Unfortunately, it was not the news I hoped for...

[CAMary]

They found a couple of spots on my biopsy with abnormal cells. It is called DCIS, and is considered a pre-cancerous condition, stage 0. It is considered non-invasive and non-life-threatening. So it is the *best* kind of *bad* news I can get. The cure rate is like 99.9%. There were 3 areas, each measuring less than a mm found on 10 core samples taken. I have to go back for a surgical lumpectomy where they take tissue from the surrounding area and check it. There is a good chance that is all of the treatment I will need, with close monitoring to follow - possibly some radistion. My mom is going to find someone to go to for another opinion (she has tons of friends who have been through it). I want to be sure I am aggressive enough to prevent future problems.

So, once again, I draw a short stick in the health department. I'm trying not to be angry, and be so very thankful this has been caught when it has - basically at the earliest detectable stage - but I also feel like "Hey, I've already *got* the humbling medical condition that makes you re-evaluate your life - isn't this overkill!??!"

SO the surgeon's office will call me back tomorrow, once they have an OR scheduled, and it is an outpatient procedure. Once the pathology comes back we will know for sure the course to follow, but the surgeon feels the area of concern is so small, we may have gotten all of it in the biopsy, which would be awesome news.

Please keep me in your prayers - I know it's going to be okay, but I'm not sure where I'm going to find the emotional strength to get through it.

Lots of love,

Mary

[harvest_table]

Mary,

99.9 percent cure ratio is very good news, and I think your reaction is natural, not over kill. You are at stage 0, good news. Think that means possible cancer cells, that's all.

I don't know if you have been following the Iditarod link but a musher named Dee Dee Jonrowe has survived what I think was stage three breast cancer, did chemo and radiation and has been back and strong in the race the last few years. There are many stories about women in late stages of breast cancer that survive treatments and go on to live years and years of productive and healthy lives.

Personally, I have 3 friends that have been in much later stages and opted for treatments and and doing great now.

We are your support, big time.

Love,
Joanna

[kate_ce1995]

Mary,

I am sorry you have to go through this, but I'm also very glad you are going about your routine health screening the way we are supposed to so this was caught so early. Early detection really is the key. My Mom was in a more advanced stage, but before anything spread to the rest of her body and she is now a 10 year survivor.

Keep the faith.
Katy

[JJ]

Hi Mary....I will echo everything every one else said but also send a cyber hug and prayers too....thinking of you kiddo!




Luv....JJ

[MaggieRedwings]

Morning Mary,

Ditto on what everyone has said and I too have a couple of friends - one who had very advanced BC and had a double masectomy and is now 4 years cured.

You are in my prayers.

Love, Maggie

[starfire]

Dear Mary,
I know this has been quite a blow to you. I'm really sorry they found anything at all, but I am so very grateful that it was found it the very earliest stage. I think you have an excellent chance to end the problem here and now.

Many

Love, Shirley

[Polly]

RATZ, CA Mary!

UNFAIR, What a royal PITA. Just what you didn't need. However, that said, it appears that you have the best case scenario going for you. I know that you will do just fine, but I'm sorry that you have to go through the anxiety and mental anguish. Am sending positive thoughts and prayers. And yes, feel free to whine and rant/rave all you want.

Love,

Polly

[Peggy]

One day at a time Mary, one day at a time.

Love ya
Peg

[piemom]

Mary...people always say that you aren't given more than you can handle. Obviously you are a strong woman and will come through this with flying colors. No doubt it will be a long road, but you have the support of your family, friends and online family to help you through this. Let us know what you need and what we can do for you.

Take care and be strong.

Wendy

[jenilake]

Mary,

I'm sorry to hear this, but am glad that it was caught so early. I don't think there is a woman anywhere who doesn't worry about this kind of thing.

I would definitely get a second opinion!!

Love, Kathyp

[Mars]

Many to you Mary!

Your cyber family is always here for you to lean on!

Much love and good wishes!

Love and
Mars

[barbaranoela]

Dear Mary------

My very embrace U----and megga prayers ---

Im sure this will be OK-----

And U know we ALL are here to support you--

luve Barbara

[Liz]

Hello Mary. Here's hoping that everything goes well for you. These days There is much more that can be done if Bc is caught in the early stages. I have several friends who have come through very well. even after double mastectomy. Will be thinking of you & praying that you will have a clean bill of health very soon.

Love

Liz

[Alice]

Hi Mary,

Oh dear - you didn't need another health challenge!! It's a bummer.
BUT, I'm so glad it's pre-cancerous. That's really a lucky thing, even though it's probably too soon to see it that way. You're still probably in shock, and yes - angry as well..

Thinking of you.

Love,
Alice

[annie oakley]

Mary
((((((((((((((((((Mary))))))))))))))))) Love Oma