On Dec. 16th, within three months of a "normal" mammogram, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer. What I've learned since my diagnoses is the significance of my breast being "dense". Dense tissue is comprised of less fat & more fibrous and connective tissue.
I want to inform everyone what I've discovered in hopes that it will help women be proactive about their health/mammograms. Here are a few facts:
1) Mammography misses every other cancer in dense breasts. Cancer appears white on a mammogram and dense tissue is white as well - thus there is no contrast to detect the cancer.
2) The mammography report that is written by the radiologist to the referring physician, which is detailed info. about a woman's breast, is seldom shared with the patient.
3) 40% of women have dense breast.
4) Breast density is a well-established predictor of breast cancer risk.
5) High breast density is a greater risk factor than having two first degree relatives with breast cancer.
6) 95% of women do not know their breast density.
7) Less than 1 in 10 women learn about their dense breast tissue from their doctors.
8). 2/3 of pre-menopausal women and a 1/4 of menopausal women have dense breast.
How do you know if you have dense breast?
Request a copy of your mammogram report from your referring doctor. Make sure it is generated by the Radiologist and not a form letter. Read the report carefully. Look for a description of your breast tissue. There are two B.I.R.A.D.S. (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) scales that are used by radiologists to standardize mammography reporting. Ask your doctor which category of breast density you have. Most likely the mammography report that you receive will not contain this information.
What to do if you have dense breast tissue?
Ask your doctor about having additional screening studies such as an ultrasound (imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce relatively precise images of structures in your body) or breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). While mammography detected 98% of cancer in women with fatty breast, it found only 48% in women with the densest breasts. Additional screening tests to mammography for women with dense breast tissue will increase detection up to 100%. These invasive cancers, missed by mammography, are small, node negative and at an early stage.
Connecticut was the first state to enact an Insurance Coverage Law and Breast Density Notification Law (D.E.N.S.E - Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. ) Additionally, twelve states have enacted breast density notification laws. Numerous states have pending bills, including Michigan (House Bill 4260). Federal Breast Density Reporting Legislation has been introduced.
I am compelled to contact my State Representative and on a mission to get this House Bill passed. There are too many women who are unaware of their breast density, believe their 'happy gram' when it reports 'normal' and are at risk of a later stage cancer diagnosis. Be informed about your breast density. Cancers detected early have better treatment and survival outcomes. The impact on the health care system is also significant as a later stage diagnosis is significantly more costly to treat than an early stage diagnosis.
Please pass this important information along and remember to be proactive about your health/mammograms. You are way WORTHY!
So grateful to have an army of loving, encouraging, supportive, prayer warriors fighting this journey with me.
Lots of love,
Jen ❤️
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Woohoo....cleared for surgery! (1/13/14)
What a great day...thank you God. Jon & I, continue to be big fans of CClinic. We hit the ground running this morning and every appt. went off without a hitch.
Our first appt. started with lab work (blood) followed by Cardiology (EKG) and then met with internal medicine nurse and internal medicine doctor to go over the results. So grateful that I live a healthy lifestyle! I can't stress enough how important it is to take care of your body! Cancer does not discriminate, but it did pick on the wrong gal :-). My EKG. Blood work, BMI (weight/height) - were spot on!
Our next appt. was with the plastic surgeon. Jon and I were playing a guessing game on what we thought he would look like. Jon guessed 5'11", dark hair, early 50's and a big nose 😜. I agreed with all of it with the exception of the big nose. I said "He is a plastic surgeon - I doubt he has a big nose." We were way off except he did have a perfect nose! We were told that he is one of the best!!! We loved his nurse who went into detail about my bilateral mastectomy and how I would have tissue expanders (temporary tatas) placed under my chest muscle. A tissue expander is a silicone balloon expander that is gradually filled with saline over a period of time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. Once I am done with chemo treatments and possibly radiation, I will have a second surgery to put in the permanent implants.
