Introducing Toby

 So, this happened:

Sunday, August 1, 2021, was the 13th anniversary of the day my mother passed away from a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor with a secondary instance of colon cancer.  Ironically, it was also the day I discovered that Toby the Ta-Ta Tumor had taken up residence in my left breast.

Thankfully, diagnostics moved quickly the following week with a mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy.  After a weeks' wait on the biopsy results, on Saturday, August 14, I received confirmation of breast cancer and got to know Toby on an even more intimate level.

 Toby is 2.5 cm in size and has spiculated (spiky) margins.  The preliminary reports show that he is an early stage of breast cancer known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ ("DCIS").  Fortunately, this type of early cancer is very treatable and has a 95% success rate of no return cancer within 5 years.  Okay - great!  I can deal with that.  However, Toby does show a few anomalies, which are a bit concerning:  He is very large for DCIS and is growing quickly, and there is evidence of micro-invasive carcinoma and some tumor cells were found in the local lymphovascular system. This means that Toby MIGHT be sending out his minions to look for some new digs.  

Which brings us to today:  It never rains but it pours!  Hubby Dave had his second cornea transplant today so obviously my focus has been on him.  This left me a bit unprepared when I received a call from the cancer clinic scheduling my first appointment with the surgical oncologist for Tuesday, August 17, which is tomorrow! 

So reality is now setting in and I will admit that I am getting a little bit scared.  However, it is always easier to deal with an answer and plan than the unknown, so I am thankful that I don't have to wait 2-3 weeks for my initial appointment.  

Looks like it will be another restless night, though.




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