Six Years

Today as Dr. Gray was going over the results of my
blood work and checking on a few things, he reminded
me that it was six years ago this month, that I was
diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). 
In many ways it seems so long ago and in other ways,
it seems like yesterday.  Who knew the road would be
so bumpy, but I got through it with only a few battle
scars which I now call my Victory scars. They
constantly remind me of how blessed I am!

March 25, 2006 I wrote the following:

The War Within

Inside my breast a war rages.
It's ugly fingers spreading out
Fighting to over come healthy tissues.
Marching forward in haste
Its strongholds to secure.

Now, I, too, must engage in this battle,
Preparing my defenses,
Strategies are mapped out.
A course of action to be taken.
Advice from my oncologist.
We've only just begun.

Where this battle will go,
How it will end,
I know not.
Armed with faith, hope, determination and
Trust in the Lord,
Forward I move into the foray.
Praying my forces will
Overcome the enemy within.
       

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare, fast-
growing type of cancer.  Unlike other breast
cancers, this doesn't cause a lump in the
breast.  Mammograms and breast exams often
fail to catch it early.  Because it grows so fast,
it usually has spread by the time it is diagnosed.

As you perform your breast exams, be aware
of a breast that may be swollen, red and warm.
One that is tender or painful, or an area of itching
in the breast, a change in the nipple (retracted)
or even some dimpling (like an orange peel).

I had a rash that actually spread around my
chest and top of my stomach.  I thought it was
due to a change of laundry detergent, but when
it didn't leave my breast and I noticed other
changes, I knew something was wrong. I
got the quickest dr. appointment I could and it
was with my family doctor who, I think
recognized it, but sent me for a mammogram
immediately.  From that appointment we were
off and running.

To be sure of the diagnosis, a needle biopsy
was done, but didn't reveal anything.  Next we
did a deep tissue biopsy and that showed
results.

Doctors are becoming more aware of IBC
but some still send patients to a dermatologist
thinking it is some kind of a skin irritation, etc.
 
I knew back in January of 2006 that I had
IBC because of going on the internet.  It scared
me to death to see pictures and read about it.
Of course, I think the worst case scenarios
in pictures are presented.  But, I still had to go
through all the hoops before a  plan of
treatment could be set up and a sure diagnosis
given.

So, why am I telling all this?  Because if it
helps one person to not put off getting a
mammogram or visiting her doctor because
of concerns, it will all be worth it!  Life is
too precious to not act--no matter how scary
it seems. Don't let fears hold you back or think
that you'll do it tomorrow.

DO IT NOW!  Don't be afraid to take that step.
Call your doctor if you have any concerns.

The life you save may be your own.