Thursday, August 16, 2012

Rocki vs Breast Cancer - round 1

Let me first start out with saying that I am okay.  However, since last Thursday Mark and I have been dealing with the unknown and yesterday I received the diagnosis - breast cancer.  After talking with my family I decided that I was not going to be shy about it, so here I am loud and clear.

So how was it discovered?  Well, I had an itch and felt a new little lump in my left breast so the next day called the doc to make sure.  Okay...Mark MADE me call.  I was hesitant because I figured it was just another one of those cysts that I get (fibrocystic breast).   My doc got me in quick... I'll try to condense this part: after the exam I was sent for a Mammogram, that was Thursday Aug. 9th.  On that day I had 2 separate mammograms plus an ultrasound.  Long day.  Conclusion: lump was nothing so lefty was ok, but I was told that I had multiple clusters of microcalcifications in my right breast.  I had no idea what that was, but was told I needed a breast needle biopsy to rule out cancer and that was scheduled on Tuesday morning. THAT, my friends, was not fun.  After being shown all the clusters on the mammogram, I swallowed hard.

Before jumping to yesterday's shocker, I have to share a couple things.  On the day of driving to my mammo the car in front of me had a breast cancer awareness ribbon license plate.  Kind of funny I thought.  The same thing happened to Mark on his way home that day when I told him the results of the mammo.  Ever since then, every where we go there's the big ol' pink ribbon.  Plus on the day of my biopsy, none of our kids (dogs) would eat breakfast and Maelyn just stared at me with sad eyes while I got ready to go.  Just to note, Mark & I have discussed the elephant in the room all week from every angle - through tears, logic and hope.  "Plan for the worst, hope for the best" as they say.  I think the not knowing was the worst part.

Okay so back to yesterday... which by the way sucked, to be honest.  Just waiting to find out whether or not it was the big C was nerve racking, to say the least.  I'll shorten this part - so I was told that I have Severe High Grade 3 Ductal Carcinoma in situ (Solid Type) in multiple locations of right breast.  There are 3 grades of DCIS before becoming invasive (spreading): low (1), moderate (2) and high (3).  Anyway, it's bad/good news, so to speak.  The bad is the obvious, but right now the good is that it is not yet invasive.  Here's a short blurp about it from breastcancer.org:

In the high-grade pattern, DCIS cells tend to grow more quickly and look much different from normal, healthy breast cells. People with high-grade DCIS have a higher risk of invasive cancer, either when the DCIS is diagnosed or at some point in the future. They also have an increased risk of the cancer coming back earlier — within the first 5 years rather than after 5 years.

Jumping again...my doc made the surgeon appoint which is this coming Monday.  I'll get more info there, but apparently surgery will definitely happen - but I do NOT want radiation or chemo!  To be honest, if one goes, so does the other and I'm absolutley fine with that.

I have my boxing gloves on again and coming out swinging!  This isn't the first time I've had a life altering event that I won - they don't call me Rocki for nothin.  Trust me when I say I'm okay.  I have a great support system with my loving and supportive family and friends.

Peace and love,
Rocki

16 comments:

Heart of a Cowgirl said...

Keep up the positive attitude Rocki, it will serve you well. Thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.
Bridget

Wendi Weisenburger Brandon said...

I'm one of your customers and I just read your post and will be cheering for you! Thankful that you are not alone and able to do this thing one part at a time! Sending you many thoughts of love and peace for the upcoming surgery.

Nauli said...

I just jump over from the Etsy Blog team. How sad news...
Wish you all the best and strength on earth. You have a supportive surrounding. Send you and your family my healing vibes.

Sharon said...

I am fully confident you will kick its a**! XXOO Sharon

Marie Cramp said...

I am just done round 3. It sucks and you will need to be strong. Just don't give up!!! <3

http://skyejewels.blogspot.com

Marie

Paige Ronchetti said...

You have such a great positive attitude! Wishing you lots of luck and strength as you get through the next few weeks/months.

(Saw your post on the Etsy Blog Team.)

dochoamom said...

Hey Girl... Stay strong. Just said a prayer for you,will continue and ask prayers from my circle. Sending healing thoughts and energy.

Much Love, Deb

cara said...

Dear Rocki,

I just wanted to send my best wishes to you -- and while I know this is devastating news, I know also that you will beat this and come out on the other side. We'll all be here, cheering you on and looking forward to seeing your wonderful creations again, down the road. :-) xox--Cara

mairedodd said...

rocki -
i am so very shocked for you... i am glad that your bad/good prognosis and outlook are what they are...
but i am truly sorry -
you are so open and inspiring - you are cared about very much and will have much love surrounding you ...

Rocki Adams said...

I am truly overwhelmed with the kindness by everyone who has commented, emailed, messaged and called me - I'm sort of speechless, even though hubby says that may be impossible.

I'll admit that it's been a rough day as I've been up and down, but I'm dealing with it. Thank you all for your encouragement and love, it means a lot to me!
♥Rocki

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I can't think of another person on this earth that I think will hit the big C head on and beat the hell out of it. You stay UP. This is a battle you will win and so many many people will send you the power to fight hard.
XX, Carol

Rocki Adams said...

Carol, thank you so much, I really appreciate that! Oh yes, I will beat it good!

Everyone is just so awesome...wow. Thanks again all!
♥Rocki

artangel said...

Hi Rocki
I just saw your post and wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you, and sending tons of positve thoughts and hugs. You keep those boxing gloves up, hon. I bet you have a great right hook! xx

Rocki Adams said...

Hi Ang, thanks so much! You better believe it girl, my right punch is a doozy! ;)
♥Rocki

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Rocki! You have blessed all of us with your positive outlook via your blog, so rest assured we will all send them right back at you :)

Rocki Adams said...

Hi Jo! I appreciate that so very much, thank you!
Muah!