And Now We Deal with Breast Cancer

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 3-B.  That's the finalized diagnosis fo my mother, after an excision biopsy, a slide review for a second opinion, an Estrogen receptor/Progesterone receptor (ERPR) test, a HER2 test, and a modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Well.  At least it's not Stage 4.  My mother seems indifferent.  She didn't even want the MRM, insisting on just relying on herbal supplements.  But I guess she's realizing our situation.  Because she's letting me handle all the arrangements for the next steps in the treatment: a bone scintinography, an ultrasound of the liver, and the 6-phase chemotheraphy sessions.  People ask me how I'm holding up, tell me I shouldn't stress myself out over this.  To ve very honest about it, I'm fine.  One thing about us only children is that we have the ability to do a lot, despite adverse circumstances.  Probably stemming from our knowledge that we really are the only one responsible.  No siblings to help.  I don't feel downhearted, nor pessimistic, nor angry.  My exact feeling: this is just another "thing" that me and my mother have to go through.  First, it was me having SLE.  Now, it's my turn to be taking care of the two of us.  My initial bout with SLE taught me that everything happens for a reason and that we should just keep on, keeping the faith.  This new detour in me and my mother's journey, I treat no differently.