We had lots of laughs on this road trip (because that's how we roll) but the next appt. took the cake! I had to have my "before" tata pics and as I was waiting to get called in, Jon dared me to do something funny while they took my picture. Hah...really Sorber?!?!?! I had two female photographers and I did all the "standard poses" and as they were taking the last pic...I won the dare! Luckily, they had a sense of humor and they thought it was hilarious that I "photo bombed" my pic! They can't wait for my after "pics" and were super excited to share my pic with the surgeon. Family-friendly dare pic to follow!
The next appt. was with the genetics counselor/doctor going over medical history of my family tree - both maternal/paternal side. She explained why they recommended I get genetic testing (BRCA1 and BRCA2) to see if I am potentially at risk for other types of cancer (ovarian). I will have the results from this test 3-4 weeks.
We had just enough time to grab a quick lunch at CClinic and then it was off to our next appt. which was an admitting interview followed by the anesthesiologist clearance appt.. Our final appt. was back to the lab for more blood drawn for the genetics testing. How's that for a fun-filled full day!
It has been almost a month since my diagnose (Dec. 16th) and I can honestly say that the times of feeling sad, anxious, fearful, why me?..are few and far between. I will continue to give credit where credit is due...this can only come from one source - my Heavenly Father, my amazingly strong daughters (which by the way, are following my lead and are doing great), my crazy strong support system of family and friends and my incredibly loving/understanding Jon (my other rock). I'm so
very blessed 😊
We will be leaving for CClinic early Feb. 3rd for two final afternoon appts. and then my surgery is Tuesday, February 4th. My daughters will be coming the day after surgery to visit ☺️ Their father has graciously offered to bring them...another blessing! Hoping to be there only 2-3 days with the rest of my recovery back home in Michigan.
We can't thank you enough for the contined prayers, support and love. We are so grateful 😊.
Live and love large!!!!
Jen & Jon
OK, if any of you are going to Cleveland Clinic, we have a little financial tip for you. I booked our
hotel room at the Double Tree (across the street from C.C.). I booked via Orbitz for $149.00 a night. When we checked in the girl at the counter told us we could have booked direct and told them we were going to C.C. and the cost would have been $109.00 a night. Lesson learned!! :-) "Fool me once....."
This is how we entertain ourselves the night before Cleveland Clinic (Quarter Drop!). Even after 3 years of Quarter Relays in college rugby, Jennifer still kicked my butt! She is the quarter drop champ!!
Our first appt. started with lab work (blood) followed by Cardiology (EKG) and then met with internal medicine nurse and internal medicine doctor to go over the results. So grateful that I live a healthy lifestyle! I can't stress enough how important it is to take care of your body! Cancer does not discriminate, but it did pick on the wrong gal :-). My EKG. Blood work, BMI (weight/height) - were spot on!
Our next appt. was with the plastic surgeon. Jon and I were playing a guessing game on what we thought he would look like. Jon guessed 5'11", dark hair, early 50's and a big nose 😜. I agreed with all of it with the exception of the big nose. I said "He is a plastic surgeon - I doubt he has a big nose." We were way off except he did have a perfect nose! We were told that he is one of the best!!! We loved his nurse who went into detail about my bilateral mastectomy and how I would have tissue expanders (temporary tatas) placed under my chest muscle. A tissue expander is a silicone balloon expander that is gradually filled with saline over a period of time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. Once I am done with chemo treatments and possibly radiation, I will have a second surgery to put in the permanent implants.
We had lots of laughs on this road trip (because that's how we roll) but the next appt. took the cake! I had to have my "before" tata pics and as I was waiting to get called in, Jon dared me to do something funny while they took my picture. Hah...really Sorber?!?!?! I had two female photographers and I did all the "standard poses" and as they were taking the last pic...I won the dare! Luckily, they had a sense of humor and they thought it was hilarious that I "photo bombed" my pic! They can't wait for my after "pics" and were super excited to share my pic with the surgeon. Family-friendly dare pic to follow!
The next appt. was with the genetics counselor/doctor going over medical history of my family tree - both maternal/paternal side. She explained why they recommended I get genetic testing (BRCA1 and BRCA2) to see if I am potentially at risk for other types of cancer (ovarian). I will have the results from this test 3-4 weeks.
