The background and up to 10/20

In mid-September, 2005, I placed my hand on my chest for effect and my fingertips noticed that something below the surface of my left breast just didn't feel right. A lump the size of half my thumb was examined by Dr. Yisrael Sapan, my ob/gyn who delivered Heshy, and he referred me to Dr. Jennifer Shaw, a surgeon new to Kaiser who's been specializing in breast health for decades.

Dr. Shaw sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. Neither this mammogram nor the preceding one in November 2004 showed any abnormality, although the technician noted that my left nipple was inverting. Not a good sign.

During the ultrasound the lump was quite clear. A first for me, the radiologist came into the room and told me to expect surgery to remove this lump, cancer or not.

Back to Dr. Shaw, who explained that a needle biopsy could not be done because the area of concern was a smaller bit of a larger growth and could easily be missed.

Last Sunday, the 16th, I found a second lump under my left arm. I reported this to Dr. Shaw who asked me to remind her that she wants to examine it today, 10/20, as I am scheduled to have a lumpectomy and biopsy. I've been told that the initial malignant/benign report should be available in 4-5 days, with the final results taking a full 10 days.

When I go into Kaiser today I will be having a needle inserted into the 'area of concern' in the mammogram dept., and then to the surgery dept. where the lumpectomy will be done under local anesthesia in Dr. Shaw's office. I intend to tell everyone medical person I see that I have a second lump.

Two women from my weekly yoga class will be with me today, so I'll not be going alone.