Introduction...

As many of you may know, my mother, Patty Doublin has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Since it can be an exhausting task to call everyone, send out emails, release carrier pigeons, and answer the same questions over and over again like an employee at an Indian Call Center, I started this journal to keep people posted on any news and updates we receive concerning her condition.

In December her annual mammogram indicated a possible problem. This was not a cause of concern at the time as Patty has had several false positive mammograms throughout the years. However, the subsequent tests were always clear. Not so this time. In early January a biopsy was performed and the results indicated the presence of cancer. The area was small, but as a precaution additional tests were performed, including an MRI. The MRI showed a second area of concern that was much larger than the original one. Both are in the same breast. An Ultrasound and Ultrasound biopsy were performed on January 28th.  The results indicated additional cancer. We are meeting with two surgeons on Monday, February 15th and will learn more about her condition, our options, the type of treatment and the kind of surgery to be performed. Patty's attitude and spirit has been an inspiration and source of strength for all of us throughout this whole ordeal.


The type of cancer Patty was diagnosed with is called INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA which is the most common form of breast cancer there is.  The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 180,000 women in the U.S.A. have this form of breast cancer.  Luckily, she caught hers early which gives us a good outlook on things.  7 of the 11 women Patty currently works with have had breast cancer as well as her sister, so we currently have a lot of people to turn to for advice.


Please keep my mother in your thoughts, prayers, songs, chants, rituals, dances, and tribal animal sacrifices.  The next update to this journal will be on the evening of Monday, February 14th after our visit with the surgeon. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Derek