Whammo, bammo, sincere THANK YOU, mammo.
Backstory
This is the Cancer Diagnosis that Jack Built:I had a cyst
That required a mammogram
That led to an exam
By a doctor who noticed my Jewish necklace
And sent me for genetic testing
With a forward-thinking genetic counselor
Who stated “You're negative for BRCA 1 and 2… but your circumstances are unique.”
And recommended an MRI
Which identified two primary kinds of cancer
On both sides
In four tumor sites
In two different stages
None of which were at all detectable by mammogram
Leading to a bilateral mastectomy
In which they discovered no lymph nodes involved
Very low Oncotype numbers
And an outstanding prognosis with no chemo/radiation needed.
So with an oophorectomy thrown in for good measure
A 10 year prescription for an aromatase inhibitor
And the final reconstruction exchange surgery done…
I can say, with full awareness of how lucky I am:
If this is the worst thing that happens to me
I will have lived a VERY GOOD LIFE.
by enginethatcould in Six-Word Memoirs on Sep 09, 2012 | 
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Comments
Wench says,
Amazing story!oopsalittle says,
That's a fabulous story - congratulations. So glad you beat it.canadafreeze says,
Amazing. Congratulations on being where you needed to be, and thanks for sharing.DynamicDbytheC says,
Ditto here. Exact same situation. I had final reconstruction 9 weeks ago.lovelylizard says,
I'm a survivor too. I love your storytelling and your positive attitude. We, who have lived through, know how lucky we are.enginethatcould says,
Thanks for the comments. It was caught by such a fluke, I am still in awe. In fact, had I done the genetic testing years ago when I'd first asked about it (the $10,000 out of pocket expense at that time deterred me) I'd have ended up thinking I was in the clear. By the time mammogram caught it, I'd have been in serious trouble.But instead I was unbelievably lucky. I am painfully aware that most cancer diagnoses are not as non-traumatic as mine was; how I wish it could be this easy for everyone.
Dynamic - your final reconstruction was ahead of me by just a few weeks. I hope you're adjusting to your 'new normal' (although you're going through so much else right now it must just be a whirlwind).
enginethatcould says,
lovelylizard - at every step of the way I was braced for news or decisions that would require worry. But, it was all so very doable. You're right... lucky we are, indeed.RedStickWriter says,
Wow. Glad to have you with us. Here's hoping you'll be sixing long time. You commented on my "The perfect six, a Powerball winner." I'd say your good fortune trumps it in spades ... priceless.lovelylizard says,
Congrats of MOTD, Well deserved.Bevvie says,
Kudos on your successful win over cancer,L2L3 says,
I loved the backstory when you first posted it, just forgot to comment. Great format and even better content;-D Hurray for you!!!Contemplative says,
Your amazing writing matched with your optimistic attitude makes for a ideal combination! Best to you! Yay!JAD says,
Amazing indeed.ctgoods2 says,
truly awesome. best on all counts.Mourningdove says,
What a great outcome to a scary situation! Thank you for sharing.maryjane31 says,
You have given me hope and inspiration. Beautiful back story and memoir!DynamicDbytheC says,
For me, cancer is like having the flu.Loon says,
wowBelieve says,
This is just plain amazing. I love the way you wrote this!TheAngstyPoet says,
wow awesome backstory!! Congrats on MOTDnotjustagirlintheworld says,
Geat six, great stuff.enginethatcould says,
So many wonderful compliments, I treasure each one. Many thank yous to everyone who read, favorited, and commented. Means so much!L2L3 - I agree, 6 words were needed. Could only find five! Oh, wait... "Six words needed. Only found five." At least I could do that one in six!
enginethatcould says,
Dynamic - your comment resonates. I feel you're saying that because you're coping with such excess in this, it has become this metaphor to you. In a slightly parallel way, I found that others in my life were NOT ok with me not being traumatized or desperately devastated. Even though I found my particular situation to be more "like the flu", that seemed incomprehensible to others. Hmm, much food for thought in your comment.Amapola says,
Awesome to read you and to know you're well. Thank you for sharing!KharisJo says,
just read the backstory- congrats on a great memoir and especially on your renewed health :)Redx3 says,
So incredible! Congrats on motd and on one hell of a right hook!EnMasse says,
You were indeed lucky. Life is very random. Cancer it seems kills mostly by stealth. For some, by the time you feel anything, it's too late. So it is for my brother.enginethatcould says,
I am overwhelmed and touched by the heartfelt comments here and by the people who made them. I'm also ever-appreciative of the little nudge I received from one such member, and have (with humility) six-ified this memoir as I should have done to begin with.jl333 says,
This backstory is extremely powerful...and I love the fact that you were so open about it to share with us. I wish you only the best....And we haven't seen you post for months and months. I hope all is well with you.