Stupid Statistics

You always hear that statistic: 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime.  I personally think that statistic stinks!  And although I hear that stastistic and thought frequently about it, I still felt disconnected from it, in a way.  Even as women in my neighborhood, mothers in the school my kids attend, or just people you hear about through others were diagnosed.  But it became much more of a slap in the face recently.

Granted, my family has been deeply affected by breast cancer. I am married to a most wonderful man, but would not have that man in my life had his first wife not lost her battle with breast cancer.  I am now raising a daughter whose mother was taken from her by this.

But I didn't witness it, and we don't dwell on it.


Back to that statistic....yes, that number always bothered me.  Think about it.  Eight women in a room, and one of them is going to have breast cancer.  But honestly, I didn't really stress about it, because(even though it is not a guarantee) we have ZERO family history of breast cancer.  Not a grandmother, aunt, great aunt....nada.  Until now.  **Edited to read: Hmmm, found out today I didn't have the zero record I thought I had! A cousin told me our great aunt fought with breast cancer for a few years.  I remember she died when I was a teen, and I am not sure if I didn't know what she died of or if I had forgotten.  So, all you female relatives on my fathers side, we do have a family history.**

My ever vigilant and healthy mother, who has faithfully gotten yearly mammograms for as long as I can remember, got called back for a second look at something that had "changed" since her last.  That 2nd look turned into an ultrasound, and that turned into a needle biopsy.  Four days later she got the call that the biopsy came back showing cancer.

Welcome to the statistic.

She dropped the bomb on me the next day. (Thankfully, I took the news well, until a few hours later when my brain refused to concentrate on anything, but this isn't about me.)

So....since then we've been busy.  We've seen the surgeon (who is quite possibly one of the coolest people I've ever met, and would recommend her to anyone).  We received a copy of the biopsy, and the good news is the tumor is small.  The surgeon was very optimistic that it's been caught early.  It is also the typical type (Invasive ductal) and is hormone positive, which means they can treat that component of it with hormone supression drugs.  My mom has opted on a lumpectomy, which is scheduled for the 19th.  At that point, they will also do a sentinel node biopsy to see if there is any involvement there, and be able to "stage" her cancer.  Also in the plans is radiation. It sounds like chemo will only have to take place if they find positive lymph nodes, but that is just from the conversation with the surgeon.  We haven't met with the oncologist yet, but will this coming Monday.

All manner of prayers for my mom are appreciated. :)  She went back and forth on giving me permission to let people know about this, but finally relented. I'll try and continue to update, depending upon what she gives the okay for, but personally, I'm praying that a lot of updating won't be necessary because we are getting this out of her, and moving on with a smile and grateful hearts. :)



I do know that my mom would like to remind everyone to get their yearly mammograms, since that's how they caught this....she never felt anything.

I'm off to make my appointment.......