Hello family and friends!

As you may have heard, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in November after two abnormal mammograms. Then an MRI was ordered and DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ) was found in the same breast. The surgeon has recommended a mastectomy. On the day of my surgery, January 14th, the sentinel lymph node will be biopsied as well to see about cancer spread. It appears likely that it has not spread, as the cancer cells are at stage one and not differentiated, but there is no official cancer stage given until after surgery has been performed and the lymph node(s) are tested.

I have chosen a SMX (single mastectomy) with no reconstruction, though others in my position may choose to have a DMX (double). This means that I will have less surgeries (recon takes time) and a quicker healing process. There will be a port for a drain. I will need to take time off work. I won't be able to lift my arm for about 4 weeks. 

I have talked to people who say they felt better quickly and went back to remote work after a week or two. Others did not have this experience. 

After surgery, I will see an oncologist who will let me know the treatment plan. I do not know yet if I will need chemotherapy or radiation. They won't be able to tell me until they test that lymph node. Removing the breast completely (with clear margins) means I probably won't need radiation (whereas a lumpectomy would require radiation).

I will keep you updated as time goes on. Thank you for your support. I appreciate messages, kind words, letters, flowers, snacks, as well as monetary assistance, so please give only what you can and feel moved to give.

xo LaRaie