Lunch with A Bestie

I finally was able to have lunch with my best friend Eric....it made me extremly happy.  We had not seen each other in almost a month...due to his schedule.  We had talked a couple times...and texted a couple times more.  But I really needed to see him. 

We went to have Sushi, since when I start Chemo I will not be allowed to have it anymore.  :-)  It was good.  I filled him in on everything I knew at this time.  It was great to hang out with him, as he always makes me feel at ease.  He always makes me feel good.

I reminded him of when I was going to lose my hair and when I was going to need him, 2-3 weeks after the start of Chemo on Aug 3rd.  To give him a heads up.  Remind him he promised me he would shave the rest of my hair.

This was the day after the "crazy storm" that hit here...and everyones power was out.  I had power...so we had to make sure where we went had power.  As he drove, we saw lines and lines of cars at gas stations and he said people were crazy drivers who did not obey the laws when the lights were out at traffic lights. 

Two "OLD" pics of Eric and I that I found and like.....

He is my best friend and has been forever!!  Glad despite all the crap in our lives we have been able to remain friends.

Chemo Class and Follow up with the Surgeon

I woke up this morning in excruciating pain, no joke....I felt like I was having a heart attack, but on my right side...so I knew it could not be.   My chest was tight and I could barely move. It hurt to breathe.  Where they had inserted the Mediport was killing me.  All of the pain meds wore off.

I call my  parents at 6:00am, my mom answers the phone and tell her I need them to take me to my appts today.  I get up and get a new icepack, take some pain meds and lay back down until my alarm is set to go off. 

I get ready, still in pain and 40 min until my appt for my Chemo class, my parents have not shown up....they are usually early for things...and I was starting to wonder what was going on.  I call my dad's cell, and he was still at home. They did not "know" (forgot) that I had the 9:00am Chemo class.  They only thought I had the 11:30 follow-up meeting with my surgeon.  UGH!!  I was tired, in pain, and irritated.  NOT a good combination.  I tell my dad to forget it.  My mom calls back and I end up yelling at her through tears.  Telling her what appt I am going to. 

Feeling incredibly guilty while I drive still in pain I go to my oncologists office where I thought the Chemo class was.  When I get there, I was told the class was across the street.  Of course I got in the wrong lane, traffic was horrible...and it was making me late for my appt. I hate being late.

Chemo class was informative, and I learned a lot.  I was able to ask questions.  I felt a bit more reassured of the process.....despite not having my time line for Chemo set out.  The Nurse who gave the information was super informative and super nice.  She was reassuring, calming, and really was available for everyones individual needs.

I then went over to the surgeon's appt, met up with mom and dad.  That appt went well.  My incision from my sentinel lymph node surgery is healing well.  She said I won't need to see her again until closer to the end of my chemo procedure.  This is where we will talk about the mastectomy or partial mastectomy and pick a plastic surgeon. I know who I want to be my surgeon is what I am thinking....
ugh, thinking I still need to write my letter to him.

Mom and Dad, love them both......drive me to work, after we eat lunch at one of my go to restaurants near my home "The Coyote Grill."  I get tons of facebook messages from my friends, which always uplifts me.  Makes me smile and keeps my spirits hi.  Knowing the support I have, and knowing that so many people are praying and thinking of me.

Another Surgery

This morning I went in to have my medi-port inserted in my chest.  My arm still hurt from the surgery last Friday, my breast was still black and blue and hurt from the biosy from last Thursday.  But I was okay in in pretty good spirits.  Like I have mentioned before, I am an old pro with surgeries and hospitals, having had so many in my "short" life.  :-)

Went in for pre-op, not as many doctors or questions, but similar process as before.  This time however I was awake during the prep-time in the operating room.  I was awake as they put the things on me, and the oxygen apparatus in my nose.  The nurse gave me the meds...and the next thing I knew...I was waking up in recovery.  Shortly there after I was able to go home.  I was not in much pain at time.

But several hours later the pain started to come as the local anesthesia wore off.  I was in A lot of pain.  My chest hurt.  It was awful.  I had to take my pain meds, every 4 -6 hours.  I could not get comfortable.  I had a hard time sleeping as I usually sleep on my right side or my stomach.  I was not happy. 

Fertility Appt

Just a routine appt to begin the fertility preservation process.  One of the steps is an internal ultrasound.  Not painful at all.  They check the lining of your uterus and ovaries to make sure everything is ok.  The insert an ultrasound machine inside your pelvis to see what is going on.  You are able to observe on a screen as they do this.  Kinda cool.  (Mine was good!!)  Awesome!

