Originally posted in August 2016.
Without going into too much detail but providing enough information to understand what happened, here is the rest of the story.
After the biopsy of the lesion, a “marker” was placed where sample tissue was removed. A marker alerts a radiologist reading a film that this section of the breast has been biopsied. I know the marker was there because there was a follow-up mammogram and I saw the marker on the film. There was enough suspicious material from the biopsy that I had a lumpectomy to remove the lesion.
When my surgeon (Dr. Z) removed the lesion, there was no marker.
Dr. Z removed another mass near the lesion and there was no marker. He removed a second mass and there was no marker. He brought in a portable x-ray machine and there was no marker.
The lesion’s margins were negative for malignancy. Had the marker been there, he would have stopped with the removal of the lesion and given me a cancer-free bill of health.
The largest of the other mass had margins positive for malignancy.
For my values, I believe that the Hand of God removed the marker and guided my surgeon. There is no other explanation that makes sense.
Once diagnosed with breast cancer, I was eligible for a breast MRI. That MRI discovered a different cancer in the other breast.
I believe the discovery of these cancers has been a miracle. In so many ways, I am blessed.
Now … for a little extra knowledge…
1. Not all breast cancers are visible on mammography. Mine were not visible on mammography. My physicians nor could I feel these tumors and, one tumor was 4.0 cm.
2. When offered a 3-D mammogram, get it! Pay the difference out-of-pocket if your insurance does not cover the additional cost.
3. Mammograms are only one part of breast care. Monthly self-examinations and annual examinations by your physician are additions to the care.
4. If you have dense breasts, talk with your physician about a breast MRI.
I have thanked my surgeon many times for discovering my cancers and saving my life. He reminds me that my intuition telling me that something was wrong in the first place was instrumental in the discovery as well.
I also believe that people are placed and reconnected in our lives for reasons. The woman I sat behind most of high school because we were placed in last name alphabetical order is Chantal. She posts from time to time on Facebook about women listening to their bodies. I listened to you, Chantal, and to my body. I remain grateful for your encouragement to do so.