Just when I was finally starting to feel more like my old pre-cancer self and slowly preparing for returning to work this summer, I had another potential cancer scare.

A couple of weeks ago, I found a small breast lump in the area near my mastectomy incision. I have been out of cancer treatment less than six months.

In an emergency visit with my surgical oncologist this past week, it was determined that this lump needs to come out quickly. We don’t know if this lump is benign or malignant.

Yesterday afternoon, my surgical oncologist performed an emergency lumpectomy to remove the growth. It will then be sent for a biopsy to see if the cancer has returned. Results of the biopsy should be known on June 29.

At the time of my cancer diagnosis, the surgical oncologist forewarned me that the cancer I had is aggressive and likes to return. He stressed that for the rest of my life I have to be vigilant in monitoring my body for any possible recurrence, as my form of breast cancer has a recurrence rate of 50%. Areas of recurrence can include the breast or the area where the breast used to be, the other breast, the chest wall, the lymph nodes, the bones, the lungs or around the lungs, the liver, and the brain.

I know that cancer is a disease that one has very little control over. I am comforted knowing that I am doing all that I can to prevent a cancer recurrence. I have lost over 25 pounds to lower the fat content in my body to reduce estrogen levels, as my cancer is estrogen driven. I work out a minimum of five days a week, never smoked, quit my light social drinking, and changed my diet to be even more healthy than previously. From genetic testing results, I know that my breast cancer is not hereditary.

In my March follow up visit with the radiation oncologist, I was cleared of cancer. No cancer was found in my torso’s MRI scans in April. In May, I had pelvic MRI and bone scans that were normal. May blood tests were cancer free. So if cancer has returned, I know it hasn’t been in my body for very long.

The last few days have been anxious ones waiting again for the lump removal and biopsy results. The fears and emotions are the same as those of last year’s initial diagnosis. Being drawn to staying busy with my time is familiar. I don’t want to think about what may lie ahead as I am now intimately familiar about the potential next steps. I will breathe a huge sigh of relief if this lump turns out to be just an annoying cyst. If it is cancer, then I will work through the next steps with my medical care-giving team as they arise.

As a cancer patient you are taken through your journey by dealing with only what is required of you at any given moment, as thinking too far into the future can be overwhelming. I am working hard at trying to stay focused on the present moment. I do so with Strength, Courage, and Determination.