We had just enough time to grab a quick lunch at CClinic and then it was off to our next appt. which was an admitting interview followed by the anesthesiologist clearance appt.. Our final appt. was back to the lab for more blood drawn for the genetics testing. How's that for a fun-filled full day!
It has been almost a month since my diagnose (Dec. 16th) and I can honestly say that the times of feeling sad, anxious, fearful, why me?..are few and far between. I will continue to give credit where credit is due...this can only come from one source - my Heavenly Father, my amazingly strong daughters (which by the way, are following my lead and are doing great), my crazy strong support system of family and friends and my incredibly loving/understanding Jon (my other rock). I'm so
very blessed 😊
We will be leaving for CClinic early Feb. 3rd for two final afternoon appts. and then my surgery is Tuesday, February 4th. My daughters will be coming the day after surgery to visit ☺️ Their father has graciously offered to bring them...another blessing! Hoping to be there only 2-3 days with the rest of my recovery back home in Michigan.
We can't thank you enough for the contined prayers, support and love. We are so grateful 😊.
Live and love large!!!!
Jen & Jon
OK, if any of you are going to Cleveland Clinic, we have a little financial tip for you. I booked our
hotel room at the Double Tree (across the street from C.C.). I booked via Orbitz for $149.00 a night. When we checked in the girl at the counter told us we could have booked direct and told them we were going to C.C. and the cost would have been $109.00 a night. Lesson learned!! :-) "Fool me once....."
This is how we entertain ourselves the night before Cleveland Clinic (Quarter Drop!). Even after 3 years of Quarter Relays in college rugby, Jennifer still kicked my butt! She is the quarter drop champ!!
Jen waiting to get her "Pre-Tata" pics taken. This was the calm before the storm. The wheels are turning here. 'Hmmmm, how can we make this more interesting and fun.'
I have an idea, lets start by playing with their white board while they are in their room taking pics of someone else!! Nice art work Jen!
"I dare you to do something funny while they are taking your pic!" "Really Sorber??" After Jenny Craig walked into the room and the door shut, it was quiet for a few minutes, then I heard lots of laughter and could see lots of flashing (from the camera) under the crack in the door. It was so funny!! God I love this girl. :-)
Something good comes out of everything. You have to look for it. If you can't find it, lean on God's strength and it will eventually shine. Stay positive. :-)
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Happy New Year! (1/4/14)
Happy New Year!
By Jennifer Craig— Jan 4, 2014 6:43pm
Hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas and an awesome start to the New Year! We had such a beautiful Christmas and then a total blast spending five days at Crystal Mountain celebrating New Years with all of our kids...such a blessing! I received so many Christmas gifts, but one in particular was so thoughtful and special that came from my daughters. Several years ago McCulla, had to have surgery at Children's Devos Hospital and was given a "surgery teddy bear/Winslow" from one of my girlfriends to bring her comfort. When I opened the wrapped gift box, it was McCulla's surgery bear that they had added a pink ribbon survivor pin and explained that now it was the bears turn to bring me comfort for my surgery. It was so thoughtful and really touched me 😒
Now that the holidays/vacation are over, I've been busy getting back to work and also getting things lined up for my next steps at CClinic. Jon and I will be leaving Sunday, Jan. 12 for CClinic with another full day of apps./test (lab work, EKG cardiology, plastic surgeon, genetic testing, admitting interview, Pace clinic) beginning early Monday morning. Most of this is preparing/prepping and preoperative clearance for the surgery which will be Tuesday, February 4th at CClinic. We will leave for Cleveland early a.m. on Monday, February 3 for two last afternoon appts. (nurse visit and molecular imaging). The surgery will be 7-10 hours with 3-5 days stay afterwards. My post-op appt. is February 14th ❤️ where I will be given more info. on when my chemo treatments (possibly radiation, as well) will begin which will be done in Grand Rapids at Lacks Cancer Center.
