I had my first mammogram back in September, and am now being used as the example of why mammograms before the age of 45 are important. My doctors tell me that if we had waited, as the new recommendations suggest, my cancer would have been far more advanced. As it is, I have been diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive ductal cancer in my left breast, with lymph node involvement. A second, non-vasive (Stage 0) mass was discovered in the same breast during one of the MRI's/CT's. My doctors are optomistic- the tumors are HER2 (non-estrogen based), which are highly treatable. The current plan is for chemotherapy every 3 weeks for 6 rounds, followed by more scans to determine what type of surgery that I'll need (lumpectomy/mastectomy). After surgery, we are planning on continuing chemotherapy for at least 11 more rounds (though, only 1 of the drugs), and possibly radiation. I'm able to work while going through this part of the treatment, only missing time on the weeks that I receive chemotherapy. I will also be limited at work once I have surgery (typically a 3 week recovery for a lumpectomy), though I am hopeful that I won't have an extended hospital stay.I'm very lucky- I have great insurance through my employer, and will also be covered under Ron's insurance through the end of the year. My deductible is about $2000, with $5000 out of pocket. Every little bit helps! Money raised will go towards my treatments, medications, and surgery.
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