A New Hair Style, A New Me

Mom picked me up to get my hair cut.  I thought I was ready for this....but I was not.  I told my stylist, Luis at Phantacee in Arlington that I had breast cancer.  He was so supportive.  I have been getting my hair cut by him since 2005.  He has given me wonderful cuts and colors over the years.  He knows just what to do and I have a great relationship with him.

When he took my hair, which was just beginning to get past my shoulders....I have been trying to grow it out....and cut it I just lost it, my eyes filled with tears, and I started to cry.  He lovingly took a wash cloth and help it to my eyes as he massaged my head.  It was tender and loving.  It really helped me so much.  He then began to cut and style my hair.  It was hard to see my hair short.  It is beautiful, but different.  It is sexy, but different.  It makes me look different than I had.

He talked to me about being supportive and things he could do to help me.  It was wonderful.  I am glad I went to have him give me this wonderful haircut. 

Later that night I went to dinner with some great friends.  Here is a picture of the new hair do, with friends.

A very Important Surgery!

Has my cancer spread is the big question.  Do I have cancer in my lymph nodes?  Today I had surgery to see if the cancer has metastasized into my lymph nodes.  This is very common in breast cancer.  Especially where my tumor is located, so close to my arm pit area. 

Mom and dad picked me up super early, as I had to be at the hospital at 9:00 am for pre-surgery.  I had to stop eating 12:00am.  I woke up ready for the surgery.  I am an old pro at surgery.  I was not really nervous.  Not even worried to if they were going to find something. I felt confident they wouldn't.  Well....I think really I was not thinking about the results. I was just "doing" the surgery. 

Pre-op was fine, a bazillion nurses, doctors, med students, residents, etc, came in and out of the little cubicle after you are changed into your hospital gown, given a few warn blankets and a lovely "hat" to wear.  They all asked the same or similar questions.  (what meds are you taking, what is your name and bith date, when was the last time you ate and took your meds....)

My doctor came in, and she was really nice, Dr Cocilovo.  A lot different impression than I had the first time.  About 10 - 15 min after I saw her I was being wheeled into the operating room.  After that I don't remember anything until I woke up.  I woke up to a sweet nurse who asked if I wanted anything to drink.  She gave me water, asked my pain level from 1 - 10 and gave me some pain meds.  She did this several times.  It was here I learned the good news that I had no cancer cells in my lymph nodes!!  YAY, I cried happy tears!!  I asked the nurse if I could give her a hug I was so happy.  I did not realize how much I really cared until then.  Of course I cared, but I think it hit me.  :-)  Another 15 - 20 min I was moved to where I could see my parents and then another 15 min I was able to go home.

Now, I was told I could only eat (chicken soup) afterwards, but I wanted Popeye's and mashed potatoes.  And that is what I made my dad get me.  I ate it too, and did not get sick!!  HAHA!!  :-)
Mom and dad stayed with me for a while.  Then I was able to relax. 

I set up an appointment for the next day to get my hair cut, because I have been told it is better to have it short when you start to lose it.   My hair dressor is awesome and I knew he would take care of me.

More Cancer???

So today I am to have my second Biopsy.  I know what to expect this time, so I was not to nervous.  The people at Washington Radiology Associates are awesome.  Today though, I had to wait a lot longer than usual.  They were behind schedule.  Mary was my nurse again.  She brought me back and went over the same questions as before.  I was ready for the biopsy and waiting for the doctor to come in.  Today I had Julianne Greenburg, MD.  She is actually the Director of Mammography at WRA.  She was super nice and as I talked to her, she actually knew my plastic surgeon who I want to use if needed.  It is kinda cool that all of the doctors I am using know each other and have worked together.  It makes me feel good.  Especially since they all are at different hospitals. 

She was able to see what they had noticed in the left breast and able to do a biopsy on the left one, but unable to see what the MRI picked up on the right breast.  She had said that most likely the doctor will want to do a MRI biopsy of the right breast to make sure there is nothing in the right breast.  I was thinking, UGH!!  Just another appointment.  I am not concerned or worried that there is anything there....I am almost certain it is NOTHING.  I am just tired of all the appts, and the cost, don't let me get to you on how the cost of this  is scaring the heck out of me!!