This diagnose has given me so many opportunities to share where my peace, hope, strength and joy come from. Not that I haven't had waves of emotions from deep sadness, fear, anxiousness, "why me" and anger...it's just I don't allow myself to "stay" there and it's those times that I especially rely on my faith and pray that God comforts me and He remains faithful....always! I know He has a plan, it's my job to trust. I've said that I have two rocks in my life - my Heavenly Father and my incredible Jon. There is no question about it, Jon is also part of the plan. I could not ask for a partner that is more loving, patient, kind/sweet, gentle, attentive, smart, ridiculously handsome, and makes me laugh/smile even in my weakest moments. He is a true gift from God and I'm so thankful that he is fighting this journey with me.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart for all the kind words, encouragement, support, love and PRAYERS. Please continue to pray that the cancer has in fact not spread, not in lymph nodes, continued peace/strength for McCulla, Macie and Jon and wisdom for all the doctors/nurses and C.Clinic staffed that is involved with my procedure/s and for rest, wisdom, strength/peace and positive attitude and opportunities for God to continue to use me ☺️
The question that I get asked the most frequent is "how am I feeling?" Honestly, other than this little respiratory/cold thingy that I'm getting over - the biggest thing is my energy level. I think I'm still emotionally, as well as physically drained. I'm getting better (with the help of Jon) with saying "no" to invites/activities and lengthy conversations that can be draining and being reminded that I have to save my energy for my daughters/Jon/close family/friends and most of all to get this body well/healed! If you could share my page/update with anyone that may want to be informed, I would appreciate it.
Again, thank you for the page visits/comments and for being such a blessing to me/my daughters and Jon!
Remember to LIVE LARGE and LOVE RELENTLESSLY ❤️
Love you,
Jen 😃
GAME PLAN (12/21/13)
GAME PLAN
By Jennifer Craig— Dec 21, 2013 1:51pm
Thank you for giving us some time to get rested and regroup. Jon and I were completely on "overload" by time we left Cleveland Clinic last night at 6:30 p.m. and physically and emotionally drained. We had a really nice dinner with a glass of wine and celebrated making it through a very long day!
There is no question about it, CC is top notch - so incredibly friendly, thorough and professional. We both felt very confident in each one of the doctors that we met. So this is what we have learned. 80% of breast cancer is curable...so you're stuck with me ;) Jon and I've decided, and based on the doctors recommendation, THAT 80% would be the only "number" we would be focusing on since so many people want to discuss other numbers such as "stage", etc. Major praises, it doesn't appear to be in my lymph (limp according to Jon -haha) nodes or has spread. The type of cancer I have is called invasive ductal and "my" cancer (because there is not a one size fits all) needs to be treated with chemo with a 50/50 chance of radiation additionally (which we will find out after surgery).
We have decided, based on all the info. given to us, that double mastectomy makes sense (which my adorable Jon, told his daughter last night that I was having a double vasectomy - I think we may need a third person at the surgery just to be sure that I'm getting the right procedure done!) We will have a surgery date within the next couple weeks. Most likely, the end of January beginning of February. I'm ready...so of course, I'm praying for sooner versus later....just not next week because we can't wait for Crystal Mountain/snowboarding! The surgery itself will be done at CC which we are told will be 5-6 hours followed by another 2 hours for reconstruction for my new "reversed gravity" beautiful tatas. (By the way, when my surgeon walked in - I was so caught off-guard - she looks like she could be a runway model - absolutely gorgeous and crazy smart, crazy young and very cool) (I also was sent an angel named Jill as my care coordinator. Friday was her last day as she was retiring from CC after 40 years of service - she jumped through serious hoops to make everything happen on Friday. I thanked her and told her that no doubt she had blessed many, many lives. She told all of them to make sure I got the "red carpet treatment"...and I did)
As for chemo, sometimes the treatment is given before your surgery and sometimes the treatment starts after...I should have that information, hopefully, this week. Obviously, I will be losing my hair which we were told happens about three weeks after the first chemo treatment. The thought of losing it in large clumps as I'm showering, sounds traumatizing and scary - so I will be shaving my head before that happens (and no, I will not let Jon at the clippers) Then it's time to bring out the cute hats and bandanas which I love to wear. Probably the best advice that Jon and I were given by the doctors and cancer survivors, is not to do our own cancer research via internet since there is so much "misinformation" available - we will leave it to the professionals.
