Last year in 2009, I went in for a routine mammo. I received a notice that it was abnormal, but thought it was just calcification which I had on my other side. By chance, one day I received some mammo films in the mail. After viewing the films to my shock, there was a definite lump visible. I called my doctor right away. Then began the scary process of spot compression and the ultrasound of the right breast. Then came the awful news of the diagnosis: Invasive Lobular Carninoma. A lumpectomy and lymph node biopsies were set up. I seemed in a daze. The waiting for results was more than awful. The one real comfort in the dreary process was the awesome support of family and friends, along with medical personnel who were strangers treating me in such caring ways with hugs and truly consoling words. I was amazed. My results were good: the cancer had not spread.
I was a candidate for brachytherapy, a one week daily dose of radiation from a high tech robot. People in the breast cancer treatment field are totally awesome. I do still have to stay on hormone therapy for 5 years. Now that I have a reprieve from the big "C" word, I plan to enjoy my grandkids and children and family and marriage as much as possible in the days ahead.
Ladies and gents remember that yearly and even 2 year mammo checkups work and do prevent more scary invasive and intensive treatments
Happy Jack, AZ
