It began 12 days ago

when Jason felt a lump in my left breast. It was big, a golfball. But we were on vacation and wouldn't return to Oregon until late Sunday night.

On Monday, I called my doctor and requested a mammogram. He needed to see me first, so we set up an appointment for Tuesday.

My doctor examined both breasts and agreed that the lump felt like the size of a golfball. I was scheduled for an ultrasound and mammogram the next day.

The radiologist didn't like the look of the mass. She took four biopsy samples right there on the table.

Then we waited.

For seven days.

My doctor called while I was driving on Burnside. I knew what his answer was going to be.

That was yesterday. I have an appointment with my breast surgeon this Friday morning and an appointment with my oncologist this Friday afternoon. I'm guessing treatment will begin next week.

My mass has the generic name of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (it started in my milk duct and spread). This basically means I've got cancer in my boob. It is 4cm large. It was not present at my last mammogram in October, so it is most likely aggressive. There is no history of breast cancer in my family. I breastfed Nigel for two and a half years. I cook and bake the majority of our meals and snacks and they are mostly organic. I make my own deodorant and, for the most part, wear natural products.

What the fuck???