A week ago I went for a biopsy because I found a lump in my right boob. After a mammogram and ultra sound confirmed that they could see what I was feeling, the next step was a biopsy. I was annoyed by the phone call that my co-op for the less then 2 hour procedure would be $800! I went anyway figuring it would at least give me piece of mind that the bump was nothing.
I got to the apportionment and everyone was so nice and friendly. The nurse explained what was going to happen, then the doc came in and did the same. Sounded like no big deal. They took me back to a room and prepped the area. I was awake for the procedure. We talked about work, the music that was playing and upcoming vacations. Afterwords, I was wrapped up like I had just had my boobs done. They told me I would get a call in a day or so with the results. With the ice pack in my boobs, I went back to day 1 of the 2 day meeting I was attending that week. I went to dinner that night with a group of folks from work. We ate, drank and chatted.
The next morning, my phone rang while sitting in the meeting. I quickly got up and left the room to answer. Bonnie, my nurse navigator, was on the other end. She started, "we got the results back and I am sorry to say it is cancer" She kept going but all I heard was cancer. That ugly word that no one ever wants to hear. I stopped Bonnie and asked her if I could conference in my mom. (I am in Denver, she is in Philly). She said that was a great idea, knowing she was across the country. I called Mom, who was out to lunch with friends, having just purchased her Mother of the Bride dress for my little sister's wedding. I told her Bonnie was on the other line and had my results for us. I connected the calls and Bonnie started over again explaining the diagnosis. Mom had a few questions, I didn't have any.
I hung up the phone and went back into the meeting. I tried hard not to think about what I had just been told. At our lunch break, I emailed the gal leading the meeting. She knew about the biopsy the day before. When she saw the news, she came over and we went outside to talk. She was in as much shock as I was. Guess I should add in, I am 35 years old and there is no history of Breast Cancer in my family. She let me know I could leave for the rest of the day if I wanted, but I chose to stay. Bonnie was on fire and by the 3:30, I had 5 different appointments booked for the following week.
The meeting ended and I felt it was important to tell the BOD president and the regional manager what had been going on over the last 24 hours. It was the first time I said out loud that I had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. That wasn't easy and for the first time I cried. Both men didn't think twice and I got one big hug. They told me there would be there whatever I needed. My CO work family knows my real family is all in PA. It was nice to hear the support from them.
I left the meeting and went to meet Bonnie to pick up a packet full of information. Here is is 6 days later and I don't think I have made it through half of it. Right now, its just one day at a time. Still processing this news and what it is going to mean.
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