Leticia saw her doctor today and was optimistic about the findings of her pathology reports.
The cancer was only in the sentinel node, (click here for definition) not in any of the other 17 llymph nodes that were removed or the other breast.
Her doctor says the common practice now is to refrain from assessing "stages" in cancers anymore but, here is the official "Dr. speak".
Her cancer is at a T1, N1, MO. Layman's terms this is the best report we could hope for as for at this time.
Explainer:
T - (her 1, means it's smallest category of tumor)
The letter T followed by a number from 0 to 4 describes the tumor's size and whether it has spread to the skin or chest wall under the breast. Higher T numbers indicate a larger tumor and/or more extensive spread to tissues surrounding the breast.
N - (since it has spread to the sentinel node, it's a 1)
The letter N followed by a number from 0 to 3 indicates whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the breast and, if so, whether the affected nodes are fixed to other structures under the arm.
M - (0 means it has not spread)
The letter M followed by a 0 or 1 indicates whether or not the cancer has metastasized (spread) to distant organs (i.e., the lungs or bones) or to lymph nodes that are not next to the breast, such as those above the collarbone.
Although she is still going to undergo further testing to make sure there are not 'hot spots', they don't anticipate any.
At this point, Leticia says she the power of prayer is palpable and abundant in her life. Not only does she have people in various cities, churches and states coast to coast prayer for her...but also people in other countries. She says not a day goes by with out a call to say "we are putting you on our prayer list."
The next step will be a visit to the oncologist for her treatment plan.
~Stephanie
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A Serious Show of Support!
Brian's team motto has always been "work hard-play hard!".
Yesterday, Leticia received a surprise like none other she has gotten before!
She was thinking about the meal that was brought on Friday and how the Grizzard's delivered the meal and then went back out to Sam's Club to do some shopping so her family didn't have to worry about some of the little things they needed for a while.
Also, her nephew Chris...who drove in from Gruver to see her. Then there was her aunt and uncle Rocha ...who drove in from Friona to pray with them. Then there was a former player Vinson....who drove in from Lubbock and went to see Brian at the field to personally deliver some hand-written scriptures that helped him get through his father's cancer battle.
So, you see??...crying, but not in a bad way.
Yesterday, Leticia received a surprise like none other she has gotten before!
Yup! Feast your eyes on 15 shiney, shaved Falcons!
The team's first game is Tuesday. Superstition "dictates" that you cut your hair one way and you sport that style the rest of the season. So, when the guys sent this picture to Leticia, (with a time stamp of 1am! Can you say male-bonding at it's best??) well...obviously she was moved to tears.
This, followed another huge surprise from The Finley's~ her cousins from Vancouver who are doctors. Perhaps, more relevant is that Armida Finley is a cancer survivor. Leticia has been calling on Armida for lots of advice since she learned she had cancer. Armida says Leticia would need "this" while she went through chemo, to keep up with her blog, to watch movies while resting and read movies and magazines.
The "this" in question??? ....look in Leticia's hands.
An iPad! :)
So, you might understand why Leticia said she was crying a lot yesterday. Not in a bad way...but, just a sort of overwhelmed way.She was thinking about the meal that was brought on Friday and how the Grizzard's delivered the meal and then went back out to Sam's Club to do some shopping so her family didn't have to worry about some of the little things they needed for a while.
Also, her nephew Chris...who drove in from Gruver to see her. Then there was her aunt and uncle Rocha ...who drove in from Friona to pray with them. Then there was a former player Vinson....who drove in from Lubbock and went to see Brian at the field to personally deliver some hand-written scriptures that helped him get through his father's cancer battle.
So, you see??...crying, but not in a bad way.
Nehemiah 8:10b
"Do not grieve, for the JOY of the Lord is your strength."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Picture Her Pink!
Juuuust in case you questioned the Leticia you've always known; the strong, totally put together, pick up and go full force into any situation...rather beautiful girly-girl?
Here's proof a double mastectomy and cancer can not get this woman down!
Hospitals have nothing on home, so Leticia is drawing strength from being in her own environment!...her own bed, her own comforts.
She's really surprised that the pain is minimal, commenting that the only "bothersome aspect at this point are the drains that were inserted." (I had to pick my jaw up off the ground when she said that....only Leticia. right?!)
Kids are going on with all the hustle of normal life and activities attending Bynum Children's Fair, Brian's got his hand full working with the baseball team at a booth. She said she was so proud of their diligence to continue on and those that saw them extended even more support and encouragement.
