless. What bugs me most is the process of surgery and anesthesia. I don't do well with it. I have had 6 surgeries before and they all were the kind that made me barf uncontrollably for 24 hours. except the last one. We figured out that Zofran makes a huge difference.
Rick is my advocate, my rock, my courage. I love him so much. I am so grateful for him.
I am also grateful for my friends and family and coworkers. I feel supported and as though everything is going to come out alright. I plan to kick this. I know it will be tough. But, I will survive.
You are the bravest woman I know. I love you with all of my heart. You are an inspiration and a very strong willed person. I know God will be with us tomorrow and He will be helping us with His power, I believe He will look after us and take good care of us. We are fortunate to have so many people praying for us and your full recovery.
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Aunt Julie,
What can I say, you are fricken amazing. Thanks for always reminding me of how life shouldn't be taken for granted. You always have creative ways of expressing this, would've preferred it didn't include you in a hospital bed. Did I meantion you are amazing? O yeah call me asap, cuz I have lots of plans for us when you get out, like a 5k run for breast cancer awareness and shit. SHIT! God, I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots and lots of prayers, you are the best aunt a selfish niece could wish upon a star for~ tears, O God~ more tears. Don't try to be strong like everybody says, sometimes you godda be reassured that Someone much stronger than you is in control. fuck, tears, o God. fuck, I will see you soon.
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I love you and will be sending you happy, healthy, and loving thoughts through your entire journey.
Love,
Tanya
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Dr. O!! I have known you as a "fighter". We're all in with you.. all the way. Luck, Love & Prayers always!!
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Dear Rick,
I sit here watching the clock...1:33...I have been praying for you and Dr. Julie on and off since I heard. I am so grateful that the two of you have one another to go thru this together. This is in God's hands and I KNOW Julie is one of his favorite and BEST creations. God is being bombarded non-stop with prayers for you and Julie. You are NOT alone, Rick! Your wife is a fighter and the two of you are one hell of a team! Never give up! Never give In! You, too, are an inspiration. Many men run...I admire you for facing this fear and holding her hand thru all of this. God Bless, Lisa Gray
PS....Just think of how hot her tits will be after all of this!!!
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Hi Aunt Julie! Good to hear you are doing so well..I've been praying non-stop. I couldn't believe the news when I heard it. I was so scared, I don't know much about breast cancer. But you are such a strong woman and I admire you so much. Please get well soon..and hopefully it wont be too long until I see you next! love you, get better!!! xxox
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Hi Jess,
Thanks for keeping up with my blog and being with me on this journey. I appreciate your concern and your love. I will be alright. Everyone's support keeps me strong. Please stay with me.
Julie
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