Last year, Jon and I trained hard for the Tough Mudder Race/competition....I look at 2014 as my year for "training" and winning this next race/challenge...with GOD and all of you on my side...thank you again for all your prayers, support, encouragement and love! I am so grateful and so very blessed! We love you...Jen & Jon
There is no question about it, CC is top notch - so incredibly friendly, thorough and professional. We both felt very confident in each one of the doctors that we met. So this is what we have learned. 80% of breast cancer is curable...so you're stuck with me ;) Jon and I've decided, and based on the doctors recommendation, THAT 80% would be the only "number" we would be focusing on since so many people want to discuss other numbers such as "stage", etc. Major praises, it doesn't appear to be in my lymph (limp according to Jon -haha) nodes or has spread. The type of cancer I have is called invasive ductal and "my" cancer (because there is not a one size fits all) needs to be treated with chemo with a 50/50 chance of radiation additionally (which we will find out after surgery).
We have decided, based on all the info. given to us, that double mastectomy makes sense (which my adorable Jon, told his daughter last night that I was having a double vasectomy - I think we may need a third person at the surgery just to be sure that I'm getting the right procedure done!) We will have a surgery date within the next couple weeks. Most likely, the end of January beginning of February. I'm ready...so of course, I'm praying for sooner versus later....just not next week because we can't wait for Crystal Mountain/snowboarding! The surgery itself will be done at CC which we are told will be 5-6 hours followed by another 2 hours for reconstruction for my new "reversed gravity" beautiful tatas. (By the way, when my surgeon walked in - I was so caught off-guard - she looks like she could be a runway model - absolutely gorgeous and crazy smart, crazy young and very cool) (I also was sent an angel named Jill as my care coordinator. Friday was her last day as she was retiring from CC after 40 years of service - she jumped through serious hoops to make everything happen on Friday. I thanked her and told her that no doubt she had blessed many, many lives. She told all of them to make sure I got the "red carpet treatment"...and I did)
As for chemo, sometimes the treatment is given before your surgery and sometimes the treatment starts after...I should have that information, hopefully, this week. Obviously, I will be losing my hair which we were told happens about three weeks after the first chemo treatment. The thought of losing it in large clumps as I'm showering, sounds traumatizing and scary - so I will be shaving my head before that happens (and no, I will not let Jon at the clippers) Then it's time to bring out the cute hats and bandanas which I love to wear. Probably the best advice that Jon and I were given by the doctors and cancer survivors, is not to do our own cancer research via internet since there is so much "misinformation" available - we will leave it to the professionals.
Last year, Jon and I trained hard for the Tough Mudder Race/competition....I look at 2014 as my year for "training" and winning this next race/challenge...with GOD and all of you on my side...thank you again for all your prayers, support, encouragement and love! I am so grateful and so very blessed! We love you...Jen & Jon
Nice dinner and glass of wine in Cleveland's Italian Village. So cool!
This is the Jennifer Craig I know!! You picked the wrong gal, cancer!! :-)
This is the amazing Jill, who jumped through hoops to make sure Jenny was treated like the ROCK STAR she is, at Cleveland Clinic!!
This is the Jennifer Craig I know!! You picked the wrong gal, cancer!! :-)
Cleveland Clinic (12/19/13)
Cleveland Clinic
By Jennifer Craig— Dec 19, 2013 9:02pm
I can't even begin to tell you about the last four days. I'm overwhelmed by the encouragement, support, gifts, prayers and love that have been extended. Every gesture has made me cry tears of gratitude. I'm still trying to wrap my around the reality of having cancer, but it's becoming real as we are on the road to Cleveland, as we speak. Full day tomorrow at Cleveland Clinic with our first test/appt. at 8:00 am (MRI) followed by seven more with the last appt. at 4:00 pm with the radiation oncologist. By the end of the day tomorrow we should have lots of answers like what stage, has it spread, surgery date/further treatments. Most likely my surgery date will be the first of the year - I look at tomorrow as my "game plan" day and then I'm going to try to forget I have cancer and have a beautiful Christmas and New Year celebration at Crystal with Jon and our kids and then...it's "GAME ON" and I'm going to kick cancers butt!
