I’m not going to give you every single day to day detail of what I went through from my imaging day up until now because it’s just too much. I have everything written out and ready to go but after reading it over again, I honestly can’t believe I’m even talking about myself. It all just seems so surreal- like I really just did all of this? A few of you mentioned wanting to know more. So here’s the short hand-

Wednesday December 12th I went for imaging. Just 2 days after my primary appointment. They took diagnostic of both and ultrasound of my left. At this time my parents, Jason, my sister and I think one or two friends were the only ones who I had told. And again it was said to think positive. Could be nothing. Could be- but I just didn’t have that feeling.

Scans done, ultrasound done- I’ll spare you those details. Bottom line- majority of radiologists know what they are looking at right away. They’ve seen it all. I know it’s possible to be wrong, but this mass I had worried me. And from the things being said, their faces and demeanor, they too were pretty concerned. I needed a biopsy. Fast. So I was scheduled for 2 days later.

Friday December 14th I go for my biopsy. That was definitely an experience. I was fine but this was the real start to the moment of truth. Pretty overwhelming. During the procedure the drs and nurses were absolutely phenomenal in just talking me through everything and just doing what they needed to do. And when it got a little uncomfortable I said to myself- well if this is going to be what I think it is, I better brace myself because what I’m about to do right here, right now is nothing compared to what I could be doing in just a matter of weeks from now.  Game face on from here on out no matter what. And that’s what I did. Got through the biopsy- ok another thing crossed off my list. One step at a time. Now we wait. Results in 3-5 days.

Thank goodness for an amazing husband, amazing family and amazing friends who kept me busy all weekend and up until my results day.

Tuesday December 18th we got the call. Positive for ductal carcinoma. Don’t know any other details because they are still testing samples for further info. But with holidays coming they wanted me to at least know this so I could get on making these appointments ASAP. Ok. Got it. On it. Thanks to some unfortunate connections we have with these kinds of doctors, appointments were made within a matter of hours for later that week. 2 specialists and 1 oncologist. Here we go.

Thursday December 20th was the actual moment of truth. I went with Jason and my mom to my first specialist appointment. The 2 things I wanted to hear- not stage 4 and not inflammatory and when she said it’s not either, that’s when I cried HAPPY tears. It’s not the worst case!! Ok. What else? She explained my diagnosis to the 3 of us. I sat there and I took it all in. I knew it. Throughout this whole thing I knew it. I’m a realist and prepared myself. Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. And it’s not the worst!! But the one thing that resonated with me with this specialist is that when she asked how I came about finding this and about my visit to my primary - I told her what I had to do to get my imaging done. She kindly put her hands on my cheeks, looked me in the eyes, and with a red face said good for you- girl you just saved your own life. Wow. I did.

Now I didn’t stick with this specialist, even though she seemed amazing. Friday December 21st I went to another specialist who was even more wonderful than we had seen the day before, as if that was even possible but it was, and looking at each other in agreement Jason, my mom and I all knew this was the one. She is it. We found the specialist who is going to help make me better. Another thing crossed off my list. Now I can breathe and relax this weekend and start again on Monday. Monday- well tomorrow- I meet with my oncologist. The only time I was ever this excited to see a doctor I think was when I was pregnant. Excited? Yes. This oncologist is setting up my treatment plan and in a matter of days, maybe a week or 2, one way or another I’ll be on my way to getting this crap out of me and to getting better. So yes I actually cannot wait to see this doctor.

And that’s the beginning of my story. Staying positive. No negative. It is what it is. I can’t change anything, I didn’t do anything. But I did catch it and I will be ok. Stay tuned..... #teammichele
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