Hi. My name is Kali and I’m glad you’re here.
What Is This Lump?
Last year in 2021, two weeks before my 37th birthday I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I found the lump myself, and noticed my right breast had dramatically changed shape and form, and the nipple had also changed. The breast was very tight and a bit sensitive … and it came out of nowhere.
Is This Related to COVID-19?
At first, I thought it might be a reaction from the COVID-19 vaccine or my period. I knew that the COVID19 vaccine can cause benign swelling of the lymph nodes in your armpit, which can be seen on a mammogram and that it was NORMAL. It is a temporary reaction to the vaccine, almost what you want, as you can see your body actively building your immune system.
Initial appointment with my Primary Care Physician (PCP)
I had recently transitioned to a new PCP at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) and had an upcoming in-person appointment. By the time I met with her, I had the lump for a little less than a month, probably 3-4 weeks. She suspected that it was an inflamed milk duct, but to be certain, she referred me for a mammogram and sonogram.
I had to wait 10 days before I could get my mammogram and ultrasound (also referred to as a sonogram) because scheduling was still backed up due to COVID.
My First Mammogram
July 2, 2021 was the first mammogram I’ve ever had. Typically women don’t get mammograms until they are 45 years of age or older. As I said, my PCP referred me for a mammogram followed by an ultrasound, and in each case, they wanted additional images. You can learn more about mammograms from The Mayo Clinic.
As a reminder, this was during the active COVID period, and hospital protocols were changing regularly.
The ultrasound was completed by the lead radiologist and a UCSF fellow. It was clear they were concerned, so they walked me over to an ‘add on’ appointment with a breast oncologist/breast surgeon. This is when I first met Dr. Cheryl Ewing at UCSF. She briefly examined me, mentioning her concern about breast cancer. I think my Mom almost fell out of her chair at that point.
Dr Ewing then sent me downstairs for a FNA biopsy (fine needle aspiration). This is the definition provided by The American Cancer Society,:
“when a small amount of breast tissue or fluid is removed from a suspicious area with a thin, hollow needle and checked for cancer cells.”
You can find more information about Fine Needle Aspirations at this link.
The FNA was completed by a pathologist, who could not have been nicer. He took his time to talk me through the entire process and would look at each sample under the microscope to verify he had what they needed.
Now would begin the torture of waiting for the results.
You have Breast Cancer
About a week after my mammogram, ultrasound and FNA, I received a call from Dr Ewing to confirm I did have Breast Cancer.
She shared that I would be scheduled for further testing and scans. I think I became numb when she said I had cancer.
How do you process such a loaded word that often carries a death sentence?
Since that moment, I decided to take it one day at a time … one test at a time …. constantly reminding myself of that … and trying not to assume anything without knowing more.
The hardest part of the journey is the waiting period.
The Unexpected Journey Begins
I have decided to share this journey … to be transparent and open … with the hope that it helps other women and families through their breast cancer journeys. I hope sharing my experience helps another warrior, spreads awareness and translates my experience into useful insights and tools that I found helpful.
While I still feel somewhat young to have this diagnosis, I also know there are people younger than me who are fighting, too. It is for all of you that I am sharing my journey.
Cancer remains a word no one ever wants to hear despite the tremendous treatment advances that have been made. Sadly, I think for generations before me, that word was unanimous with the end of life.
It seems very different today. I am blessed to have an amazing team of specialists at UCSF who are committed to bringing me through this process with only one result:
YOU ARE CANCER FREE!
What’s Next?
Every Thursday morning I will update you on my journey, with greater details that will allow you to go deeper on issues of particular interest to you. In my next post, I will cover the details of my treatment plan and the breadth of specialists that are needed on this path.
