Carol: Friends and Family
Little things meant a lot in my battle with breast cancer.
I had an ultrasound in January 2005 because “something” appeared on my annual mammogram. After the ultrasound, the doctor said to come back in six months for another mammogram. I wasn't alarmed at that point – but that changed soon afterward!
A biopsy followed the July mammogram. Those results showed that the “tiny little thing,” as the doctor had called it, had grown. Even though it wasn’t cancer, it could become cancerous, and with that came the news I needed a lumpectomy.
After the surgery my doctors did more testing, including bone scans and an MRI. The radiology staff helped me through the MRI, which was rough. The tests revealed several suspicious areas on my other breast, which meant I had to have that breast removed and more tissue taken from the area around my lumpectomy. I was very upset by this latest turn of events, as you can imagine.
After that surgery I had high-density radiation for five days, two times each day. There were no real side effects, just a bit of fatigue. Coping with the mastectomy was hard, but my husband took great care of me. He washed my hair and changed my dressing since I wasn't ready to look at it.
My fellow hospital volunteers were a tremendous help, too. They brought food and flowers and were so supportive. Then I got a huge surprise – my daughter flew in from Delaware to help out for a week! I loved having her here, and I have to say, I think it was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.
I’ve been assured the cancer is gone, but I’m on medication to reduce the chance of recurrence. It’s been a rough road, but I’ve learned what great friends, neighbors and family I have. Not a bad lesson to learn!