Well ... the day started with a 4.5 mile run or so and that was good. Nancy and Steph met me there. It was blustery (in the 20s) but a good stress relief. Since I'd been tossing and turning all night with kids in and out of our bed, it was good to get going.
Always wanting to be popular, I have the most popular kind of breast cancer. It's invasive ductal breast cancer with high grade DCIS. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/idc/ If all the junk I'm reading on the Internet is right, its survival rates are admirable.
It's too soon to tell but it's probably stage 2 or 3. The tumor is at least 2.5 to 3 cm. It's my right side.
What's the next step? The board of docs at Rex recommended a mastectomy SOON and removing one swollen lymph node and testing others. And, then chemo ... followed by a helping of radiation ... and finally for the icing on the cake so to speak ... reconstruction in time for the holidays (and I don't mean Easter). This will be my 2009. I'm hoping for a better 2010 ... and many years to come ...
What are we doing now? I made a huge pot of vegetable soup, we've got a fire and a bottle of red wine. So, we're going to spend the night like we normally do. Maybe, we'll play a round of Go Fish or Crazy Eights. The girls are getting good at it and I've stopped crying when I lose. They don't know anything is going on yet ... although they are suspicious I think. They can sense the stress level ... but they're loving all the play dates.
I've called oncologists and specialists at UNC, Duke and Rex to make sure that I get a second opinion. I'm not going to "give up what I've got" until I make sure it's the right thing to do. But, I also understand ... the cancer is growing and spreading fast. I can see it changing my body. I know I have to act fast.
Thanks to everyone who's calling, sending cards, helping with our kids and praying for us. We appreciate it all. I don't feel alone in this ... I feel like an entire army is behind us. I still believe God has a plan for this, I have requested it and I'm sure it's just lost in the mail ... if you get it ... forward it to me.
Sounds like it's time to bring out the prayer warriors, let's hit this thing head on!
ReplyDeleteWe love you guys!!
We are behind you guys 100% and will be praying every day. Read Psalms for comfort.
ReplyDeleteIf you want a good laugh...read Carolyn's blog.
I have to say though, you are so blessed to have such wonderful husband to support you and two precious little girls. I know that they are going to help you the most. We Love You...Tim, Margaret, Philip & Carolyn
You can count on us for positive energy, strength and fun. We love you!!!
ReplyDeleteSteph, Andrew, Stephen and Simon
I know you are going to go through hell several times in the coming months, but I can't help feeling a tremendous sense of relief--you're going to make it!! We're here for you, and say the word and we're there for you. We love you, dad
ReplyDeleteHere it is!!! I found the plan!! Would have been out sooner, but his team of plan writers was busy working on a presidential statement. Anyhow, plan is for you to get through this with love and support from Jeff (occasional #1 son-in-law) and girls, family and friends. You'll cry some tears, and have some laughs, and lose some parts--some will come back--and gain some strength, and some day (many years from now, Jeff) you'll be a "groovy grandma", still running and trying to cram 25 hours of life in a 24 hour day. It's going to be a tough ride, and not always enjoyable, but you're going to make it.
ReplyDeletelove, dad
Frank, that sounds like a pretty good plan to me. I'm working on Ann to run the Napa Valley marathon and go on a wine tasting. She is a tough cookie, and not especially good at asking for help, but we'll take care of her.
ReplyDeleteBest, Steph