A New Adventure

Some of you have heard the news that my cancer has returned. We know that our God is Great and will get us through even this. I hope to keep everyone informed on what is going on in our lives in this blog. This is how it started........

I felt a lump at the beginning of the year, but the needle biopsy came back negative. When it seemed to get bigger, I knew I needed to get it checked out again. I kept putting it off, because I didn't want to sound like a hypochondriac. The doctor was sure enough that it was only scar tissue from the January biopsy that she told me that was probably what it was. I learned that since my tissue had been treated with radiation, it would form more scar tissue than healthy tissue. We could be creating a vicious cycle-biopsy creates scar tissue-scar tissue leads to biopsy.

I decided that I would take the chance of creating more scar tissue by having a lumpectomy. I wanted that lump out! But the timing was tricky. We were heading down to San Diego on the 26th of June to attend a burial service for my step-brother, Chuck. He died of melanoma in April. On our way home on July 6th, we had to stop in Sacramento so Ron could do his pre-op for his hernia surgery scheduled on the 14th. I had my lumpectomy on July 8th and got the bad news on the 9th.

As soon as she said "I'm afraid I have bad news", I felt like I was experiencing an-out-of-body experience. I think Ron and I were in shock, we didn't start crying right away, but eventually the tears did come. When I realized that I was not listening to what she was saying, I made myself listen. I knew it was stuff I would need to know.......but I did not want to hear it! We were greatly relieved when the follow-up test showed that the cancer has not spread.

Ron had his hernia surgery yesterday and is home doing fine. He is in pain, especially when he coughs, but I am amazed at how fast he has gotten back on his feet. We are much relieved that this is behind us and he will have a few days to get his strength back before I have my surgery.

My mastectomy is on Thursday, the 23rd. I will have to stay one night. And will probably be off work for a week. At this point we do not know what further treatment I will undergo. I want to take my time and do some research before we decide.

Thank you all for your prayers, love and concern. Our God is Great and will carry us through this new adventure!!!