My latest adventure…

Yes, I am actually calling my recent cancer diagnosis an adventure. Why? Because the Google definitions felt spot on for what’s in store for me in 2019:

ad ven ture

noun: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

verb: engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.

Cancer is certainly hazardous, super unknown, and definitely exciting in a sort of “wait, is this really happening” sort of way. Here’s my story…

. . .

My breast cancer (BC) adventure started out with a routine, annual mammogram on November 26th. A few weeks later, I was called back for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound which took place on December 24th (Merry Christmas to me!) where I caught my first glimpse of the BC. The radiologist showed me two, small masses in my right breast and swiftly recommended a core needle biopsy. I mentioned we were taking a week-long family trip to Mexico in 4 days, and asked if I should cancel. Her answer was something about it “not being a medical emergency” and also indicated I might not even be able to schedule a biopsy in a matter of days. So off we went to Mexico to enjoy some fun and sun. While I didn’t quite forget about the looming biopsy, I was able to relax and enjoy lots of pool time, margaritas, card games, sunsets, and quality time with our friends and family.

I had the biopsy on January 11th which was a lot more painful than I expected. I just remember by the 4th or 5th sample, I felt a wave of nausea and a feeling like I might pass out. Thankfully, neither happened and I remember thinking – I hope I never have to experience that again!

On January 15th, my amazing Internist texted me to let me know she saw my results <invasive, lobular carcinoma that is ER/PR+ and HER-2 negative in my right breast> and wanted to talk me through everything. I texted Chris to tell him I was about to hear the news which was inevitably a cancer diagnosis, but he was on a plane that was literally pushing back from the gate en route to SF, so I headed to my doctors office and took in the news. To be honest, it was a little anti-climactic perhaps because I had been playing out this scenario in my head for the past few weeks and accepting this unfortunate, but possible outcome. I was feeling pretty calm, cool and collected although my blood pressure was over 150 so clearly, I was a lot more stressed than I thought! But, in true Buddhist form, I quickly accepted without anger the diagnosis and started to think about what I needed to do/plan for next.

My plan:

1. Communicate the news to the people who needed to know: family, close friends, key people at work, those close to the kids
2. Find and select the best breast surgeon
3. Schedule MRI and complete genetic testing
4. Have surgery
5. Determine treatment
6. Keep perspective

Update on #1: My life was going to change and I wanted to be honest, transparent, and positive about how I/we plan to tackle this next adventure in our lives. After sending a few emails and texts, I was flooded with so much love and support. I feel super lucky to have such an amazing support network which likely includes everyone reading this post and then some. Thank you for reaching out with your advice, prayers, referrals, jokes, gifts, and open-ended offers to help with just about anything we may need over the coming months ahead. Please keep ’em coming.

Update on #2: Because of all the amazing people in our lives, I quickly received at least two dozen referrals which pointed to two of the best breast surgeons in the city… and who both happen to have the same first name (weird?) but practice at different hospitals. Within 1 week of my diagnosis, I had already met both surgeons and confidently selected one: Dr. Nora Hansen at Northwestern.

Update on #3: Genetic testing came back negative, but my MRI showed non-mass areas of enhancement in both breasts. Could be nothing, but just in case, I’ll have an MRI-guided biopsy on my left breast next week.

Update on #4: To the extent I have a choice (and I may not, depending on if the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes), I was considering lumpectomy vs single mastectomy vs double mastectomy. I have talked with many people (including current patients, recent and long term survivors) and am likely going with the double mastectomy + reconstruction adventure. Will finalize that decision next week after meeting with my surgeon and plastic surgeon.

Update on #5: I’ve received a number of referrals for oncologists (thank you to all who have shared). Will meet/decide soon.

Update on #6: I have lots to be thankful for… an amazing husband, two incredible kids, and an 85-lb beast of a dog who all remind me what life is about. I have a job that I love with crazy-great benefits and co-workers who actively remind me to prioritize ME over work. While Chris is still traveling most weeks, he is doing his best to ensure I have what I need and has tapped into his passion for cooking. He makes sure I am eating homemade, healthy meals and was responsible for introducing me to Lucky Juice-iano from the Real Good Stuff company.

I intend to keep blogging to keep everyone updated about what’s happening and will also share some fun, random things that I learn along my adventure.

Top takeaways:

• Cutting out sugar, alcohol and most meat – and eating veggies and whole grains was easy to do, and something I should have done way sooner. Current food favorites: Tuscan Kale salad at the Warbler (Mia has a crush on Chef Ken) and Job’s Tears at Chromium, the restaurant at Midtown Athletic Club.
• There are way too many toxins and bad stuff in the products we use/consume. I just swapped out all of my make up, hair and skincare products for Beautycounter products. If you’re not familiar and want to check it out, I can connect you to the perfect person who can help.
• Who knew all those years of competitive gymnastics would be helpful to me right now? While I was face-down and unable to move or even breathe heavily while getting my 45-min MRI, I kept my eyes closed and repeated a bunch of routines in my mind over and over again. Going through those old routines was a great way to focus and calm my mind.
• Don’t ever underestimate the power of laughter and entertainment to help balance out all the serious shit. My current guilty pleasures: watching the Bachelor and Schitt’s Creek with the kids (no judging).

On the whole, I am doing just fine, taking it one day at at time, and feeling 110% ready to take on this crazy adventure 😉

Until next time!

xo