Oh! and ...Brooke's duct tape flower booth is one of the most popular booths at the festival! lol! Leticia is beaming with pride! (not sure why the thought of duct tape flowers make me giggle...but they do.)
Family is in town now to help and they need that both physically and emotionally. She says while there are smiles... thoughts do drift often to what's next.
She can't say enough about her nephews who have come to town. Andy comes after work and even took a few days off to help. Brad flew in from Nashville to help before he goes out on tour with Matthew West. And Chris is coming on the weekends. Sydney calls or texts every day, as well as Abraham and Adrian. Leticia was there when they were born and now when she needs them, not even a hesitation!
Brad researched some post-surgery exercises and she has been working with him 3 times a day to help the healing process. She has also done what the doctor suggested...showering, doing her hair and make-up...etc. (like he really had to twist her arm for that! ;) ) The idea is that using her arms moves the healing forward.
She wanted to share this picture to let everyone know that her smile is still bright and her spirit unchanged as she trusts in Jesus, her Lord and Savior and stands strong on the support of everyone who is reading this blog.
She says she'd love to see your comments to the posts because she's reading it and she says it helps so much!
Here's proof a double mastectomy and cancer can not get this woman down!
She's really surprised that the pain is minimal, commenting that the only "bothersome aspect at this point are the drains that were inserted." (I had to pick my jaw up off the ground when she said that....only Leticia. right?!)
Kids are going on with all the hustle of normal life and activities attending Bynum Children's Fair, Brian's got his hand full working with the baseball team at a booth. She said she was so proud of their diligence to continue on and those that saw them extended even more support and encouragement.
Oh! and ...Brooke's duct tape flower booth is one of the most popular booths at the festival! lol! Leticia is beaming with pride! (not sure why the thought of duct tape flowers make me giggle...but they do.)
Family is in town now to help and they need that both physically and emotionally. She says while there are smiles... thoughts do drift often to what's next.
She can't say enough about her nephews who have come to town. Andy comes after work and even took a few days off to help. Brad flew in from Nashville to help before he goes out on tour with Matthew West. And Chris is coming on the weekends. Sydney calls or texts every day, as well as Abraham and Adrian. Leticia was there when they were born and now when she needs them, not even a hesitation!
Brad researched some post-surgery exercises and she has been working with him 3 times a day to help the healing process. She has also done what the doctor suggested...showering, doing her hair and make-up...etc. (like he really had to twist her arm for that! ;) ) The idea is that using her arms moves the healing forward.
She wanted to share this picture to let everyone know that her smile is still bright and her spirit unchanged as she trusts in Jesus, her Lord and Savior and stands strong on the support of everyone who is reading this blog.
She says she'd love to see your comments to the posts because she's reading it and she says it helps so much!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Home From The Hospital
Last night was a much better night for sleep. In fact, Leticia was told she was even snoring from 11 - 5:30am!
She feels stronger today and her surgeon~ Dr. Viney released her to go home today. He said she is doing exceptionally well so far. She is up walking and moving her arms. The doctor recommends that she do as much as her body allow, in terms of movement. That movement keeps her circulation going.
She arrived home around 3pm, took a nap and then got to work doing her post-surgery exercises. She says she's got her foot on the path to recovery and isn't getting off until she's there.
As she settles in at home she will not be able to lift anything over 5 pounds. If you know Leticia...her PURSE weighs more than that, so she's really going be challenged there.
These pink wrist bands put a big 'ol smile on Leticia's face! She sent a picture to me immediately after getting them squealing (okay...I know you can't squeal via text)...but all kidding aside, she was moved to tears of joy from the show of support.
The bands were for her family from Diane Paredez, Dani Edwards and Dr. Cochran's staff. If you look closely, they say Leticia~ We love you and Courage, Strength & Faith
She's also gotten many lovely flower arrangements, calls and texts of support that have really lifted her spirits. Those are home with her now and she's "loving" them!
Brooke's class made her a hand-written note. It took Brooke a great deal of courage to tell her class that Leticia has cancer. She was hesitant, but she's her mama's daughter and summoned up the strength to tell her peers, which we all would agree is HUGE for her.
Leticia keeps saying she hopes she's creating a bit of her legacy for her children as they see her courage to face this.
Leticia want to reiterate how very grateful she is for the support that everyone has been offering to her family at home, while she and Brian have been at the hospital. There have been calls, visits, meals and encouragement.
