Adventures in Imaging – Outdoor Adventure

On May 15, 2018 I called my OB/GYN’s office to schedule an appointment to get a mass in my breast examined further. The clerk was alerted at my request and told me that I have to speak with the triage nurse. I left a voice mail for her that was promptly returned. After answering a series of questions, I was scheduled to see the new nurse practitioner the next morning at 8:30am. She referred me for an immediate diagnostic mammogram.

After calling several providers, I was scheduled for an opening at 12:30pm that afternoon! Praise! So I drove about an hour away to get a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The Tech came out and asked for my previous images. (I wasn’t aware that you have to always have a comparison if possible!? ) I explained the only other images I’ve had were from two years prior at my local hospital. After some discussion I was on the road in a total downpour to retrieve a disk of my prior images and make it back before they closed! Whew! Made it!

After a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, the radiologist came in to explain that he was “very concerned that this is malignant.” Further, that I needed a biopsy as soon as possible. The Tech was visibly shaken and kept apologizing. She gave me a number of a breast surgeon in my area and suggested another but this was totally foreign territory to me. I was not remotely familiar with any specialists of this kind.

After asking around I had several numbers and attempted to get an appointment; but had a very hard time doing so. I contacted a provider in Annapolis that had come highly recommended from several sources. After speaking with that clerk, she explained that she could absolutely not schedule the biopsy unless their radiologist had reviewed my images first. So on the road again… I loaded up our children after our classes and dropped off my disk of images about an hour and a half from our home for review on Thursday, May 17th, 2018.

I received a call from the clerk there on Friday, May 18th that I, indeed, needed a biopsy immediately according to their radiologist. I was scheduled for a breast biopsy on Wednesday, May 23rd at 8:00am in Annapolis. Didn’t feel to “immediate” to me; but, I was at their mercy at this point.

I was prepared for A breast biopsy. Once I went back, and they performed another ultrasound, I was informed that I would have 9 biopsies from 3 different sites of concern. The radiologist explained that often the results aren’t known for “about a week.” However, he explained that I need to be prepared for this to come back malignant. Further, that he would call me the next day around 8:00pm with the result. I was told to head home and rest and don’t lift anything. So, I promptly rolled out and wandered Trader Joe’s for a bit. Then, we made the trek home.

So on Thursday I did what any good southern Marylander would do when they are anticipating tough news: I loaded up a canvas bag and hit the beach with our babes…TWICE. Lol. I took them that morning; then, we waited for Weylin and Sophie to get home and we went back. Ha!
Eight in the evening came and went so I resolved that he forgot about me.

Then, on our way home, about 8:30pm, the radiologist called to explain that all 9 biopsies, including the lymph node, were malignant. Further, that it was Invasive Mixed Lobular Ductal. I asked a few other questions; but he said he was “just a dumb radiologist” and didn’t know any more. I had in my head all I wanted to know was if it was malignant or not. That question was answered; but, wowzers, I wanted a bit more information.

The next day was Friday and the surgeons aren’t in on Fridays. Can you say Memorial Day? Soooo, we had an appointment to meet with a surgeon on Tuesday, May 29th at 2:00pm in Annapolis. Three and a half hours, and a BINDER full of information, later, we have a pretty good idea of what is in the works. The surgeon suggested that I would “start” with six months of chemotherapy, then surgery then radiation. However, the length of the chemo treatments and the extent of my surgery is contingent upon the PET scan and my response to chemo over time.

I’m scheduled for a PET scan this Wednesday, June 6th, which will apparently reveal if the cancer has metastasized anywhere else. I was also told that I’ll be “sorta” radioactive; so, I gotta roll into that adventure solo.

Then, I will meet with my medical oncologist on June 11th to get details about chemotherapy treatments that will begin (I’m told) almost immediately. So far, we’ve chosen a provider over in Calvert.

So we’re just just taking it all in, praying fervently, and enjoying our day to day routine. (And frantically cleaning everything in my path, organizing our closet and dressers and trying to anticipate my new fabulous bald self.) As I’m told it’s definitive. My hair is gonna be a thing of the past very soon. Is this when I say: Not so worried about these hips of mine; but my hair?!? Ive always joked and said we’re the “Anderson Hair Factory.” I mean these babes have A LOT of hair that I cut every time I turn around. I guess I’m not gonna be much of a contributor for awhile. Sigh.

I’m so grateful to everyone who has already dove in to help, care for and encourage our family during this time. Please pray for Weylin, Sophie (15,) Pheobe-Tate (12 Saturday,) W (9,) Dolly-Mae (6,) Minnow (5,) and Gunnar (3) by name.

Honestly, we don’t have any unmet needs today. We’re attempting to organize and anticipate where needs may arise but I don’t know a lot at this point. Thank you for your gracious care and concern. We are, indeed, being held by the King and your intercession as we’re doing well.

Again, I’m posting daily on Instagram. I’ll update this as I have pertinent information to share. I anticipate I won’t update until next Wednesday after my PET scan. Although, I, most likely, won’t get those results the same day.

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