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Krystal
I have begun my long unwanted Journey to beat this IBC monster. I will begin with a little info as to how I was diagnosed.
I found a lump around September, 2006. I went to see my OB/GYN. She thought it was fibrous and told me to lay off caffeine
for a couple weeks. So I did. At this point I felt as if it just popped up. It was about the size of a half-dollar.
I have large breasts, and I honestly do not know when it appeared. I had noticed a little pain, more of just knowing it was
there. I pressed on it enough that I thought I had made it sore. So I went back 2-3 weeks later, and the Doctor then tried
to draw fluid from it. No luck.
I was sent for an Ultrasound that day. The tech couldn't find it on the screen. I thought that was strange. I could feel
it. Why is it not showing on the screen? I got a clear report from that, and I was ok with that.
A few more weeks went by, and I could feel it everyday. Hurt isn't the word, just sore maybe. If I bumped it, it would hurt.
Finally, around November I made my husband feel it again. After he felt it at this point it was probably a large plum size.
He told me to go back. I am not good at going to the Doctor for every little thing, so I put it off a little more.
I finally called my regular physician and scheduled an appointment. He was very concerned and wanted a mammogram and
another ultrasound. I agreed. So in December I had those done. They both came back fine. So he wanted me to see a surgeon.
Well by this time I couldn't get into him until mid-February. So I waited. This thing was getting bigger. Long story cut
down, I saw him on February 22nd. He did another u/s and said my mammogram really only showed a fatty tumor. He mashed
around and decided to do a biopsy. So we scheduled that on the next Monday.
He didn't seem concerned other than it was a lemon-sized amount of tissue to remove. I arrived at the hospital for surgery
thinking I was going to come out a little lopsided, but that was ok. Right before they put me under he came in to mark the
spot.
It had started to dimple on the side, and I just assumed it was because the tissue was hard inside. He said it concerned
him, and then I was out! I woke up knowing he was unsure this was ok. I could tell my breast wasn't much smaller. I knew
something wasn't right.
He came in, and I could read it all over his face. This was bad. Yes, it was malignant. I was floored. So now a few
doctors' appointments later, and I ended up at MD Anderson. IBC is more common there, and I thought I needed to go.
They got me in on the very next Tuesday.
What a week can change in your life. It's stage III with nodes affected. But it hasn't spread to any other parts. I am
thankful for that. I had 1 round of chemo (FEC), and I'm now learning all these side effects. I feel good, and I hope I
can stay that way.
Through all of this I have learned alot about my faith. I never knew I had so much until now. I have to let God take
control, as now I have none. I just go where they tell me to, and do what I'm told. I hope I can update in a little while
with good news. I have 5 more months of chemo, then surgery, then radiation.
I have gained strength here reading all the inspiring stories. I'll keep you all in my prayers. They seem to grow bigger
everyday. Please keep strong and know that WE HAVE TO WIN. I have 2 wonderful kids 5 and 2, and a loving hubby to fight
for!
God Bless Us All!
Krystal in Ky
My journey is documented here:
www.pbase.com/Kdenfip
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