She says it's been difficult for her family to see their "baby", sister, or in-law going through this. So, she just wants to offer a warm thanks for the out-pouring of love not only to her...but her family, as well.
Lastly, Leticia has asked if we could add a few more days of meal delivery to the calendar. It is immensely helpful to the family and will become even more vital once she begins chemo and when Brian gets on the road for the season. (click here)
Dates include: February 1, 10, 15, 21, 24, 27 & 28.
For OUT OF TOWN friends, please consider sending a gift card for one of the following restaurants so they can order take-out for the family and have Brian pick it up:
These restaurants have gift cards you can purchase online that are emailed to her. I've attached the links ...so just click on the pink.
(her email address is leticiareinke@yahoo.com or if you prefer to mail a gift card send it to 9 Metz Court, Midland TX 79705)
Chili's
Olive Garden
Carino's
Logan's Roadhouse
Thanks everyone!
~Stephanie
She feels stronger today and her surgeon~ Dr. Viney released her to go home today. He said she is doing exceptionally well so far. She is up walking and moving her arms. The doctor recommends that she do as much as her body allow, in terms of movement. That movement keeps her circulation going.
She arrived home around 3pm, took a nap and then got to work doing her post-surgery exercises. She says she's got her foot on the path to recovery and isn't getting off until she's there.
As she settles in at home she will not be able to lift anything over 5 pounds. If you know Leticia...her PURSE weighs more than that, so she's really going be challenged there.
And feast your eyes on these babies!
Aren't they just Pink-alicious??
These pink wrist bands put a big 'ol smile on Leticia's face! She sent a picture to me immediately after getting them squealing (okay...I know you can't squeal via text)...but all kidding aside, she was moved to tears of joy from the show of support.
The bands were for her family from Diane Paredez, Dani Edwards and Dr. Cochran's staff. If you look closely, they say Leticia~ We love you and Courage, Strength & Faith
She's also gotten many lovely flower arrangements, calls and texts of support that have really lifted her spirits. Those are home with her now and she's "loving" them!
Brooke's class made her a hand-written note. It took Brooke a great deal of courage to tell her class that Leticia has cancer. She was hesitant, but she's her mama's daughter and summoned up the strength to tell her peers, which we all would agree is HUGE for her.
Leticia keeps saying she hopes she's creating a bit of her legacy for her children as they see her courage to face this.
Leticia want to reiterate how very grateful she is for the support that everyone has been offering to her family at home, while she and Brian have been at the hospital. There have been calls, visits, meals and encouragement.
She says it's been difficult for her family to see their "baby", sister, or in-law going through this. So, she just wants to offer a warm thanks for the out-pouring of love not only to her...but her family, as well.
Lastly, Leticia has asked if we could add a few more days of meal delivery to the calendar. It is immensely helpful to the family and will become even more vital once she begins chemo and when Brian gets on the road for the season. (click here)
Dates include: February 1, 10, 15, 21, 24, 27 & 28.
For OUT OF TOWN friends, please consider sending a gift card for one of the following restaurants so they can order take-out for the family and have Brian pick it up:
These restaurants have gift cards you can purchase online that are emailed to her. I've attached the links ...so just click on the pink.
(her email address is leticiareinke@yahoo.com or if you prefer to mail a gift card send it to 9 Metz Court, Midland TX 79705)
Chili's
Olive Garden
Carino's
Logan's Roadhouse
Thanks everyone!
~Stephanie
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Post-Surgery Update
In short, Leticia has had a tremendously difficult last 24 hours.
When she came out of the operation, Brian spent the first 30 minutes alone with her, which she confided was a source of great comfort to her. The two spent some time talking about the surgery and the doctor's initial findings.
Brian told her those findings were not as we had prayed for because the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This essentially means the type of cancer she has is not DCIS as previously thought. DCIS would have been confined to a certain area of the breast and would have likely not have been life-threatening.
Pathology tests on the lump and lymph nodes which were removed will tell us more about what type of cancer she is fighting and will be complete by the first week of February.
Considering those findings, the doctor inserted a chemo port at the time of the double mastectomy and once the pathology reports are back the oncologist will recommend a treatment plan.
Leticia and Brian have been visited by her trusted doctor, Dr. Doug Cochran who has been a great source of comfort to the family as they confront the fears of not knowing what the next step is, quite yet.
