Another Diagnosis

In keeping up the status quo, I've been given another diagnosis. Go me!

Let me start at the beginning. On October 27th was my 40th birthday. Yay! I made it to 40 which was one of my life goals. To celebrate (because what else can we do right now?) I had a mammogram the day after my birthday. After going home I received a call from the UofU saying they would like to take more images. On October 29th, I went back to the UofU. After they took more pictures they asked me to sit in a waiting area. After a few minutes a doctor came in and said they found a calcification on my mammogram images and said not to worry that it was probably benign, but with my extensive history they would like to do a biopsy.

On November 6, 2020, Levi and I headed downtown to the UofU Huntsman Cancer Institute and I had 4 specimens removed. Again I was assured it was probably nothing to be worried about.

Thank you to MyChart a week later I was able to receive the results before the doctor could contact me. I read"Focal Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)" and "ADH involves one terminal duct lobular unit". A little later I received a call saying the Surgical Breast Team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute would be contacting me to schedule an appointment. They called and scheduled a virtual appointment for me with Dr. Matsen.

I met with Dr. Matsen today, November 19th. She informed me that I have Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH). It is not cancer, but it is a precursor for cancer. The good news is they were able to get over 90% of the abnormal cells in the duct out with the biopsy. Right now they do not plan on going back in to get more. They caught it very early, but I am at higher risk for developing cancer later. ADH is considered a high risk lesion. I've been referred to HCI's High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic for more intensive cancer monitoring. To avoid additional risks because of COVID the team feels comfortable waiting until May to see me in person. In May, I will have an MRI and follow up at the Huntsman Cancer Center. I will continue to be closely monitored every 6 months with mammograms and MRIs. Any concerns that arise will be addressed quickly.

I use to joke that the only thing I haven't had was cancer. Oops!

To be honest, I was nervous. I wasn't sure I could handle one more thing, but I guess we never have a choice. I'm learning I can do hard things. In fact, I've decided that I am ready to be more involved in my medical care. Levi has been amazing at organizing, scheduling, and managing my care, but it's time I take the lead. Before my transplant I managed all my care. Levi attended my appointments and supported me when needed, but I did a great deal of the work.

So, this last week I've been learning how to schedule my appointments, manage blood draws, following up on test results, make med changes, contact different specialists, keep track of all my specialists and procedures. It is like a full-time job. Levi's been awesome and walking me through every little thing I need to know. It has really boosted my confidence by taking on this responsibility. I feel that I can contribute and not be a burden.