I started this blog after I ended my Caring Bridge. I didn’t know how long I would keep writing. It’s almost a journal some days. Number of views or people who like it does not matter for me. Like it or not, these are the things I’m going through. Trivial to some, relatable to others, always honest. I’ve thought about turning it into a book, but unsure of the best format or if I’d sell enough copies to cover the costs, since I did not with the last book I was a part of.

Anyway, back to the journey. Sometime in November, I developed a rash on my chest. I ignored it and just “treated” it with OTC stuff. It will go away. Wait until after Thanksgiving. Wait until after the World Duck calling. Still not gone. Wait until the work stuff slows down. Wait until after Christmas. Still not gone. Wait until after NYC. Wait until…. Still not gone. No more waiting.

I was able to get in to the Dr and she agreed it was good I came in. (So thankful to have a GP who didn’t ignore my concerns.) What many people don’t know is that inflammatory breast cancer starts as a rash. My rash was on the same side I had cancer. My mother-in-law had her cancer return more than 15 yrs after she first had it & it started as a rash, which she ignored until other issues forced her to go in. Then it was too late. I promised that her journey would not become mine.

Missed a work meeting for this stuff but my health is more important. I was able to get in on a Monday. Exam led to mammogram with an extra view on the left side. Wait in a changing room the size of a coat closet until the Dr read the mammogram. Better have an ultrasound to be sure. Ultrasound, then wait in the closet room again. Probably not inflammatory breast cancer, but given your history, biopsy is suggested. Instead of waiting for a call, I just went to the desk to schedule it. How about tomorrow? Excellent. The next day, the surgeon said, “It’s good you came in, but I think it looks ok. We will do 2 biopsies.” The next couple of days were a little more painful than I remembered from previous biopsies. These two were punch biopsies that were stitched up. Waiting is always the hard part.

Results came the following week. They showed up in my chart before the Dr called. So I tried to search up the terms and what it all meant. I did see negative for carcinoma = not breast cancer. The doctor called the next day and confirmed that it is not inflammatory breast cancer. She did a referral to dermatology & I need to keep an eye on it.

There is a lot of trauma associated with cancer. It’s different for everyone. They offer therapists to talk to after treatment, but only for so long. Then you’re kind of sent off into the world to navigate it yourself. You don’t know what will trigger the reactions, the memories or the fears. One of my worst anxiety attacks was after radiation concluded. I went from daily radiation during my lunch break to nothing. It might be a significant date, a new checkup or even a routine appointment. One thing people don’t talk about and maybe don’t think about is cancer drug commercials. I have a hard time seeing a 30-60 second ad for it without my mind wandering to where it shouldn’t.

You may not know that I am almost always hesitant to share things, especially about my cancer journey. I feel a responsibility to make people aware that this disease can impact younger women, preventative care is important, and also to take action if you feel like something isn’t right. People could tell me over and over that it doesn’t matter what stage mine was, it was still cancer and it still has had a lasting impact. Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, treated with lumpectomy and radiation, no chemo due to gene testing and tumor analysis, followed by hysterectomy/oophorectomy. Age:41. 11 years later I usually think about it less than before (unless I have 2 holes stitched and covered in surgical glue that are driving me nuts). Also, my surgical anniversary is this week. Just further proof that even though the world is heavy right now, everyone is dealing with something & it might not be visible.

Peace be with you on your journey of enough. I may not get there but I will keep trying.