A cancer diagnosis is not only a physical condition, but one of the most difficult psychological challenges one can ever face.  Reducing stress is an essential  part of the healing process. However,  when navigating  treatment, it can at times seem impossible.  This podcast shares thoughts and feelings that are commonly shared in survivor groups that others found helpful.  It discusses that acknowledgment that the journey doesn't end when treatment ends, is so important not only for the patient,  but for their family and friends as well.     

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This episode analyzes the surgical pathology and confirmation that a double mastectomy was the right decision.  Since no lymph nodes were involved,  an OncotypeDX test is proscribed so no decision on chemotherapy options are known.  Stress levels are at an all time high and ways to cope are explored.

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A complete explanation of the scoring system for the oncotype DX test and it's benefits for early stage, node negative, hormone positive, Her2 negative breast cancer.  The trend towards "individualized oncology" in the past ten years has changed the focus from "one size fits all"  to examining the genomic characteristics of the tumor cells.  Early stage breast cancers treated prior to this diagnostic test were all given chemotherapy.  This test identifies tumors who would not respond to chemotherapy and allows these patients to skip this debilitating treatment and treat their cancer with hormone therapy.

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This session addresses the criteria used to assign breast cancer staging, cell differentiation and biomarkers.  Explanation for each stage and how this relates to prognosis and survival statistics is discussed.  This information is most useful after the tumor is excised and can be microscopically examined.  

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This podcast explains the difference between DCIS and LCIS/Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors/and HER2 status and treatment decisions.  Understanding differentiation and how this corresponds to the aggressiveness of the cancer.  Why DCIS and LCIS are considered stage zero cancer and why excision of these tumors is important.

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In this Podcast I discuss the days leading up to the mastectomy and detail the hospital stay from admittance to surgery and recovery.  Included are details of my journey with a double skin sparing mastectomy including  immediate reconstruction with expanders.  A nipple sparing was not possible and the reasons for my choices are discussed.  Tips for pain management and items to help recovery are referenced.

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My cancer journey begins with an irregular mammogram.  Seeking a second opinion would be the key to saving my life.

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This chapter chronicles past issues with irregular mammograms and the need for a biopsy which thankfully this time was benign.

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The journey from biopsy to surgery is an extremely stressful and uncertain time.  Deciding between lumpectomy and mastectomy will depend on the clinical pathology resulting from your biopsy, and more information and further tests may be needed before reaching a final decision.  Organizing your surgery team if mastectomy is needed will require coordination between a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.  Preparing for a mastectomy is not only psychologically challenging, but preparing for the physical challenges will help with the recovery phase following surgery.  Helpful suggestions of items that can help with comfort during recovery is discussed.

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My continual breast issues in previous mammograms result in my first biopsy.  These chapters depict the  events leading up to my breast cancer diagnosis. A benign biopsy ten years earlier becomes an invasive cancer that would threaten my life.

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