This is a big week for me because it is the week when I should learn the results of my OncoType test which will determine, in part, the decisions that are made for the balance of my treatment. So, before we move on to the next phase I'd better get my postings caught up!
Where was I? Oh, yes. It was May 8th and I had just gotten more bad news. On May 9th I showed up at Baptist's Breast Center for what was to be another round of mamograms and ultrasounds, and ultimately another ultrasound core biopsy.
Everything seemed faster than usual this day. I was quickly ushered back to the mamogram area and when that was done there was vitually no waiting for an ultrasound table. The radiology tech somewhat remembered me and when we started talking again it all came back to her. After all, I had spent over 3 hours with her one day just a few weeks ago and at that time we talked about movies, dogs, the weather, teaching, school, husbands, boyfriends. It was as if I had suddenly run into an old friend.
When the radiologist came into the room I did a double take on her name and promptly said, " Hey, you're my neighbor." Sure enough, Kathryn Pearson and her husband, John Peyton just moved into a beautiful home they build a few doors down. This was a fortuitious meeting because she was also the MD who interpreted the MRI results and her field of specialization had been in this area.
Once she took a look at the ultrasound screen she immediately decided the area should be biopsied. Jerry couldn't be with me today but he asked that I call him if they decided to do a biopsy. That call never happened. I never left the table.
I learned a great deal talking with Dr. Pearson over the next hour. She was very thorough because she was very certain of what she was seeing, and when she left she made sure I had the titles of two books and she made sure I met Marcel, the breast care coordinator R.N. And once again, I left the table after a biopsy to teach a new class.
Jerry was with me Wednesday morning. Though I had been weepy once or twice before, this morning I had my first breakdown. I just knew that things had just gone from bad to worse. When Dr. Edwards called early afternoon, I was already in shock. 'There is another problem. I think it best if you come in tomorrow morning so we can talk." Once again he told me that I had lots of options, but once again I heard that familiar discomfort in his voice.
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