The next big thing

Who knew (God did) when I started this blog after Jim died that I'd ever  need it again? I figured this was the easiest way to get all the information out to my friends and family who want to know.
So... I have breast cancer. As far as cancers go... I picked a good one. :) Ductal Carcinoma InSitu (DCIS). It's the kind that is encapsulated in the duct and (as far as they know) CAN'T SPREAD!!!! YAY!!! And after meeting with the surgeon today I found out even more...

Here's what I know:
** can't break through the duct (apparently some can but since they don't know which ones will they treat all with a lumpectomy or mastectomy. my choice) I'm choosing a lumpectomy.

** it 6mm high grade (high grade means more likely to reoccur)

** they will take a sample from the lymph node to as a precaution and combined with the tumor will determine the stage of cancer.

** I will need radiation therapy so I will meet with a Radiation Oncologist to discuss what that looks like.

** I can choose to have a mastectomy but personally I think that's overkill considering the type of     cancer I have. Even though it was tempting to "get a whole new rack" as Suzzanne put it. HA!

** I will be having an MRI so the surgeon can get a clear picture and see exactly what we're dealing with and if it's going in one direction or another. If it's heading into the aereola that will need to be     removed. (that would be a bummer so pray it's not!)

** The surgery itself is outpatient and will only last about 45 min. My downtime will be about 2       weeks.

Things that have to happen before surgery:
MRI
EKG and blood work
ultrasound of the lymph nodes
insert a marker that leaves a wire sticking out (doesn't sound fun but its done the day of surgery)

I am very thankful for:

Mindy and Suzzanne who went with me to the appt and asked questions I hadn't even thought of and made me laugh. Mindy took notes so I wouldn't forget what they said! THEY WERE AWESOME!

My Surgeon (Christian Swanson) is a Christian with a wonderful bedside manner and a good sense of humor!

I have a patient navigator, named Marie, who got me an earlier appt and will guide me through this from the medical side.

I think I've covered everything but if you have a question please ask below.

LOVE YOU ALL!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!
Fully Trusting Him,
Karla