BREAST MRI

My breast MRI was scheduled for the morning of Friday, May 3rd. I had an MRI in 2010 when I had a mild TIA, so I knew enough about the procedure to dread the loud noise and claustrophobic feeling. I searched the internet and found a video to help familiarize myself with what to expect with a breast MRI. I am a bit of a control freak - okay, I am a full fledged control freak! I hate the "unknown". My husband was out of town on a business trip, so my daughter went with me. (My daughter is an occupational therapist and works at a large trauma hospital.) She plays a major part in my breast cancer journey.

The breast MRI was easier than I expected; noisy but not as confining. The technicians were very helpful and supportive. I had some anxiety about an adverse reaction to the contrast dye, but they assured me of its safety. They mentioned a few patients get a metallic taste in their mouth. I am so glad they told me, because I did and almost freaked out!

Another waiting period. I should get the results of the MRI on Monday.

 **************************************************

MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI scans use magnets and radio waves instead of x-rays to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. During a breast MRI you may have a contrast material injected into a catheter in a vein (IV) before or during the exam. This improves the ability of the MRI to clearly show breast tissue details.

This first video link is for a general MRI:  

"What Is Getting an MRI Like" Video

This second video link is for a breast MRI:
Breast MRI Video

"HURRY UP AND WAIT" TORMENT

April 2, 2013 was the date of that fateful mammogram and ultrasound indicating I had a suspicious solid mass in my left breast that wasn't present in my 2012 mammogram. Now came the "hurry up and wait" game. I had a previous biopsy (benign) by Dr. Mary Brian in 2002, so I felt confident in having her perform this biopsy. I wanted it right away, but reality check said I had to wait for an opening on April 24th. You can imagine the angst one goes through waiting. Somehow I knew this time I wouldn't be so lucky, but I tried my best to keep positive. I would deal with it.

Having had a previous biopsy, I knew what to expect during the procedure. I knew my luck ran out when Dr. Brian was very guarded in her initial assessment of the breast tissue specimens she removed. I had the biopsy on Wednesday, April 24th and would get the results on Friday, April 26th. More tormented waiting. Friday afternoon came and I hadn't heard from Dr. Brian's office, so I called. They checked and the lab was not done with its analysis, so I would have to wait until Monday for the results. I did a lot of praying that if it was cancer, that it was detected early and at a low risk. I became very specific in what I prayed for; such as skillful lab technicians, and for serenity and calmness during this waiting time. 

My husband and I visited with Dr. Brian on Monday, April 29th. Not good news. The biopsy report diagnosed it as a low-grade carcinoma in the left breast that was suspicious for invasion. I have a biology major, yet this information brought me to my knees. I felt numb. That one word, cancer; is devastating to hear.

Dr. Brian indicated I would probably need a lumpectomy followed by radiation....possibly chemotherapy, if it was in my lymph nodes. The biopsy wording "suspicious for invasion" was mind blowing. I wanted to know for sure, so Dr. Brian suggested having a MRI. The MRI was scheduled for Friday, May 3rd. Another tormented waiting period. I prayed for skillful MRI technicians, doctors, and that the cancer had not spread.

A YEAR AGO TODAY MY WORLD CAME CRASHING DOWN

A year ago this morning I had my annual diagnostic mammogram. After the mammogram and ultrasound, the doctor told me he thought it was probably a benign fibroadenoma, something a lot of older women develop; and not to worry since it hadn't been present in 2012. He suggested a follow-up ultrasound in 3-6 months or a biopsy - choice was up to me. My gut feeling was this is serious and I need to take action now. Dr. Mary Brian did my biopsy and was concerned with the "look" of the specimen, but she didn't want to speculate. The biopsy results confirmed our suspicions - carcinoma. CANCER is an ugly word you don't want to hear. Thus, the beginning of my breast cancer journey. 

Ladies, have you had your yearly mammogram? 

If not, schedule it today - it can be life saving!

From here on, I will make blog posts of my breast cancer journey in hopes that it will create more awareness and help anyone else who hears those dreaded words, "You have breast cancer."

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY

HIPPITY HOP, EASTER IS ON ITS WAY!

Here are a few beautiful and unique Easter creations 

designed by 

EtsyKids team members.

Couture Easter Headband

by

Le Petite Jardin

Colorful Necklace

by

Weild Hair Accessories

Natural Wood Pastel Easter Eggs

by

Apple n Amos

"Georgia" Flower Headband

by

Sadie Bloom Designs

Personalized Easter Basket

by

Flutterbye Chic Boutique

Visit Hippity Hop, Easter Is On Its Way treasury to see the other Easter treasures!

SOUP TIP

Paula Deen's tip for reducing the fat in your broth:

Chill the soup. 

The fat will rise to the top, and you can scoop it off.

JURY DUTY SUMMONS

I don't mind the jury duty summons because it one's civic duty to serve, but I do mind the early morning wake-up alarm and the long wait until you find out if you are assigned to a court case. I plan on taking a book, crossword puzzles....and snacks to make the wait time tolerable.

CHRISTMAS ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE 2013

I love to have Christmas decor throughout the house.

Santa With His Reindeer On Dining Buffet

Antique Trunk In Boy's Room

Master Bedroom Alcove

CHRISTMAS 2013

Here are some photos 

of our outside 

Christmas decorations.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing everyone 

a wonderful 2014 

filled with 

happiness, 

success, 

and 

good health!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ETSYKIDS TREASURY

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. Here are a few one my favorite Christmas creations by EtsyKids designers.

Christmas Iron-On Shirt Transfer

by

Tea Party Designs

Christmas Bibs

by

Happy Babee and Beeyond

Red Baby Booties

by

The Desig Nest

Christmas Patchwork Blanket

by

Sweetie Bugs

Check out my other EtsyKids Christmas selections in my treasury, MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013.

ARTWORK TREASURY FOR BOY'S ROOM by Snazzy Snugglies

Enjoy the vibrant colors of the art work treasury, Beautiful Art for Boys, by Snazzy Snugglies which features 16 Etsykids designers.

by

nJoyArt

by

BabyChicksDesigns

by

Mia4Art

9-11 ANNIVERSARY

Americans will never forget that tragic day when terrorists destroyed the twin towers and part of the Pentagon. Needless to say, their cowardly actions caused much heartache. 

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE - 100 TAILGATE RECIPES

•  Hot Sausage Dip
• Whether you're at the game or cheering from home, kick off your tailgating party with our first-string collection of snacks, spreads, and dips. For starters, scoop up this hearty sausage dip and keep it warm at the tailgate party in an insulated casserole dish carrier.
• INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound ground hot pork sausage
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomato and green chiles
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Corn chips
• DIRECTIONS
• 1. Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well.
  2.  Drain diced tomato and green chiles, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.
  3.  Stir together sausage, diced tomato and green chiles, reserved liquid, and cream cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with corn chips.

DUAL PURPOSE FOR STRAWBERRIES

Today, I'm starting back on my blog.  I recently had a double mastectomy and am on my way back to normal day-to-day living.  I do have one remaining surgery to finish the reconstruction. I was delighted to hear one of my favorite fruits also helps to whiten one's teeth. Dual functions - nourishment and dental hygiene rolled into one! 

According to Redbook:

They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration, says Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.