Leticia and Brian are looking into seeking out a second opinion in another city to determine the best option for her chemo treatment and are displaying an immense amount of courage, composure and strength.
Re-winding now...overnight was a terrible night for Leticia. The post-operative medication had her nauseated and sick from roughly 1am - 8am and getting less than an hour of sleep. Additionally, there were some problems with the leg blood pressure machine that had the nurses in and out of her room all night until they finally replaced it.
When her surgeon visited her around 8 this morning he changed her medication and since then Leticia has felt more comfortable, aside from the obvious post-operative pain.
Leticia has had her family at her side today and insisted that Brian go home to get a little rest. He will return later and they are expected to be released from the hospital sometime tomorrow, January 28th.
For those of you who have texted, posted and left messages the Reinke's are thankful and you have not gone unnoticed!
Thank you also to those of you who have agreed to help make sure Leticia and Brian don't have to worry about feeding the kids and family who are in town. If you'd like to help with meals you can do so here.
~Stephanie
When she came out of the operation, Brian spent the first 30 minutes alone with her, which she confided was a source of great comfort to her. The two spent some time talking about the surgery and the doctor's initial findings.
Brian told her those findings were not as we had prayed for because the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This essentially means the type of cancer she has is not DCIS as previously thought. DCIS would have been confined to a certain area of the breast and would have likely not have been life-threatening.
Pathology tests on the lump and lymph nodes which were removed will tell us more about what type of cancer she is fighting and will be complete by the first week of February.
Considering those findings, the doctor inserted a chemo port at the time of the double mastectomy and once the pathology reports are back the oncologist will recommend a treatment plan.
Leticia and Brian have been visited by her trusted doctor, Dr. Doug Cochran who has been a great source of comfort to the family as they confront the fears of not knowing what the next step is, quite yet.
Leticia and Brian are looking into seeking out a second opinion in another city to determine the best option for her chemo treatment and are displaying an immense amount of courage, composure and strength.
Re-winding now...overnight was a terrible night for Leticia. The post-operative medication had her nauseated and sick from roughly 1am - 8am and getting less than an hour of sleep. Additionally, there were some problems with the leg blood pressure machine that had the nurses in and out of her room all night until they finally replaced it.
When her surgeon visited her around 8 this morning he changed her medication and since then Leticia has felt more comfortable, aside from the obvious post-operative pain.
Leticia has had her family at her side today and insisted that Brian go home to get a little rest. He will return later and they are expected to be released from the hospital sometime tomorrow, January 28th.
For those of you who have texted, posted and left messages the Reinke's are thankful and you have not gone unnoticed!
Thank you also to those of you who have agreed to help make sure Leticia and Brian don't have to worry about feeding the kids and family who are in town. If you'd like to help with meals you can do so here.
~Stephanie
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Out of Surgery~ 4:30
Update:
Brian just talked with the doctor and Leticia is in recovery and has been for a while.
The doctor says everything went very well with the surgical procedure and she will be in her room shortly, where he will be able to see her.
We will update more specifics on the doctor's findings from the double mastectomy within in the next couple of days.
Brian just talked with the doctor and Leticia is in recovery and has been for a while.
The doctor says everything went very well with the surgical procedure and she will be in her room shortly, where he will be able to see her.
We will update more specifics on the doctor's findings from the double mastectomy within in the next couple of days.
Leticia In Surgery Now~ 12:00pm
Brian just received a call from the nurse that the surgery has started. It will be a minimum 3 hour surgery with 1 hour in recovery.
Please continue to keep Leticia, Brian and the doctors in prayer.
~Stephanie
Please continue to keep Leticia, Brian and the doctors in prayer.
~Stephanie
Surgery Day~ 8:45am
Update:
Leticia has been taken back to have a dye given to her. This dye will allow her surgeon to be able to find the sentinel node when they do surgery.
She will come back to the room following this and then wait to be taken into surgery.
Brian is being supported at the hospital by Bianca, Brooke, her sister Sylvia, her mom and dad, her cousins Patty and Gloria. Diane Clairborn has also visited as well as Curtis and Marilyn Brewer. Kelly Raines is also at the hosptial offering support.
Leticia is calm, but was visibly nervous and concerned when they took her back to get the dye.
Once she gets back into surgery it is expected to take 3 hours.
Again, we need 3 people to step up for meals next Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (click here to help) So, please give that some consideration if you can be of help.