So grateful to have the best medical care and Jon by my side and an army of supporters - thank you from the bottom of my heart! We will try to keep you updated as much and often as possible. For the record, I'm a horrible writer and I promise I will have lots of grammatical errors, typos and "Jen-isms" so please forgive me. I thought oncology was spelled encology until yesterday...I'm in serious trouble taking notes tomorrow ;)
Thank you again. We love you!
Jen & Jon
Jon Sorber posted a new journal entry, "I think Cleveland Clinic hired her!!"
So grateful to have the best medical care and Jon by my side and an army of supporters - thank you from the bottom of my heart! We will try to keep you updated as much and often as possible. For the record, I'm a horrible writer and I promise I will have lots of grammatical errors, typos and "Jen-isms" so please forgive me. I thought oncology was spelled encology until yesterday...I'm in serious trouble taking notes tomorrow ;)
Thank you again. We love you!
Jen & Jon
Jon Sorber posted a new journal entry, "I think Cleveland Clinic hired her!!"
12/20/2013
How couldn't they? Completing questionnaires. Laughing at a bunch of the questions. So happy to be back in her warm dress and new, comfy socks ("thanks Mary!!!")
9 Replies:
By Mary De Witt — Dec 20, 2013 7:46am
By Mary DeVries — Dec 20, 2013 5:24am
By Kristen Klempel — Dec 19, 2013 10:14pm
By Michelle Yates — Dec 19, 2013 9:54pm
By Mary De Witt — Dec 20, 2013 7:46am
Thinking of you and sending many prayers for you today as go through these tests!! Praying for positive news at the end of this day!!
By Melanie Bergeron — Dec 20, 2013 5:36am
Jennifer, thank you for your positive, kick butt attitude. Thinking of you all day today. Thank you for the chuckle about spelling....don't ask Jon for help!! Love you both....praying for an enlightening and good day inspire of the reason for being there. Mel
By Mary DeVries — Dec 20, 2013 5:24am
May you feel God's loving presence with you today, Jen, and be able to draw on His strength to get you through.
You are precious, loved, and covered in prayer by all of us whose lives you brighten each day!
You are precious, loved, and covered in prayer by all of us whose lives you brighten each day!
By Kristen Klempel — Dec 19, 2013 10:14pm
Hey gorgeous! Thank you so much for starting this page!! A great way for all of us to stay connected and know specifically how to pray for you! I am so grateful God brought Jon into your life...what an amazing partner He choose to walk this journey with you! Lifting up M&M in prayer daily...you are such a positive role model for them. They are your biggest fans and I'm sure will handle this with the same grace their mother has shown them. Prayers for safe travel and for tomorrow to bring many answers so you know exactly how to start kicking some serious bootay!! Love you GIJEN...xoxo
Jen, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us so that we can fight alongside you! And I'm grateful that you have so many people in your corner to support you...but especially grateful that you have Jon at your side through this. Praying for the best possible news tomorrow...And for a merry Christmas for all of you! <3
I'll be thinking about you tomorrow, and sending you lots of love!
By Michelle Yates — Dec 19, 2013 9:54pm
Praying for you and will all day tomorrow! I know you will be better prepared when you have answers! Love you!
My Story (12/17/13)
My Story
You're never quite prepared to hear that you have cancer, but on 12/16/2013 I received the news that I have breast cancer. I just want to share and encourage you to be your own advocate and listen to your body. My cancer was not found on my mammogram in Sept., but I knew I just wasn't feeling like myself (fatigued and breast pain) and thankfully I pursued it further. Every day God test us through people, pain or problems. I will trust and embrace whatever plan He has for me. He will make good out of this and I will continue to serve, be faithful and trust my Savior. A few years ago I was given the nickname GIJEN when this picture surfaced, today it has a whole new meaning - God In Jen. With GIJEN mode, two wonderful daughters, a loving partner and the support of amazing family and friends cheering me! I'm so very grateful/blessed! Lots of love..it's "GAME ON!"
My beautiful and brave M & M!
My other rock!
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