After the biopsy, you have to go in and have another mammogram.  A couple of scan where they squeeze your boobs.  Not fun after they put a needle in you boob. 

So they bandaged me up, gave me a little ice pack to put in my bra and sent me on my way.  I went on my way to work to wait to hear the results.  (Negative to any cancerous cells BTW ;-) )

My Back Up Plan

Met with Dr. Staffen at Shaddy Grove Fertillity with my mom and dad.....well more my mom because my dad was to embarressed to come back and talk about everything with the doctor.  Discussed my fertility options with him.  He talked about the process and what could happen.  He asked my specific questions regarding my history.  Because I had nothing definitive set up with my treatment start date, he said he would talk with my oncologist and work with her.  Dr. Favret said she felt confident and was comfortable waiting so that I could do fertility preservation.

Another positive notem Dr. Staffen said that because I had two other family members who had neurofibromatosis, they could test my eggs for it and see if they were positive for it.  This would be important to ensure my children if (needing to go this route) did not have Neurofibromatosis.

Freazing and implantation of eggs that result in a pregnancy is a 50% rate.  But it is a chance I want to take.  It is a chance I need to take, just in case.  I know most likely I will either not lose it at all or get it back if I do when Chemo is over. 

I finished filling out some financial forms to help me with financial assistance due to having cancer and felt pretty confident that I was going to get much assistance with this process.  If not, it was going to be really expensive.  But I was willing and ready to put it in my credit cards.  As I was already looking at applying for another one if needed.  Normaly the whole process cost $9500 if the insurance does not cover, and this is not including other testing and office visits etc.  My insurance will cover some of that, but it does not cover the fertility process at all.  I have found out at I am eligible for a reduced cost. 

A Whole New Life Ahead

Today is the day I met with my Oncologist, Anne Favret.  She is amazing.  I loved her.  She was super friendly and went over my Breast Cancer Profile and Breast Cancer Journey in detail with me so that I understood.  So here it is from the latest readings, of the biopsy, mammogram, and MRI:

Size: 1.4 cm
Grade: Moderately Growing
ER: + (good) suggesting a less aggressive tumor
PR: + opens up treatment options
HER2 neu: + (good)  --> acts as a powerful target for treatment
Lymph nodes:  (did not know at the time) *** but now know*** Negative

Histological Subtype: Invasive ductile Carcinoma (most common)

I will be given shots of Zoladex, once a month to quiet my ovaries to help with protecting fertility.

I will be receiving:

Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin (Targeted therapy --> monocloval ab)  (these are commonally called TCH

I will get 6 treatments every three weeks (21 days) for 18 weeks.  The day after each treatment I will get a shot of Neulasta which will help with my White blood Cells.

I will The continue to receive herceptin every three weeks to complete a year.

I will likely lose my hair within the 2nd week of the first treatment.  It will begin to grow back after the 6th treatment. 

After Chemo ----> Surgery ---> Radiation -----> Pill (Tamoxifin for 5 years)  if I go into early menopause they will switch me to Arimidex and Femara.

She also went over the some of the possible side effects of the chemo I will be taking:

fatigue - the first several days following, nausea, hair loss, possible menopause (but it can come back)

She said these also happen with some people but not all of them:

mouth sores, lowering of the heart rate, lowering of white blood cells, mild anemia, numbness/ tingling in extremities, swelling in joints, remote leukemia, constipation, diarrhea

WOW!!!  Lots of information!!  That's going to be my life for the next 5 years?  Wow!!!  I was just taking it in.  I was thinking, I think the only thing I was thinking was I can't have kids for 5 years now!!  UGH!!  (not that I have anyone to have a child with...but it just sets me back.)  I can handle the rest of this....but the tamoxifin for 5 years?  UGH!!  I know it is necessary.  But wow....I hope someone will want me and will want to deal with that.

My Breast MRI

I was sent to have a breast MRI.   I have had many MRI's in my life, so I was not worried about this one.  I hate them, they are loud and they take forever. Luckily I had talked to Chris, my friends sister, who had this done before and she informed me that for Breast MRI's you lay on your stomach. 

It was weird.  I was on my stomach, in a hospital gown pulled to my waist.  Your breasts are laid into this area and you have to stay still with your arms stretched over you head.  I had to have contrast, so yet another injection in my arm.  They had this mirror where you could look behind you when you kept your head down.  It was weird. 

