Another woman diagnosed.

I've just returned from the home of some friends of ours. One of them was diagnosed with invading ductal carcinoma today. Another woman with breast cancer. With the current statistic of 1 in 9 women contracting breast cancer, I thought I would be the one among our group of friends. I thought I had them all covered but I guess I didn't.

This woman is a lesbian too. She was born the same year as I was, although with a January birthday, she is MUCH older than me. We have somewhat similar health histories although she hasn't dealt with obesity (I have) and I don't smoke (she does). When they heard the news, they asked me to come to their house. I quickly assembled some written information...afterall, knowledge is power, and headed to their home. She was right where I was exactly 3 weeks ago, believing I had just been handed a death sentence. At times I still feel that way but now, armed with 3 weeks of knowledge and the allies of wonderful specialists, I feel better prepared to face this disease. While this disease may ultimately be responsible for my death, I know that it won't happen for a while yet.

In reality, our friend has a small cancer like mine. 1.1 cm in size and a grade 2 (slower growing than mine) is a small cancer with the best of odds associated with it. Today though, it might just as well be the size of a bowling ball. That is what it feels like when you hear the news. She does need to have surgery, either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy with sential node biopsy. She then needs to spend time waiting for the full pathology report as well as the staging. That is the essential aspect to understanding long term treatment and outcomes. Those hours become endless. After that begins the process of making very important treatment decisions.

I am three weeks ahead of my friend, hardly in a position to offer much in terms of support or encouragment. I am still in the early stages of this disease myself. Everyday I read more and learn more. One thing that I know for sure is that this is a horrible disease that is altering our live in many important ways.

Remember...get your mammograms. Early diagnosis and treatment is key for long term, successful outcomes. Say a prayer for me AND my friend tonight.