~Stephanie
Leticia has been taken back to have a dye given to her. This dye will allow her surgeon to be able to find the sentinel node when they do surgery.
She will come back to the room following this and then wait to be taken into surgery.
Brian is being supported at the hospital by Bianca, Brooke, her sister Sylvia, her mom and dad, her cousins Patty and Gloria. Diane Clairborn has also visited as well as Curtis and Marilyn Brewer. Kelly Raines is also at the hosptial offering support.
Leticia is calm, but was visibly nervous and concerned when they took her back to get the dye.
Once she gets back into surgery it is expected to take 3 hours.
Again, we need 3 people to step up for meals next Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (click here to help) So, please give that some consideration if you can be of help.
~Stephanie
Night Before Surgery
This last day before surgery has been admittedly tough. So many errands to run and knowing I'm driving for the last time magnifies the stress. While I know there will be people to help with those errands, it's just one of those little things that you take for granted and it's taken some time to really sink in.
I won't be able to drive for quite a while and won't be able to lift my arms above my shoulders. Just part of my decision to be aggressive with my treatment.
My parents arrived and my cousin, Lucy from Dallas. The joy of seeing her 1 year old triplets?...well, let me just say my cup is full! Babies. Sigh. :) If you know me... I don't have to say anymore.
I'll say it again. We have been so humbled in so many ways. This blog, meals, calls, texts, Facebook posts. Amazing.
And again another difficult moment today was talking to our "second family"...the team. Wow! I went out to talk to them about a fundraiser they will be part of this weekend for Bianca's school. I was the "activities chair" for that event and for obvious reasons had to pass the baton on it. But it was also a prime opportunity to talk with the team about getting "curve balls" in life. I expressed to them I'm about to fight for my life and because they have been given such a wonderful talent....every practice, ever game, every at-bat, every pitch need to be given 100% and nothing less. Coach's wife talk doesn't always come easy...but this time they took it in. And even though they may not get my burritos in-between games, we'll battle through this! :)
I asked Brian how practice went...his response, "Great, nobody said anything. They just seemed to have a different purpose."
So, I can already see this is going to be a time of personal and spiritual growth and I'm thanking God in the storm of uncertainty for the work He will do through me in this!
I won't be able to drive for quite a while and won't be able to lift my arms above my shoulders. Just part of my decision to be aggressive with my treatment.
My parents arrived and my cousin, Lucy from Dallas. The joy of seeing her 1 year old triplets?...well, let me just say my cup is full! Babies. Sigh. :) If you know me... I don't have to say anymore.
I'll say it again. We have been so humbled in so many ways. This blog, meals, calls, texts, Facebook posts. Amazing.
And again another difficult moment today was talking to our "second family"...the team. Wow! I went out to talk to them about a fundraiser they will be part of this weekend for Bianca's school. I was the "activities chair" for that event and for obvious reasons had to pass the baton on it. But it was also a prime opportunity to talk with the team about getting "curve balls" in life. I expressed to them I'm about to fight for my life and because they have been given such a wonderful talent....every practice, ever game, every at-bat, every pitch need to be given 100% and nothing less. Coach's wife talk doesn't always come easy...but this time they took it in. And even though they may not get my burritos in-between games, we'll battle through this! :)
I asked Brian how practice went...his response, "Great, nobody said anything. They just seemed to have a different purpose."
So, I can already see this is going to be a time of personal and spiritual growth and I'm thanking God in the storm of uncertainty for the work He will do through me in this!
Meals For Next Week
Can you please visit the page that has been set up at Food Tidings (click here) for Leticia and consider making or purchasing a meal to be delivered Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Again, if the delivery time is an issue contact me via email csmonge@cox.net and we can make arrangements to have you deliver the meal at your convenience.
~Stephanie
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
How You Can Help Us
Just a quick note to tell all of you I am getting your emails, texts and messages of support. I am so humbled and yet encouraged by all of your words!
The Battle Plan
Our visit with the oncologist is a long one. Two hours to hear options, possibilities, prognosis and probabilities.
But, the only peace for me comes with a decision to have a double mastectomy. Remove both breasts and remove the chance in my future for more cancer detection.
It's a decision I came to almost immediately after hearing the news I have breast cancer.
The surgery will also tell us a few other things. First, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. And pathology reports will determine the "stage" of cancer we hear so much about. It will also help doctors determine if radiation or chemo is necessary. We'll know more about that plan the first week of Feburary when the pathology reports return.
