On May 11, 2023 I had a routine mammogram. They said they needed more pictures so they (The Denver VAMC) sent me into the community for a diagnostic mammogram with a possible ultrasound to follow up. I did get the ultrasound after the mammogram, that was July 11. They scheduled me for a biopsy on July 18. I didn’t think much about it because I had a biopsy on the left breast in July 2015 and it was negative. I was concerned that they wanted to do the biopsy so quickly but they assured me they always schedule people quickly for these.
On July 24 I received a call from my primary care provider letting me know that the results were positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was immediately scheduled for an appointment with the breast surgeon at the VA. We went there yesterday, July 27. She informed us that it is a Stage 1, HER2+, ERPR+ tumor that is about 1.7 cm in size. Because it is close to 2 cm in size, I am borderline for doing surgery before chemo. So, the doctor ordered a breast MRI to further evaluate the size of the tumor and see if there are any more spots that the ultrasound may have missed.
They are also sending a consult to the Community Care office so I can do most of my treatment here in the Springs. I will go to the Denver VA for the MRI but if all goes well, everything else will be done down here. They will also do genetic testing on me to see if I have any genes that predispose me to cancer. And the VA will cover the cost of everything, what a blessing!!
I came across this Scripture verse and am working on memorizing it. It will be my “theme” verse for the duration of my treatment.
Be on your guard;
stand firm in the faith;
be courageous;
be strong. Â
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
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That’s all the news I have right now. I am just waiting for the MRI.
Thank you for sharing. Know that you are not alone. Lots of prayers being said for you and your care team.