Here's the beginning of my story. At the end of April I found a lump in my left breast. I was on my way to the Nancy Floyd Haworth Breast Cancer event in Albuquerque, NM with my Aunt -- ironic, don't you think. I scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound on April 30th at the Scripps Polster Breast Care Center. I knew by the look on the technician's faces that there was more there than either of us wanted to see. The next day, I went to my internist, Dr. Foster, to review the two reports with him. It was a quick visit.
The next day I was scheduled to see Dr. Paul Hyde -- a surgeon. Dr. Foster spoke very highly of him and I later discovered that he was voted the top surgeon in San Diego in 2006 by his peers. I was on my way to creating my medical dream team.
Here's what they found. A 2.5 cm tumor in my left breast along with five smaller tumors measuring .5 to 1 cm. On May 9th, I had an MRI and on May 14th, I had a biopsy done on my tumor. At 7 pm on May 15th, Dr. Hyde called to tell me that the tests came back positive for infiltrating ductile carcinoma.
Jeff, my husband, has been a fantastic support - going with me to the multitude of medical appointments (western and eastern medicine) to determine how far along this cancer is and what the options are for treatment. So far the reports are indicating that the cancer is localized -- that's a positive for me. My doctor is recommending a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. For more information on what this means, check out this site http://www.breastcancer.org/tre_surg_mastectomy.html
I haven't made my final decision yet and I don't know about radiation or chemotherapy. I have a second opinion scheduled, not for a change in diagnosis but for more options on direction, for June 7th with Dr. John Link. He is a renowned oncologist, head of Breastlink, a comprehensive breast cancer group he founded that is based throughout Southern California. Breastlink has been recognized as a leader and innovator in breast cancer care by Self magazine and ABC's 20/20. There is a Gift in all of this and my journey begins here. Friends and family have asked what can they do? For a beginning, prayers and good thoughts sent my way are deeply appreciated...specifics on what else will follow in later postings. And if you haven't read my profile yet please do, so you know why I called my blog "Dibs on Blue".
16 comments:
"Dibs on Blue" ... I love it ... Pink isn't in your infamous color pallet? Well maybe we can infuse pink into your wardrobe in small doses ... that's what I do with red. Since red is not in my color pallet I wear bright red heels and rock a bright red purse to accent my wardrobe. I think pink compliments sky blue which is in your color pallet I’m sure! How about a pink ribbon in your hair or pinned to your magical scarf from Ireland that always seems to find you?!?! Can we try some pink lipstick just for fun? I’m trying to picture you in some pink heels but I’m not seeing it … pink ballerina flats are sooo fun to dance in! I know … I have a pair! Let’s go shoe shopping!!!
The full spectrum of the rainbow is yours, Karen, what with the wide array of friends and family you have in your corner, listening, tendering our hearts, and supporting you in whatever you desire, all the colors are yours for the choosing. Good for you that you're blogging it--helps you journal the process and keeps us informed without you having to say things over and over and over. Oy, I know how tiring that can get. ASK for what you need/desire, K², as it's good practice (heh) and you might just be surprised at what you receive, my friend. L
Hey Karen! I enjoyed reading what "Dibs on Blue" meant. Honestly I had no idea that pink wasn't your color of choice, but now that I think back on it...I don't recall you wearing pink to work at all! I'm really glad that you have this website so I can check in on you while you're gone from work [and while I'm at work ;) ]. We still have to do ladies' dinner night. :) Nine Ten? Yummmmmm!
PS- Cleo says 'meow' to Blackie
Didn't Dorothy begin her journey in heels? I would expect nothing less from you.
Your sweet smile and incredible outlook are beautiful...you are facing this "gift" with a can-do attitude that is most impressive.
In addition to my mantra for you "Happy, Healthy Lymph Nodes!", I applaud you!
Kisses,
Cari
Karen:
Thank you for being courageous enough to share your journey with us. True to form, we will all come away from this experience stronger and wiser about our overall health because of your spirit.
As always, you involve community in your "cause" and I am glad this time, your cause is you. Perhaps now, we can give back in some small measure. Be patient with us as we navigate the waters with you. We'll get wet, but we'll have one helluva time.
Solidarity, Sister.
Erin
The Divine Miz E
PS Big sisterly hugs for Jeff, too.