It is hard to stay still.  And the noise is awful.  But the procedure was not painful in anyway....well except getting stuck by the needle.  I hate needles. 

I was told I would know the results by Monday or Tuesday.  Oh joy!!  But again I was not worrying that anything would come of it.

First Appt with the Oncological Surgeon

I did not know what to expect from this appointment or what it was for.  I was going into it thinking this is where I would find out what my treatment options I had are for this cancer.  I had filled out all of the forms ahead of time, and bought a pink notebook and a pink breast cancer pen.  I decorated my notebook with stickers of stars, hearts, angels, butterflies, and crosses.  It is my Breast Cancer Notebook where I can put all the information and keep everything together. 

My mom and dad came to the appointment with me.  They met me at the office.  Going into see Dr. Cocilovo was the first time I cried as a result of this diagnosis.  She was going over the probable treatment and the procedures and meetings I needed to still set up.  When she was talking she told me that due to the Chemo that I was most likely going to become infertile.  This is when I lost it.  I just started crying.  I can deal with Cancer.  I can deal with all the appointments and the pain, etc.  But I did not want to become infertile. 

Ever since I  can remember, more than anything I want in my life is to be able to have my own birth child.  I did not want to lose that opportunity because of this.  I know that I could always adopt.  I was an adoption placement worker for goodness sake, I also wrote home studies for other people who wanted to adopt.  Those children are special and those families are special.  But I did not want to lose this opportunity to give birth and raise a child from birth. Adopting an infant would be rare and too hard.  I know, I have been on the placement side.

I left the meeting overwhelmed, and not sure I liked the treatment procedure.  I felt it was to aggressive given the fact that we did not know it was in my lymph nodes or not, and that most people I talked to had surgery first and then chemo, or no chemo at all.  No chemo would protect my fertility. 

I looked up more information on the web, called friends, ended up working on trying to schedule a second opinion appt with the Doctors at Georgetown.  They needed all of my records and notes from the previous doctors.  I called and had this stuff sent to Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center.

The Day that Changed My Life Forever

I was starting my day as usual, today on June 12th.  I had a client I had to see at 9:00am at my office in Herndon.  I was scheduled to see 3 more clients later that afternoon at 4:00 - 7:00pm.  While I was with my 9:00 client I missed a call from the radiologist, Angelique Flourke from Washington Radiologist Associates.  She told me she had the results of the biopsy she had preformed on June 8, 2012.  Before leaving the office to go home until my afternoon clients I tried to call Dr. Flourke back.  She was with a patient at that time so I was told she would be able to call me when she was finished. 

I packed my stuff to go home, praying for good news, praying that it was benign, and that if at most it would be a Neurofibroma that needed to be removed because maybe it was growing to big.  I could handle that. 

I was driving home, and I got the call from her.  I had to pull to the side of the road.  I was on route 50, headed east, just passed 66 and Fair Oaks Mall.  I had to pull to the side of the road so I could talk to her.  I pulled out a notebook I had in my bag and listened.  Not to well mind you....my mind was racing a mile a min.  She said what we found was cancer cells.  She told me I had a form of cancer called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  I had to have her spell it out...one because I was shocked, and two as everyone who knows me, knows I can't spell worth a darn.  She said the tumor was "small" about 1cm in size.  She said I need to call a Oncology Breast Surgeon.  She had given me the name of Dr. Constanza Cocilovo at INOVA Breast Cancer Center.  She was able to give me the number for her.  She told me she would call my primary doctor to let her know the results.

I did not cry, I was in shock.  I think some tears fell, but I knew I needed to get home before I called anyone.  I wanted to call someone right then...but I did not know if I could talk, or if I would break down or what.  I just could not believe it.

The first call I made was to my Office manager Brenda Park.  I told her I need to cancel my afternoon appts because I just found out I had breast cancer.  Brenda is wonderful.  She listened and was supportive and she took care of canceling the appts for me so I did not have to worry about them.

Then I called my dad, as he is not working, having been layed of and looking for another job.  Again, no tears, just trying to get the information I got.  I was also trying to frantically look up stuff on the Internet to better understand what was going on. 

My dad called my mom at work and she came home.  She told me she broke down and cried at work.  I hate to see, or hear my parents in pain.  They have been through so much because of me.  From the time I was born they have had to go through many hospitalizations and what not, through my depression issues.  I just want things to be good so I can not make them so sad.  (I know I am not the cause of all these things, I do feel some guilt, (cognitive distortion), but I want them to be able to relax and not have to "worry" about me and take care of me for once.  It was finally happening until this!!

