And the diagnosis is.....

I was living the life. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful babies. I'm a year into nursing school, 1 more to go to reach my goal. When I found it! A suspicious lump on my left breast. After many, and I mean many invasive and non-invasive tests, the diagnosis was in. Invasive ductal carcinoma, is what they said. Breast cancer? Me? No way! How could this be? I have no family history, I'm only 34 years old, for god sakes. But it's the harsh reality I'm facing right now. I met with my surgeon, Dr. McGuire. She's so compassionate and understanding and sat with me for a long while, explaining what my options are. Do we do surgery first? Chemo? Radiation? Yikes... so much to take in. Next was the meeting with my Oncologist, Dr. Ristogi, another beautiful soul. She explained that my best treatment option would be to start with chemo first x's 6 months to decrease the size of the lump, then remove the tumor via a lumpectomy with Dr. McGuire, and potentially radiation afterwards. So there it is, my plan in a nutshell I have days of extreme anxiousness, worrying about my future, my poor husband who has been my rock, and my childrens welfare. I worry about the financial aspect of all the co-pays, deductables and dr. bills. Through this past month, I have been humbled by such supportive friends, relatives, and co-workers. I have received food donations, grocery store gift cards, a fundraising benefit in July to help with my financial costs. Many of you, outside and inside of the Pittsburgh area have asked how they can contribute, so my husband put together this page. I hate asking for things as I've always been such a strong, independent women. But the truth of the matter, is that I need help. My family needs help making ends meet, as I fight this cancer that has invaded my body. With all the love and support I've been receiving, I have no doubt that Cancer messed with the wrong chick. Keep the prayers coming and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your help.