Some of you may be interested in the exact details of the type of cancer I was diagnosed with. I know that is the information I was seeking when scouring the internet looking for answers, solutions, options, something!  So here it is...​

I found a lump in my right breast. After an ultrasound, followed by a tru cut biopsy, the doctors initially told me I had invasive and in situ ductal carcinoma. They estimated the tumor to measure approximately 1.2 cm, and tests revealed it was estrogen positive, meaning that estrogen stimulates its growth, and HER-2 positive, making it apparently particularly aggressive and more likely to return once removed. Because of a family history of breast cancer (grandmother and aunt on my father's side), I also had a genetic test, which revealed that I had a mutation in the ATM gene, which increases the possibility of contracting breast cancer anywhere from 15-60%.

Two months after diagnosis I had a full body PET/CT scan to discard cancer anywhere else in my body. There was none, only the small lump in the right breast. One month later, due to the doctor's recommendation, I had both my breasts removed, without removing the nipples or any surface skin (skin and nipple sparing double mastectomy) and had implants put in immediately. During that surgery the doctors also performed a procedure called a sentinel lymph dissection, which means they injected a radioactive substance into my right breast, which drained into the lymph nodes in the armpit, which 99% leads to the lymph node(s) that would have cancer if they cancer has spread. They removed 3 lymph nodes and analyzed them on the spot. There was no cancer in the lymph nodes. That surgery revealed that in fact what I had was invasive and in situ lobular carcinoma. The tumor measured 2.3cm, and it was identified to be Grade 1. After the surgery I had another test which showed that the tumor was also progesterone positive, meaning that progesterone also would stimulate tumor growth.

One month after surgery I saw a clinical oncologist who said that I should undergo 6 months of chemotherapy along with 1 year of Herceptin (adjuvant therapy to address the HER-2 aspect of the cancer), followed by 5 years of hormone therapy.  All of this to prevent a recurrence of the cancer.  I said no.  I see the oncological surgeons for regular check ups and take care of my health in other ways. I share more about this in my blog, but also feel free to contact me if you want more details.

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March 2023 update:  I continue to be blessedly and happily cancer FREE! 

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