This is the news so far:

I found a lump in my left breast in mid-October. Went to doctor pretty much the next day and was sent to Mammogram/Ultrasound. Biopsy the next day, diagnosis of breast cancer by end of the week.

I have invasive inductive carcinoma in my left breast. There is a lump that to me is marble size but it measures at around 2.9 centimers.

There is also some malignant stuff (aka DCIS) in my right breast too; that is being tested.

I am having a lumpectomy on Nov. 15 at Kaiser for the left breast. We will find out then if the cancer took a high speed train to my lymph nodes or if I am “clean.”

I don't yet know if and when I will have chemo and/or radiation, but it is a likely scenario.

Besides all of that, I am in excellent spirits. It has been so great to get support from all quarters and I have a positive outlook that helps me slug through my lower moments.

So many people have asked “What can I do?”

Well, for starters, you don't have to do anything if you don't want to.

Except come to my survivor party, which is scheduled for October 21, 2006. My condo is probably too small, so I am hoping to get the Stanford Stadium, which is being renovated and will seat 50,000. Mark your calendars now!

I love hearing from people via email. Click here if you want to send an email: carolynhelmke@hotmail.com