Katie Breaks the News

Dear friends and family,

I am sending out a group email which I know may seem very impersonal, but I want each of you to directly hear from me this news.

Last week on Friday, June 19th, I was told that I have breast cancer. The cancer is in my right breast and is a .6cm tumor with 7cm of invasive cancer. I went in for a mammogram and they discovered the tumor, which was followed by ultrasound biopsy, resulting in the final diagnosis on Friday. The incredible part of the story, I was at Hoag Hospital in Newport, CA where there is a wonderful 'Breast Pavilion'. So, not only did I hear my news from the biopsy on Friday, but after 6 hours I went home having had an MRI done and having met with an incredible surgeon, Dr. Melvin Silverstein, who is the director of the Hoag Breast Center and has 30 years of experience along with having written text books on this subject.

In addition, I have an appointment on Wednesday morning with the head of the UCI Breast Center, Dr. John Butler. I will then make a decision between these two doctors, along with determining the plastic surgeon. The diagnosis is that I have stage 1, but because the cancer has metastasized to 7cm, I will have to have a mastectomy, along with immediate reconstructive surgery. While I am in surgery, the doctor will shoot blue dye into my gland which will perhaps travel to lymph nodes and then those nodes will be removed and biopsied.

I know you are probably hearing this for the first time, and could be in shock, sad, angry, confused etc. I know that I felt all of these feelings on Friday. BUT, I also left with huge hope, a game plan, and lots of support. I am not scared. The plan is to have the surgery performed in the next few weeks. We will not know until after surgery if I will need further treatment or what treatment.

Mike has been awesome, helpful and loving; as has my family and the girls. Mike will be helping me start a blog to keep you informed if you are interested. I guess my lesson is the importance of annual mammograms along with self-exam.....but don't worry I won't turn crazy on you and get on a soap box and preach. :)

What do I need?.....just a positive and happy outlook from my friends and family which is exactly what you will see from me. I love you all and thank you for your prayers for good health and quick healing.

xoxoxokd - Katie