On Tuesday, December 15 I went for my annual mammogram and by that afternoon I was informed that I had a 2 cm suspicious mass on the left side. I was scheduled to see Dr. Duven on Thursday morning, December 17 to do an ultrasound and possible biopsy. He determined from the ultrasound that a biopsy was needed as the mass irregular in shape and wasn’t smooth (cysts are). I went to Dr. Duven's office on Friday, December 18 and was told it was "a cancer". I immediately went for an MRI and received the results from that yesterday, December 21.
The news...Dr. Duven said I could do either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy - it was really my choice. Having worked in the dental field for so many years I have always known that the real thing is better than something artificial so, as of today - I am leaning towards a lumpectomy. I will discuss treatment with my two high school friends who are doctors and have a consult with Dr. Bastug, a plastic surgeon to fully understand what a reconstruction will consist of (I would only need a reconstruction if Dr. Duven can't get a clear margin on the lumpectomy).
As of today - surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, December 30 at UMP (United Medical Park) in Waterloo.
I am staying positive and one of the first statements I made was "I can deal with anything as long as I am not going to die". Nikki (my hero at Dr. Duven's office) looked me straight in the eye and said "You are NOT going to die".
That's good enough for me.
Todd and Kristen are thinking of you.
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