And the Journey Begins...

Some of you already know, but many of you probably don't know that I was diagnosed with breast cancer about a week ago. I always get upset when I find out someone has been sick and I was not able to pray for them while they were going through it, so I'm going to practice what I preach! I'm going to use this blog to keep everyone who wants to know updated.

I met with Dr. Coe, the oncologist to discuss my options. She confirmed that it is invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 1, stage 2. She explained there are basically three paths I could choose: 1) lumpectomy with lymph (2-3) removal, full pathology, and then determination of whether chemotherapy and radiation is necessary or not; 2) mastectomy with lymph removal, and then determination of whether chemotherapy and radiation is necessary or not; or 3) chemotherapy first to shrink the mass and try to completely kill the cancer, much smaller lumpectomy with lymph removal, pathology and follow-up radiation. After a lot of questions and her exam, we’ve determined to go with...Door #3!

As much as I don’t want to do chemo, it sounds like it is probably the best option for now and increases the chance of preventing future reoccurrences too. The first round of chemo is four treatments, two weeks apart (each treatment is about 4 hours long) and then a different round every week for up to 12 weeks (1 ½ hour treatments). They will stop these treatments as soon as the mass is basically down to nothing. They wait two weeks to let my blood counts rise and then they will do the surgery. I will then have radiation every day for 3 weeks.

I have an appointment to meet with Dr. Teget, the surgeon, next Thursday. I will discuss it with him too, but if I decide to stay down this path he will install the chemo port on Friday. I need to have an echocardiogram and MRI before I can start, but I’m hoping they get that done next week too. If so, I will be able to start chemo the week of the 23rd. I am ready to get it going and get it over with!
I am so blessed to have such an amazing support group around me between my family, my church family, my work family and my dear friends. I know I can do this because of all of you!

AND you know I’m going to do it with a healthy sense of humor, cause that’s just who I am! So…in my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, “I have a tuma!”, but it’s not going to be there for long. Yes I’m going to lose all my hair, but I’ll be able to sleep in longer because I won’t have to fix it! Maybe I’ll get a wild and crazy wig! The kids think purple would be awesome. I’m not sure I’m that crazy, but we’ll see.

Your prayers are always treasured and appreciated! Love you all!