Beating the Odds

This was another FB post that I decided should be an entry from my blog. I have been on a journey for the last several months, one only a few of my very small inner circle was aware of.  There were reasons for that, and I am sure that many of my true friends won’t quite understand why I held it so close to the chest. (Hmm, interesting illustration for the subject at hand). But I do think that my journey can help others be informed and perhaps be more proactive than they might otherwise be.

During last year’s many checkups and labs, I was referred for diagnostic imaging. Apparently, the scans were inconclusive, so I was directed to return in six months. Another series of imaging and the verdict was that a biopsy was warranted. I missed the first appointment because we had a storm that knocked out power in half the town, but I finally made it during the holiday season.

I didn’t expect results until after the New Year, but I got a call at the end of December. The results were positive, and the doctor filling in for my PCP while she was on maternity leave wanted to push all the buttons to get me to the right offices as quickly as he could. After a discussion about what I expected from medical professionals, he worked to get my referrals on a fast track and gave me an open door to call if I didn’t get calls within two weeks.

It took a bit to get everything sorted out, but I spent February getting more images, scans, and MRIs. The surgery was pushed back 3 or 4 times and the friend that had committed to being with me had to make new travel arrangements just to make sure we were covered. Finally, the date was set.

Now, this is tax season, and I make a good chuck of my annual income during these 3-4 months, so getting the dance organized was quite the feat. But we managed and we arrived in Olympia the day before surgery, spent a day hanging out in the hospital, and returned to my home the following day. I was online the next day with icepacks, pain killers, and limited wardrobe choices.

The prognosis after surgery was stellar. Wide clean margins on the site, and no evidence of spreading in the lymph nodes. Today I was released by my surgeon with the knowledge that he is on the mailing list for all the oncology stuff that follows.

The bottom line is no chemo, perhaps/probably radiation treatment, and hormones for 5 years. This is how cancer stories should end. And this is why I am sharing.

Please, please take your scheduled mammograms. My mum opted out after 75 and it cost her dearly. I know health care in this country is a crap shoot. I am (at least for now) lucky to have Medicare and a supplemental policy that has never contested a claim. I managed to step up my coverage during the reup period knowing I would need a bit more; I’m hoping the remainder balances are within budget constraints.  But if you don’t have access to coverage – or your coverage is persnickety about basic health care, then check out your nearest Planned Parenthood clinic, or you can check out the National Breast Cancer Foundation for ideas. Or do a Google search. There are resources out there. The point is—don’t avoid it—don’t neglect it. The cost to you, your loved ones, and your general health is too great a price.