I'm updating this timeline as I work my way through diagnosis to treatment to cancer-free. The timeline will stay at the top of my blog; scroll down for the latest posts & pictures, or click on these links to see all my cancer-related posts: The Cancer Slayer Chronicles and Parenting With Cancer. ~AS
Feb. 21, 2012: Lying on my side, I found a golf ball-size egg-size lump in my left breast.
Feb. 23, 2012: Met with my OBGYN and got referred for an ultrasound. We both felt confident it was a milk-related cyst.
March 5, 2012: In Tahoe, I celebrated my 35th birthday.
March 7, 2012: Ultrasound performed on lump; doctor says it looks "funny." Click here for my first blog post about 'the lump.'
March 8, 2012: Biopsy #1 of left breast lump and lymph node. Mammogram performed. Then a weekend passes.
March 12, 2012: Diagnosed: invasive ductal carcinoma Stage 3, 7cm tumor, ER-, PR-, HER2+. Cancer found in both the lump and the biopsied lymph node. Biopsy #2 performed on right breast (masses biopsied and fully removed; deemed in situ, Stage O).
March 13, 2012: Breast MRI on both breasts and lymph nodes.
March 16, 2012: Met my chemotherapy oncologist for the first time, Dr. Y.
March 19, 2012: Met my surgery oncologist for the first time, Dr. R. (Surgery to come after chemo.)
March 20, 21, 22, 2012: Blood work, bone scan, CT, echo-cardiogram (all came back clear for cancer)
March 22, 2012: Chemo treatment #1 (first of 12 doses of Taxol, and first of year-long Herceptin)
April 12, 2012: Chemo treatment #4 is postponed due to too low of a white blood cell count.
April 15, 2012: First of weekly Neupogene shots (white blood cell booster).
April 13, 2012: Hair is falling out; get my first cancer hair cut (chin-length).
April 25, 2012: Tumor measured & found to be shrinking from the chemo.
May 11, 2012: Head-shaving party.
May 15, 2012: Brain MRI (results came back cancer-free).
June 13, 2012: Last infusion of Taxol (12 doses).
June 27, 2012: Begin FEC-H.
August 8, 2012: Last infusion of FEC (3 doses).
August 17, 2012: BART results come back negative. Get MRI #3 (breast -- pre-op).
September 20, 2012: Radical modified mastectomy of left breast including all first and second tier lymph nodes on the left side; no reconstructive surgery at this time.
Sept. 21, 2012: Home from the hospital.
Nov. 12, 2012: Radiation treatment begins. 28 sessions over 6 weeks.
Dec. 20, 2012: First haircut of the new hair!
Dec. 24, 2012: Radiation completed.
February 22, 2013: First post-mastectomy follow up with surgeon. Still NED ("no evidence of disease"). Snoopy dance!
April 10, 2013: Last dose of Herceptin.
June 20, 2013: The chemo port is removed.
Currently: Flying without a parachute. Living the NED life.
