Hi everyone, Bob and I wanted to share an important update with you all. While we've been busy exploring and having fun on our Eastern Sierra adventure, something has been happening behind the scenes that we felt it was time to talk about. ❤️
A Routine Screening
This new, unexpected journey for us began with something very routine. Before we left for our trip, I (Dang) had my annual screening mammogram. That initial screening led to a call for a follow-up appointment due to something called "architectural distortion".
We scheduled a follow-up, which included another diagnostic mammogram and a full breast ultrasound. That’s when the situation became more serious. The ultrasound found an irregular mass. The radiologist explained that it was categorized as BI-RADS 4B, which means there was an "intermediate suspicion of malignancy," and they recommended an ultrasound-guided biopsy to know for sure.
Waiting for News on the Road
After the biopsy was complete, we were faced with a waiting period for the results. We decided that the best thing for us was to head to the mountains as planned, knowing that whatever the news, we would have time to react.
It was while we were on the road, surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra, that we received the call. The final result confirmed that the spot is precancerous. This was the best possible news we could get under the circumstances! It is not cancer, but it is made up of abnormal cells that need to be removed before it has a chance to become a bigger problem.
Our Decision and the Path Forward
When we received the news, our first priority was to get a consultation scheduled with a surgeon. Once that appointment was set for a future date, we made the decision to continue our adventure until the day before my appointment. We are so glad we did, as it gave us more time to explore and enjoy the beautiful Eastern Sierra.
Now that we're back home 🏠 , we are getting everything in order for the upcoming surgery. I am currently in pre-op appointments, and the operation is scheduled to happen within the next few weeks. We're just focusing on the present moment and staying positive through this process.
A Gentle Reminder
We decided to share this very personal news in the hope that it encourages all the women in our community to stay on top of your regular health check-ups. We also hope you'll spread the word to the important women in your life. As we're learning firsthand, catching an issue early can make all the difference.
The Adventure Continues Online!
And on a final, more cheerful note, our Eastern Sierra journey will continue online! We are currently working on the next video, which will feature our adventures in the beautiful Rock Creek area. We expect to have it ready to go live next weekend, so please stay tuned! 🎥
Thank you all so much for your kindness and support. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it, and it gives us so much strength. We will be sure to keep you updated on this new, unexpected journey as we navigate the next steps. For now, we're taking it one day at a time. ✨
With love and gratitude,
Dang and Bob