Mom called when she got home.  Talked with her.  I then needed to talk with my brother.  I think my brother took it super hard.  I don't know.  My brother and I have a good relationship, but we don't hang out.  I know my brother cares about me and worries about me a lot in all aspects of my life.  He always has.  He has stood up for me when I was teased when I was younger.  He looked over me when going out to make sure guys don't take advantage of me.  He is a wonderful brother.  He is my younger, but very mature, caring, loving and understanding brother.  He listened, he did not say much because I am assuming he did not know what to say.  He told me to be strong, not to go out and drink to much, because that was what he would do.  He said we can get through this.  It was at the time one of the longest conversations I have had with my brother on the phone and I loved it.  I try to wear a necklace he gave me for Christmas in 2009, when I was really depressed, as much as I can, as it makes me feel close to him, and that he is there for me.  (It is the loving embrace or warm embrace necklace from Kay Jewelers.) 

My dad called my relatives, and I got a call from my Aunt Trish.  She lives in Destin Florida.  She told me if I wanted a break she would send me a ticket to Florida to visit.  I would love to, let's see if I can get this fit in somewhere!!

My Uncle Craig, sent me e-mail.  Very supportive talking about his recent cancer diagnosis, and that he has fought it, and that he is now in remission, and that they originally only gave him 2 - 4 months to live and now they are projecting at least 10 more good years.  He also told me that his mother had breast cancer back in the 70's and she lived into her 70's.  And I should know that cancer treatment is so much better now, that he is sure I am in good hands and that it was caught early will make a good prognosis.

Once I let family know, I sent out a notice to friends on facebook.  The outpouring of support and love overwhelmed me.  It made me feel so strong and knew I could get through this.  (Still I have only shed a few tears, not really cried.  My eyes have only just misted up in talking to my family)

I then called my one of my Best Friends Shanna, whose husband is a radiologist.  Told her the facts, still no tears, still in shock.  Shanna listened she told me she would do anything I needed, even come to appts with me as she is a stay at home mom with her little one Camilla.

I called my other Best Friend Denise in Chester.  Talked with her for a while. She is always do supportive to.  Again no tears.  Denise is so strong and supportive. 

I called and then texted my Best friend Mel, also my big sister in my sorority in Chesapeake, I also texted her husband, cause usually I get a better response from her, when I get him to have her call me.  She called me back within 20 minutes.  She was in shock, but strong and supportive.  Her older sister is in recovery from her Breast Cancer diagnosis.  She gave me her number to call to talk to her sister.  (Mel's family is like one of my second families.)  Mel sent her love and hugs and kisses.

I then attempted to call my Best Friends Eric.  I could not get in touch with him.  I texted him, two times saying I needed to talk to him.  (around 11am 2pm).  I finally just sent him a text to say I had Breast Cancer because I needed him to know, and I had no idea what his schedule was or where he was.  I was hoping when he saw that he would be able to call me back.  Not until almost 9:00pm did he call.  He had been in a conference all day.  He was in shock too.  Did not know much to say.  I wanted him to come over....but I knew 9:00 was late.  I just need a hug.

Having announced this diagnosis and seeing the loving support from old friends, new friends, friends and family of friends, and even from people I was not close to from HS and college is amazing and wonderful.  It makes me strong, knowing that everyone is there for me.  That through tragedy or something tuff, can come something strong.  I am so thankful for Facebook, as I think it helped me deal with the news in a great way!

My First Biopsy

A biopsy, what is that?  I was not taking anyone to this appt, because no information was going to be exchanged...just some simple procedure.  I met the most wonderful RN and Breast Care Navigator, Mary McCarthy.  She was super sweet, gentle and very loving.  Talking with her about how I found out and that if and when I have my breast surgery, I wanted to have Dr. Scott Spear do anything related to breast reconstruction on my breasts. 

(He is an  amazing plastic surgeon, who when I was younger, did all of the reconstructive surgery to my face, in fact he did all of the surgeries but one to help my face look my symmetrical and help my right eye sink back in.  Taking a rib bone to use it as bone abound my eye, and leaving a minimal scar at a place where my breast would form and it would be totally hidden.  Since I was younger, Dr Spear began to specialize in Breast Surgery, both for cosmetic reasons and for people who have undergone partial and full mastectomies.  I joked with him when I last saw him early 2000's that if I ever needed anything done with my breasts he would be the one I would come to.) 

