We met with the geneticist on Friday afternoon. My BRCA 1&2 results came back negative. That's great for at least 2 huge reasons. Although the women in my family should still be safe & aware, at least we are not "cursed" with a predisposition for breast cancer. The second breath of relief is that had I tested positive for the gene mutation, a bilateral mastectomy would have been recommended for safety's sake but fortunately that is no longer a possibility that I have to face.

I will start hounding my oncologist tomorrow morning and every day there after until I find out the results of the Oncotype DX test. It's difficult to plan anything ranging from long weekends away to family visits without knowing if I'll need chemo prior to radiation.

Ta-Ta For Now! ;0)

Support Tammy's Ta-Ta's - Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Well, I've committed to the Avon Walk which will take place in Washington DC the first weekend in May. It's a little less than a month away and it’s a big commitment, walking all those miles and raising all this money, but, as we know far too well, breast cancer is a big disease. I'v had a quote at the bottom of my site since I started blogging, "If you think research is expensive you should try disease. Funds are needed to raise awareness and find a cure." That statement is there because I believe it with all my heart, although I pray that no one ever has to "try disease". With your support we'll come closer to a cure and maybe one day that prayer will be an answered prayer.

Since being diagnosed I have said that ridding my body of this life threatening disease will take many steps, from the first 3 lumpectomies to years requiring medication and every step in between. Each successful step is necessary in order to move on to the next. For me, and for thousands of women, this walk is a step, not only figuratively, but literally countless steps towards a cure.

I am determined to do everything I can to be cured of my cancer. My ultimate dream is that no woman ever have to take this journey. I quickly learned after my diagnosis how very important it is to have a strong support system. It is vital. Some days it's all you have. I've been blessed to be surrounded with such a support system. So much so that some of them have chosen to show their support for me by joining me on my walk.

My teammates and I are defiintely commited to this walk but we can not do it without you. We need you as our support system. To walk collectively as Team "Tammy's Ta-Ta's" each of us must raise $1,800 in donations. Make a difference in my life and in the lives of thousands of women - please donate.

Thank you SO much for you support!

The results are in...that the results aren't in...

Unfortunately I received a call from the clinic today. Hmm….now that I see just how ugly that statement looks, I think that’s definitely NOT the right way to start off any statement, especially when you’re talking about your b/c!

Let me re-phrase - I received a call from the clinic that is doing the OncoType DX test, the one that will tell me the recurrence rate and determine whether or not I need chemo. I had my labs drawn last Monday and was expecting to get their call with my results by next Monday, so I was surprised when they called today. I had hoped to be pleasantly surprised but instead of telling me the results, they were telling me not to expect any results until the 28th of April! Apparently the pathology department had not even sent this particular clinic the tissue yet. This clinic must then overnight it to another lab and from that point it takes 10 days to a week to get the results. UGH!!!

So far, the toughest (or one of the toughest) things about this diagnosis has been the waiting, and waiting and then even a little more waiting.

I find out about the genetic test next Friday, the 18th. Those results will be more for informational purposes rather than impacting the course of my treatment.

So, for now, the most that I can share with you is basically not much!

TTFN! ;0)

Who said boobs aren't a laughing matter?!

Time for some humor & It's all about the Ta-Ta's!!!
Here are some fun boobie emoticons for you, courtesy of the blog Plastic Surgery 101:

(o)(o) = perfect breasts

( + )( + ) = silicone enhanced breasts

(*)(*) = high nipple breasts

(@)(@) = big nipple breasts

o o = A cups

( O )( O ) = D cups

(oYo) = Wonder Bra breasts

( ^)( ^) = cold breasts

(o)(O) = lopsided breasts

(Q)(Q) = pierced breasts

(p)(p) = breasts with hanging tassels

(:o)(o) = bitten by a vampire breasts

\o/\o/ = Grandma's breasts

(o) – = Breast cancer survivor breasts


Ta-Ta For Now! :0)