Frequently asked Questions
How did you find the first lump?
First Time (November 2017)
You can read the details HERE, but in short I was simply scratching an itch. BUT, I happened to be on the phone with my mom, so when I noticed what seemed like a small marble in my armpit, I said it out loud. Then went in the bathroom and noticed a few more hard "marbles" (also in my armpit). Her reply was to call my doctor right away. We had moved to this town fairly recently so while I did have a PCP (Primary Care Provider), I had only met her once. The next day I called and they gave me an appointment for the following day, which seemed so soon. Thanks goodness! I lugged the stroller with my 2 year-old sidekick in tow and off we went. After a general physical exam, she sent me directly to the local Breast Imaging Center where I had my first mammogram. In reviewing the images with a doctor there, she pointed out several areas of concern and then scheduled me for a biopsy. I liked her. I think it's really important to be able to connect with your doctors. So I made sure I was on her schedule for the biopsy. About a week later I found out that it was in fact breast cancer that had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Second Time (May 2021)
I was in the grocery store picking out ice cream for my kids and I vividly remember thinking it felt really good to be able to be in the store again after Covid lockdowns. While looking in the glass freezer I was casually running my fingers across my collar bone and there it was. I immediately knew. It felt exactly the same as the first time. Hard, painless marble.
Third Time (September 2022)
Technically, since I have metastatic breast cancer, while sometimes my scans are relatively "stable", the cancer was never fully resolved. But here I am referring. to a new spot of cancer that cropped up over the prior few months. This one was detected on my 3-month PET scan.
My friend just found out that she has breast cancer. What should I say? How can I help?
Sadly, I get this question a lot especially from younger women. While there isn't a "one size fits all" response, based on my experience, these pointers might help:
Avoid extremes.
Avoid comparisons. My aunt So-in-so had it and she's fine.
First Time (November 2017)
You can read the details HERE, but in short I was simply scratching an itch. BUT, I happened to be on the phone with my mom, so when I noticed what seemed like a small marble in my armpit, I said it out loud. Then went in the bathroom and noticed a few more hard "marbles" (also in my armpit). Her reply was to call my doctor right away. We had moved to this town fairly recently so while I did have a PCP (Primary Care Provider), I had only met her once. The next day I called and they gave me an appointment for the following day, which seemed so soon. Thanks goodness! I lugged the stroller with my 2 year-old sidekick in tow and off we went. After a general physical exam, she sent me directly to the local Breast Imaging Center where I had my first mammogram. In reviewing the images with a doctor there, she pointed out several areas of concern and then scheduled me for a biopsy. I liked her. I think it's really important to be able to connect with your doctors. So I made sure I was on her schedule for the biopsy. About a week later I found out that it was in fact breast cancer that had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Second Time (May 2021)
I was in the grocery store picking out ice cream for my kids and I vividly remember thinking it felt really good to be able to be in the store again after Covid lockdowns. While looking in the glass freezer I was casually running my fingers across my collar bone and there it was. I immediately knew. It felt exactly the same as the first time. Hard, painless marble.
Third Time (September 2022)
Technically, since I have metastatic breast cancer, while sometimes my scans are relatively "stable", the cancer was never fully resolved. But here I am referring. to a new spot of cancer that cropped up over the prior few months. This one was detected on my 3-month PET scan.
My friend just found out that she has breast cancer. What should I say? How can I help?
Sadly, I get this question a lot especially from younger women. While there isn't a "one size fits all" response, based on my experience, these pointers might help:
Avoid extremes.
Avoid comparisons. My aunt So-in-so had it and she's fine.
the logistics of cancer
If you've just been diagnosed with cancer, you might feel like you need a personal secretary. Even if you are typically the most organized person, the first week is incredibly overwhelming logistically. Forms to be filled out, medical history to obtain and more appointments than there are days in the week. Many practices now provide patients with folder and planners to get organized but if you did not receive something that is helpful for you, make your own and for starters, keep it simple and always have it with your phone so when a doctor's office calls, you can write down your appointment info and then transfer it to your calendar afterwards.
I just got diagnosed. Help!
Hearing those words "you have cancer" is overwhelming to say the least and while we all process things differently, here are some tips that helped me.
If possible, have your results read to you by a doctor you have a relationship with. When I found my lump, I saw my Primary Care Doctor but I had only seen her once before so we had no real relationship. However, during my biopsy, I really clicked with the doctor that performed it and on the paperwork, I could select whether I wanted the results from my PCP or from her office, and I went with her. Again, this may not be an option offered to you.
If possible, have your results read to you by a doctor you have a relationship with. When I found my lump, I saw my Primary Care Doctor but I had only seen her once before so we had no real relationship. However, during my biopsy, I really clicked with the doctor that performed it and on the paperwork, I could select whether I wanted the results from my PCP or from her office, and I went with her. Again, this may not be an option offered to you.
