The Best Things In Life Are Free

It was just three months ago, shortly before Christmas, that I noticed a lump on my right breast during my monthly self-exams. I assumed that it was just a swollen lymph node and rechecked myself after my cycle in January, only to find that it had not gone away. My concerns were raised and I kept an eye on it until after my cycle in February, when I noticed it had not only doubled in size but I could feel another lump as well. Since my insurance had lapsed, I had to wait until my new insurance kicked in and got in right away on March 2nd to see my regular Doctor. She immediately scheduled me for a Mammogram and Ultrasound to get some diagnostic imaging and the Radiologist placed me in a Category 5 on March 5th. An ultrasound guided biopsy was performed on the 11th and the Pathologist confirmed my fears...my Breast Cancer diagnosis came at 8 am on Friday, the 13th.

After meeting with the Surgeon on the 16th, it was made clear to me that my Cancer is fast growing and aggressive, being given a grade 3 from the Pathologist Report. We have an MRI scheduled for the 18th and I will be meeting with the Oncologist on the 19th to discuss my Chemotherapy treatment, which will start immediately. Since the largest of my tumors is attached to my pectoral muscle and the growth is so aggressive, we are going to try and stop the growth of these tumors and hopefully get them to shrink down in size before performing a double mastectomy. So far, my timeline is 3-6 months of Chemo before surgery.

Everything is happening so fast and I'm digging my heels in to keep this diagnosis from knocking me over. I have embraced this path as a part of my amazing journey though this life and I am ready for this fight!

While doing my best to keep a positive attitude and embracing the love and encouragement pouring in around me, I have been trying not to think about the financial toll this is going to take on myself and my family...it is inevitable.

Many of my friends and family have asked how they can help and show their support during this battle and, all things considered, I've decided to start up this boosterfundraiser with some awesome "Team McGowan" shirts.

Those of you who know me well, also know that I do not like to ask for help, and it is with a very heavy heart that I ask for your support at this point in my life...when my son and I truly need it the most.

UPDATE:
In my best effort to stay positive and prepare myself for next steps, I have been working hard to quickly educate myself and manage my expectations appropriately. This has always been a reliable tool for me in my life and, unfortunately, it has been causing me quite a bit of anxiety over the past few days My MRI was scheduled for Wednesday, the 18th, and the MRI machine broke down moments before my appointment was scheduled.

This was, as I understood, the final piece of the puzzle that I needed to ascertain my clinical staging and prepare my treatment plan. I was sent into a flurry of anxiety, thinking that my treatment was going to be delayed and this Cancer would just keep growing and spreading. My fears seem a bit unreasonable now, but I guess we all have our moments of panic.

I was assured by the Oncology department that my treatment would not, by any means, be delayed. We are still on the fast-track to Chemo. I have been completely fascinated by the support network at Mercy...they have made me feel like I am their #1 priority and were able to find a hospital in Illinois that will accept my insurance for the MRI, which occurred today, the 22nd.

Tomorrow, the 23rd, I will be going in for further bloodwork and anEchocardiogram so we can get a baseline reading of my vitals and then I'll be spending the afternoon getting educated about my Chemotherapy treatment.

On Tuesday, the 24th, I will be going in for surgery to get my "Port" placed, and then...my Chemotherapy will officially begin on Thursday, the 26th. It's been a fast-paced, crazy ride so far!I am so grateful that from the moment I went in for my lump to the time I will begin treatment is literally 25 days.

It has been a lot of information to take in over a short amount of time, but I have the most incredible support network and it is growing exponentially everyday...because of you.

I know that the best things in life are free...everything else, however, is expensive.http://gfwd.at/1xvISRm

Thank you, from the deepest depths of my heart and soul. ~ Jessie