But for now our eyes are set on January 26th will perform a double mascectomy, when remove the cancer and both the breast. The cells will be sent for pathology reports and Doctors will let us know what sort of, if any, future treatment is necessary.
But, the only peace for me comes with a decision to have a double mastectomy. Remove both breasts and remove the chance in my future for more cancer detection.
It's a decision I came to almost immediately after hearing the news I have breast cancer.
The surgery will also tell us a few other things. First, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. And pathology reports will determine the "stage" of cancer we hear so much about. It will also help doctors determine if radiation or chemo is necessary. We'll know more about that plan the first week of Feburary when the pathology reports return.
But for now our eyes are set on January 26th will perform a double mascectomy, when remove the cancer and both the breast. The cells will be sent for pathology reports and Doctors will let us know what sort of, if any, future treatment is necessary.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Telling The Kids
"Mommy's sick. She has cancer, but she'll be okay".
It's really the only way you can explain something like this to the little ones. I mean, if it's hard for adults to understand...it's even harder for children.
Brooke and Bianca are taking it bravely. But, the news is hard to hear because they know a history of breast cancer. We assure them this is different and that God will teach us lessons as He guides us through this.
I tell Brooke, adversity builds character and makes us strong and special people. But, we know their hearts. They'd prefer not to learn these lessons in this way. Wouldn't we all?
As people come to visit we see the kids start to process the news and it opens the door to talk about how they feel . But, our message to them is Mommy is going to be fine. But, she has to do some major surgery to ensure that.
We'll talk about that surgery Monday with my oncologist.
It's really the only way you can explain something like this to the little ones. I mean, if it's hard for adults to understand...it's even harder for children.
Brooke and Bianca are taking it bravely. But, the news is hard to hear because they know a history of breast cancer. We assure them this is different and that God will teach us lessons as He guides us through this.
I tell Brooke, adversity builds character and makes us strong and special people. But, we know their hearts. They'd prefer not to learn these lessons in this way. Wouldn't we all?
As people come to visit we see the kids start to process the news and it opens the door to talk about how they feel . But, our message to them is Mommy is going to be fine. But, she has to do some major surgery to ensure that.
We'll talk about that surgery Monday with my oncologist.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The News
The news today has been a flood of emotions. Why, how, what now?
As Brian and I hear that the lump I detected in my breast is, in fact, malignant... it's with little, if any reservation that I decide to battle this head on with everything I have. And what I have is the option to choose the most aggressive approach.
Why? Because I know cancer. Who doesn't? We've all seen it, known someone, or done the walks. But, until now the pink ribbons and "live strong" lingo hasn't been mine. And with 4 beautiful children who I have to explain this to, "aggressive" is the only path that gives me peace.
The doctors tell us it's DCIS. Doctor speak = Ductal carcinoma in situ. Essentially, a lump found within a milk duct. I found it in a self exam, prompted by symptoms among which include a little pain at the site.
But, I'm 39 and not even scheduled for a mammogram for another year.
I have a handful of doctors who I've worked with over the last 5 years at Astra-Zeneca. I'm humbled by how quickly they rally to get me immediate results and an appointment with an oncologist next week. Monday will come soon enough.
For now though, I have to share the news with those of you who love me. Sharing my story...makes it more real, especially hearing the fear in your voices and messages.
Still, inexplicably....I have peace.
As Brian and I hear that the lump I detected in my breast is, in fact, malignant... it's with little, if any reservation that I decide to battle this head on with everything I have. And what I have is the option to choose the most aggressive approach.
Why? Because I know cancer. Who doesn't? We've all seen it, known someone, or done the walks. But, until now the pink ribbons and "live strong" lingo hasn't been mine. And with 4 beautiful children who I have to explain this to, "aggressive" is the only path that gives me peace.
The doctors tell us it's DCIS. Doctor speak = Ductal carcinoma in situ. Essentially, a lump found within a milk duct. I found it in a self exam, prompted by symptoms among which include a little pain at the site.
But, I'm 39 and not even scheduled for a mammogram for another year.
I have a handful of doctors who I've worked with over the last 5 years at Astra-Zeneca. I'm humbled by how quickly they rally to get me immediate results and an appointment with an oncologist next week. Monday will come soon enough.
For now though, I have to share the news with those of you who love me. Sharing my story...makes it more real, especially hearing the fear in your voices and messages.
Still, inexplicably....I have peace.
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