I got your news just as I'm leaving for Italy. It makes me sad that I can't rush down and cook you some yummy, healing, organic meals! But I'll be lighting candles for you from Rome to Cinque Terre to Cortina. And of course, sending you lots of love. In true form, I'm sure you will inspire all of us with your bravery and spirit during this challenging time. I hope I can return at least an equal amount of that inspiration and support to you! Hugs...Nichole
Just read your words and I want to let you know I am thinking positive thoughts and sending you strong energy.
Lisa Schmid
Your ability to handle challenging situations with humor and grace is heartwarming. Well, at least it seemed humorous to read your comment about pink--seemed so typically Karen. I'm glad it was diagnosed early and is localized, and that you have such a loving and supportive husband as Jeffy. We'll leave the pink color in for the time being--isn't it associated with health and perfection? Well, at least you're at 50%, just have to work on the health side ;p I keep you and Jeff in my prayers. Me kealoha a me ka mana'o maika'i, e ku'u hoa aloha maika'i... malama pono --Erik
Dearest K2 - Just got the news on Thursday and you have been on my mind ever since - my visions of you matched your blog when I visited there this morning - bright, optimistic, courageous as the warrior you are, efficient and thorough and with great humor! I'm with you all the way - you will move through this with your wide circle of friends and family who love you returning to you what you always bing to all of us! Your "oldest friend" in San Diego will be praying, sending light and love and the vision for a speedy and victorious journey! Blue rocks - as do you! xoxoxox Linda
Well Holy Shit--chicky chick.
I didn't get this until today because yesterday I was enjoying a relaxing (well--unconscious might be a better description) day post colonoscopy. And all is well.
And my biggest hope for you is that a year from now you're saying the same after a scan.
No lies--this next year will suck big time. And you'll be surprised at how it can knock the air out of you when you least expect it.
If I know you, you're going to face the physical pain like that female warrior you have on your fridge--what's her name? It's the emotional side that you can't quite assault so well.
I know everyone's experience with cancer is different but I also believe it's a journey we now share. I hope you'll swell with the joy of the little things in life as I did during my initial treatments.
Everything is more precious in the face of a serious illness.
And I wonder if like me the little shit will start driving you crazy again when you're healed.
And so I pray for you to recognize this as a time of rediscovery for your life. And I also pray for the day you're back to being pissed off at all the jerks on the road!
I love you. And I'm sorry this is happening to you.
Ok...so I'm blog literate.
Arghhhhhh....
No one told me not to use the back button.
Just got the news, the twins and I will keep you and Jeff in our daily prayers. You are the 3rd close friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I am happy the say, they are all SURVIVORS! One also went thru a reconstruction. But, my friend, of all the people I know who can benefit from a tummy tuck, YOU are NOT one of them.
The twins and I will be in the Midwest until July 10. I would love to try and come and visit you after we get back, I know what it is like to be layed up for weeks and not being able to do things.
Hang in there and keep the faith, you are strong and you will get thru this with flying 'blue' colors.
About this pink thing, we BOTH were in pink at the twins club Easter egg hunt.....
I was in shock last night when I read your note. I'm still having a hard time dealing with this news. How could this be and have happened so shortly after you and I talked about my own brush with a breast issue that turned out to only be a cyst.
This is one adventure I wish you weren't about to undertake. I know you will overcome this unexpected turn in your life's journey and that positive outcomes will result -- that's just who you are.
While pink may not be your color, it stands for all those who have walked in your shoes and for all who are walking beside you now, including me. I know the color has just taken on a new meaning for me.
I so admire you for your courage, strength and humor. Please know I'm sending you all my positive healing thoughts, prayers and love.
Linda
Karen,
My your colors be all rainbow and life full of everything. Gabe and I send you all our love and good energy. We miss you guys.
We are so glad that you have this website for us to stay connected despite the miles. Blue has always looked so wonderful on you -it matches those beautiful eyes of yours.
We are in this together as family and with your dear friends. And being that you just celebrated a birthday, we know this will be a hard year (to say the least) but a year of growth and hope and we love you VERY much!!
Love,
Laura
hey beautiful. bob and i have been thinking of you and jeff... so stunned to hear the news and also know you are one incredible woman who surrounds herself with amazing healing resources. we send you love, healing thoughts, skies of blue and are here for ANYTHING!
xoxoxoxoxoxo patti & bob
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