Mary knew of him, how can anyone not...as he his voted top in this area for this.  But Dr. Angelique Flourke, my Breast Radiologist also knew him and I think worked with him before at Georgetown where she had practiced.  Dr. Flourke was also familiar with Neurofibrmatosis, which is very reassuring.  She stated that it was one of the things they taught medical students about.  This put me at ease because that was one of my questions for them, could the lumps be a Neurofibroma.  She said with the biopsy they would find out.

The biopsy itself was not too painful.  They used an ultrasound machine to detect where the lump was, and then they marked the area.  Cleaned it, gave me a shot of numbing medication (ugh, I hate shots or injections!!!) The stuck in the thing for the biopsy.  It makes a clicking noise when in takes stuff, and I could not feel that. Just sounded weird.  They were both gentle and nice explaining everything along the way.  Mary then took me over to do another mammogram....YUCK!!  I hate those....smoosh of the boob in the machine.  Afterwards got little ice pack and was bandaged up.  I felt ok, a little sore, but ok. 

I had to get going because I had to meet up with three girls I placed for adoption in 2009 and their family as the oldest one just graduated.  I was going to meet them for lunch.  I was sooo happy to see them.  It kept my mind off everything that just went on.  Knowing how they are doing and what is going on in their lives.  One of the little girls has to undergo surgery herself this summer for the 3rd or more time. (not sure).  When working with her I had started the process to get her help as one of her legs is shorter than the other.  She was super special to me.  My young lady who was graduating was one I cared about a lot too, as she struggled the most emotionally and I know she has a strong heart and spirit.  And she said b/c of me, she wants to become a Social Worker.  That makes me so happy to have that influence.  It was also so great to see the little one.  She has grown up and is beautiful  She and I did not bond as much, but she is super special to me all the same.  Here are my girls below.  Despite what was going on in my life, I needed to see them and let them know how special they were to me.

Doing things kept my mind off of what was going on, and was not giving me a chance to worry what the results were.  Besides I did not think it was going to be anything.  Everyone was praying for me.  I knew it was going to be benign and just a Neurofibroma.

My First Mammogram

I went to Washington Radiology Associates, for my First ever Mammogram.  I don't know what to expect, Have no idea what it is going to be like.  If someone had told me about what had happened....I did not remember at this time. 

So as I was sitting in the office, filling out the paperwork, I had to decide if I wanted the standard 2D mammogram or the new 3D one, which the extra cost I have to pay for $50.  Well, What is another $50 when your breasts are concerned, when possible cancer is concerned.  The 3D claims to be better imaging and seeing the lumps. 

I get called, change into the lovely hospital gown, and have my breasts smooched on that machine.  The nurse/ technician was as gentle as she could be, but they have to smash them.  She was like, ok, breathe.....now don't breathe.....She moved my arms and neck in positions where I started to have pain from my back/ neck problems from last year. 

When that was done, I was able to take off my gown and change back into my clothes.  I had worn a strapless sundress to make it easier....and waited in this little waiting room while the doctor looked at the images....

There were two other ladies in the waiting room.  I felt for sure everything was going to be okay at this point.  Nothing was going to be wrong.  One of the women had said she had to have some non-cancerous lumps removed.  I was getting a little nervous....

Then the nurse came back in and said she needed to do a few more images.....I was like, oh please don't let there be anything wrong, I know there is nothing wrong.  I was trying to be positive, the way I tell my clients to be positive to keep my anxiety at bay.  So back in I went for more breast smashing....

I was then called into the doctors office and told that they saw the "lump" and wanted to do a biopsy of it, to see if it was cancerous or benign. Again....I was like, It's got to just be a neurfibroma.  There is no way I have cancer.  They were great, set me up for an appt for a biopsy for the next day June 8, 2012.

I of course informed all my family members, my brother said, it's prob nothing.  It could be a Neurofibroma.  He wanted to be kept in the loop.  Called  Shanna and Denise for support too.  I texted my friend Eric, who I am super close with and he said he had thought he had felt a mass the other week....he did not tell me.  Eric and I have known each other forever(1996) and I am super close to him about personal stuff regarding health and physical illnesses stuff.  Maybe he just did not think to tell me.  I am not sure he realized he should have said something to me, as I do have fibrous breasts.  I never felt the mass and I wash my body everyday feeling myself up.